HONG KONG – A new episode of the TVB program Hong Kong Series: The Best Is Yet to Come, hosted by veteran entertainer Louis Yuen, airs tonight (Dec. 15) and takes viewers on a heartfelt journey through three iconic local businesses. From a six-decade-old noodle shop in To Kwa Wan to a toy-sharing space in Kwun Tong and a legendary knife shop in Temple Street, the episode highlights how these artisans preserve Hong Kong’s culture, memory, and community spirit in their own unique ways.
The first stop brings Yuen to To Kwa Wan, a district rich in old-town character. There, he visits a family-run noodle shop that has upheld the traditional “front shop, back factory” model for 60 years. The shop’s signature dish is the gold medal dried shrimp roe noodles. Manager Mr. Chan reveals the secret: the noodles are made from a blend of dried shrimp, flounder, and flour, with a deliberate reduction in alkaline water. Yuen tries his hand at the art of “folding noodles”—shaping the dough into small bundles—a deceptively tricky skill. After tasting a fresh bowl, Yuen praises the broth for its rich, briny flavor, which he likens to the taste of the sea.
Next, the crew travels to an industrial building in Kwun Tong, where a unique toy-sharing space occupies an upper floor. Thousands of classic toys line the shelves—Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Transformers, super robot combos, and Ultraman figures. These are not for sale. The space is designed for play, not profit. The founder, known only as Joke, says he created the venue to promote a “culture of playing with toys.” Many men, he explains, missed out on childhood favorites due to high prices or limited releases. By opening his personal collection to the public, he offers a judgment-free zone where people of all ages can reconnect with their inner child. Yuen and Joke bond over vintage figures, noting that many of these beloved toys actually have deep roots in Hong Kong’s own design and manufacturing history.
The final segment takes Yuen to a modest knife shop on Temple Street in Jordan, a hidden gem that attracts world-class chefs and foreign knife manufacturers. The owner, 94-year-old Wah, is a local legend. He proudly notes that international visitors come for his craftsmanship, not just the blades. Wah entered the trade at 13 after struggling in school, using a simple sharpening stone to make a living. Over decades, he elevated sharpening into an art, meticulously adjusting the angle and pressure according to each knife’s material and purpose.
As the episode draws to a close, Yuen quotes a familiar saying: “Even the sharpest knife will one day rust.” He adds, “But with Wah around, that won’t happen—any blade he touches is guaranteed to be razor-sharp.” The crew presents Wah with a neon sign reading “King of Knives” in Chinese, honoring his role in bringing traditional craftsmanship to the global stage. Yuen also shares Wah’s secret to longevity: “Don’t force things; stay cheerful every day.” Before opening his shop each day, Wah volunteers for two hours—a practice that reflects his philosophy of contentment and gratitude.
Hong Kong Series: The Best Is Yet to Come airs tonight at 10:30 p.m. on TVB. The episode offers a rare glimpse into the resilience and warmth of small businesses that continue to define the city’s soul.
