Stunned and baffled by my inability to blag my way past the maÎtre d' at Hong Kong University Alumni Association, I quickly re-assess the situation and think "where would a Hong Kong local go for comfort food in a times of despair?"

Just as I ponder that very question, I realize that I'm standing down the road from Tsui Wah's flagship restaurant, and I head west on Wellington St. to dine on Hainan ji (Hainan chicken, pronounced high-non jee, 海南鸡) and braised beef cubes, and wash them down with a cold and sweet dongnai cha (milk tea, pronounced dong-nigh chah [Mandarin], or dong ligh-chah [Cantonese], 冻奶茶).
 

While I didn't manage to chow on HKUAA's "babaoya," I end my day of gluttony with one final meal, a feast of epic (pro)portions at a classic Hong Kong establishment.

With 13 locations around Hong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories, many of them serving food 24 hours a day, Tsui Wah is a staple of every locals dining regimen. With a casual and inviting atmosphere, Tsui Wah relies on its aura of familiarity . . . and tasty food.

Below is a map of Tsui Wah's Hong Kong locations. No matter where you are, sarel="nofollow" ve Lama Island or Lantau, you're bound to be near Tsui Wah.

View Tsui Wah Hong Kong in a larger map