To Gel Hongkong or Togel Hanyou is a small village located on the east coast of Vientiane, Laos. The name To Gel Hongkong means ‘The little beach’. It has become a tourist attraction since the year 1997 when American businessman William Flake bought a small fishing boat and moved it to this village. The fishing boat is called the ‘To Gel Dong Krun’, also known as Togel Boat’, and it can be seen at several popular spots around Vientiane.
In the summer when temperatures rise to 60 degrees Fahrenheit, To Gel Hongkong becomes an ideal place for families to relax and enjoy each other’s company. During the hot afternoon, the gentle breeze from the bay produces a perfect setting for families to bask in the sun while eating their lunch or dinner. There are restaurants that serve both local and international food in the To Gel area. In the central part of the town, you will find a small food court called ‘Dalada To Gel’, which features local fresh foods cooked by local families.
If you are looking for authentic Thai food, you will love To Gel Hongkong. This area is famous for its dried fruit offerings and has recently experienced a huge boost in tourism due to its amazing food. Other local dishes include Apa Agen Menyediakan, thin soup with chicken and noodles; Torsade Betung, a curry of mixed vegetables; and Dalam Periyak, a sweet made from banana leaves. Apa Agen Menyediakan is made from a paste of coconut milk and fish paste.
Tipping is not allowed in To Gel as you need to pay a fixed amount before you can order any food. Apa Agen Menyediakan can be ordered in different flavors such as hot and sour, sweet and sour, and a blend of these flavors. The sweet part of the Apa Agen Menyediakan is made using a banana leaf. You can also order Torsade Betung, which is made from mixed vegetables, eggplant, chickpeas, and onion; or Dalam Periyak, a mildly spicy and sour soup.
Some of To Gel’s best sellers are its crispy wontons, the crispy balls of soft dough filled with teriyaki sauce. Teriyaki sauce is made from sake or mirin (a light, clear, and odorless vinegar from Japan). Its crunchiness makes it easy to bite into and enjoy, while the sauce goes well with the softness of the cotton. Some orders of To Gel may include a side dish of sesame oil, fried calamari and fried squid, a dish that has been a favorite of many diners.
If you are looking for a place where you can get great food at a reasonable price, then look no further than To Gel. This restaurant serves authentic Malaysian cuisine, and the food is excellent every time. You can order just about anything here, and the prices are cheap. It is definitely worth trying. For more information on To Gel, check out our blog from last year, “Where to Eat in Malaysia.”