Where a champion Hong Kong barista goes for local comfort food and Italian dishes
Hasting Ng shares his favourite restaurants for cart noodles, soup pasta, fine Chinese dining and the flavours of Italy
Barista Hasting Ng owns Blossom, a cafe in Kowloon City, and was crowned global champion at the DaVinci Gourmet Coffee Barista Championship 2025-26. He also curates speciality coffee experiences for Nordic restaurant Finds in Tsim Sha Tsui. He spoke to Andrew Sun.
I grew up in Hong Kong and spent several years in the US, so I have lived between two food cultures. That experience has shaped my palate. Still, when it comes to comfort food, nothing replaces the familiar flavours of a cha chaan teng – especially an iced lemon tea and a plate of Hong Kong-style curry, both of which remain constant favourites in my life.
Among Asian dishes, cart noodles have long been one of my greatest comforts. Part of their charm lies in their endless possibilities: fish balls, beef brisket, white radish, tofu puffs – each bowl can be tailored to mood and appetite. But beyond variety, cart noodles carry a sense of ease and familiarity. They are the kind of meal that works at any hour, whether it is a casual lunch, a late dinner or a midnight craving.
Fei Gor Cart Noodles (Shop 55, Fook Tin Building, 38 Wai Chi Street, Shek Kip Mei. Tel: 2777 3089) is my favourite for this comfort food. Their house-made chilli sauce is one of the best in Hong Kong.