Allen Lin has been a wommer since 2008. He tells us where he goes for authentic French food, where to get great Shanghainese and what he likes most about the website. 

What do you like most about WOMguide's website?

The site has excellent information organisation and presentation. First, the auto-complete function in the search box looks through the database in real-time for the names that matches your entry as you are typing. Once found, the restaurant then shows a google map of its location as well as plenty of relevant information you want to know. Then the newly added user reviews show real customer ratings that gives me more insight on the restaurant. 

Which restaurant is your favourite?

I eat at Liu Yuan Pavilion the most. I don't even like Shanghainese food in Shanghai because its generally too oily and sweet. However, Liu Yuan uses very little oil and pretty much every dish I have tried tasted very good. Most importantly, their food is extremely consistent which I have come to rely on. Their spacious tables and friendly service makes this place a personal favourite.

Which dish do you always order at Liu Yuan?

Smoked chicken, stir-fried rice cake, shredded fish, jellyfish head in vinegar, pomelo & sago in mango sauce. During hairy crab season: hairy crab stir-fried rice cake, hairy crab male roe stir-fried noodles

Where was the last place you ate out for dinner and would you recommend it to others?

I probably shouldn't announce this since it will ruin my hidden gem...Last night I ate at Pastis, a tiny new French restaurant on Wyndham Street. It reminds me of being in Paris or even NYC because its food, atmosphere and service are all very personable which I find lacking in HK. Two french guys who own the place are always there making sure the food is served right. Among other ingredients, they fly in Macaroons (better than most in Paris) from a pastry chef in Paris. I love eating there.