HKG: Chuen Kee Seafood Restaurant (全記海鮮菜館)

Fulfilling seafood lunch with luscious sweet and sour pork!

After the energy-draining trek at Ma On Shan (lit. horse saddle mountain), I ended up at Sai Kung, a place where one is fascinated by the view of the sea and the outlying islands nearby, as well as the rows of seafood restaurants boasting their catches in huge aquariums. I'd had already planned to have lunch at Chuen Kee Seafood Restaurant.

Two People Set HK$418.00 (~S$67.45)

I've just noticed from the picture of the menu I snapped that the set I ordered was under the 'Selective Seafood Dinner Sets' section. Perhaps they've extended it for lunch as well. One of the good things about the set lies in its nett price, sans cooking fees and service charge on weekdays. It comes with four items of choice, a seasonal vegetable dish, as well as a plate of fruit for dessert.

Sautéed Lobster with Cheese Sauce (Set Menu)

Taste: 8/10

The lobster meat that I had was dreamily sweet, even though it was partially juicy. Laden with cheese sauce which was mildly savoury, the crustacean parts were sitting comfortably on a handful of somewhat chewy noodles. A bit of parmesan cheese powder was added as a finishing touch.

Steamed Fish with Spring Onion and Ginger (Set Menu)

Taste: 8.5/10

The fresh fish was steamed with soy sauce, coming with lots of shredded spring onions and ginger for added taste and aroma. While the flesh was pretty firm, it wasn't as sweet as expected. I'm reminded of a particular fish I tried in Hing Lok Restaurant, Cheung Chau, which was better. 

Deep-Fried Small Abalone with Spicy Salt (Set Menu)

Taste: 6/10

While I enjoyed the crispy garlic bits seasoned with adequate amounts of salt and pepper, the abalone to be too chewy for my liking. They should've chopped the chili into smaller pieces so that the spiciness could permeate throughout the dish.

Sweet and Sour Pork with Pineapple (Set Menu)

Taste: 9/10

I'm not sure if you consider it ironic, but the best dish of the day was the sweet and sour pork, despite the restaurant specialising in seafood items. The pork slices had just the right amount of fats, lacquered with sauce which had a nice balance of flavours. I'd be happy to have more onion slices though.

Seasonal Vegetable (Set Menu)

Taste: 8/10

The Chinese mustard green (choi sum in Cantonese) was cooked with garlic. Overall, it was cooked well without being bland or overly salty.

Fruit (Set Menu)

The orange slices given at the end of the meal were sweet, but not juicy enough.

Melon's Rating

Taste: 8/10

Ambience: 7/10

Service: 7.5/10

Overall: 7.5/10

I've seen mixed reviews by locals and foreigners alike about this particular restaurant. My very first time patronising the restaurant has left a good impression. Pika's advice: Some people have suggested that you buy some fresh seafood items from the fishermen in the region, and bring them to the restaurant to cook. You may want to consider that.

Behold, the view at Sai Kung!

Chuen Kee Seafood Restaurant

(全記海鮮菜館)

87-89 Man Nin Street

Sai Kung

Hong Kong

(Daily: 7.00am - 11.00pm)

*Prices quoted are nett prices.

Have a nice meal,

Cliff(y)