She Wong Yee: The Gala Snake‑Soup House Says Farewell
A beloved spot in Causeway Bay will close its doors later this month after more than three decades of serving mandaril‑honed snake soup.
What Made It Famous
- Long‑simmered snake soup that won a spot on the Michelin guide’s Bib Gourmand list
- Humans and snakes both bowing to one anointing broth
- Fisher folk’s “spicy” secret for good luck around Lunar New Year
Why the Curtain’s Coming Down
After the festive rush in late January, the owner, Lo Cheong Hei, noticed the plates were empty. The rise of the coronavirus meant people were staying closer to home—less “online” shopping, more “offline” disasters.
He said the coffee‑shop‑level café’s revenue dropped more than 70 % in the first month after the holidays, leaving the place bleeding up to HK$200 000 (about US$25 800) a month not to mention rent, wages and the costly snake ingredients. The shut‑down seemed inevitable.
Hong Kong’s Tough Climate
With a decade‑long slump spurred by the US‑China trade war, violent protests, and now a pandemic, the city’s dining scene has been hit hard. Delicacies that you can only find in a pinch—like giant floating sets and indie clubs—already gave up the fight.
One Closing, Many Stories
Dino Wong, a regular, said, “The food was delicious, and I’ll miss this little gem where we can taste a bit of snakes. It’s a real pity to see one more place disappear, can’t you feel the loss?”
Having called the place his home for two decades, Lo added, “Out of my life, this place carries the most meaning to me. Maybe one day, it’ll open again—if the stars align.”
For Those Still Wanting a Bite
In the meantime, keep your appetites ready for taste buds that still want a little adventure, because the world of culinary traditions is full of surprises—just watch out for those slippery snake tricks!
