Siu mei (燒味), the traditional Cantonese roasted meat, is a must-try when you're in Hong Kong. Featuring a variety of meats like pork, goose, duck, chicken, and sometimes pigeon, Siu mei is cooked over an open fire or in a rotisserie oven and served with a unique, flavorful barbecue sauce. Immerse yourself in this culinary experience by visiting Joi Hing Restaurant, one of Hong Kong's oldest Siu mei establishments.

Tracing its roots back to the late Qing dynasty in Guangzhou, Joi Hing expanded to Wan Chai before World War II. After a temporary closure, the restaurant reopened under the name Joi Hing, which means "re-prosperity."

Joi Hing is renowned for its Char Siu (叉燒) - barbecued pork and Siu Ngor (燒鵝) - roasted goose. If pork and goose aren't your favorites, you can opt for Siu Aap (燒鴨) - roasted duck, or chicken dishes like Bak Chit Gai (白切雞) - steamed chicken with ginger-scallion dipping sauce or soy sauce, and Soy Sauce Chicken (豉油雞). To balance the rich flavors, consider ordering a drink or soup, as the sauces can be salty for those accustomed to milder flavors. Joi Hing offers daily homemade Chinese soups and classic Hong Kong beverages like iced lemon tea or milk tea.

Note for Tourists

As Joi Hing is primarily frequented by locals, they do not provide an English menu. Familiarize yourself with these popular dishes among locals:

• Char Gai Faan (叉雞飯) – Rice with barbecued pork and chicken
• Siu Ngor Fann (燒鵝飯) – Rice with roasted goose
• Siu Aap Faan (燒鴨飯) – Rice with roasted duck

Joi Hing can be crowded during weekday lunch hours (12:00-14:00) due to its location in Wan Chai and popularity among officer workers. To avoid long queues, visit during evenings or weekends. The restaurant's ambiance is similar to a Cha Chaan Teng (茶餐廳), so be prepared for a bustling atmosphere and possibly sharing a table with other diners as you savor the essence of Cantonese cuisine.