Catch, Cook, Serve: Hong Kong’s Legendary One-Stop Fish Market | Street Eats | Bon Appétit

Bon Appétit joins chef Lucas Sin to try some of Hong Kong’s freshest steamed fish at Ap Lei Chau Market. Steamed fish is a traditional Cantonese dish and the fresher the better-at Ap Lei Chau Market they're serving fish caught in the harbor that morning straight to your plate.
Director: Nic Ko
Director of Photography: Hanley Chu
Editor: Kris Knight; JC Scruggs
Host: Lucas Sin
Producer: Mag Shuiman
Line Producer: Jen McGinity
Production Manager: Janine Dispensa
Production Coordinator: Elizabeth Hymes
Assistant Camera: Walter Lai
Audio Engineer: Jonathan Ho
Researcher: Vivian Jao
Fact-Checker: Ryan Harrington
Post Production Supervisor: Andrea Farr
Post Production Coordinator: Scout Alter
Supervising Editor: Eduardo Araújo
Assistant Editor: Justin Symonds
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Bon Appétit is a highly opinionated food brand that wants everyone to love cooking and eating as much as we do. We believe in seasonal produce, properly salted pasta water, and developing recipes that anyone can make at home.

[@jameschattock6271]

your dad nodding his head approvingly at everything you say about the fish is amazing, must be a proud father ❤

[@davidwoo8920]

lucas has learned well.

[@johnlemmon5654]

Especially in the setting of Asians, it is very rare for parents express their appreciation in a percetipble manner, hats off for chef lucas!

[@RichardColwell1]

His dad has such an awesome name

[@lokman8584]

lucas doing true hong kong food so much justice. this HK series is seriously the best thing on BA.

[@illt3ck]

Lucas gave his dad the best bite 🥺

[@woozertoo]

Fish cheek, baby!

[@IvanKala]

Because he loves him the most. ;)

[@curiousity_strikes3854]

As a American born cantonese, I grew up on eating steamed fish topped with scallions/ginger every week (still do, as I still live with my parents, spoiled I know). It is definitely one of my favorite style to eat it. It is such a clean way to eat a fish, capturing the essence of what a fish should taste like without over saucing or topping it. Well done Lucas!

[@operative2136]

As a Canadian born cantonese, I also grew up eating steamed fish topped with scallions/ginger. Unfortunately, where we lived we didn't have access to fresh grouper or sole, so we ended up substituting the types of fish that were available. Pickerel was a common choice for my family in particular.

[@GDIGhostStalker]

American born Chinese here as well, either my mom or my grandfather would buy a fish, usually a tilapia, at the local Chinese supermarket in either Manhattan Chinatown or Elmhurst or Flushing at least once a week and steam it with ginger and scallion for dinner. Nowadays, just living with my aunt, we’ve somewhat downgraded to salmon steaks/filets, but the thought is still there.

[@yrrekad]

Do you have fresh fish in the states?

[@sherrinunya4079]

​@yrrekad Yes we do but it's not always as fresh as this. We live on the Atlantic side so fresh fish is plentiful. The people in the middle of the usa rarely get it this fresh as the seas are too far away. Fresh frozen is everywhere. ✌🏽

[@cczsus6513]

@@yrrekadYes I live in NY and in Chinatowns or major Chinese neighborhoods you’ll always find live fishes in tanks

[@Meepmeep888]

As a Cantonese American, it makes me so happy to see someone so elegantly highlight our cuisine

[@lizijian1212]

Is this Cantonese American cuisine?

[@corntaI]

@@lizijian1212no, this is Cantonese/Hong Kong cuisine

[@Vablonsky]

I loved it when the proprietress/steamed fish lady stood next to the table. She had a gentle smile on her face and looked so proud as Lucas and his dad were so obviously enjoying and praising her handiwork. A great moment in this video. And, of course, Lucas was his magical self as always. Imparting his knowledge and showing us the way.

[@beyondthebox8806]

Lucas's passion for cooking is unmatched.

[@milkteaspoon]

Watching Lucas give his Dad pieces of fish makes my heart melt :') My parents did that for me when I was younger and I realize it was their way of saying "I love you"

[@colorrr34]

I don't know how people normally have their fish in their culture. But in Hong Kong, 清蒸 is the best respect we can do to the fish and enjoy it just as it is. I can't express how important this way of cooking is for every Hong Konger.

