A culinary journey

Evidently, sampan food is the new favorite of Hong Kong's gastronomes and heritage lovers. YouTubers like Sam Evans of the Hong Kong 'Hoods channel have raved about the boat noodles sampled at Lau Kee Sampan Noodles in Aberdeen.

A number of foodies have signed up for the "Eat Typhoon Shelter Crab on a Sampan Fishing Boat" experience offered by Humid with a Chance of Fishballs. Virginia Chan, the tourism company's founder-owner, says that the tour is a perfect vehicle for getting to find out about old Hong Kong, including the lifestyles of its boat people, and how the city's love of fish and seafood is tied to its history as a fishing hub. Riding a water taxi on their way to a sampan, guests "pass the now-defunct floating Tin Hau temple, offering a glimpse into the past, when the Causeway Bay Typhoon Shelter used to be filled with moored sampans. Nowadays it's mostly yachts," Chan says.

She mentions that in the old days, shopping around for sampan food was a somewhat different experience. Each sampan offered a specific food item - be it noodles, seafood or drinks. Humid with a Chance of Fishballs tour guides ensure that their guests understand these historical differences.

Chan points out that the recipes have evolved as well. For instance, what passes for typhoon shelter crab nowadays is a preparation with fried garlic, whereas the traditional variety was cooked in black bean sauce.

Sampan tours are also available without a dining element. Freelance tour guide Kiyo Fung is keen to ensure that the sampan rides led by him "not only offer scenic views but also a deeper understanding of the history of Hong Kong's fishing community, besides close-up views of traditional houseboats, modern boat houses, the Aberdeen Fish Market, and the currently idle Tai Pak Floating Restaurant, among other special attractions".

"As Hong Kong's history is closely linked to its fishing culture, taking a sampan tour around the typhoon shelter while listening to the guide's narration helps tourists to better appreciate where Hong Kong's roots lie as well as see a side of the city that's different from its modern, bustling urban areas," Fung says.