Mongolia native Saruulgerel (Eggi) Enkh-Amgalan is head chef of the newly reopened Tango Argentinian Steakhouse in Central, Hong Kong. He spoke to Andrew Sun.
Compared to other Asian foods, Mongolian food is very plain. We don’t have high-end seasonings, vegetables and spices. In summer, we consume lots of dairy products.
I was in TV and broadcasting previously, then went to visit relatives in England. There, I found a job washing dishes in an Argentinian restaurant. That’s where I first had a chance to try steak and seafood.
Where a Hong Kong cookery teacher goes for food ‘just like the old days’
Where a Hong Kong cookery teacher goes for food ‘just like the old days’
It was a new experience and I loved it. Since then, I have been connected with Argentinian restaurants.
I love Asian foods. Often, I want a nice noodle dish or ramen. A favourite is Butao Ramen (69 Wellington Street, Central. Tel: 3189 1200). Every time I go I order the same thing: ramen in black-garlic-infused squid ink soup.
Whenever I feel homesick and want something similar to Mongolian food, I go for slow-cooked beef brisket noodles like at Sister Wah (13A Electric Road, Tin Hau. Tel: 2807 0181). It’s a very small restaurant. In addition to braised beef noodles, I get the spicy pork dumplings.
The restaurant also has a drink called kvass, similar to a raisin juice I drank as a kid. It brings back childhood memories for me.
As a chef, I spend most days in the restaurant so I hardly ever cook at home. On days off, I do have a couple of quick takeaway places. A favourite is Bao Dim Tat Yan (various branches including 12 Stone Nullah Lane, Wan Chai). I always order the beef brisket curry with rice.
Great dumplings, dim sum, Japanese and steak: Italian chef’s Hong Kong picks
Great dumplings, dim sum, Japanese and steak: Italian chef’s Hong Kong picks
Obviously I love steak. If I want to enjoy good beef somewhere else, I would go to Alto (31/F, V Point, 18 Tang Lung Street, Causeway Bay. Tel: 2603 7181). It has a nice skyline view and the beef Wellington is a signature.
For Mongolian cuisine, Modern Nomads (several locations including Baga Toiruu, in front of Metro Mall, Sukhbaatar District, Ulaanbaatar. Tel: +976 1131 8744) is what I suggest for a good selection of traditional and fusion-style foods.
You could also try any guanz, tiny eateries in Mongolia that do homestyle cooking, like steamed dumplings, fried noodles and snacks. It’s Mongolian fast food.
