Snake soup is just one of the many unusual things you can taste in Hong Kong. Other local delicacies included chickens’ feet, Peking duck, dim sum and century egg.
Why do people like snake soup?
Snake soup is believed to have medicinal properties. To this effect, people in China have been enjoying snake soup for some 2000 years. The gall bladder in particular is supposed to be effective on coughs and aid virility.
Where can I try snake soup?
This is Chau Ka Ling, owner of the Shia Wong Hip (蛇王協) snake restaurant in #shamshuipo. After a bowlful of warming #snakesoup she will happily let you hold the #snakes. This is a #kingcobra, one of 6 species of snake used in her delicious recipe. #hongkong #privatetour #hkgreeters
If you want to try it for yourself, find it at 170 Apliu Street in Sham Shui Po, nearest MTR exit A2.
Even if you’re not sure about tasting snake soup, you can see live snakes in glass cases at the entrance to the small shop and see other diners enjoying their fare.
Facebook:@snakesoup
Sham Shui Po
There are various spots around Hong Kong where you can buy snake soup or even snake wine. We like Sham Shui Po because it’s such a vibrant and interesting neigbourhood. As well as snake soup, investigate the electronics shops on Apliu Street. Wander around and you will see tiny barbershops, busy hole-in-the-wall laundries and plenty of wet market stalls selling fresh meat and vegetables.