Hey Kee Hong Kong Seafood - Authentic Dai Pai Dong Experience

Step into 1980s Hong Kong without leaving Singapore at this nostalgic seafood haven

In the heart of Kallang, along Guillemard Road where the former Singapore Badminton Hall stands, Hey Kee Hong Kong Seafood has created a time portal to the vibrant streets of 1980s Hong Kong. Opened in January 2024, this restaurant doesn't just serve food – it delivers an immersive cultural experience that pays homage to Hong Kong's iconic dai pai dong tradition.

The Ambiance: A Visual Feast

The moment you approach Hey Kee, its vibrant aesthetics transport you to another era – from the vivid red chairs to green banquet tables and vintage posters of renowned celebrities adorning the walls. These nostalgic details evoke memories of the 80s/90s era and create an instantly Instagrammable setting.

A standout feature is the entrance area, where you'll find a retro bus stop on one side and an old-fashioned barber shop setting on the other – perfect spots for playful photos. The attention to detail is remarkable, with everything from the mosaic floor tiles to the neon signage carefully selected to recreate the authentic dai pai dong atmosphere.

Located at the old Singapore Badminton Hall, Hey Kee is an eight-minute walk from Mountbatten MRT Station, or 11 minutes on foot from Aljunied MRT Station, making it accessible from multiple parts of Singapore.

The Food: Hong Kong Flavors with a Focus on Seafood

Hey Kee is the culinary brainchild of industry veterans Keith Kang (of Yang Ming Seafood and Great Nanyang Heritage Cafe) and Reuben Chua (who brought Yun Nans to Singapore). Their combined expertise has resulted in a menu that celebrates the bold flavors and cooking techniques that made Hong Kong's street food scene legendary.

Signature Dishes:

'Typhoon Shelter' Style Stir Fried Crab ($98 per kg)

This beloved Cantonese seafood dish is said to be created by fishermen — their ode to the typhoon shelters that once shielded them from storms. The crab is stir-fried with garlic and scallions, as well as chilli peppers and fermented black beans, then tossed with aromatic spices. The mountain of crispy fried garlic bits covering the crab is the signature element of this dish, providing a fragrant crunch that perfectly complements the sweet, succulent crab meat.

Don't underestimate the accompanying Signature Claypot Seafood Porridge (price varies based on seafood choice) – cooked with a chicken soup base and fresh seafood of your choice. You can handpick your favorite seafood straight from the live tanks to craft your own personalized bowl.

'Temple Street' Crispy Roast Chicken (Half $22.80/ Whole $39.80)

Hey Kee uses French poulet, known for its tender and flavorful meat. The chicken undergoes a meticulous preparation process, including a lengthy marination and air-drying for up to six hours, ensuring that every bite is succulent. The result is a perfectly crispy exterior that gives way to juicy, flavorful meat within.

Lychee Prawn Balls with Worcestershire & Smoked Chilli Pipettes (Limited stocks available)

This innovative dish combines the sweet succulence of prawn balls with the fruity undertones of lychee, creating a unique flavor profile that surprises the palate. The theatrical presentation includes pipettes filled with Worcestershire sauce and smoked chilli, allowing diners to customize the flavor intensity of each bite. It's not just a dish but an interactive culinary experience that perfectly embodies Hey Kee's creative approach to traditional Cantonese cuisine. Due to its popularity and intricate preparation, this item is available in limited quantities daily.

Steamed Soon Hock with Chopped Yellow Chilli ($9 per 100g)

This dish features tender fish enhanced by fiery yellow chilli that packs a punch while adding wonderful fragrance to the dish. Even those with lower spice tolerance find themselves reaching for more of the aromatic chilli.

Pan Fried Beef Tenderloin Cubes with Potatoes ($36.80)

Served in a sizzling hot pan, generous morsels of Angus tenderloin beef are tossed with a medley of potatoes and onions. The house-made black pepper sauce ties all the savoury elements together, adding dashes of spice to the dish. This quintessential dai pai dong offering delivers both comfort and luxury in equal measure.

Live Seafood Options

True to its name, Hey Kee HK Seafood offers an impressive selection of live seafood displayed in tanks throughout the restaurant. Options include:

• Soon Hock (marble goby fish)

• Sri Lankan crabs

• Lobsters

• Live prawns

• Mantis prawns (known in Chinese as "urinating shrimp")

• Razor clams

These can be prepared in various styles, including:

• Steamed with minced garlic

• Salt-baked

• Stir-fried with superior soy sauce

• Deep-fried with salt and pepper

Drinks: Completing the Experience

Drinks-wise, Hey Kee offers free corkage if you bring your own beverages. They also stock authentic Hong Kong Vitasoy ($3+) in glass bottles and Hong Kong Blue Girl Beer ($8+). No Hong Kong-style eatery would be complete without milk tea; Hey Kee serves HK-Style Milk Tea hot ($3+) or cold ($3.80+).

Pricing: Value for Quality

While the live seafood is priced at market rates, most of the standard dishes at Hey Kee are kept reasonably affordable, especially considering the quality of ingredients and preparation. As a bonus, there is no service charge on the bills here, making the overall dining experience even more appealing.

The Verdict

Hey Kee HK Seafood successfully captures the essence of Hong Kong's golden age through its authentic ambiance and delicious dishes. The unmistakable "wok hei" (breath of the wok) that characterizes dai pai dong cooking is present in every stir-fried dish, and the seafood offerings showcase the best of Cantonese culinary traditions.

Whether you're seeking a nostalgic trip down memory lane, an Instagram-worthy dining spot, or simply exceptional Cantonese seafood, Hey Kee delivers on all fronts. In a city filled with culinary options, Hey Kee stands out by offering not just a meal, but a journey to another time and place – all without leaving Singapore.

Restaurant Information:

• Name: Hey Kee HK Seafood

• Address: 102 Guillemard Road, #01-01, Singapore 399719 (former Singapore Badminton Hall)

• Phone: 9891 0950

• Opening Hours: Daily 11:30am to 3pm, 5:30pm to 10:30pm

• Reservations: https://www.heykee.sg/en_SG/reservations

• Instagram: @heykeesg

• Nearest MRT: Mountbatten (8-minute walk) or Aljunied (11-minute walk)

• Not Halal-certified