If you're like me, finding good places to eat when you're traveling is a key part of enjoying your trip. Hong Kong is a diverse international city that offers a wide range of cuisines, so you can find anything you're craving! But with so many options to choose from, how will you decide where to go? In this post, I'll share some of my favorite spots to eat in Hong Kong to get you started!
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Since I spend a lot of time in the central to western districts of Hong Kong Island, you'll find most of my favorites in those neighborhoods. Organized by type of cuisine, use the Quick Navigation to jump right to what you're craving or get some ideas by reading the whole post. Don't see what you're looking for? Let me know what cuisine you're craving in the comments section and I'll include it in my next post on where to eat in Hong Kong!
Dim Sum - A Hong Kong Classic
Dim sum is a Chinese small plates experience, so you order a variety of dishes for the entire table to share. Traditionally, servers rolled carts through the restaurant and you chose items from them as they came by your table. Now, most places just have a paper order form (in both Cantonese and English) that you use to check off which items you'd like.
Dishes at dim sum restaurants include dumplings, steamed buns, meat dishes, rice bowls, cakes, etc. The meal is accompanied by Chinese tea which is usually served as soon as you sit down at your table. (You'll notice a small "tea service" charge on your bill which is standard.) Dim sum is a classic Hong Kong food experience that everyone should try at least once while visiting!
Dim Sum Square
The first dim sum place I ever visited in Hong Kong - Dim Sum Square - is still one of my favorites in the city. Their crispy BBQ pork buns (char siu bao) - filled with savory pork filling and topped with a sweet crunchy glaze - lure me back time and time again. Other favorites are their shrimp crystal dumplings (ha gao) and sweet golden spongy cake.
Located in the heart of Sheung Wan, Dim Sum Square is a favorite spot for many office workers so the queue during lunchtime is long. It's best to visit during an off-peak time and be prepared to share a table, especially if you have a small group.
Price: $ (cash only)
Address: 27 Hillier Street, Sheung Wan
Tim Ho Wan
As one of the cheapest Michelin-starred restaurants in the world and with several locations around Hong Kong, it's definitely worth a visit. Its baked BBQ pork buns (char siu bao) - which also have the sweet glaze on the outside that I love - are phenomenal! My other favorite is their steamed rice rolls - either the pork or the shrimp.
Tips for eating rice rolls: When they arrive, pour a little soy sauce on top to keep them from sticking together and use your chopsticks to slice the stack into smaller pieces. This makes them easier to share and to grab with your chopsticks.
Tim Ho Wan has many locations and all but one has received the Michelin star. The North Point location is my favorite location and going in the late afternoon, I've gotten in without a wait! Even though there's a location at the IFC Mall in Central - avoid it! It's incredibly crowded. Plus, if you're trying to go to a Michelin-starred restaurant, the location in the IFC Mall is the one that has not received the star.
Price: $ (cash only)
Address: 8 Wharf Road, North Point
(Other locations in Sham Shui Po, Tai Kwok Tsui, and Central, plus several others abroad.)
Planning your Hong Kong itinerary? Check out '12 Hours in Hong Kong: How to Hit the Highlights'!
Chinese Cuisine
In addition to dim sum, Hong Kong has a wide range of other restaurants serving a variety of Chinese dishes. From local Cantonese noodles to Beijing dumplings to spicy, mouth-numbing Sichuan hot pot, you can sample a variety of Chinese cuisines in Hong Kong!
Mak's Noodle
A local favorite, Mak's Noodle is a Cantonese noodle shop that specializes in wonton noodles. Stop by this tiny, bustling shop and grab a bowl of beef brisket wonton noodles for a hearty snack or first lunch. The bowls are kind of small, so I'm usually hungry again after a few hours.
Price: $ (cash only)
Address: 77 Wellington Street, Central
(Other Hong Kong locations include Jordan, Causeway Bay, TST, Tseun Wan, Hung Hom)
Wang Fu
Consistently written up in the Michelin Guide, Wang Fu was one of the first shops to open on Wellington Street. It's famous for its Beijing-style dumplings and they make over 10 varieties, including a vegetarian one (which is only served after 2pm).
