In the northwest of the New Territories, Yuen Long has historically been an agricultural centre raising livestock, and growing rice and vegetables before massive urban development descended in the 1970s. Geographically, the district comprises six rural areas scattered with 154 rural villages and the busiest part of the township is along Castle Peak Road. While old low-density buildings remain dotted along the main road, new high-rise residential blocks tower up at the outer part.

Be warned, this small township is flooded with dining choices with more than 600 small to mid-scale eateries, from dai pai dong, cha chaan teng, family-run congee stores and dessert houses to chain food stores. Every corner reveals yet more Hong Kong-style delicacies within visual distance.

Eight Japanese Inches

A quick search on the internet came up with nearly 50 Japanese restaurants around Yuen Long. Away from the hustle and bustle of the main road, Kau Yuk Road can be found on the periphery of Yuen Long town. There, 金田長壽司 Kam Tin Sushi Restaurant is a beacon of sushi-maddness for the many hungry gourmet lovers who make the journey here. Queues are pretty much mandatory and judging by the generous portion sizes and the quality of ingredients, bring your appetite and a magazine! 

There is no lavish décor nor elegant entrance. Like many of the places we visit regularly, the food is what attracts us.

Now hold onto your hats because Kam Tin is renowned for its, eight - we kid you not - eight inch sushi.

Founded in 2003, Kam Tin founder Becky continues to stress the restaurant's philosophy of serving generous portions while keeping good quality and low prices. 

The inception of the idea for ‘long sushi' is a result of a foodie's creative way to be different. Different sells and in this competitive business Kam Tin is still going strong. 

We were here for dinner and after a long queue, we sat and ordered the signature long sushi. It was a bit of an eye opening experience - not to mention daunting. We never in our wildest imagination thought the creative sushi set of eight would have fit onto our table (at $10 each - a steal!). It included salmon, butter fish, octopus, eel, tuna...etc.

Well, praise the lord, hallelujah - there was a method to the madness in the form of instruction! The placemat showed step by step diagrams as to how to conquer the long sushi. How about wrapping it around the rice with a pair of chopsticks? You could also take the tail of the long sushi and enjoy as a piece of sashimi. 

The Super Volcano

Another signature dish is the super volcano roll. This was also, gigantic! Measuring four inches wide and weighing in at one kilogram, this monster really lived up to its name. It was a huge lava flow just like the eruption of a volcano, wrapped in salmon and crab roe and filling of crab meat, cucumber and egg. The portion was sufficient for four! 

Like other Japanese restaurants, Kam Tin has a rather comprehensive menu from hand rolls, deep fried, hotpot, a la carte, rice and noodles. Lunch sets are also available with attractive prices. For instance, a sushi set priced $38 to $58.

Not to be outdone by our sushi selections, we also ordered our favourite Udon noodle cold. It was crispy and chewy - delicious. Not surprisingly, it was also a healthy portion for every connoisseur of Japanese cuisine. 

Since 2008, a second branch opened in Tsim Sha Tsui with a similar concept. You may be saved the trip to Yeun Long - but why not make the trip out, the mountains are always beckoning.