Hong Kong’s beloved noodle chain debuts a bold garlic broth series and cooling hibiscus beverages to beat the heat
As Hong Kong swelters through another scorching summer, South Coast Noodles (南記粉麵) is betting that intense garlic flavours can revive even the most heat-dulled appetite. The popular local chain has launched its Golden Silver Garlic Soup Rice Noodle Series, a new menu line-up featuring a rich, double-garlic broth paired with thirst-quenching Lemon Hibiscus Special Drinks—available with Sprite® or floral tea—designed to cool down diners and restore their zest for eating.
A Broth Built on Two Kinds of Garlic
The star of the new offering is the Golden Silver Garlic Soup, a labour-intensive broth that combines crispy golden fried garlic with stir-fried white garlic. These two garlic preparations are simmered with tiny dried shrimp to create a deeply savoury, umami-packed base. For those who crave heat, the soup comes in three spice levels—mild, medium, and fiery—allowing customers to customise their bowl.
The rice noodles are served with enoki mushrooms and a choice of classic Hong Kong toppings, including beef brisket, fried bean curd rolls (响铃), and the chain’s signature spring rolls. The fried bean curd rolls, in particular, act like a sponge, soaking up the rich garlic broth for an intensely flavourful bite. Prices start at HK$58 per bowl.
“The combination of crispy fried garlic and sautéed white garlic creates a depth of flavour that cuts through the summer heat,” said a representative from South Coast Noodles. “We wanted to give customers something that wakes up the palate.”
Two Cooling Drinks to Beat the Heat
To complement the spicy, garlicky noodles, the chain has introduced two seasonal beverages. The Lemon Hibiscus Sprite® blends the classic lemon-lime soda with tangy hibiscus, balancing the sweetness while retaining the fizzy, refreshing sensation. The Lemon Hibiscus Tea offers a lighter, less sweet alternative, using hibiscus’s natural tartness to cut through the richness of fried sides and the garlic broth. Both drinks are priced at HK$23 per cup, or just HK$7 when ordered as part of a set meal.
“Hibiscus is traditionally used in Chinese summer remedies to cool the body and stimulate the appetite,” a nutritionist noted. “Pairing it with lemon and either soda or tea makes it both functional and enjoyable.”
Crispy Garlic Ribs and Loyalty Rewards
Beyond the noodles, South Coast Noodles is introducing a limited-time snack: Wind-Sand Garlic Pork Ribs (風沙蒜香骨) . These ribs are marinated using a traditional method, then deep-fried until the exterior is crunchy while the meat stays tender and juicy. After frying, they are dusted with a secret chilli powder blend, toasted sesame seeds, and a generous layer of golden fried garlic—creating a “sandstorm” of flavour. A serving of three pieces costs HK$38, or HK$24 when added to a meal.
For loyal customers, the chain is running a rewards programme. Members can redeem 800 points for exclusive South Coast plush toys, or purchase a “Bookbag Spring Roll” keychain or “Fish Fillet Lady” pouch for just HK$20 with any set meal purchase.
Seasonal Strategy and Broader Impact
The launch comes as Hong Kong’s food and beverage sector faces a challenging summer. According to the Hong Kong Retail Management Association, restaurant foot traffic typically dips by 10–15% during the hottest months as diners seek lighter fare or stay home. By introducing a bold, umami-driven broth alongside cooling, low-sugar beverages, South Coast Noodles is attempting to capture both the comfort-food crowd and health-conscious consumers.
The Lemon Hibiscus Sprite® is particularly noteworthy: it uses the natural tartness of hibiscus to reduce the perceived sweetness of the soda, making it a more balanced option for those watching their sugar intake. The Lemon Hibiscus Tea offers an even lighter choice, appealing to customers who prefer non-carbonated drinks.
Industry analysts see this as a smart seasonal pivot. “Many chains rely on cold desserts or simple iced drinks in summer,” said a Hong Kong food industry consultant. “South Coast is differentiating itself by pairing a heavy, savoury broth with a functional, thirst-quenching beverage—that’s a more complete dining experience.”
What’s on the Menu
- Golden Silver Garlic Soup Rice Noodles – HK$58 and up. Choose from three spice levels. Recommended toppings: fried bean curd rolls, beef brisket, and signature spring rolls.
- Lemon Hibiscus Sprite® – HK$23 (HK$7 with set meal). A fizzy, tangy cooler that balances sweetness with hibiscus tartness.
- Lemon Hibiscus Tea – HK$23 (HK$7 with set meal). A non-carbonated, floral option for those who prefer a lighter drink.
- Wind-Sand Garlic Pork Ribs – HK$38 for three pieces (HK$24 with set meal). Deep-fried, spice-dusted ribs topped with crispy garlic and sesame.
A Loyalty Perk for Collectors
South Coast Noodles is also rolling out limited-edition merchandise for its loyalty members. From now through the summer, customers who order any set meal can purchase a “Bookbag Spring Roll” keychain or a “Fish Fillet Lady” mini pouch for just HK$20—a playful nod to the chain’s iconic menu items. Members can also redeem 800 points for exclusive South Coast plush toys.
Why This Matters for Hong Kong Diners
The launch reflects a broader trend in Hong Kong’s casual dining scene: elevating comfort food with premium ingredients and thoughtful pairings. By offering a garlic broth that can be customised with three levels of spiciness, South Coast Noodles caters to both adventurous eaters and those who prefer milder flavours. The addition of hibiscus-based drinks—long used in traditional Chinese medicine to cool the body and aid digestion—shows an awareness of functional eating that resonates with health-conscious consumers.
For diners looking to escape the summer slump, the Golden Silver Garlic Soup Rice Noodles and Lemon Hibiscus Sprite® offer a rare combination: a dish that wakes up the taste buds and a drink that genuinely cools you down. The chain’s decision to keep the set-meal drink price at just HK$7 also makes it an accessible treat for budget-conscious families.
How to Try It
The new menu items are available now at all South Coast Noodles locations across Hong Kong. The Wind-Sand Garlic Pork Ribs are a limited-time offering, so early visits are recommended. For those tracking their spice tolerance, the chain recommends starting with the mild level before working up to the fiery option.
Terms and conditions apply to the loyalty rewards programme. Full details can be found at the chain’s official website.
This article is based on information provided by the brand.