The Disappearing Old Shops

My first visit to Cha Kwo Ling Village revealed that it is right next to the Laguna City estate, not as remote as I had imagined. However, just across the road, Cha Kwo Ling Village feels like stepping back several decades, offering a unique charm. I originally planned to visit Wing Wah Ice Room, which many YouTubers recommend, but it was unexpectedly closed. Fortunately, there was another ice room across the street called Hoi Kee, so I decided to give it a try. Hoi Kee also has a long history, but its tables and chairs are not as distinctive as those at Wing Wah, which might explain why it is less recommended. I casually ordered the Braised Pork Belly with Preserved Vegetables and the Braised Fish Maw with Bamboo Fungus. Let's talk about the Braised Pork Belly first. The pork belly was well-balanced between fat and lean, tender and not tough, but the fermented bean curd flavor was strong, requiring more rice to balance it out. As for the Braised Fish Maw with Bamboo Fungus, the sauce was insufficient, making it a bit dry. However, the sauce itself was very salty, so the bamboo fungus and lettuce at the bottom were not very palatable. The iced milk tea was overly sweet, almost to the point of causing diabetes. The shop is run by an elderly couple. It is said that the village will be relocated next year, and the owners plan to retire then. Such unique old shops will soon become memories. I wonder if I will have the chance to try Wing Wah Ice Room across the street? Restaurant Information: Hoi Kee (Hip Wo) Ice Room 99 Cha Kwo Ling Main Street, Yau Tong