BALING, Kedah: Hong Kong veteran star Kenneth Tsang was spotted at Kong Heng Restaurant, famous for charcoal-grilled pipa duck in Baling, Kedah, last Saturday.

The friendly Tsang accepted all requests by fans at the restaurant for photograph sessions.

He also asked the chef for the recipe of its signature pipa duck.

Kong Heng Baling Restaurant operator Liu Ai Yu said in a phone interview with Sin Chew Daily that she was busy at the shop when a customer alerted her the presence of Tsang in the restaurant.

“It was 3 p.m. Although the lunch hour was over, there were still some patrons at the restaurant.

“I did not expect him to be at the restaurant although I read in the newspaper that he is now in Malaysia.

“Tsang is still quite fit. Although he is aided by a walking stick, he does not look 88 years old,” she said.

Liu said Tsang was accompanied by his assistant from Hong Kong and a couple believed to be Malaysians.

Apart from pipa duck, they also ordered fish head curry and bean sprouts with salted fish.

“Tsang said he liked the local curry. They also bought our pipa duck sauce before leaving the restaurant,” she said.

Liu said she requested to take a photo with Tsang after they finished their meal.

“He is very friendly and humorous. He even chatted with my son and asked about local pipa duck. He also shared how to make Peking duck in Hong Kong.

“I never thought of meeting Tsang in person. I have watched his shows since young. He is like a kind father to me,” said Liu.

Kong Heng Restaurant is now run by its third generation owner.

TV host Jason Yeoh who produces and hosts the popular Axian’s Food Adventures, featured Kong Heng Restaurant back in 2014.

The restaurant used to be frequented by locals outside of Baling.