Hong Kong, the bustling metropolis known for its towering skyline and vibrant culture, is a veritable paradise for food enthusiasts. This is a city that is a melting pot of flavours, where traditional Chinese cuisine meets innovative culinary techniques from around the world. From Michelin-starred restaurants to bustling street food stalls, Hong Kong offers an unparalleled gastronomic experience that caters to every palate. Whether you’re a fan of spicy Sichuan dishes or crave old-school treats like French toast and milk tea, Hong Kong has it all.
Budget-Friendly Eats ($)
Kau Kee
Nestled in the heart of Central, Kau Kee is a legendary noodle shop that has been delighting locals and tourists alike since the 1930s. This unassuming eatery specialises in beef brisket noodles, a quintessential Hong Kong dish. Service is quick and impersonal because the lines of hungry office-goers are long and winding outside Kau Kee. The heady aroma of simmering broth fills the air as diners savour the rich, flavorful bowls of steaming beef brisket noodles. The must-order dish is the Curry Beef Brisket Noodles, where tender pieces of beef brisket are bathed in a fragrant curry broth.
Shui Kee Coffee
A hard-to-find gem in Sheung Wan, Shui Kee Coffee is one of the most famous cha chaan teng or Hong Kong-style diners in the city. Food lovers come far and wide for the glorious beef and egg buns and egg sandwiches but really, it’s the French toast that deserves your attention. The pan-fried toast is prepared with monk-like attention, using just the right amount of condensed milk to impart that signature taste. Though fried, the toast is not overly sweet or oily—the crispy, fluffy texture makes it a decadent treat you won’t soon forget.
Mid-Range Dining ($$)
Chilli Fagara
Located in the lively district of SoHo, Chilli Fagara is a fiery haven for lovers of spicy Sichuan cuisine. The restaurant is the brainchild of chef Chan Kai Ying, who brings over 50 years of culinary experience to Hong Kong. Inspired by her childhood meals, Chan tweaks Sichuan favourites to suit more health-conscious palates and appetites, so you’ll find lots of vegan and vegetarian options on the menu. Chilli Fagara has received 11 consecutive Michelin Guide restaurant recommendations and is renowned for its “Ma La” spice blend. The Spicy Chicken and Dan Dan Noodles are standout dishes, featuring punchy, bold flavours and a perfect balance of heat and umami.
Hoo Lee Fook
Hoo Lee Fook, situated in SoHo, is a fun and contemporary eatery that offers a playful twist on traditional Chinese restaurants. The interiors seem like an updated mood board for the film In The Mood For Love, with its hip Chinese-patterned walls. Hoo Lee Fook is famous for its Roast Pork Belly and Steamed Mud Crab that stars a deceptively silky smooth egg custard with creamy crab roe. This dish is only available on pre-order so make sure your order in advance.
Fine Dining Experiences ($$$)
Tate Dining Room
Tate Dining Room, located in Sheung Wan, is a Michelin-starred establishment that combines French and Chinese culinary influences. The restaurant’s elegant interior features muted tones and artistic decor, creating a sophisticated ambience. Chef Vicky Lau’s design background and culinary artistry are evident in every dish via her focus on delicate flavours and exquisite presentation. The Ode to Eggs and Lobster Noodles are standout dishes that highlight the chef’s creativity and skill.
VEA and WING
Vea and Wing, two Michelin-recognised restaurants by chef Vicky Cheng that sit one on top of the other, offer contemporary takes on classic Cantonese dishes, in very unique and distinct ways.
VEA stands for Vicky Et Antonio – Vicky and Antonio in French. Vicky is Vicky Cheng, the visionary chef reinterpreting Hong Kong cuisine and Antonio is Antonio Lai, the legendary bartender behind Origin, The Envoy and Quinary. The result of this partnership is a stellar roster of Chinese dishes and drinks— ingredients from Hong Kong, Taiwan and China—wielded using French techniques. Sit at the marble counter facing the open kitchen to enjoy the tasting menu, which plays with stories and traditions of Hong Kong in unique ways. Take for instance the gentle palate cleanser that is reminiscent of Haw Flakes, a nostalgic candy in Hong Kong made from the fruit of the Chinese hawthorn and an ice cream dessert inspired by the old-school dessert vendors in the city.
The second venture from owner-chef Vicky Cheng, Wing is named after his Chinese name, meaning eternity. The tasting menu features traditional Chinese courses made with local ingredients with playful modern riffs. From the tasting menu, the Chilli Alaskan Crab, Sea Cucumber Spring Roll and Roasted Pigeon are all standouts, showcasing the chef’s expertise in balancing flavours and textures.
