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• hidden gem in tin hau / fortress hill

i've found my new budget-friendly neighbourhood joint. i was the only customer at 2.30 on a sunday afternoon and took my time studying the menu (see photos). while most main dishes are priced between $48-$70 (with some exquisite-sounding ones like "sauteed veggie abalone and asparagus with black truffle pate" going for up to $150), there are cheap options for solo diners under the "noodle in soup" and "congee" sections (ranging between $24 and $35 - there's even plain congee for $10, but, hey, you need your veg). i decided on a bowl of "noodle with braised assorted mushroom and vegetables in soup" ($35), and planned to order another dish if that wasn't enough. i needn't have worried - it was delicious and i was satiated after the meal. to my surprise, there was no service charge, even though a jug of chinese tea was served and its ambience is more pleasant than other budget eateries. i learnt that this kicks in only on the first and fifteenth day of each lunar month (when many buddhists observe a vegetarian diet and veggie restaurants are thus extremely busy). i am not sure how big portions are for standard dishes. but judging from the way they are priced (per person vs standard), it sounds like it might be more than enough for one person. i might try those next time, bringing a container for leftovers just in case.