It looks like YLK Restaurant ("Yeh Lam Kwok Restaurant" 椰林閣) is making a comeback in 2026! In case you never heard of YLK before, it’s a classic Hong Kong-style “soy sauce Western” restaurant chain that originally gained massive popularity in the 1990s. Known for its casual, nostalgic diner atmosphere and affordable pricing, the chain is a staple of local childhood memories. It’s also famous for generous portions, especially its steak, curry dishes, and stir-fried noodles/rice.
I don’t recall ever visiting the chain as a kid (it probably wasn’t around yet). But I distinctly remember being a frequent customer when I started working in Hong Kong after the SARS outbreak. Back then, that was all I could remember about YLK.
Starting in 2026, news broke and YLK was opening new branches again in New Territories and up to this point, there were already 10 branches around town. I decided to stop by its new Tsuen Wan outpost at KOLOUR (千色匯) this afternoon, hoping to re-capture the magic.
Iced milk tea — The tea flavor was a little weak. It was close but not yet rich or robust enough.
Deep-fried chicken thigh with fried egg and rice — A cha chaan teng classic so I had to give it a shot.
The deep-fried chicken thigh itself wasn’t bad, but disappointingly, the onion sauce was poured all over it, making the crispy skin go soggy and ruining the dish almost instantly.
All in all, it was great to finally make a nostalgic return to YLK after its year-long hiatus. I really need to take a closer look at their char kway teow soon. It used to be my favorite dish around here.
Food Rating: 4.2/10
Price: $$$
Address: Shop 2031, 2/F, KOLOUR • Tsuen Wan I, 68 Chung On Street, Tsuen Wan, NT, Hong Kong
Closest Metro Station: Tsuen Wan
Tel: +852 6469-0422
Opening Hours: 7:00am - 9:30pm daily
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