Wineshark HK Restaurant Review - Keung Kee Since 1983 強記乳鴿1983

When I was young it was popular for people to go to Shatin to have roasted pigeons and chicken congee. This has become much less common nowadays but hearing that one of the famous restaurants is still offering them, we came to Garden Rivera in Shatin today, to revisit these local delicacies.

As the restaurant is very busy, we need to wait a while before getting our table. The décor is typical with the tables very packed and close to each other but also offer the unique lively and energetic vibe that is seldomly seen nowadays in the local dining scene. We decided to order the signature pigeon and congee plus some dim sum for lunch.

Starting with Signature Roasted Pigeon 強記招牌乳鴿 ($68), we decided to go for one each. The pigeon is marinated well, good in flavors, juicy and not oily. It is also quite large, and on hindsight it is better for us to order one to share instead, so we can try other dishes.

Then comes the dim sum. Steamed Dace Fish Ball 彈跳鯪魚球 ($26.8) has three meaty dace fish balls which have a good bouncy texture, with some coriander and preserved sausages inside to elevate the flavors. With a bit of white pepper powder and soy sauce, delicious.

Deep-Fried Glutinous Rice Dumpling 金珠鹹水角 ($26.8) has four pieces, each having puffy glutinous skin, showing that they are prepared on order. The fillings are of nice savory taste, and another nicely done dim sum.

The highlight of Signature Chicken Congee 招牌雞粥小鍋 ($78) is not chicken, but the congee, with a creamy and velvety texture, flavorful from the chicken, which has been pan-fried before putting in to prepare the congee. The small portion is good for 3-4 people.

Seeing the restaurant also offers traditional Black Sesame Roll 菲林黑芝麻卷 ($35.8), we also have that for dessert. With generous four strips, it is good in texture, but I think the sesame roll is a bit short in fragrance.

Service is decent, with the staff friendly despite being very busy. The bill on the day is $358, which is very reasonable. Considering the food quality and overall experience, I would rate this restaurant a Good 65 points, worth trying.