[@dh5363]

Sashimi?

[@dumboelefunt4690]

⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠@@dh5363steamed. 清 literally means clear/pure, but here is means “without additional flavoring” but that’s usually not the case as ginger, chinese chives and sometimes wine is used in the steaming process, mostly to remove the fishy smell. 蒸 means to steam. This type of fish is usually served with soy sauce. Imo this cooking method really highlights the quality of the fish, as the only thing you’ll taste is the flavor of the fish (other than sashimi of course)

[@wed3k]

I think the same with many cantonese dishes

[@fatdoi003]

@@dh5363 traditional chinese cooking don't rate raw foods....

[@Niceguy781]

Growing up Cantonese in the States, my parents would make steamed fish exactly like this almost every week, and eating it that often, I grew tired of it. Seeing in this video how Lucas explains the simplicity and beauty of the dish feels like a re-introduction to Cantonese steamed fish and makes me appreciate and miss it since I don't live with my parents anymore. Beautiful video!

[@TL-69]

this BA series is unmatched. what amazing content. Lucas carries this series so hard

[@zerohours.]

Giving the fish cheek piece to your loved one is very much a tradition, thank you for putting that in Chef Lucas

[@carlng8438]

People who haven't tried steamed fish like this are missing out. One of my favourite dishes.

[@kaihamasaki9307]

It’s so easy to make too. Simple ingredients but incredible flavor

[@fhekgor7506]

"BA is fitting the bill." -Lucas LMAO

[@4and20blackbirdsbakedinapi6]

Great documentary again with Lucas, and what a huge treat to have his father on it too!

[@RTBurke]

I visited the Tsukiji Market & was awestruck. Then I went to sea as an International Observer for 5 straight months aboard this ghastly Japanese squid drift netter where nobody spoke English. Of course nobody spoke English, not that anyone spoke to me anyway since they saw me as a spy for Greenpeace which I wasn’t. Hideous job surrounded by dead or dying critters including Dolphin mothers & calves. I would rather have spent the time in jail.

[@jamess3408]

Amazing video yet again, Lucas needs his own TV series!

[@OptimumServices416]

Born in HK but raised in Canada. Have only been back once in my 55 years. Would love to visit one more time to experience food the way HK people eat it regularly. Problem for me is i really wouldn't even know how or where to start. One day hopefully i will be able to gather all the information i need to make my trip worthwhile. 🇨🇦🙂

[@kennethwu115]

Wow Lucas…this is the best video I’ve seen for steamed fish. Amazing. Well done. And regards to your Dad!

[@RealMaxMura]

@7:37 “Fish cheeks…give it to the person you love the most..” ❤❤❤

[@kellychan8856]

Thank you Lucas for introducing authentic Cantonese cuisine and Hong Kong food culture to the world! Again his enthusiasm is unmatched!

[@sourceenginemod]

you need to do more videos with lucas he is one of the most amazing people ever

[@siewmeekoh7045]

Lucas, besides your culinary skills, you are still in touch with respecting your elders....serving your Dad first and the best part, fish cheeks. Kudos to you. By the way the fish variety and the one and only way to taste the freshness of the fish, looks delicious.😋

[@Eonclaire]

I knew it. Anticipated and indeed Lucas would serve his dad first before himself, the first spoon of fish That is how we Chinese were brought up ☺☺☺ 孝亲敬老

[@jefferytse]

I must say that the way you are describing is money. your translation is perfect. I have problems translating at times and you are doing it so effortlessly!! Kudos to you!

[@chrisdooley1184]

HK is my top spot I’ve visited for food adventures by far. Yes it’s expensive and crowded but the many layers and depth of flavors is so worth the trip I can’t recommend it highly enough 😊

[@tjpld]

It's also amazing for hiking. Went to Lantau Island via ferry to Mui Wo up to sunset peak. Loved every bit about HK it really has everything.

[@chrisdooley1184]

@@tjpld it does!! My hiking days are over nowadays. I rented a flat in Wan Chai but most of my friends lived in Stanley and Repulse Bays. The MTR is great for me getting around in a chair but everything is only a short ride away. I don’t think I’ll be visiting there anytime soon as the push by the mainland to overcome anything remotely democratic has led to a general air of uncertainty I didn’t much like last time.

