Hong Kong Bites : Kam's Roast opens in SM Megamall

It's been a while since my last trip to Hong Kong and even that was the quickest visit that I've ever had. I can't remember much about that trip as we basically were there for a client meeting so it was a blurry shuttle from the airport to our hotel to the client's office and a mad dash back to the hotel to catch out flight to Singapore. Prior to that, my last leisure trip to Hong Kong was back in 2011 if I'm not mistaken. I think it's time for a return soon.

Read: At a Glance : Hong Kong and Hong Kong Itinerary Must Haves

When you say Hong Kong, images of delicious Cantonese food quickly comes to mind. The best dim sum creations and the most succulent and savory roast meats too. You can literally eat your way around Hong Kong and would still continue to want more. One thing that you shouldn't miss is Hong Kong's roast goose or duck. A very simple dish paired with a bowl of warm white rice. The best ones can actually be found on random alleys and most likely they don't have an English menu and the owner could barely also utter anything other than Cantonese so do your best to just point and pray that they get your order right.

Anyway, since I have yet to plan that return to Hong Kong, I was so happy when I heard that Michellin-star awardee Kam's Roast has landed in Manila! Perfectly located in SM Megamall, it won't be hard to spot the restaurant as there seems to be a permanent line forming in front ever since it opened to the public a month ago. You have no idea how much joy this has brought me! This is because Kam's Roast opened in Singapore two years ago and I failed to visit that branch so I'm so glad that it's finally available locally.

Just to let you know how popular Kam's Roast is, even the late Anthony Bourdain personally visited their Hong Kong branch and featured this in his show. In Hong Kong though, Kam's Roast is known for their roast goose but sadly our Manila restaurant is not carrying this due to the strict regulations on China-imported poultry. Not to worry though as while goose won't be part of the menu, there's still a lot of dishes you can look forward to when you dine at there.

Let me share with you some of the things that we tried and truly loved:

Marinated Cucumber with Vinegar and Garlic (Php. 220)
Start your meal with this very refreshing appetizer. I love the crispy strips of fresh cucumber that's submerged in a delicious vinegar and garlic dressing. It's actually a good palate cleanser too before you start your meaty feast.



Roast Duck (Php. 750 - Php. 2400)
Not a lot of people eat duck but I am one of the few who loves it! I love the lean meat, the slightly salty kick and that crispy skin. Yes...THAT CRISPY SKIN. I have to say that Kam's Roast Roast Duck is one of the best that I've tried in town and it's reasonably priced too. In fact, if you're in a rush you can just have this with rice for only Php. 320. That's really a steal! Don't forget to drizzle lots of plum sauce before taking a bite.

Soya Chicken (Php. 500 / Php. 980)
If duck if not your thing and you still prefer chicken, fret not as Kam's Roast's Soya Chicken is worth trying as well. You'll love how the tender meat is covered with its gelatinous skin and the flavor seeps through and through. You'll love every bit of this down to the bones.

BBQ Pork "Cha Siu" (Php. 600 / Php. 700)
Now, here's Kam's Roast's not so secret winning dish. Don't take this simple dish of sliced pork for granted. In fact, their pork dishes are definitely worth bragging about as it's one that will truly make your meal at Kam's Roast simply unforgettable. Thinking about it now is making my tummy rumble and I am already planning for my return soon.

There are two types of BBQ Pork available -- Toro and Regular. Regular Cha Siu is one that's commonly found in Hong Kong, leaner meat with a nice orange hue and a sweet-ish, smokey flavor. The Toro, on the other hand, is what cha siu dreams are made of. The fattier brother of the regular cha siu, this one literally melts in your mouth. Very very good!

Crispy Roast Pork (Php. 700)
I know it's not the healthiest option but let's admit it, Crispy Roast Pork or "shou rou" as how it's call it in Singapore, it a very delicious and indulgent. I can never have enough of this. Dip this in mustard and watch the magic happen. ♥

Now, for your carbs. You can enjoy your roast meats with either rice or noodles. I opted to try their Braised Noodles with Shrimp Roe (Php. 240) that day and I truly wasn't disappointed. I love the springy yellow egg noodles served with a generous amount of savory shrimp roe. It comes with a bowl of soup. The secret is to dip your noodle into the soup before taking a bite. This is Hong Kong-style Tsukemen Noodles, guys.

If you miss eating in Hong Kong then this is the perfect place to be without the need to buy a plane ticket and even book for a hotel. As opposed though to Hong Kong's tiny hole in a wall where you're most likely required to even share your table with a stranger, here at Kam's Roast SM Megamall, you can enjoy all your Hong Kong favorites at a more comfortable setting.

I'm not sure if they accept reservations for now but in any case, brave the queue and visit Kam's Roast soon.

*photos by Paul Ang

Kam's Roast is located at the 3rd floor of SM Mega Fashion Hall, SM Megamall, J. Vargas Avenue, Mandaluyong City.