Where to Find Bamboo Pole Noodles in Hong Kong

What if we told you there was a style of wonton noodle that is incredible elastic and delicious and wonderful and texturally interesting.

You’d probably believe it.

Now what we’re about to say is going to sound ridiculous but is 100% true. What if I told you that the same dish achieved these delectable properties by placing it under a bouncing bamboo pole while someone jumps up and down.

We told you it would sound ridiculous…. But you you also DEFINITELY want to see what it looks like, right?

Now that you’ve seen it, isn’t that cool AF?

Unfortunately, bamboo pole noodles are now a rarity in Hong Kong. There are only a few remaining shops producing noodles through this incredibly labor intensive process. As the name suggests, noodles are formed after kneading the dough by using a giant bamboo pole. The dough is placed under the pole while a person bounces up and down to stretch the dough. The end product has a uniquely elastic and chewy bite thanks to the hours the dough spent bouncing under a bamboo pole.

Like many older traditions, it is difficult for the bamboo production process to withstand the test of time as the costs of running a business continue to increase. In a practical sense, there is an opportunity cost to producing dough in this manner in comparison to one with higher volume and margins. In response, we celebrate those who continue to produce this unique iteration on a classic dish.

The end product may be hard to find, but it is well worth the journey. For locals and travelers curious to connect with the art of bamboo pole noodles, here are 3 of the best places to find the dish in Hong Kong:

Lau Sum Kee Noodle

Also featured in the 2019 Bib Gourmand Guide for Hong Kong,” Kowloon Island’s Lau Sum Kee has quite the reputation in Hong Kong for their bamboo pole noodles. Opened in 1956, the shop is a third-generation family business making noodles exactly the same as its first day of business. Go for their signature dish with dried shrimp roe topping. Expect a slight wait during peak hours due to high volume of customers.

Address: Lau Sum Kee (Fuk Wing Street), 82 Fuk Wing Street, Sham Shui Po, Hong Kong

Hours: 11:30 AM - 9:30 PM, daily

Kwan Kee Bamboo Noodles

Despite the history in their noodle recipe (passed down for over 120 years), Kwan Kee Bamboo Noodles opened in 2010 and has made quite the impact in Hong Kong’s dining scene also receiving nomination to the Bib Gourmand Guide. Their family recipe combines different strengths of flour to produce the unique texture of the noodles. Go for their signature lo mein noodle with oyster sauce.

Address: Kwan Kee Bamboo Noodles, 1 Wing Lung St, Cheung Sha Wan, Hong Kong 

Hours: 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM, daily

Ping Kee Noodles

Located in the second floor of the Tai Po market complex, Ping Kee Noodles rose to fame after making an appearance in a 2008 episode of “No Reservations.” The most important thing to note are the hours of operation. If you are planning on spending an evening enjoying a bowl of noodles, you will be disappointed (speaking from personal experience).

Address: 2/F, Market Complex, Heung Sze Wui St, Tai Po, Hong Kong 

Hours: 6:00 AM - 3:30 PM

If you’ve had bamboo pole noodles in Hong Kong, let me know where you went in the comments!