Cafe de Hong Kong

Do you ever wonder why a shopping village on one side of the street does better than the other?  Or so it seems?

Anyway, for me, I've always headed out to Carlingford Court to do my shopping and eating.  I've neglected going to Carlingford Village for a couple of years.  I am not sure why but I think it's because I don't get a really good feeling about the outlets that are there or the overall look and feel of the shopping village itself which continues to evolve.

After a hiatus, something a friend said triggered the urge to check it out.  I went there on a Sunday afternoon for lunch.  I was quite surprised that this place was bustling.  They have also installed a car park turnstile and are limiting your shopping times.  The car park seemed to be really busy on this Sunday afternoon.

Heading up to the ground floor it is easy to see why.  There were people queuing up for Yum Cha or trying to get a seat at some of the other cheaper Asian cafes.  Again, it is obvious, the cafes on one side (i.e. towards the food court) was doing well while a newer one which must have opened recently was having some difficulties filling their seats.

The food court itself is quite interesting with delicacies from Beijing and Shanghai.  As I was not familiar with what was on offer and whether they were good, I opted for the safer option of having lunch at Cafe de Hong Kong.  This cafe has been around for a couple of years.  Small and quite snug.

Families were coming in, seated and it is interesting to note that each member has their own "activity" to occupy themselves be it their newspaper or their play station... hmmm...

Anyway, once a table is available you are seated down quickly.  But again, do not expect much service as it is very hard to catch the waiter / waitress' eye... even though they could be walking around but no one is able to see your raised hands to take your order.

For a small cafe, the menu is extensive, typical of a cafe you would find in Hong Kong.  Food is served quickly and it is reasonably priced.

This is a cafe which also offers congee (nice!) for those who do not want the hassle of jostling for a car spot in Eastwood on a weekend.

Sampan Congee

Combination Rice Noodle