My favorite dumplings are the Pork and Long Bean or Pork and Chinese Cabbage. I also enjoy their noodles and always have to get the Noodles with Spicy Pork.
Price: $ (cash only)
Address: 65 Wellington Street, Central
Thinking of visiting Beijing on your trip? Read these 8 Great Things to Do in Beijing!
The Monogamous Chinese
A combination of Beijing and Sichuan cuisines, sometimes with a hint of other regional flavors thrown in, The Monogamous Chinese is a flavorful journey for your palate. Some highlights are the Dan Dan Noodles, Minced Pork with Green Beans, and Sizzling Stir-fried Chicken in Spicy Hot Sauce.
This cozy restaurant is hidden in an alley under the Mid-Levels Escalator halfway between Elgin Street and Caine Road. Look for the lanterns to find the restaurant's (somewhat hidden) entrance. The interior is boldly decorated with a 1950s flair and a huge portrait of Chairman Mao made entirely of patron's business cards. It's a charming setting to enjoy a delicious meal.
Price: $$
Address: 59 Caine Road, Central
Bistro Manchu - CLOSED*
Serving up hearty Manchurian fare with friendly service in the heart of Soho, Bistro Manchu is a great place to stop for dinner after a few drinks! I enjoy their pan fried dumplings - both the pork and vegetable - as well as their sizzling meat dishes. Plus, the service is friendly with an extra bit of humor at times!
Price: $$
Address: 33 Elgin Street, Central
*As of February 2020, Bistro Manchu is boarded up and looks permanently closed.
Megan's Kitchen - Hot Pot
If you've never tried hot pot (or even if you have) Megan's Kitchen is a great place to start! Not only do they serve the traditional spicy sichuan hot pot, but you can order it half-and-half with another broth. They offer more than 10 broths to choose from, including some unusual ones such as Tom Yum Goong, Lobster Borsch, Tomato & Crab, and Malaysia Satay (which is delicious!).
Two kinds of broth - Sichuan and Malaysian Satay
Be sure to bring a group with you so you can order a bunch of meat and veggie dishes to try. They also offer a great free-flow deal on wine and sake for 2 hours (be careful!).
Price: $$
Temple Street Night Market - Seafood Shops
Although this is not just one restaurant, eating near this market is a great local experience with delicious food. Most of these restaurants are only open at night and offer seating which spills out onto the sidewalks. This lively scene is great for people-watching while you eat. Ride the MTR to the Jordan station and take exit A. Below is a map showing some of the streets you should check out.
To find a place to eat, wander through the pedestrian alleys filled with restaurants. Locate one that looks popular, grab a table, and order some seafood! Since it's all fresh, they may have daily specials or may not have certain seafood listed on the menu. Whatever you get, it will be delicious! Wash it down with a local Tsingtao beer.
Price: $-$$ (cash only)
Address: Temple Street Night Market, near Jordan MTR exit A
Be sure to check out my Guide to Using Public Transportation in Hong Kong before your visit!
Vietnamese Cuisine
Craving a hearty bowl of pho? Or want to try a spin on classic Vietnamese dishes with the same delicious flavors? Give the places below a try!
BÊP Vietnamese Kitchen
One of my favorite lunch places in Central, BÊP has a variety of pho noodle soups, bun rice vermicelli bowls, as well as salads and appetizers to try. During lunch, they offer a special appetizer and main combo deal. My favorite is the Pho Tai - a huge bowl of pho with medium-rare, thinly sliced beef and a rich beef broth.
Price: $
Address: 88-90 Wellington Street, Central
Chôm Chôm
Dishes inspired by classic Hanoi street food and paired with unique cocktails - what's not to like? Its cozy interior is always hopping so you should expect a wait, especially going during peak times. An absolute must-try is the Pho Roll - I could order 10 and still want more! How they pack so much flavor into that dish is beyond me. But every dish I've had at Chôm Chôm has been spectacular so no matter what you order, you're bound to be pleased.
Pho Roll at Chom Chom
Price: $$-$$$ (Depends how many dishes and cocktails you order...)
Address: 58 Peel Street, Central
Need ideas for your trip? Check out these 16 Incredible Things to Do in Hong Kong!
