Hong Kong’s Queen of Macaroni

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  • Опубліковано 25 чер 2022
  • There was a time when you could find dai pai dongs, or hawker stands that sell food at low prices, along every street in Hong Kong. Now, only a few remain. Join us as we speak to Irene Lee, the owner of one of these dai pai dongs, and learn more about her famous tomato macaroni soup.
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 196

  • @edmondlau511
    @edmondlau511 Рік тому +382

    Only 28 food stalls left. What a shame. Those stalls were such a huge part of what gave Hong Kong its personality. I remember eating at many as a kid. Cheap, quick and would fill you up. Going to sound like an old man but things were just better back then.

    • @evildaemo
      @evildaemo Рік тому +30

      the whole world has gone to hell in the last 20 years

    • @abob2457
      @abob2457 Рік тому +13

      Thank you CCP!

    • @stingraytingvideo
      @stingraytingvideo Рік тому +48

      @@abob2457 it's a shame these places are closing down but it's not really the fault of the CCP, but a result of gentrification. The HK government has been trying to close the Dai Pai Dongs down for decades (even before the handover in 1997) due to hygiene concerns and because it makes the street look too messy. The Dai Pai Dong licenses can only be passed on to the holder's partner/spouse but then expire upon death, and they haven't been giving out new licenses. These stalls are being replaced by chain store cheap eats diners instead like Cafe de Coral, Fairwood, Maxim diners etc.

    • @rg20322
      @rg20322 Рік тому +1

      @@stingraytingvideo That is a shame.

    • @octopu5ie
      @octopu5ie Рік тому +13

      @@stingraytingvideo It has indeed been bureaucracy and ideals of development and civility that killed the street culture, and how ironic that the Hong Kong Tourism Board sponsored this video! What a common tale...a government promotes entrepreneurship and economic revitalisation with grand plans, directing endless resources towards attracting high tech, skilled industries and foreign capital, but turns away from local SMEs that want nothing but to keep running one day at a time. Hope the city can unite and call for change with the remaining 28 dai pai dong license holders, and in the meanwhile, cherish what we have.

  • @TheSmokey1523
    @TheSmokey1523 Рік тому +208

    I love how she gets so much pleasure from providing filling good low cost food for the neighborhood! People really need healthy fast food 🥘that even kids can pay for with their own pocket money. It’s really helping the community for their hard work. It’s amazing how they even bake their bread rolls instead of buying from a mass produced bakery.

  • @cryzpin
    @cryzpin Рік тому +108

    "When I see my customers finishing the entire bowl and I see the satisfaction on their faces, it gives me a real sense of achievement. Because we're sharing happiness in that moment." Amazing.

  • @steffansiu2913
    @steffansiu2913 Рік тому +314

    I've been going to this place for over 13 years, since I was 8!! Such lovely people who have watched me grow up and so proud of them and everything they stand for

    • @manimanibooboo
      @manimanibooboo Рік тому +1

      is this type of macaroni pretty common?

    • @lilyvalley1239
      @lilyvalley1239 Рік тому

      How much is a bowl

    • @lauraqueentint
      @lauraqueentint Рік тому +5

      @@manimanibooboo yes, macaroni in soup is popular in hong kong, not only in these street stalls but also in Cha Chaan Tengs! (hk style cafe) Mcdonalds in hong kong even have it on the breakfast menu lol.

    • @steffansiu2913
      @steffansiu2913 Рік тому

      @@lilyvalley1239 depends on what you order, usually somewhere between $30-40hkd per bowl

  • @stevocanuck
    @stevocanuck Рік тому +88

    people like her make me proud that i work in the restaurant industry. This is a thankless yet very much needed service everywhere in the world people must eat. We just need to be treated a bit better and a potential overhaul is probably needed

  • @foongjunemeng8935
    @foongjunemeng8935 Рік тому +95

    Huge respect and dedication from this lady to support her family. 45 years of love doing what she likes to do.

  • @Vablonsky
    @Vablonsky Рік тому +34

    Auntie Irene and her stall is special for the decades long dedication that they've put in. And, in so doing...keeping Hong Kong's dai pai dong culture alive. I hope they persist and continue on for a long time. I don't know what the future will bring; but, Hong Kong will definitely lose something significant whenever any dai pai dong closes permanently.

  • @samsonchan1488
    @samsonchan1488 Рік тому +21

    I was one of these children that grew up in their parents’ food stall. It was a hard life, but the sense of community at these food places you will never find anywhere else. I understand that times are changing, but it will be such a loss to Hong Kong if they were to all eventually close. I hope to one day bring my children there before they do.

  • @MIG106
    @MIG106 Рік тому +20

    I love that it's still a family-run business. It's really heartening that she still works with her siblings after all these years!

