I was steered here by Nicole C.‘s review( ) and I’m glad I made it, both to see the neighborhood and to try the snake soup. I think the neighborhood(Sham Shui Po) doesn’t get much tourism, but it’s interesting to walk around. It’s only maybe a 30-minute walk from here back down to Yau Ma Tei or Jordan, areas you’re more likely to pass through as a tourist, so it’s not even that far away, but walking that distance uncovers tons of industry – tarp sewing, heavy metal working, bike mechanics, construction materials prep – on top of all the other usual city stuff and some small wet markets. My point is, coming here and then walking back will give you a nice little tour of Kowloon. As for the soup – hand to heart, I promise you, it tastes like chicken. A bit tougher and chewier, yes, but there’s nothing remotely gross here. It’s a hearty, rich meat soup that looks not unlike a hot n’ sour soup you might get in an American Chinese takeout place. Go for it.
Nicole C.
Place rating: 4 Queens, NY
Sher Wong Yip Snake Shop was featured on Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern… and you guessed it– they serve snake related edibles! Snake soup is regarded as having restorative properties, which sounded like something I desperately needed at the end of a 3-week trip to Asia… Located in Sham Shui Po(a more local part of Hong Kong), it’s a bit off the tourist path, but still easy to find. You’ll know you’re there when you see the cage with a live cobra in the front! We walked into the small shop which was mostly empty except for a few elderly locals, and we each ordered a bowl of snake soup. It was a thick, aromatic broth with ample chunks of snake meat, mushrooms, and herbs. The snake meat is mild in flavor and has the texture of a mix between chicken & fish. It was a small bowl, but it was very hearty and warming. Yum! The owner, Gibson Cheung, also stopped by our table to chat. He was super friendly, and spoke English surprisingly well. He was very enthusiastic about his shop, and he was interested in how we heard of it. He explained that it’s his family’s business, and he’s the 3rd generation owner! At the end of our meal, he even gave us a mini tour of the place. A great experience; I would recommend Sher Wong Yip to anyone who is an adventurous eater, or who want a taste of Chinese tradition, or who just need a boost in HP!
