Think of Hong Kong and we bet dim sum and neon-lit alleyways in a bustling city are probably the 2 things that come to mind. At Hey Kee, the neon part is true, but it’s not dim sum you’ll find at this new eatery in Aljunied. This is a dai pa dong – Hong Kong-style zi char that serves up seafood dishes. We’ve got all the details you need:
Image credit: @heykeesg via Instagram
The door to Hey Kee must be a time portal because you’re immediately transported to the streets of 1980s Hong Kong once you step into the restaurant. The dining area is lit in neon signs, the walls are plastered with vintage Chinese posters, and the floors are tiled in retro mosaic.
Image credit: @heykeesg via Instagram
These are enough for a photo op, but trust us, there are plenty more Instagrammable spots around. There’s an old-school barber shop where you can pretend to get your hair styled like one of the Four Heavenly Kings.
Image credit: @bobsiebellies via Instagram
Then just outside, there’s a replicated bus stop for Causeway Bay complete with benches and shelter. We don’t blame you if it makes you want to recreate a scene from a Wong Kar Wai film.
The restaurant doesn’t just look like it’s in Hong Kong, it also serves up dai pa dong-style live seafood dishes. If you’re unfamiliar with the term, think of it as Singaporean zi char but using Hong Kong cooking methods and ingredients.
Image credit: Eatbook
In Hong Kong, you’ll see tanks of live lobsters, prawns, crabs, and fish displayed out front to show diners just how fresh the seafood is. It’s no different at Hey Kee, and you’ll regularly see chefs coming out to pick out a crustacean or two to whip up their signature dishes.
Image credit: Eatbook
Speaking of, the must-order here is the Typhoon Shelter Style Stir Fried Crab (market price). It’s a staple at dai pa dong in Hong Kong that’s now available here. The wok-fried crab is generously coated in savoury deep-fried garlic crumbs and scallions flavoured with fermented black beans and chilli. Probably not the best to be ordered on a first date, unless they’re as big a foodie as you are.
Apart from crabs, you can also get other seafood steamed, braised, and fried to your fancy.
Image adapted from: Eatbook
While seafood is the specialty here, there are meat dishes too. ‘Temple Street’ Crispy Roast Chicken (from $22.80) and Pan Fried Beef Tenderloin Cubes with Potatoes ($36.80) are easy crowd favourites that would appease even the pickiest of eaters.
Even the drinks station looks just like something you’d find at a cha chaan teng.
Image credit: @heykeesg via Instagram
If a trip to Hong Kong isn’t on the cards right now, then maybe a visit to Hey Kee would be enough to satiate the travel bug for now.
Make the most of your time here by dressing up in retro threads – think high-waisted belted skorts and figure-hugging blouses. Raid your mom and dad’s closet if you must, or rummage through thrift stores in Singapore. You’re bound to find something to fit the look.
Address: 102 Guillemard Road, #01-01, Singapore 399719
Opening hours: 11.30am-3pm & 5.30pm-10.30pm, Daily
Contact: 6514 1588 | Hey Kee website
Cover image adapted from: @heykeesg, @bobsiebellies via Instagram
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