Taiwanese Cuisine
Hong Kong has a plethora of Taiwanese beef noodle soup restaurants and bubble tea shops. I don't have a favorite, but on the Kowloon side of Victoria Harbour especially, there are a ton to choose from. Wandering through Mong Kok and Yau Ma Tei, I usually pop into one for lunch.
Another popular Taiwanese snack - stinky tofu - is noticeably present as you walk through Mong Kok. You'll undoubtedly smell the pungent aroma of stinky tofu grilling at the small stands along the sidewalk. Give it a try if you're feeling brave - some people love it! (But I'm not one of them....) On the restaurant front, the one below is one you have to try!
Din Tai Fung
Perhaps you've been to Din Tai Fung already? Although it opened in Taipei in 1958 as a small mom-and-pop restaurant, it has grown into an international franchise. Din Tai Fung now has over 160 locations in 14 territories. If you're looking for the best xiaolongbao (Shanghainese steamed soup dumplings), I think Din Tai Fung wins hands down. The dough of their dumplings is light and delicate and the inside is always full of delicious broth.
If you aren't visiting Taiwan on your trip, be sure to visit one of Din Tai Fung's locations in Hong Kong!
Price: $$
Address: 68 Yee Wo Street, Causeway Bay
(Other Hong Kong locations include TST and Sha Tin, plus many more globally.)
Italian / Italian-American Cuisine
I'm not an Italian cuisine purist, so I'm grouping Italian and Italian-American restaurants together for simplicity's sake. Plus, I think restaurants in Hong Kong might use the terms interchangeably. Whatever they are, these restaurants serve up tasty food and that's what matters most to me!
Pirata
For a fancy night out, head to Pirata for fresh Italian cuisine and a rooftop bar with amazing skyline views. They have a great wine selection and mouthwatering dishes like Burrata with Parma Ham and The Butchers' Cut - a flank steak cooked to perfection.
Price: $$$
Address: 29-30/F, 239 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai
Carbone
Identified as a New York-Italian restaurant, its hearty portions and decor make me believe it. Mario's Meatballs are a must-try! Some of the other delicious dishes that we tried were the Carpaccio Piemontese and the Lobster Ravioli. Its friendly service and family-style dishes would make it an excellent place for a dinner with a group of friends!
Price: $$$
Motorino
Delicious pizzas in a warm atmosphere, Motorino has two locations and both are excellent! My favorite pizza is the Prosciutto di Parma. And, if you're looking for some greens, try the Arugula Salad with the dried figs. The ingredients are fresh and delicious!
Price: $$
Alvy's
My favorite pizza and beer place in all of Hong Kong! Alvy's decor is New York-style and their pizza is a thin-crust sourdough that is unique and delicious. The menu offers a range of pizzas from classics like the Pepperoni to Alvy's specialties like the Bak Gwei, topped with char siu pork. Sometimes, they even offer an off-menu specialty pizza such as the Thanksgiving pizza below!
Thanksgiving meal of champions - Thanksgiving pizza, curly fries, beer - what could be more American?
In addition to pizza, they have a great selection of craft beer on tap and a wide selection of whiskeys and bourbons.
Price: $$
Address: 8 Holland Street, Kennedy Town
Do you love craft beer as much as I do? Check out the 16 Best Bars for Craft Beer in Hong Kong!
Mexican / Tex-Mex Cuisine
Growing up in the U.S., Tex-Mex was a staple for me and I crave it regularly. Luckily, Hong Kong has some great options! In Kennedy Town, a neighborhood in western Hong Kong Island where a lot of American expats live, you'll find a couple of my favorite places.
11 Westside
Table-side made guacamole and tacos bursting with flavor are the highlights for me at this Mexican restaurant. Headed by Mexican native Chef Esdras Ochoa who was featured on Netflix's show - The Final Table - 11 Westside is authentic and has a great vibe. The cocktail scene is another noteworthy attribute!
Since it's a bit on the pricey side, make a reservation on a Tuesday or Thursday to get a special deal! Taco Tuesdays - all tacos are 50% off. Thirsty Thursdays - wine, beer, shots are 50% off!
