BARE ESSENTIALS

Feeling hungry on a Saturday morning? Feeling the stomach's call for re-alignment? Feeling the need for comfort food? "Sung Kee Congee" in Central is your answer. In my quest for the perfect bowl of street corner congee (since retirement) which replaces my quest for the perfect blue blazer that does not crease on long flights (before retirement) .... this eatery, per my humble palate, has a firm grip of the Oscar!

Definition of the Bare Essentials at this Shrine of Cantonese Congee :
* a congee combo, be creative, mix the ingredients, notably fish belly & bones
* a fritter aka fried dough, ideally piping hot & crispy - do ignore the oiliness
* a bowl of special dipping sauce with fine julienne of ginger, scallion, red & green chilis
* a splash of fine white pepper, the local version which carries a distinct flavor

I am sorry I cannot give you the address in Chinese, just look for Hillier Street, at the intersection of Bonham Strand. The 'liao dien' is in fact on a tiny side lane off Hillier but it has since expanded to 3-4 locations on Hillier, with identical large signs in red lettering you cannot miss. Sung Kee now offers the full range of 'cha charn teng' fares, beef brisket noodles in consomme, and even hot pots in the winter but regardless, one can always order from the congee list at all their outlets. The original shop, however, has the added value of nostalgia, the 'so this was how it all started' feel, which is well worth the wait - outside on the curb, that is. Lastly, avoid the rush hours!