Hong Kong’s Queen of Macaroni

There was a time when you could find dai pai dongs, or hawker stands that sell food at low prices, along every street in Hong Kong. Now, only a few remain. Join us as we speak to Irene Lee, the owner of one of these dai pai dongs, and learn more about her famous tomato macaroni soup.

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[steffansiu]

I've been going to this place for over 13 years, since I was 8!! Such lovely people who have watched me grow up and so proud of them and everything they stand for

[TheSmokey]

I love how she gets so much pleasure from providing filling good low cost food for the neighborhood! People really need healthy fast food 🥘that even kids can pay for with their own pocket money. It’s really helping the community for their hard work. It’s amazing how they even bake their bread rolls instead of buying from a mass produced bakery.

[cryzpin]

"When I see my customers finishing the entire bowl and I see the satisfaction on their faces, it gives me a real sense of achievement. Because we're sharing happiness in that moment." Amazing.

[edmondlau]

Only 28 food stalls left. What a shame. Those stalls were such a huge part of what gave Hong Kong its personality. I remember eating at many as a kid. Cheap, quick and would fill you up. Going to sound like an old man but things were just better back then.

[stevocanuck]

people like her make me proud that i work in the restaurant industry. This is a thankless yet very much needed service everywhere in the world people must eat. We just need to be treated a bit better and a potential overhaul is probably needed

[foongjunemeng]

Huge respect and dedication from this lady to support her family. 45 years of love doing what she likes to do.

[gavinknutson]

Her story made me cry. Looking at her. U know she's worked hard all her life and endured alot

[MIG]

I love that it's still a family-run business. It's really heartening that she still works with her siblings after all these years!

[Vablonsky]

Auntie Irene and her stall is special for the decades long dedication that they've put in. And, in so doing...keeping Hong Kong's dai pai dong culture alive. I hope they persist and continue on for a long time. I don't know what the future will bring; but, Hong Kong will definitely lose something significant whenever any dai pai dong closes permanently.

[samsonchan]

I was one of these children that grew up in their parents’ food stall. It was a hard life, but the sense of community at these food places you will never find anywhere else. I understand that times are changing, but it will be such a loss to Hong Kong if they were to all eventually close. I hope to one day bring my children there before they do.

[deepdivin]

I love stories like these.. Down-to-earth food by down-to-earth people. That one line she said 'we know who they're dating before their parents'. That kinda summed it up for me.

[DUDEfreestyle]

this lady is so wholesome, love it! i hope nothing but the best for her and her family.

[Unforgettable]

I like her humble spirit, what she said truly touched my heart - very rare to find these days when a lot of people become arrogant when they become popular and successful.

[AsianFoodNerd]

🚀 As a Chinese American living in Hong Kong 🇭🇰 past decade, I'm blessed to have these comfort food street food still around. Food replenishes the soul and a good meal unites people. Props to this auntie. 🚀

[teal]

Major Respect!! Love stories like these that people are actually thrown in and have no choice like this Woman to have been born in a kitchen!! Amazing and to her Mother is more respect on top of the first respect!!

[traitortots]

The way she put it is what I want for myself. To own an establish that people want to come to for a long time, and watch your community grow

[ElaineFMN]

She needs to wear a t-shirt with the word “ICON” on it!!!! Many blessings to her and her family and May their business stay around for many more decades to come…. 🙌🏽❤️💪🏽

[HaloGoddess]

what a beautifully made video!! We need more people like this in our world <3

[lexismith]

Beautiful story, foods looks great! Thank you for sharing your story, Irene.

[knqw]

Only visited Hong Kong twice, but we ate here every chance we've got! It has been years since then but I still remember and crave that yummy tomato soup noodles and lemon cui cui buns!!! Also, the milk tea here was awesome!