Kim Fung @20: Hyderabad’s secret Chinese haven that teases your taste buds

Hyderabad: Tucked in a small lane near the Tarnaka metro station lies an authentic Chinese restaurant hiding in plain sight for over two decades. Kim Fung is as fascinating as the flavours it offers. It doesn't promise aesthetic lights and Instagram-worthy ambience, but it surely does fill you up with warmth and an inspiring story of the chef, Joseph. This unassuming spot has become a beloved secret among locals craving genuine tastes from afar.

From Kolkata to Hyderabad: Joseph’s journey

Joseph is the third generation of Hakka (an ethnic community from southeast China that immigrated to Mumbai and Kolkata following the great British Raj violence). Joseph’s parents were into tailoring, but their love for food made him turn into a chef. His culinary journey began in Mumbai, where he worked as a chef from 1993 to 2002 before relocating to Dubai from 2002 to 2005.

2006 to Present

He moved to Hyderabad in 2006 and wanted to do something of his own. Joseph named the restaurant after his wife, Kim Fung, who owns a beauty parlour. The restaurant was initially opened in Habsiguda and moved to Tarnaka main road. In 2019, he relocated to the current location near the metro station. Joseph’s passion for food and innovation has been the driving force behind its success.

When asked about his journey, he said, “The love for food and to create something new kept pushing me till this day. I love doing this; there is no such thing as difficulty when I am cooking. The past 20 years went by smoothly.” Kim Fung is more than just a restaurant; it’s a symbol of the power of perseverance and passion. In an effort to maintain their cultural identity, Joseph and his family continue to speak Chinese. Joseph’s younger daughter is following in his father’s footsteps and pursuing a degree in hotel management to carry forward the legacy.

Food and ambience

Kim Fung has developed a devoted fan base, with customers swarming in to enjoy real Chinese flavours. It can accommodate 12 to 14 people at a time, but it’s always busy, packed with people waiting for their turns. In addition to being accessible on Zomato, they offer a convenient takeaway option. On weekends, they anticipate a large number of people, so arriving early is wise. They have around 100 different dishes on their menu, with plenty of noodle and seafood dishes dominating. The cuisine varies from Malaysia, Thailand, and other Asian influences. In order to satiate the Indian customers and their taste preferences, the food is fused with keeping 70% Chinese and 30% Indian.

Mangolian chicken, chicken drumsticks, and the chef’s signature dish, soy chilli wine noodles, are among their specials. They are open from 12:30 pm to 10:30 pm and are closed on Mondays. If you are wandering in and around Tarnaka and in the mood for Chinese, Kim Fung is unquestionably the spot.