After dumping our bags, we hit the streets of Central to search for our first snack. Mak’s Noodles was nearby so wonton noodle soup it was! A bit of an institution, with shops all over Hong Kong, Mak’s wonton noodle soups has diners divided. The bowls are nearly double what you’d expect to pay and they’re a lot smaller than your average soup (apparently so that the noodles stay al dente). But would taste win out?
We kept it simple, both ordering a bowl of shrimp wonton noodles in soup and a plate of kai lan with oyster sauce to share. Our steaming bowls of noodle soup were placed before us within minutes. The noodles were thin and certainly al dente, the broth quite clear and clean tasting and the wontons small, containing fresh shrimps with bite. The size of the bowl was indeed tiny- definitely more a snack than a meal.
The kai lan was well cooked, tender but retaining a bit of crunch.
So was it worth it? Weeeell whilst it was enjoyable, I can’t say that I’d hurry back. I’d hazard to say that there are probably cheaper and just as or more satisfying bowls of wonton noodle soups out there. Now, to the next snack!
Good to know
Shrimp wonton with noodles in soup $33 HKD
Vegetables with oyster sauce $26 HKD
Mak’s Noodles
77 Wellington Street
Central
Hong Kong
Images: Thomas Southam
2 comments
Got rolled on the veg, i know a lot of people think Maks is a rip off, I didn’t realise by how much. The gai laan is typically (around the area if you go to a proper noodle place, sans menu) $10-$20 (that’s being generous, $15 is probably the max). Seriously, if you feel confident to walk in, it and point to other people’s dishes you will be rewarded.
It’s definitely a lot pricier than other joints! Wish we had longer there to try more places. Next time!