  • @deepdivin
    @deepdivin Рік тому +14

    I love stories like these.. Down-to-earth food by down-to-earth people. That one line she said 'we know who they're dating before their parents'. That kinda summed it up for me.

  • @gavinknutson9132
    @gavinknutson9132 Рік тому +7

    Her story made me cry. Looking at her. U know she's worked hard all her life and endured alot

  • @AsianFoodNerd
    @AsianFoodNerd Рік тому +27

    🚀 As a Chinese American living in Hong Kong 🇭🇰 past decade, I'm blessed to have these comfort food street food still around. Food replenishes the soul and a good meal unites people. Props to this auntie. 🚀

  • @ElaineFMN1978
    @ElaineFMN1978 Рік тому +13

    She needs to wear a t-shirt with the word “ICON” on it!!!! Many blessings to her and her family and May their business stay around for many more decades to come…. 🙌🏽❤️💪🏽

  • @Unforgettable0219
    @Unforgettable0219 Рік тому +8

    I like her humble spirit, what she said truly touched my heart - very rare to find these days when a lot of people become arrogant when they become popular and successful.

  • @DUDEfreestyle
    @DUDEfreestyle Рік тому +7

    this lady is so wholesome, love it! i hope nothing but the best for her and her family.

  • @trevorcruz5568
    @trevorcruz5568 Рік тому +17

    The way she put it is what I want for myself. To own an establish that people want to come to for a long time, and watch your community grow

  • @ismaelhall3990
    @ismaelhall3990 Рік тому +27

    You know she has a good heart by feeding people.

  • @lexismith8206
    @lexismith8206 Рік тому +25

    Beautiful story, foods looks great! Thank you for sharing your story, Irene.

  • @teal80
    @teal80 Рік тому +8

    Major Respect!! Love stories like these that people are actually thrown in and have no choice like this Woman to have been born in a kitchen!! Amazing and to her Mother is more respect on top of the first respect!!

  • @louisliaw8386
    @louisliaw8386 Рік тому +1

    so so so much respect. well done to Irene and well done to munchies for bringing the story out. so moved by it, an inspiration.

  • @k0n9qw
    @k0n9qw Рік тому +8

    Only visited Hong Kong twice, but we ate here every chance we've got! It has been years since then but I still remember and crave that yummy tomato soup noodles and lemon cui cui buns!!! Also, the milk tea here was awesome!

  • @HaloGoddess
    @HaloGoddess Рік тому +25

    what a beautifully made video!! We need more people like this in our world

  • @giggs102
    @giggs102 Рік тому +2

    was born in hong kong. magical place, watching videos like this make me feel so nostalgic, thanks for these munchies!

  • @carolinachickfrombrooklyn664

    Such a dope video. Much respect for her and the family for provided such amazing service

  • @M-IE
    @M-IE Рік тому

    Auntie is so inspiring and has such an energetic aura. I'd love to try her food!!!

  • @BigCizzle120
    @BigCizzle120 Рік тому +5

    Her energy is contagious!!
    🔥🔥🔥VIBE!!!

  • @clarie91s
    @clarie91s Рік тому +6

    I’ve lived in Hong Kong my whole life and never knew about this place! Definitely going to try it some time! Looks so delicious!

  • @andyzhang7890
    @andyzhang7890 Рік тому +2

    Some of the best food in the world is in street food stalls, and the people running it are often some of the nicest, most wholesome people you’ll meet. Hope I get to visit here one day

  • @dhsauno
    @dhsauno Рік тому +2

    Places and families like this are true gems!

  • @sophtheloaf4393
    @sophtheloaf4393 Рік тому +8

    so much respect for this woman, she's an icon and her passion is incredible

  • @ktcby
    @ktcby Рік тому +5

    Thank you for giving Hong Kong a voice on your platform 💞

  • @alvinlee140
    @alvinlee140 Рік тому +2

    Thank you for showing this restaurant.

  • @sophtheloaf4393
    @sophtheloaf4393 Рік тому

    the dedication is so inspiring

  • @sjc4
    @sjc4 Місяць тому

    to feel and know and believe in your purpose in this life is rare. i am envious of her passion

  • @Nanoc.
    @Nanoc. Рік тому +8

    Whoever is doing the translation for the Cantonese to English subtitles, the subs are missing a fair bit of dialogue and information from what Auntie Irene is saying.

  • @Seven7ails
    @Seven7ails Рік тому +2

    That food is made with love. Would love to check them out . Awesome lady/family

  • @papimiguel702
    @papimiguel702 Рік тому +1

    Would love to try it

  • @jujub4553
    @jujub4553 Рік тому +3

    Mmmm that looks so delicious! I wish I could have some!