Price: $$$
Tequila on Davis
Tequila on Davis reminds me of my favorite Tex-Mex place back in Washington, DC. Its strong margaritas, spicy chorizo nachos, and cheesy steak enchiladas make me happy every time I visit. The vibe is casual, the portions are large (recommend sharing), and the prices reasonable. Makes it a great place for a weeknight out with friends!
Price: $$
Address: 1 Davis Street, Kennedy Town
Mediterranean Cuisine
Hong Kong has a great selection of Mediterranean restaurants. In addition to delicious food, you can usually find a good selection of wines from the region at these restaurants as well.
Maison Libanaise
This Lebanese canteen, inspired by 1960s Beirut, is one of the prettier buildings in Soho. Its red exterior and beautiful mural on the side of the building draws your attention as you ascend the Mid-Levels escalator. It serves a delicious range of mezze and mains - all designed for sharing. They have a good selection of Lebanese and other wines, plus they serve several 961 beers - a Lebanese microbrewery.
If you're looking for a quick meal, order from the counter on the ground floor for take-away. This is a great option for lunch!
Price: $$
Address: 10 Shelley Street, Central
Are you thinking of visiting Lebanon? Check out 10 Things Not to Miss When Visiting Lebanon!
Le Souk - CLOSED*
Mentioned in the Michelin Guide, this Middle Eastern restaurant combines dishes and flavors from Morocco, Egypt, and Lebanon. My favorite dishes are the roasted fig salad and the lamb tagine. The beautifully-decorated space is a great spot to people watch in addition to enjoying a delicious meal.
Price: $$
Address: 4 Staunton Street, Central
*On my last attempt to visit Le Souk in December 2019, the restaurant was permanently closed.
Artemis and Apollo
A Greek taverna in a quiet neighborhood in Wan Chai, Artemis and Apollo has friendly service and delicious food! On a recent visit, the garlicky hummus, refreshing yet spicy watermelon salad, and pork souvlaki were standouts for me.
Price: $$
Address: 9-11 Moon Street, Wan Chai
Ramen
Ramen is one of my favorite meals! It's delicious, filling, and usually not too expensive. Luckily, no matter in which neighborhood you find yourself in Hong Kong, a ramen place will probably be nearby. Since I eat it regularly, I thought it deserved its own category.
Butao Ramen
Founded in 2010 to bring authentic Japanese Hakata Tonkotsu ramen to Hong Kong, you can find Butao ramen in many neighborhoods. I often order the Green King, which is an East-West fusion ramen. The broth is still the signature pork soup stock (Tonkotsu) but it's infused with olive oil and basil leaves, giving it a green color. Then, it's sprinkled with Parmesan cheese. I was skeptical when I heard the description but it's delicious!
The Red King (above) is my other favorite and equally delicious. It lives up to its spicy potential so I have to make sure I have plenty of tissues with me before eating it!
Price: $ (cash only)
Address: 69 Wellington Street, Central
Other locations in TST (2), Causeway Bay, Taikoo, Sha Tin, and Tseun Wan.
Shugetsu Ramen
Written up in the Michelin Guide and often with long queues, Shugetsu is known for its dipping noodles or Tsukemen ramen. At Shugetsu, you can specify your dipping noodle thickness and temperature - all noodles made fresh every day. Once the noodles arrive, you dip them into the flavorful broth, then enjoy!
In addition to the Tsukemen ramen, they have a selection of other delicious ramens to sample. You may have to visit several times!
Price: $
Address: 5 Gough Street, Central (Closer to Sheung Wan MTR)
Other locations in Quarry Bay (Michelin Guide) and Causeway Bay.
Hungry Yet?
With so many restaurants in Hong Kong, I couldn't fit nearly all of them into this post, but hopefully they will give you a place to start your food tour.
I'd love to hear what you think of these spots or what you'd like to see in a future article in the comments below.
Happy eating!
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It all sounds delicious but I’d make a beeline for the Dim Sum and the Temple Street Night Market.
That certainly makes sense, Wendy! I did the same thing when I visited Hong Kong before moving here. Dim sum in Hong Kong is unbeatable! I only discovered most of these other places after moving here and wanting to mix things up. 🙂