Combination Chow Fun Tung Kee

Caroline Mae

2 min read

·

11-01-2025

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Tung Kee's Combination Chow Fun isn't just a dish; it's a Hong Kong culinary institution. This iconic dish represents the vibrant street food scene and the city's dedication to perfectly balanced flavors. But what exactly makes it so special? Let's delve into the details.

The Magic of the Combination

The "combination" in Combination Chow Fun refers to the delightful mix of ingredients. While recipes may vary slightly, you'll typically find a harmonious blend of:

• Tender beef: Thinly sliced and expertly stir-fried, providing a savory richness.
• Succulent pork: Adding another layer of meaty flavor and texture.
• Shrimp: Offering a delicate sweetness and a contrasting bounce to the other ingredients.
• Chicken: A common addition contributing another dimension of taste and protein.
• Flat rice noodles (chow fun): These broad, flat noodles are the foundation, absorbing the delicious sauce and providing a satisfying chew.

The specific combination might differ slightly between restaurants, but the core principle remains – a balanced array of protein sources.

The Sauce: The Secret Weapon

The sauce is the heart and soul of Tung Kee's Combination Chow Fun. It's not just a simple soy sauce concoction; it's a complex blend of flavors that achieves a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and umami. The specific recipe is, of course, a closely guarded secret, but we can confidently say it includes:

• Soy sauce: The foundational savory element.
• Oyster sauce: Adding a rich, umami depth.
• Sugar: Balancing the saltiness and adding a touch of sweetness.
• Other spices and aromatics: A hint of garlic, ginger, and perhaps other secret ingredients contribute to the unique flavor profile.

Beyond the Ingredients: The Tung Kee Difference

While the ingredients are crucial, what truly sets Tung Kee's Combination Chow Fun apart is its execution. Decades of experience and perfected techniques contribute to:

• Perfectly cooked noodles: Not overcooked and mushy, nor undercooked and hard. The noodles achieve an ideal texture, slightly chewy yet tender.
• Expertly balanced flavors: The sweet, savory, and umami notes work together in perfect harmony, creating a taste sensation that's both satisfying and unforgettable.
• A wok hei: This elusive "breath of the wok" is a result of high-heat stir-frying, adding a smoky, charred nuance that enhances the overall flavor profile.

Tung Kee's Combination Chow Fun isn't just a meal; it's an experience. It's a testament to Hong Kong's culinary heritage and a delicious taste of the city's vibrant food culture. If you ever find yourself in Hong Kong, this is a dish you absolutely must try.