  • @spodianhut8842
    @spodianhut8842 Рік тому +3

    I was worried the bowl was going to fall of the table at 4:43

  • @revheavygandpinto
    @revheavygandpinto Рік тому +2

    I don't know Cantonese but i know she has a thick Hong Kong accent! love her!! she's awesome!!

  • @dn827
    @dn827 Рік тому

    Nice documentary, also thumbs up for the translator

  • @erniechu860
    @erniechu860 Рік тому +4

    This macaroni soup is AWESOME!

  • @hinyeungwan8741
    @hinyeungwan8741 Рік тому +4

    I have nothing but fond memories lining up with my friends here during lunch breaks, braving the sweltering summer heat and circling like vultures for the next available seat for that tangy macaroni in tomato soup and lemon crispy bun. Fantastic feature!

  • @TeamEPICv
    @TeamEPICv Рік тому +3

    very underrated cuisine. macaroni soup is a hk classic

  • @calvinlee9252
    @calvinlee9252 Рік тому

    i miss HK - and this is quintessentially HK.. ate here once fell in love with it, made sure every trip back had to end off with macaroni with spam.

  • @anima.7750
    @anima.7750 Рік тому

    people living their lives out there with so much passion, damn :)

  • @DoJoStan
    @DoJoStan 6 місяців тому +1

    Wow her story of her mom inheriting the place then getting scammed by her own worker is inspiring to see how it shaped her perspective on being a business owner. I can't wait to visit her stall when I go to Hong Kong one day.

  • @peecee1002
    @peecee1002 Рік тому

    Never been to this place, but I used to go to the stalls in Mongkok. Such a pity that there's only a handful of dai pai dongs left.

  • @KongLor
    @KongLor Рік тому

    She gets to do what she loves. So powerful.

  • @prismatism
    @prismatism Рік тому +2

    I can’t wait for the quarantine restrictions to end so I can visit one of my favorite cities again ❤

  • @ryogahibiki8747
    @ryogahibiki8747 Рік тому

    Watching them play with that dog is wonderful!

  • @PureBadBreath
    @PureBadBreath Рік тому +4

    I love this type of food stalls. I grew up on HK Street food and its sad to see truly independent businesses on the decline. Never knew how we lucked out with food like this.

  • @nateromanowski793
    @nateromanowski793 Рік тому

    also those dishes; look fuckin delish aye cuz should try em all! try them all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • @aquaviii
    @aquaviii Рік тому +6

    Food looks delicious :P
    I need to visit Hong Kong !!!

  • @pleanne8376
    @pleanne8376 Рік тому

    she seems so wise

  • @dailynnsp.o.v
    @dailynnsp.o.v Рік тому +11

    For the ones who reads this just know this is only the beginning keep pushing, grinding, and fighting. Whatever it is in life you want to do to go after it life is to short. Life is a marathon not a sprint so go out there and live it up I hope all is well and goes well for you peace and one love.

  • @juanzacatelco3906
    @juanzacatelco3906 Рік тому

    Damm respect beautiful seen a master doing what it has perfected

  • @aquaviii
    @aquaviii Рік тому +2

    Macaroni looks sooo good :P

  • @mkhooi
    @mkhooi Рік тому

    Love the tomato soup. Still remembered from years ago

  • @MissScrapAlot
    @MissScrapAlot Рік тому

    You mam are a very wealthy woman…in accomplishments and gift of good food to all!

  • @harryanggie
    @harryanggie Рік тому

    Everyone deserves delicious food ❤️

  • @namebrandkombu4773
    @namebrandkombu4773 Рік тому +5

    what a flex: my mom lent money to the shopowner and when they couldnt pay it back we took the shop
    do not trifle with her

  • @laserbeamlightning
    @laserbeamlightning Рік тому +2

    How do I work on the munchies Hong Kong team?

  • @knlei1
    @knlei1 Рік тому

    man crazy how it blew up in hong kong but , we made that so much here in murica

  • @shenglongisback4688
    @shenglongisback4688 Рік тому

    Now this was a loving story of hard work and how they still survive representing a food culture thats slowly disappearing.
    Now the lady @6:30 I'm curious why she lives in the Streets of Hong Kong being non Hong kongese.

  • @gazoline_gi
    @gazoline_gi Рік тому +4

    你的故事女士,真的很鼓舞人心!她让我泪流满面。我很高兴看到您如何准备所有这些不同风格的通心粉!美丽的食物,一定要滋养身体和精神。祝您和您的家人兴旺发达,万事如意!

  • @jessica4680
    @jessica4680 Рік тому

    Hong Kong is such a mood ya'll

  • @TheMichaelCheung
    @TheMichaelCheung Рік тому

    Support ⭐

  • @hotpocket7521
    @hotpocket7521 Рік тому +2

    You can never go wrong with comfort food..

