A cafe serving traditional Hong Kong style food has opened up in the city centre – and it could be York’s newest hidden gem.
The Duck Shack, which overlooks St. Sampson’s Square, opened on 16 May. The new cafe and fast food eatery serve up delicious Hong Kong style roast meats, and aims to create a friendly and welcoming community environment for all to enjoy.
It was previously the cafe Duo Eatery.
YorkMix spoke with co-owner Liqin Zhang to find out more.
Liqin, or Li, owns the Duck Shack with her husband, Andy Jiang. They have lived in Fulford, York for six years after moving here from Bridlington, where they owned a takeaway.
“It’s my dream to have a cafe with a relaxed environment to have friends over,” said Li. “A lot of tourists – they’ve been all over the world. It’s very nice to hear their stories. I like that working environment.”
Li, who is originally from China, first came to the UK over 20 years ago when she did her Bachelor’s degree in Educational Studies at the University of Bradford, and originally planned to become a teacher. “It wasn’t easy to find a job as a teacher.”
She then completed her Master’s degree in marketing, and has also studied at the University of York.
Li’s husband Andy has been working in the catering industry for the last 16 years.
“So we have got enough experience combined.”
The Duck Shack serve up a variety of meats – roast duck, crispy pork belly, char siu (pork neck), soy chicken and roast chicken. The meats can be served over boiled rice, fried rice or noodles, or simply on their own!
The meats are tender and juicy and packed with so much delicious flavour.
“It is very simple but very special” said Li. “You’ve got nearly all kinds of meat that you normally eat, marinated and roasted in a really traditional Chinese way that is really tasty.
“I just can’t say any more about the top quality.”
Set meals start from £13.
There are also specials and sides on offer such as duck with pancakes, steamed buns, dumplings, spring rolls and soups.
Customers can also enjoy a cup of freshly ground coffee or a selection of soft drinks.
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Though they’ve only been open a week, the reaction so far has been very positive. “Every single customer that has come in have just been surprised by how they can find such good quality food that was made in such a small restaurant.”
The cafe has also been a big hit with Yorkshire’s Chinese community. “Within the British community or the tourists, they find us on Facebook, but within the Chinese community we have our own chat groups – and everybody knows now.
“They drive in from Leeds and other places to come and try it now. This reminds them of home.”
Li is passionate about creating “a space where people can come in and enjoy the food and relax, and it’s like a community.
“Anybody is more than welcome.”
The Duck Shack is currently open every day of the week from 10am to late. As well as sit-in, they also offer food for takeaway.
There is currently a 20% discount offer on until 30 May.
To find out more and to stay updated with the Duck Shack, visit their Facebook page.
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