Stanley always has a dear place in my heart. I used to go to school there, so I know a few hidden gems in the area that’s away from the mainstream touristy spots. While the area is renowned for its Western restaurants and bars by the promenade, there are also a lot of local stalls and shops that reflect Hong Kong’s cultural heritage. Si Yik (泗益) is one of them. It’s a place that many find nostalgic, serving authentic traditional Hong Kong cha chaan teng food for over 50 years. Many people miss this spot because it’s quite literally hidden.
Si Yik 泗益: Stanley’s Best Kept Secret
You can find Si Yik tucked behind a fruit stall in Stanley Market. Keep an eye out for the fruit stall on Stanley Market Road by the roundabout, and you should see the “泗益” signage. It’s a small place with limited seating, housed under a tin-roof structure that feels like you’ve stepped back in time. Don’t expect anything fancy or comfortable. Despite the humble setting, even with the lack of air conditioning, Si Yik has a loyal crowd of customers coming here for their Hong Kong-style French Toast and Milk Tea. This should tell you how good and well-loved this place is!
The Food at Si Yik
Kaya French Toast (HKD $30)
Hong Kong-style French Toast is everywhere in Hong Kong. But what’s so special about Si Yik’s version is that it is fluffier than most, with the perfect flavour balance. The secret lies in its unique cooking method, where the toast is first soaked in mixed egg yolks for a rich eggy flavour, then spread with whisked egg whites to give the French toast an airy, fluffy texture. They also spread kaya between the toasts, adding a natural sweetness and a lovely coconut aroma to the dish. You probably don’t even need syrup with it. It doesn’t taste greasy at all, and the flavours always hit the spot. My only critique is that the exterior wasn’t crispy enough, but all in all, it’s definitely a good one.
Note that the French toast is only available in the afternoons.
Toast with Condensed Milk, Butter, and Sugar (HKD $15)
One of the characteristics of Hong Kong food is that they are often made from very simple and inexpensive ingredients. One of the best examples is Toast with Condensed Milk, Butter, and Sugar. What you get is a thick slice of white toast spread with butter, drizzled with condensed milk, and sprinkled with sugar. It’s extraordinarily simple, but it tastes devilishly satisfying.
Iced Hong Kong Style Milk Tea (HKD $20)
Last but not least, a traditional Hong Kong meal is not complete without a traditional iced milk tea. It is not easy to master the perfect flavour balance in Hong Kong-style milk tea, but Si Yik has nailed it impeccably. It’s one of the best spots for an authentic taste of Hong Kong-style milk tea, and my personal favourite one. The tea base may not be as intense as some other cafes in Hong Kong, but there’s still a distinct tea aroma and flavour that blends smoothly with the evaporated milk. It has the perfect balance of sweetness and is just addictively delicious.
Si Yik Review Summary
I will always have love for Si Yik, and it is the definition of a local hidden gem. Great food aside, the place has this authenticity that just draws you in. As Hong Kong become more and more commercialised, such old-school places are crucial to remind us of our cultural identity. Stanley has changed a lot over the years, and I pray that this little stall will remain and survive as long as it can.
RATING:
-
Food
-
Value
-
Atmostphere
-
Service
Halal Status
Not halal. Vegetarian-friendly options are available.
Thanks for the review! Will definitely check out this place the next time I visit Stanley!
Hope you enjoy it and let me know how you find it! 🙂