Itâs a rainy day when we visit, the right weather for tucking into a bowl of their famous macaroni tomato soup which has over 20 toppings to choose from, including chicken wings, ham and baconâI opt for beef, fried egg and sausage. When it arrives, Iâm immediately taken back to my university days, where a can of soup and pasta would suffice. But this is special; the rich, tangy tomato soup, perfectly cooked macaroni, and random yet weirdly cohesive toppings touch my soul. To wash it all down, I order an iced Sprite with salted lemon. Angel says this is a typical Hong Kong drink, said to relieve coughs and sore throats.
One of the older ladies working the stall asks Angel why sheâs drinking lemon water. She says sheâs feeling under the weather, and the lady immediately takes her drink away, returning with a hot salted lemon drink. âThis is much better for you,â she says, handing it to her.
âThe aunts and uncles you see working here, once you get more familiar with them, theyâre so friendly,â Angels tells me, with a big smile. âThey remember what you ordered and you become one of their regulars.â