[@chikidchan88]

I want to cry and eat at the same time, I miss my grandparents cooking fresh fish for breakfast and also share very nice quality time together..😭🙏🤤☺ thanks for bringing this memmories back. :)

[@gremsta]

Lucas is him, top tier authentic cantonese cuisine is simply unrivalled!

[@jondoeami]

MORE OF THESE HONG KONG SERIES PLEASE

[@alexmart3931]

Love seeing your relationship with your dad. I love cooking for my dad, I can tell he really appreciates it and I try and make better food each time.

[@MoChua]

This is one of the reasons why I love Hong Kong and think that it is one of the greatest cities too eat Chinese food.

[@StormyP101]

Now I have a giant steamed fish craving. Thanks Lucas.

[@theodoranorton4779]

Such a pleasure to meet your respected father.

[@evansamson2703]

I see Lucas I click on the video Edit : also Eric

[@gilbertsilvas1470]

Real

[@kl5792]

Always!

[@Sampson989]

Me too!!!

[@ny9988]

lucas out here making the absolute best content lets go

[@alfredkhew1634]

7:47 Yes, fish cheek for your loved one. Pronunciation in Cantonese is very cute, “面猪登”~"min ju dan".

[@supalvoslvlan]

As a generally critical person, I appreciate and enjoy Lucas's breadth of knowledge and his skill and passion in including technical aspects in an overall approachable experience. He shares things many people probably have not come across which is always interesting. I'll be interested to see how his development process evolves

[@dragonfx310]

The steamed grouper with scallions in soy sauce is a must in a Cantonese-style dinner. I love it.

[@lowyieldbondfunds]

Lucas, thank you for spreading the true essence of Hong Kong culture to the world. 🔥 It's awesome.

[@RamenN00dles_]

in love with the way Lucas describes food

[@anasandoval6698]

I'm glad they brought out the rice bc I was thinking "They can't just be eating the fish and not having it with any rice!" All of those fishes looked so tasty, I was over here behind my pc screen drooling.

[@wed3k]

I never wanted steamed fish so bad

[@afhin_0285]

shouldnt be watching this in the middle of the night, now i'm craving for some 🥲

[@nickyang1143]

Love the Asian dad nod The nod of someone who's had many many plates of live fish

[@mariafranco5756]

So nice to have your dad join you! ❤ love it. Enjoy and thank you for teaching us about the wonderful food you know about! 😊

[@fromdaphne]

Lucas giving the coveted fish cheek bite to his dad is everything 🥰

[@stacimathura9874]

I've actually been to that market when I visited my husband's family in Hong Kong! Truly a memorable experience seeing all the fishermen and people buying the freshest fish off of the boats! amazing food too 💓

[@threengcircus]

OMG I wish I had more steamed fish when I visited HK and did a 'flight of fish' like you just did! Fantastic. The best way to respect that fresh catch.

[@user-jk5um1om8l]

This is at the heart of Cantonese cuisine - steamed fish! The sauce is unbelievable. Looks simple, but it’s the cleanest, clearest, freshest, tastiest essence of umami.

[@egrose]

Love your passion, narrating and attention to detail, Lucas. Keep it up. Love this content (and streamed 🐠).

[@zpumbaa]

this guy highlights everything i love about hong kong cuisine. bravo

[@johnkim1043]

Lucas, your knowledge and passion for food is infectious and inspiring.

[@bobbymoss6160]

Fresh steamed fish is everything! Another great episode hosted by Lucas!

[@kiddwong4186]

Fellow HK'er here (grew up and living overseas). I'll eat steamed fish all day if given the opportunity. Just that and a bowl of rice is enough to make me very happy. Have to admit I looooove having ginger in with the spring onions though.

[@markchristopher4165]

My favorite one of these episodes so far!

