I picked Hong Kong Fusion for my Xiao Spot journey because it’s a place I’ve walked past dozens of times and always meant to pop into.

It isn’t tucked away like some of my other Xiao Spots but sits right in the thick of it next to the Round Church. Despite being right in the city centre, it has almost zero internet presence, relying instead on a massive street presence and a reputation that travels by word of mouth.

The Restaurant

The restaurant is bright, functional, and totally unpretentious. It’s light and airy, thanks to a massive window looking out onto the cobbles of St John’s Street, which makes it a great spot for people watching. The decor is classic and traditional, with red paper lanterns, festive cherry blossoms, and greenery tucked into the corners. The staff are lovely and incredibly helpful, and highly attentive.

The Menu

The word “fusion” in its name is a nod to Hong Kong’s unique history, blending Chinese, Southeast Asian, and even British influences. The menu is generally quite authentic, particularly with the Cantonese and Szechuan dishes.
Expect handmade Dim Sum, Cantonese Roast Meats, and regional staples like Szechuan-style spicy dishes. You’ll also find “Cha Chaan Teng” tea restaurant classics like Baked Rice and HK-style Silk Stocking Milk Tea.

Pork Dumplings

​I kicked things off with the Szechuan Pork Dumplings, which came as a portion of three large dumplings. While the portion of pork inside was generous, the experience was, dare I say, disappointing. The body of the dumpling was so soft and delicate that it lacked any structural integrity; the pork simply fell out as soon as I picked them up. It was a nightmare to eat with chopsticks, and I eventually had to wave the flag and use a fork to finish them. They were inoffensive enough, but they lacked any notable texture or flavour to set them apart from other restaurants.

Beef & Black Bean Crispy Noodles

Luckily, the meal took a turn for the better with my sister’s Beef and Black Bean Crispy Noodles. I always love reviewing with her because she always lets me steal her dinner…for the purposes of the review, of course!🤣

The dish was fantastic – a large portion that arrived almost immediately. The beef was cut into large, juicy chunks that were incredibly tender, and the black bean sauce was thick and rich. It came with thick-cut peppers and onions for that mildly spicy sharpness and crunchy texture. I would definitely recommend this to anyone thinking of visiting.

Unfortunately, the speed of the kitchen meant our food came out at completely different times. My dish arrived just as we were finishing the beef, essentially meaning we had to eat separately.

Clay Pot Rice

I went for the Chinese Cured Sausages Rice for £10. You essentially get a large bowl of plain boiled rice with a thin layer of crispy cured sausage on top and a small portion of greens. The sausage itself was fantastic – crispy, salty, and with a punchy flavour that I loved. However, the portion was a little small; by the time I had finished the toppings, I was left with a huge bowl of plain rice. The dish was a little dry, though the clay pot allowed the rice to breathe, giving it a soft texture. Thankfully, a pot of specialty soy sauce was provided to save the day somewhat, but I couldn’t help but feel like it was a little bland.

Another Xiao Spot Ticked Off!

Hong Kong Fusion is another reminder that decent Asian cuisine can be found at every turn in Cambridge, even if this visit was a bit of a mixed bag. While the staggered service and the structural failure of the dumplings weren’t ideal, the quality of the beef was a saving grace.

The restaurant has a lot to offer, with a diverse menu and a great view, but you’ll want to choose your dishes wisely as I feel that the consistency may vary wildly. In a city filled with such high quality Asian cuisine, I feel Hong Kong Fusion struggles to stand out.

Don’t forget to read more about my Xiao Spot Journey!

Thanks for reading!