  • @Vablonsky
    @Vablonsky Рік тому +1

    As for the tomato macaroni soup, I've never had it before; but, I'd love to try it. The prospect of adding proteins is very appealing. Ham, chicken wings, etc. I'm only familiar with the macaroni soup with the clear broth and the ham strips floating on top. I think that version is ubiquitous at cha chaang tengs. But, this tomato version? Hmm. I wonder if it's only available at this stall (because they invented it) or has it proliferated so that now many stalls and cafes sell it. I'm guessing that it's the latter.

    • @Aiden-xn6wo
      @Aiden-xn6wo Рік тому

      I believe that many stalls and restaurants have it on their menu.

    • @Vablonsky
      @Vablonsky Рік тому

      @@Aiden-xn6wo That’s what I suspected. Thank you for confirming. 👍🏼

  • @TheOptimallyAce
    @TheOptimallyAce 3 місяці тому

    Man I am unlucky I flew to HK just to try this place and it was closed for Chinese new year and they reopen when I leave 😢

  • @rg20322
    @rg20322 Рік тому +1

    She is someone to admire. The attitude is so great and right from birth according to her :)

    • @rg20322
      @rg20322 Рік тому

      I love this family!

  • @Delcoa_
    @Delcoa_ Рік тому +2

    That moment when you thought you understood Cantonese, but then the subtitles use a word like "bespoke" and then you need to look it up just to realize you still understood it.

  • @FantasticMoron
    @FantasticMoron Рік тому

    This lady embodies the old HongKonger spirits, tough, humble, hard working! Add oil!!!

  • @eugene7145
    @eugene7145 Рік тому

    Greetings from Hong Kong

  • @YEE-yg9vw
    @YEE-yg9vw Рік тому +1

    4:41 the bowl sliding gave me anxiety

  • @jessica4680
    @jessica4680 Рік тому

    so fukin wholesome

  • @andyzhang7890
    @andyzhang7890 Рік тому +1

    Street food man…. Love it.

  • @timchau1954
    @timchau1954 Рік тому

    QUEEN I LLOVE YOU

  • @TommyGunNYC
    @TommyGunNYC Рік тому +1

    she needs to collab w the noodle king

  • @hohoho._.
    @hohoho._. Рік тому +1

    6:41 so cute >_

  • @bt1725
    @bt1725 Рік тому +1

    True g

  • @bdanicky
    @bdanicky Рік тому

    Macaroni soup is so good 🤤

  • @mjacobs8139
    @mjacobs8139 Рік тому +1

    Queen

  • @kntster
    @kntster Рік тому

    RESPECT

  • @anthonysiu6010
    @anthonysiu6010 Рік тому

    what a legend

  • @kenny25
    @kenny25 Рік тому +5

    香港加油!

  • @noobtuber10
    @noobtuber10 Рік тому

    That chinese Sopa de fideo lmfao lets gooooo

  • @lunzeea
    @lunzeea Рік тому

    Hopefully, these kinds of dai pai dong stays forever.

  • @gdiaz187
    @gdiaz187 Рік тому +3

    She should post up at universities.

  • @DamionJustin
    @DamionJustin Рік тому

    Hello Auntie!

  • @ThumperKJFK
    @ThumperKJFK Рік тому +1

    goodvibes 👍👍👍

  • @Wvk5zc
    @Wvk5zc Рік тому

    Tried and I found it so so only

  • @reallifetony
    @reallifetony Рік тому +2

    Hong Kong is still the coolest city on earth. Fuck what you heard!

  • @lenghia9722
    @lenghia9722 Рік тому

    4:45 gave me anxiety holy shit the slide

  • @ChanceJolivette
    @ChanceJolivette Рік тому +3

    black ppl all over looking like, macaroni??? but on a real note i love the pride they show in their business

    • @normacroberts-hakizimana8785
      @normacroberts-hakizimana8785 Рік тому +1

      Lol! 😆 that reminds me of the 'goulash' my Dad would make, macaroni, tomatoes, beef and whatever else he could find to put in the pot! 😋

  • @MCRhapsody
    @MCRhapsody Рік тому +2

    I was born in a hospital, now im a doctor

  • @swaghili
    @swaghili Рік тому +2

    SHE LIVES IN THE STREETS?!?!

  • @woozertoo
    @woozertoo Рік тому

    Lil bro still loves Badminton!

  • @blessedpapa
    @blessedpapa Рік тому

    Let's be honest, the food is nice but nothing special (except the thick toast and ice lemon tea), the environment is not as nice as a indoor restaurant, but I still go there regularly, I just love the people there and love the place.