CHUNKING MANSIONS - TAJ MAHAL CLUB

A HK institution notorious for its rickety lifts, junkie-infested stairwells, cheap accommodation, and dodgy moneylenders — Chunking Mansions has also always been THE place to get the cheapest and best Indian food in the city. Situated on Nathan Road in TST, you’ll rock up wondering what you’re letting yourself in for, but will soon realise that the building’s reputation is about 20 years out of date. Sure, the lifts are still old clangers and the feel of the whole place is pretty dodgy, but there’s not a used needle in sight in the stairwells and you’re really as safe as you are anywhere else in HK. And the curries are as good as ever. Who knows how many restaurants there actually are in the building, but one that deserves special mention is the Taj Mahal Club. There’s guaranteed to be a tout who will guide you through the maze-like interior to this character-filled little spot: up a couple of floors, through a few dingy alleyways — until you find yourself in a bright room, festooned with balloons and colourful tablecloths, the walls covered in images of, you guessed it, the Taj Mahal. For around HK$ 100 a head, you can order samoosas, naan, rice, a couple of curries, a dal or two, beer, wine, lassis and dessert — and it’s all divine. Khyber Pass and Swagat Indian restaurants are two more good options. If you haven’t been yet, make a plan to get to Chungking Mansions now. It’s an experience (and a good one at that) not to be missed.