Long-established Central shop known for winter snake soup and chicken and rice-noodle dishes.
Ser Wong Fun at 30 Cochrane Street in Central is a long-established Cantonese shop known for snake soup, a traditional winter dish in Hong Kong. It sits on Cochrane Street in the Central district on Hong Kong Island, close to the Central Market and the Mid-Levels escalator, and it is one of the better-known places to try this seasonal speciality. The cuisine is Cantonese snake soup and related traditional dishes. The signature dish is snake soup, a thick, savoury broth made with shredded snake meat, chicken, mushrooms and other ingredients, typically served with garnishes such as shredded lemon leaf, chrysanthemum petals and crispy crackers to add to the bowl. Chicken with rice and rice noodles are also on the menu, and they suit diners who prefer a more familiar option. Snake soup is traditionally eaten in the cooler months, and the shop is busiest in autumn and winter. The dining room is traditional and simple, with plain furnishings and a functional layout. There is no dress code, and the atmosphere is that of a long-running local shop rather than a formal restaurant. Noise levels are moderate. Tea is the standard drink, and there is no wine programme. The shop does not take reservations and operates on a walk-in basis. Hours cover lunch and dinner and should be verified before going. Prices are moderate, with a bowl of snake soup typically costing around HK$80 to HK$130, which is higher than a typical noodle bowl because of the ingredients and preparation. The location is a short walk from Central MTR station and fits into a walk through the Central and Sheung Wan heritage area. Visitors interested in traditional Cantonese food culture, particularly seasonal dishes, often visit Ser Wong Fun to try snake soup in a local setting.
| Price | $$ |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily, lunch and dinner (verify) |
| Reservations | Walk-in |
| Address | 30 Cochrane Street, Central, Hong Kong |
Signature dishes
- Snake soup
- Chicken with rice
- Rice noodles
Good to know
- Known for
- Cantonese snake soup; known for snake soup
Location
30 Cochrane Street, Central, Hong Kong
22.2829, 114.1530 View on map
Highlights
- Traditional Cantonese snake soup
- Garnishes of lemon leaf and chrysanthemum petals
- Chicken with rice and rice noodles as alternatives
- Cochrane Street location in Central
- Long-established local shop
Tips for visiting
- Visit in autumn or winter, when snake soup is traditionally eaten
- Add the garnishes served on the side to the soup
- Order chicken with rice if a milder option is preferred
- Expect walk-in service; no reservations are taken
- Check hours, as they can vary
When to visit
Autumn and winter are the traditional seasons for snake soup. Off-peak weekday hours are calmer.
Accessibility
The shop is a simple room on a sloping Central street, and access may be limited for wheelchair users. Visitors with mobility needs should check ahead.
Frequently asked questions
What is Ser Wong Fun known for?
It is known for snake soup, a traditional Cantonese winter dish.
When is snake soup eaten?
It is traditionally eaten in the cooler months, so the shop is busiest in autumn and winter.
Are there alternatives?
Yes, chicken with rice and rice noodles are on the menu.
Are reservations accepted?
No, it is walk-in only.