Katong Laksa Prawn Mee

Prior to moving here, I'd only visited Hong Kong in the summer, so I have to admit that I had no idea that Hong Kong can get so cold. On a chilly winter day like today, I wanted a hearty, flavorful dish to warm me up - and what's more hearty and flavorful than a hot bowl of laksa? I headed over to Katong Laksa Prawn Mee after doing some research online for "best laksa in Hong Kong." Katong Laksa is located on a quiet street just behind the loud bar scene on Lockhart Road in Wanchai. Like so many foodie treasures in Hong Kong, it's one of those unassuming hole-in-the-walls that you might pass by without a second thought.

The laksa here is katong laksa - that is to say, a version of Singaporean laksa nemak from the Katong area. The curried coconut broth at Katong is flavorful - a perfect blend of coconut milk, spices and fish paste, hearty yet light. The broth is poured over thin rice vermicelli and your choice of toppings - in an attempt to start the new year healthier, I ordered the version with vegetables (morning glory), bean sprouts and egg. From the first sip of the broth, I was in heaven - an absolutely perfect meal for a cold day in Hong Kong (and any other day). Delicious food like this is exactly why Hong Kong is my favorite city to eat. It was so delicious that I ordered another bowl (this time, the Laksa Supreme, with fish balls, prawns, fried tofu and egg) to take home.

Laksa with vegetables, bean sprouts, egg and fried tofu

Food rating: **** and a half
Bang for buck rating: 5

The essentials:
Location: Shop D1, Ground floor, 155 Jaffe Road, Wan Chai
Average price of dinner for two: $20