Ju Xing Home? Are we heading to your friend’s place for dinner?” I asked Irene, genuinely curious.
As far as I know, apartments in HK are tiny. Being invited to someone’s home for dinner feels like stepping into a mansion with all five of us!
“If we’re lucky, we might run into an HK celebrity out for supper,” Irene whispered, winking.
That set the tone for our Saturday dinner date, and I arrived with high hopes on Portland St, Mong Kok.
Later, I discovered this was another Michelin Bib Gourmand, where we could expect high-quality, value-for-money cooking.
Michelin describes Ju Xing Home as a bustling hole-in-the-wall where the popularity stems from Chef-owner Ng’s exceptional cooking rather than the ambiance or service.
Cantonese stir-fries dominate the menu, complemented by a selection of spicy dishes. The highly recommended salt-baked Wenchang chicken is renowned for its succulence and rich flavor and often sells out early.
Live seafood dishes like pan-fried prawns in soy sauce and steamed eel in black bean sauce are also prominent offerings.
Reservations are advised, especially for those eager to try the chicken. Pre-ordering is advisable to avoid disappointment.
Irene made all the arrangements for our fantastic Makan trip, and I was genuinely grateful.
We navigated through a few MRT transfers (I still struggle to know where to get on and off) and arrived at Ju Xing Home around 6 p.m.
This small eatery near Prince Edward Station Exit D is a hidden gem worth remembering.
With simple decor and a focus on fresh, quality ingredients, the food here pleasantly surprises.
The chef’s creative twists on familiar family dishes are evident and add to the dining experience.
It’s a popular spot for Hong Kong celebrities and Chinese hotel chefs to unwind after work.
Executive chefs from Michelin-starred Chinese and dim sum restaurants might even gather here, enjoying classic stir-fries and exchanging cooking tips.
I hear HK Michelin Chinese chefs come here for supper after service.
It’s a case of “if you know, you know.” In my case, I don’t know. LOL
During lunch, they focus on serving set meals tailored for the nearby busy crowd.
By evening, they unveil the front of their restaurant, showcasing fish tanks and crab boxes.
Diners get to select the freshest catch of the day and specify their preferred cooking style.
Ju Xing Home Menu
The menu is extensive, so we left the ordering to Irene, who selected all the signature dishes.
Roast Pigeon
Oh, the roasted pigeon at Ju Xing Home is an absolute delight!
Each bite reveals the expertise behind its crispy, flavorful exterior.
The meat is juicy and tender, practically falling off the bone.
And the skin?
It’s perfectly glazed, crackling with just the right amount of saltiness.
I couldn’t resist dipping each piece in their special Worcestershire-like sauce, which added a unique tang and elevated the entire experience.
No wonder this dish is a local favorite—I’m already planning my next visit!
Stir-Fried Sea Prawns
Live seafood, such as the pan-fried prawns in soy sauce, is a standout feature of the menu.
The sea prawns, especially when stir-fried, made a lasting impression, emphasizing freshness and juicy texture.
The expertly cooked prawns showcased a delightful sweetness characteristic of the freshest seafood.
The golden roe enhances visual appeal and adds a creamy texture.
That complements tender prawn meat, showcasing meticulous preparation and quality.
Australian Lobster in Signature Sauce with Crispy Vermicelli
The Australian Lobster with Crispy Vermicelli and Signature Sauce (seasonal price) is a top seller at Ju Xing Home, and it’s easy to see why.
The dish features their renowned sauce, a rich, stock-based gravy thickened with fried lobster and prawns.
Combining the sweetness of the shellfish with a crisp chicken base, the flavors achieve a perfect balance, resulting in an incredibly flavorful experience.
The highlight is the crispy fried vermicelli crackers, which provide a satisfying crunch when cracked with chopsticks.
These crackers maintain their crunchiness and flavor, remaining enjoyable without becoming soggy.
They were so good that we even considered reheating the leftovers in an air fryer to savor them again.
Except, we were staying at the Kowloon Hotel, and that’s not doable. LOL
And we’ve heard they stay crisp even the next day.
To say the Crispy Vermicelli is decadent would be an understatement—it’s truly an indulgence.
The noodles are wonderfully crispy in texture, perfectly complementing the exquisitely supple lobster.
Stir-Fried Chayote Shoots
No Chinese meal is complete without greens!
Chayote Shoots, or Dragon-Beard vegetables, are stir-fried with garlic and offer a delightful crunch and vibrant freshness.
The garlic, ginger, and hint of Shaoxing wine complement the vegetables perfectly, adding a delicate yet flavorful dimension to the dish.
Just one of these vegetable dishes with a bowl of steamed rice would be satisfying.
It’s the epitome of comfort food—simple yet incredibly delicious.
Wenchang Chicken
Cantonese stir-fries dominate the Ju Xing Home menu, complemented by various spicy options.
One standout dish is the salt-baked Wenchang chicken, which is highly coveted for its juiciness and rich flavor and often sells out swiftly.
This renowned specialty showcases tender, juicy meat infused with savory nuances from its traditional salt-baking technique.
Its deeply comforting poultry flavor is a beloved choice among enthusiasts of Cantonese cuisine.
Fish with Pickled Mustard
The broth, simmered from a whole chicken, is mild yet flavorful.
It features a subtle sourness and a hint of preserved vegetable saltiness, making each sip delightful.
Enhanced with mushrooms and tender slices of fresh milky fish, it offers a deliciously fresh taste that beautifully complements the broth.
Steamed Eel with Black Bean Sauce
The steamed eel is a masterpiece of tender succulence, each bite delivering a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
This experience was indeed one of the highlights of my trip.
My Experience at Ju Xing Home
It boasts a fabulous menu with no unnecessary frills, and it’s clear why even Michelin-starred chefs choose to indulge here before calling it a night.
The food was exceptional, and the lively ambiance of the restaurant only added to the enjoyment.
I’ve already recommended this gem to my friends in Hong Kong and can’t wait to return on my next trip.
It’s a must-visit for anyone looking to savor top-notch cuisine in the city’s heart.
聚興家 Ju Xing Home
Address: 418 Portland St, Mong Kok, Hong Kong
Phone: +852 2392 9283
Hours: Monday – Sunday: 11:00 a.m.–12:00 a.m.
Google: https://g.co/kgs/p5XGQHt
Blog Disclosure: This is a NOT sponsored blog post. All opinions are mine. The writer and friends paid for their meal.