This wasn’t really planned ahead but I only recalled later on that Gui Ling Gao (Tortoise Jelly) is famous in Hong Kong. Originally it does contain some derivatives from the tortoise shell but nowadays it’s probably just made from herbal concoction.

“According to a legend, the Tongzhi Emperor nearly cured his smallpox by taking guilinggao. However, Empress Cixi believed his disease could be cured by worshipping a smallpoxidol. She succeeded in convincing the emperor to quit his guilinggao regimen. The emperor died soon after.

Guilinggao is thought to be good for the skin, allowing for a healthier complexion upon repeated consumption. Other supposed positive effects of the jelly includes improving circulation, assisting muscle growth, relieving itching, reducing acne and kidney restoration”

The only reason I started trying this was because of the beauty properties (supposedly).

The first shop I tried it at in Hong Kong was this random herbal tea shop at Mong Kok.

Gui Ling Gao – HK$40 ($6.50)

The portion is quite big and can be shared among 2.

They also sell tea leaf eggs.

The following day, I found out about a more famous chain called Hoi Tin Tong. They have many locations and I happened to see this at Western Market in Sheung Wan.

Gui Ling Gao – HK$50 (SG$8.13)

It is slightly more expensive here as compared to the previous place but I liked this one more because the taste was less bitter. The sugar syrup provided tasted more caramelized than usual and it complemented the bitter jelly very well. I would recommend trying this!

Hoi Tin Tong
Western Market, 323 Des Voeux Road Central, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong