Hong Kong Local Food – Steamed Red Bean Sticky Pudding (砵仔糕)

“A nostalgic snack in Hong Kong”

Put Chai Ko, the beloved steamed red bean sticky pudding in Hong Kong, has been a local favorite for ages. This palm-sized treat boasts a sweet taste and a soft, moldable texture that holds its shape effortlessly.

While many Asians see it as a regular sweet, its popularity in Hong Kong is undeniable. Personally, I’m a fan of its delightful sponginess. However, tracking down the perfect Put Chai Ko can be a bit of a challenge. Luckily, I stumbled upon a mobile food cart in the bustling Central district.

Despite rumors of its decline, this delectable steamed pudding still has a place in the hearts of Hong Kongers. I recently discovered a gem of a food cart at the lively intersection of Wellington Street and Lan Kwai Fong, where I could savor this nostalgic delight.

Selling at the food cart by the road:

I had this delightful brown Put Chai Ko made with brown sugar, and it easily won me over compared to the traditional white version. The balance of sweetness was just perfect, and the texture hit the sweet spot with its ideal softness and moisture – not too wobbly or overly firm.

What made it even better were the abundant red beans, adding a delightful touch to every bite. A snack that truly stood out among the best for me.

Word to the wise: don’t plan a morning visit; this gem of a snack cart only starts its business from 1 pm to 3 pm. Timing is everything for this delectable treat.

For more precise direction: Click on My Note Book on The Web

For more Put Chai Ko? Here’s another location.

Put Chai Ko sold in the shop located in Sham Shui Po (深水埗):

After catching wind of this hidden gem from a TVB program, they showcased the owner’s traditional hand-made cooking method and delved into the challenges of sustaining this low-profit business, complete with historical background stories. Intrigued by their tale of heritage and hardship, we were determined to experience it ourselves.

Embarking on an MTR journey to Sham Shui Po, we found the shop conveniently located near the station. As anticipated, a small crowd had already formed, patiently waiting in line. Eagerly joining the queue, I carried with me heightened expectations for the much-talked-about Put Chai Ko.

It’s understandable how tastes can differ. For me, the Put Chai Ko leaned towards the firmer side, and the scarcity of red beans left it less appealing.

Sometimes, personal preferences play a significant role, and it’s disappointing when an anticipated experience doesn’t quite match expectations.

Absolutely, it seems this shop caters more to those who appreciate a firmer consistency in their Put Chai Ko. On another note, their addition of the popular local snack, steamed white sugar cake (白糖糕), might offer a different and enjoyable experience for those seeking variety. Different strokes for different folks, as they say!

Sham Shui Po indeed is a treasure trove of delectable local food. The flaky egg tart from a random snack stall is a personal favorite – a delightful find in this culinary haven! The diversity of flavors and textures in the area truly makes it a food lover’s paradise.