One of the few things I make sure to never leave Hong Kong without doing at least once is having a…read moresip of the sweet coconut nectar from Coconut King. In the near decade since my last review, it has become one of my most frequented businesses and a rite of passage destination for all of my new-to-HK visitors. This was a must-visit for life in the street side foods of Kowloon. (#1)
However, this last trip to HK I saw no lines and only one person working the stand. I came through Dundas on multiple occasions to see very little activity, making me wonder if this was the effects of the post-pandemic downtrodden economy, but alas I brought a group of friends and we ordered several drinks.
The end result was it was nicely cold, but a tinge blander and less sweet than I had remembered. It was still refreshing, but the wow effect was gone. Before there were people behind the counter cracking open cans of coconut milk and the continuous mixing of drinks, but felt slow and the vibe was a downer. My friends didn't seem too impressed, which I understood why.
The bottle prices are up 4HKD (now 30HKD) from the last decade, which is not as crazy as expected. Considering that they've recently expanded to Prince Edward earlier this year, I imagine the brand is doing well, despite it not feeling the same. I'll be back again soon, and while I anticipate another visit, it will be with much lesser expectations.
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(#1) Yai Ma Tei is the best.