[@jollyeskimo]

so much Lucas content, great start to 2024 🙏

[@BullyMaguire69]

Can’t believe Lucas just made me feelin homesick more than ever before Steam fish or seafood are the simply best

[@SuperKMao]

Amazing video as always Lucas. Steamed fish is in my top 5 dishes all time

[@kalidedan]

My mouth watered all through this video omg

[@Retrospec00]

This guy is actually amazing, i love his videos

[@bofgher]

Thank you for this video. I grew up in Hong Kong but now live mostly overseas. I absolutely adore steamed fish and it is without a doubt my favourite dish-my favourites include grass carp and golden pomfret. There is a sense of comraderie and mutual respect among those who appreciate steamed fish with a hot bowl of rice.

[@omiomardreamer0929]

Thank you for sharing Lucas

[@unearthedname87]

When chef lucas bring the bowl of rice. I nod in agreement. Yes. Steamed fish without rice is incomplete.

[@jeremyfooter5080]

Fantastic episode. Passionate & knowledgeable host, and the food and surroundings are the star. Everything a travel show should be.

[@dannysmith8895]

i really enjoy your videos there so informative.

[@dennischan7598]

Great content Lucas! Thank you for promoting HK food scene and culture!

[@HLai69]

thanks for reminding us the fish cheek thing...giving it to the one you love the most :)

[@benatrix]

Loveeee this series ❤❤

[@jujueats4289]

i’m drooling looking at this…going to go try it tomorrow!!🤤

[@mochikinako78]

0:14 Too bad that the HK government is suing these market vendors if they attempt to clean fish for the customers…simply ridiculous

[@thetravelbaker]

Watching this makes me want to make another trip back to HK with this the priority! Bad thing about travelling alone is I could not order or taste as much seafood 😢

[@lhagvae]

I love your channel and your knowledge and respect for the food and the people who make them.

[@gt-gamingx853]

Lucas is everything he's the best ,, anything I see Lucas I click ,😊

[@WinnieRoot]

Lucas, thank you for making this video. I grew up in Aberdeen and remember the fish market well. It is a childhood experience that we didn't know to appreciate. I'll definitely have to revisit and share this unique experience. Thank you again.

[@jumanji5239]

Wonderful that you enjoyed it with your father.

[@znium]

Lucas bringing back my love for BA

[@Sunny_Tang]

Love watching Lucas!

[@dsrleader1563]

We need more vids like this

[@dazuotv]

Thank you for the nice video about Hong Kong's legendary one-stop fish market 👍

[@danielh4295]

Steamed fish, esp a Grouper, is the crown jewel of Cantonese cooking.

[@rondesantis1202]

Thanks Lucas! As always, very insightful and your passion for food shows. Give my regards to your Dad!

[@JustiniusGray]

As a kid I loved eating bowl after bowl of rice with that delicious fish and sauce heaped on. I'm craving steamed fish now.

[@qbishop1]

I am sooooooooooooooo hungry. Thank you!!!

[@rokkenshin928]

Lucas knows his stuff, for real 👍

[@hpufo]

Aww what a sweet episode.

[@tashmitkhan2853]

I never want these to end.

[@ArielK1987]

People who sell food at the food markets. Are incredible knowledgeable about their product and they treat you like one of their own.

[@lilianchan4111]

I am sooooooo jealous seeing all those delicious plates of steamed fish. 😋

[@edwindikwantoro4101]

2 steam grouper, perfect dish 😍

[@Alice_Walker]

Amazing. I feel very honoured to meet Lucas' Dad! 💜

[@andreat7967]

an absolute legend

[@obsidiancrow450]

incredible cooking. really wish i had a chance to eat steamed fish that fresh!

[@joyyyhuu]

love this !

[@briijaay]

I want to be as passionate about something as Lucas is about cooking and eating.

[@rmwgroup3465]

Loved meeting your Dad. Thanks Lucas.👌👌

[@raywong1002]

One of my favorite foods to eat.

[@ahchoen]

Wahhhhhhh 4 top quality fresh fishes at one go

[@Waruto]

Love this dish.

[@rizkyugrasena]

I see lucas, I click it. Never regret it.

[@SueK2001]

I’m so sad that there are no live fish markets where I live. I miss making steamed fish and my family misses eating it.😢 Watching Lucas and his dad eating all four fish on the table made my mouth water lol.😂

[@lemons_s]

My mouth is watering. I could literally devour all those fish.

[@joshuatam8975]

i love steamed fish so much