LEAF DESSERT
AUTHENTIC CHINESE DELIGHTS AT ELGIN STREET'S DAI PAI DONG

Ascending the incline of Elgin Street, one can't help but be drawn to a traditional Chinese Dessert Dai Pai Dong (大排檔, an open-air stall). Recognized by the iconic green metal sheet roof, the stall possesses a rich century-old history. Maintained by the fourth generation of its original operators, it frequently featured as the backdrop of local movies.

"No photography" said the boss, so here is a picture of the shop front from the opposite road
"No photography," said the boss, so here is a picture of the shop front from the opposite road"

Leaf Dessert, maintaining the authenticity of street food, isn't a place for luxurious service. Instead, quick, loud, and to-the-point interactions are the norm with the shop owner. Decision-making should be swift, or risk the impatience of the fast-paced owner. A minimum charge of HKD14 per head applies, and bringing food from outside is not permissible.

A simple menu mainly mainly serves Chinese dessert
A simple menu mainly mainly serves Chinese dessert

Our Recommendation

Even with stringent rules and no-frills service, the allure of traditional dessert is undeniable. Recommended are the following delicacies:

Cold Green Bean Soup With Seaweed 冷海帶綠豆湯

The green bean soup is a fantastic Chinese sweet soup that cools one down in summer. his Chinese sweet soup houses barley, lending a delightful chewiness. "Stinky grass", a Chinese herb with a pleasant grassy fragrance, enhances the flavor. Known for its medicinal properties, it dissipates excessive body heat and alleviates pain. A bowl is particularly beneficial for those experiencing discomfort after a late-night work session.

Cold Green Bean Soup With Seaweed (冷海帶綠豆湯)
Cold Green Bean Soup With Seaweed (冷海帶綠豆湯)

Glutinous Rice Balls with Sugar, Sesame and Shredded Coconut Topping 糖不甩 

Served hot, these rice balls offer a soft, chewy texture. Toppings include shredded coconut, sugar, and sesame sprinkles. A subtle ginger hint comes from the red sugar ginger soup in which the balls are boiled.

Glutinous Rice Balls with Sugar, Sesame and Shredded Coconut Topping (糖不甩)
Glutinous Rice Balls with Sugar, Sesame and Shredded Coconut Topping (糖不甩)

Partaking in these unique desserts on a hilly slope provides an unparalleled experience. So, do not hesitate. The delights of Leaf Dessert on Elgin Street await.

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2 Elgin Street, SOHO, Central
中環蘇豪伊利近街2號
- 2.08 KM from you
8 minutes from Sheung Wan MTR Station Exit E2
OPEN
Sun
CLOSED
Mon
12:30 - 21:00
Tue
12:30 - 21:00
Wed
12:30 - 21:00
Thu
12:30 - 21:00
Fri
12:30 - 21:00
Sat
CLOSED
Cold Green Bean Soup With Seaweed (冷海帶綠豆湯) and Glutinous Rice Balls , Glutinous Rice Balls with Sugar, Sesame and Shredded Coconut Topping (糖不甩)
HKD $50 or less
need to walk up a slope