It’s funny how so much of my time in Hong Kong revolved around the Chungking Mansion, which I wrote about after my last visit. At the time I said I wouldn’t return to the murder capital of the city. Spoiler alert: I did.
You want to change money? The best rates are in the Chungking Mansion. Cheapest shopping? You guessed it, the Chungking Mansion.
I started out my trip in another hotel paying triple what I paid at the Chungking. I ended up moving back because the room was as small as the one in the infamous building. Actually, this time the room was as nice or possibly nicer than the one I was paying three times as much for. It was recently renovated so it felt brand new. Sure it was behind a door labeled “Fire Escape” and didn’t appear to have proper licensing but whatever. It was clean and the wifi was fast.
When I was coming and going I noticed a door labeled Khyber-Pass Club: Members Only. I didn’t really give it much thought. Members only? Maybe it’s a brothel, given the building we were in. Not my business.
One night as I passed by the door was cracked open and I could hear voices coming from inside. So, because I’m nosey, I peeked in. I saw a crowded room full of people eating. There were even a few foreign faces in the crowd. I decided to investigate the Khyber- Pass Club.
Apparently, to my surprise, the Khyber-Pass Club is not a brothel. Instead it’s a members only Indian restaurant. The limited information that I found out about it online seemed to be overwhelmingly positive. Some even called it the best Indian food in Hong Kong. The owner was named the King of Curry and has been interviewed in magazines and featured on television. Obviously I had to investigate.
Although the members only requirement felt somewhat intimidating it turned out to be more of a formality. A quick application where no information was verified and you’re approved. The membership card also apparently entitles you to a discount on future visits.
Now, the important part: the food. The food was good but not amazing. The prices were fair, standard even. I had an Indian chicken curry dish (68 HKD/$8.75 USD) with rice and a Kingfisher beer. Would I eat here again? Yes. Would I call it the best Indian food in Hong Kong? Probably not.
At the end of the day this place is better for a story than a meal. It’s pretty cool to say I’m now a card-carrying member of a secret restaurant located in the Chungking Mansion. When you’re in Hong Kong I would say it’s worth a visit, especially if you’re not on a rushed trip.
Practical Information:
The Khyber Pass is located on the 7th floor of Block E in the Chungking Mansion. The restaurant only accepts cash.
Haha! What an experience! It’s sad that it wasn’t really all that great. Sounds like being a member isn’t all that spectacular. But yes, still cool to have that card as a souvenir
I hate the food wasn’t as good as it looks, but it definitely does make for a great story!
It wasn’t bad- just maybe a bit oversold as the best curry in Hong Kong. I would go back!
This is fascinating. I’ve stayed in Chungking many times but never noticed it. Even if I had I would probably have decided it was something dodgy and best left alone.
Way to sell mediocre food maybe. Make it seem somehow ‘exclusive’ and people will want to go there.
How did you feel about the CKM on your previous visits? Were you staying there as a solo female traveler?
I’m so disappointed I didn’t come across the Khyber Pass when I stayed at the Chungking Mansions! It’s a crazy building.
Next time, next time!
It’s funny, we have ‘member only’ clubs at home (in TX) with similar rules, due to alcohol sales laws. I would have thought in Hong Kong, the membership would have been more exclusive, not sure why, though.
I’ve had to fill out a membership card in TX to drink before!
Haha! I would have thought the same thing about a “member’s only” room. It’s a brothel! A restaurant would not have been a first thought for sure. But at least you gave it a try to get in and have a hidden Indian dinner! Good for you!
If you’ve never been to the Chungking Mansion a brother almost makes better sense!
What an experience and a discovery. Great find indeed. Lol. Food and story go well togeher so why not try this place?
I’ll do almost anything for good food or a good story so this was a no brainer!
So funny! I was sleeping at Chunking Mansions me too! Lucky me, the hostel’s owner saw I was booking from France so he gave me a room with a window (apparently French people complain a lot about rooms without windows) 😀
For Americans, me anyway, it’s air con. I have to have air con. I even sometimes like a room with with no windows because I can sleep later!
I was so excited to read that it’s hidden at first but the fact that it wasn’t that good is a bummer.
It’s good but maybe not the best. It’s still definitely worth a try, especially for the story!
Hmm, bit strange why the restaurant is effectively a secret club. Food looks great though!
That’s a really funny story. I’ve never heard of a members only Indian restaurant! There’s a lot of cheap Indian food here in New York City, so I’m sure I’ve had worse Indian food than this restaurant. Maybe I will give it a try some day!
You should! If you’re in Hong Kong it makes for a great story/experience!
That sounds like an awesome experience, I would love to try this place out as Indian food is one of my favourites, thanks for sharing.
I wouldn’t have entered it at all. Glad you did it and found out a secret dining place. And because you said food was not that good I do not feel very good about these foods but the pictures are awesome. The naan and the curry looks delicious..
The name Khyber Pass coupled with the tag of “Members Only”, did sound intriguing. I was expecting some sort of secret society meeting behind the ominous looking door. The fact that it turned out to be an Indian restaurant was a damper to my mind geared up for some “suspense and adventure”. Unfortunately, as you mention the food is nothing great. But still I may like to check it out on my next visit to those parts.
The food wasn’t bad, it just wasn’t as great as they hype, if that makes sense! I would go back. It was an overall interesting experience for sure.