Fire Well Hot Pot & Seafood Restaurant

My local-​local go-​to hotpot spot in Sai Wan. I mean, if I have to name one thing that is more superior on the Kowloon side than the Island side, it has to be hotpot. The only true competitor against Tsim Sha Tsui, Jordan and Shum Shui Po, is the one and only Sai Wan.
While Ying Kee got its fair bit of reputation in Sai Wan as well, Fire Well is still my favorite. Walk into a back alley (don’t worry, it is probably one of the broadest back alley in HK’s standard), you will see Fire Well located on both sides of the street — the usual «expand to the next store when goes popular» strategy in Hong Kong. Don’t be surprised if it’s flooded by HKU students, as I used to be one of those, too.
There are no fancy, gimmicky stocks. And even if there was any, I would always go with half-​and-​half anyway (sichuan mala stock + plain broth stock). And there are no AYCE option or special price session too, but it helps maintaining the quality of food and also the portion (if you have been to a AYCE hotpot in town, you will know what I mean. Ordering a dish of beef may get you four maybe five thin slices of beef, and you’ll have to keep ordering it within the AYCE time limit).
So what makes it special? The right on the spot food, and the local vibe. Beef is a must, and make sure you order the neck as well as the chest too. The self made mashed squid (squid «wah») is one of the signature dishes, it gives you the joy of enjoying some squids without having to chew them for 10mins.
Don’t expect a Michelin restaurant service, expect local-​local Hong Kong service. The price has gone up a bit vs the time when I was in uni, but while we’re on it, I just realize it’s a good ol’ decade ago already…
I wouldn’t recommend anyone from the Kowloon side to travel all the way to Sheung Wan to get a hotpot, but it is certainly one of my first choices on the island side.