Mido Restaurant

Mido Restaurant美都餐廳
Address: 63 Temple Street, Yaumati, Kowloon
九龍廟街63號
Tel: 2384 6402

While Queen’s Café may be chic, Taiping Koon traditional, Mido could be said to be a classic. Located in one of the less glossy neighborhood, the appearance is sure not captivating at all. This is a 3-story post-war concrete building with every decoration remind you of a grass root eating place on Balestiar Road or Seragoon Road in Singapore. Mosaic tiles, old-fashion key-punching NCR cash register, wooden bench chairs and table tops reminisce one of the golden 50s and 60s. This place, despite of the humble outlook has been catching the attention of famous HK film directors like Wong Kar Wai and his peers. Mido is also drawing the attention from Japanese media and tourists as well.

Bake Spare Ribs Rice焗排骨飯 is their signature item. It is definitely the best in Hong Kong. For HK$45 an order, it is not inexpensive but people just come and they sure come for this tasty Western-influenced Cantonese pilaf. You can also order Fried Hofun 抄粉or Fried Noodle 抄麵which are just as good. Besides, a glass of sweet Red Beans in Crushed Ice紅豆冰 is also a must to some.

Indeed, Mido is a very interesting place. However, do be forewarned, this is not a place for high society. It’s safe, it’s cool but it is down to earth. The neighborhood is very blue-collar. In fact, it is near Temple Street, the venue of the famous Night Bazaar where people and visitors come for cheap and not too expensive shopping.

I think a visit here to Mido and nearby Temple Street will give you an opportunity to sample the life of how one from the working class in Hong Kong lives. By the way, to those who comes from Malaysia and Singapore, coming to this neighborhood will surly remind you of Chee Chong Street in the KL Chinatown. It’s fun. Trust me.