"Snake soup is delicious!" exclaimed American YouTuber IShowSpeed—with over 38 million followers—after tasting his first-ever bowl in Sham Shui Po, Hong Kong. Traditionally known for its warmth and medicinal value, the dish has gained international acclaim thanks to one woman: Chow Ka-ling, or as she's known locally, "Queen of the Snakes."
A Life Entwined with Snakes
Chow Ka-ling began working with snakes as a teenager in the 1970s to help her father, who ran a wild game shop. Despite societal taboos and personal danger—including surviving two venomous snake bites—she mastered the craft of handling, preparing, and cooking snakes. Her skill and fearless spirit led her to fame in Hong Kong, and she even coached Cantopop legend Anita Mui in snake dancing for a performance.
From Fear to Fascination
While snakes often evoke fear, Chow views them with deep respect. She has handled some of Asia's deadliest species, including the Chinese krait and the five-step snake. Her close brushes with death led her to pivot from raw snake handling to focusing on culinary innovation—crafting unique snake-based dishes that blend traditional Chinese medicinal ingredients with global flavors.
One standout creation is "Power Soup," a dish inspired by her father's snake wine, tailored for modern, health-conscious diners. Her recipes now include meat, vegetarian options, and hot and cold dishes, all infused with the warmth of home-cooked care.
A Taste of Humanity in Every Bowl
Chow's restaurant in Sham Shui Po remains humble but beloved. Locals and tourists alike return not just for the food, but for her genuine hospitality. "Some customers have been eating here since my father's time," she says. "They watched me grow up."
During the pandemic, she even gave free portions to elderly customers in need. One woman recovered from chronic skin issues after drinking Chow's nourishing turtle soup—an act of kindness that turned a casual customer into a loyal friend.
Global Spotlight
Chow's snake soup has reached far beyond Hong Kong thanks to word-of-mouth and online buzz. She's welcomed diners from Japan, the U.S., Korea, and beyond. One couple, after tasting her "Power Soup," returned with a newborn and told her, jokingly, they named the child "David"—inspired by the soup's Chinese name "大力" (daai lik), meaning "strength."
Bridging Cultures Through Cuisine
Even without fluent English, Chow has managed to charm international visitors. "I'm just grateful they find me," she laughs. Her story and soup are now featured in international media, drawing curious palates and adventurous hearts from around the world.
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