In spite of a prominent name 五谷香粥店 ("Five Crops Fragrant Congee Shop?), there are certainly better congee dedicated establishments in the neighborhood. While I love the divey ambiance and local patronage, it is the kind of food that does better in a pinch than it does for destination seekers.
The congee is watery, which is probably more of my problem than it is theirs. Despite repeated efforts to ask for a chunkier version of the porridge, I've been met with the soupy version instead. Fried fish skin (炸魚皮) and some fried cruellers (油炸鬼) should aid in the congee eating experience, but instead these versions were stale, dry, and difficult to eat.
I've fared better with some of their noodle dishes, namely the Three Treasures Noodle Soup (三寶米線) along with their Fish Ball Noodle Soup (魚蛋粉). While the broth for both is on the weaker side, a little hot oil (蠟油) seemingly does wonders. Some of the side dishes such as the Rice Rolls are tastier with simple soy sauce than the decorated peanut sauce + hoisin + sesame seed version. The stir fried noodles (炒麵) is a bit on the saltier side, but solid with a bowl of congee.
Last I checked the place didn't have English menus or really an English friendly staff. With a little pointing and pictures, it shouldn't be too much of a chore to get what you want. The service is going to be of the local variety, so hopefully you'll enjoy your bowl of whatever with a side of shouting and seat shuffling. As always, bring lots of cash. read more