Tap Tap at Pui O

As promised, we tried out the new tapas bar in Pui O, opened on the site of the former Pui O Delicious. 

They're still in the midst of fine-tuning their menu. Here's a look at what's available. It's a pity that they don't have paella for two because that was the one we were most attracted to.

 The quality was good but prices a bit steep.

 The olives and water were free. The bread and homemade tomato sauce was HK$25 a serving.

I wish I could say we tried more of their tapas because lots of things on the menu looked yummy - but that's all we could afford. It's probably the kind of place that's best frequented in a group so you can share more of the nibbles.

The bill came to HK$210. We had to go back to Mui Wo and fill up on bread from Kit's Village Bakery.

Special shrimp paste

Mention Tai O and the locals will go: "Ah, har cheong!" The place is known for its very aromatic (some will say smelly) shrimp paste that goes with virtually anything – some have it with beancurd. To find the place, turn left at Tai O Market and continue walking past the public toilets. You will soon find a very distinctive smell pervading the air.

The ground-up shrimp is left to ferment in blue containers until it becomes this smooth paste that is packed with umami.

Some go into bottle while others are dried in blocks.

I'd think I were in heaven too if I were a cat.