Where to Eat Hong Kong – a food and restaurant guide with recommendations to get the best eating experience on your trip including the best dim sum!
Hong Kong is a Foodie Paradise
There’s no denying Hong Kong is an incredible food city. Not only does it offer some of the best dim sum in the world but you’ll also find incredible. You can also eat like a king on any budget, whether it’s a few dollars at a food stall for a mouth-watering Hong Kong egg waffle or a multi course dim sum dinner that is art on a platter.
If you’re wondering how I came up with this amazing list on my first visit to Hong Kong, I have many of you to thank! I asked for restaurant advice on Instagram and you really came through!
Read on for where to eat in Hong Kong and all my favorite restaurants!
We had dozens of recommendations to look through and it made me want to extend my trip for another month so I could try all of them. In addition to the wonders of social media, we were also lucky enough to have the advice of Cynthia‘s family that lives in Hong Kong and some of the favorite restaurants of the staff at Kerry Hotel, our home base for the trip.
Where to Eat Hong Kong – Food & Restaurant Guide
Mott 32 Restaurant – Best Central Hong Kong Dim Sum
Mott 32 in Central Hong Kong was an incredible dining experience. Aside from Hung Tong at Kerry Hotel, this was the best food we had on our trip. The name Mott 32 comes from the address of New York’s first Chinese convenience store at 32 Mott Street in 1851.
Let’s start with the interior. The design is elegant and modern and the restaurant is divided into several rooms, each with their own decor. The bar is beautiful and their cocktail menu is fantastic (try the Forbidden Rose cocktail!), but my heart was captured by this yellow room with paintbrushes hanging on the walls.
The food at Mott 32 is mainly Cantonese with a modern twist. Expect beautifully created dim sum such as the little sweet & sour soup dumplings below. There wasn’t a single dish that was underwhelming. It was such a fun and delicious dining experience!
We were lucky to snag a last-minute reservation at Mott 32 but next time we will definitely plan ahead so we can enjoy their Peking duck. It needs to be ordered at least 48 hours in advance.
What to Order at Mott 32: Sweet & Sour Soup Dumplings, Forbidden Rose Cocktail, Double Boiled Bird’s Nest Soup, Royal Cut Peking Duck, and pretty much anything else!
Mott 32 Restaurant
Standard Chartered Bank Building
4-4A Des Voeux Rd Central
Central, Hong Kong
+852 2885 8688
https://www.mott32.com/
More photos from Mott 32 Hong Kong:
Tung Po Restaurant – Most Fun Hong Kong Dining Experience
Tung Po is a culinary mystery. Hidden on the second floor of a large municipal services building in North Point, you’d walk by and never know it’s there. I thought for sure we had the wrong place as we rode up the escalator, but all of a sudden a brightly lit mess hall appeared at the top. We were suddenly in the thick of things. Huge tables with large groups of people eating, drinking and making a whole lot of merry! It’s like being a part of a huge party where even strangers feel like they are your best friends.
Chef Robby Cheung at Tung Po has become somewhat of a celebrity. He spends most of his time going around taking selfies with guests, pouring beer and psyching people up! You may have seen him featured on American TV on shows like Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations and CNN.
Just seeing Chef Bobby in action is worth the visit to Tung Po. He also has an amazing trick where he opens a bottle of beer with a chopstick. You can see him doing it by clicking on the “Hong Kong” highlight on my Instagram profile.
What to order at Tung Po Restaurant: Their famous black squid ink pasta, wind sand chicken with garlic crispies, razor clams.
Tung Po Restaurant
Municipal Services Building
Java Rd, 99號2/F Java Road
North Point, Hong Kong
+852 2880 5224
More photos from Tung Po Hong Kong:
Little Bao Hong Kong – Where the Hipsters Eat
If you’re looking to eat where the Instagram foodies and hipsters are in Hong Kong, look no further than Little Bao in Soho. It has the killer combo of a chic space, food that is both photogenic and delicious!
Just make sure you get there early. There are no reservations and there was already a line when we showed up 15 minutes before they opened. Small groups are also better as seating is mainly limited to the small bar that lines the kitchen. It’s really fun to watch the cooks work in such small quarters.
Little Bao’s chef, May Chow, was named best female chef in Hong Kong last year. Such a well-deserved award and I’m happy to see that she’s using her fame to promote LGBTQ equality and to encourage women to find jobs in professional kitchens.
What to order at Little Bao Hong Kong: Sichuan fried chicken and Slow Braised Pork Belly Baos, Brussels Sprouts with Fish Sauce Caramel, LB Ice Cream Bao
Little Bao Hong Kong
66 Staunton Street
Central, Hong Kong
+852 2194 0202
https://www.little-bao.com/
Dear Lilly Bar – Best Cocktails in Central Hong Kong
Dear Lily in Central Hong Kong offers beautiful cocktails in a dreamy fairytale setting. When you walk in you feel like you’ve entered a forgotten secret garden. There are dried flowers hanging from the ceiling with a moving rose chandelier hanging over the bar and a backlit wall with little potion bottles filled with more dried flowers. If you can, grab a spot in one of their dreamy heart-shaped booths. It’s all so over the top, in the best way possible.
Each Dear Lilly cocktail is like a performance, spritzed with edible perfumes and decorated with fresh flowers. This was definitely our most memorable and unique bar experience in Hong Kong.
What to Order at Dear Lilly: Green Fairy Cocktail (Matusalem Platino rum and Green Chartreuse with yuzu, pineapple, coconut water and basil and an absinthe spritz), Mademoiselle Lily Cocktail (Vodka, Lillet Blanc, lychee liqueur, cranberry juice, lime juice, raspberry purée and homemade hibiscus syrup). The staff are great and will be happy to recommend a cocktail based on your preferences or even create a custom one just for you.
Dear Lilly Hong Kong
ifc Mall, 8 Finance Street
Central, Hong Kong
+852 2771 6060
http://www.diningconcepts.com/restaurants/Dear-Lilly
More photos from Dear Lilly Hong Kong:
Lan Fong Yuen – Best Hong Kong Milk Tea
Perhaps Hong Kong’s most famous milk tea spot is Lan Fong Yuen in Central Hong Kong. It’s one of those places that looks completely innocuous until you see the walls papered with newspaper articles where they’ve been featured in local and international media.
I recommend grabbing your milk tea to go and exploring the local markets that are in the area.
What to Order at Lan Fong Yuen: Hong Kong Milk Tea (obviously!)
Lan Fong Yuen Milk Tea
2 Gage Street
Central, Hong Kong
+852 2544 3895
https://goo.gl/maps/y82fXehKoyE2
Master Low Key Food Shop – Best Hong Kong Egg Puffs
For just a few dollars, you can experiences one of the best versions of Hong Kong’s famous egg waffles at Master Low Key Food Shop. I also highly recommend also ordering the traditional waffles with peanut butter. They are basically heaven in every sweet and salty bite.
Expect to see a line, which is a common sight for the foodie hot spots in Hong Kong! People really love to queue up for good food. Luckily the line moves quickly so it won’t be long before you get your sugar fix.
The Master Low Key Food Shop is indeed low-key – it’s just a food stall and doesn’t have any seating. No worries, it won’t take long for you to devour your treats. If you think of it, you may want to pack a wet wipe for your trip as the peanut butter waffles can be messy!
What to order at Master Low Key Food Shop: Hong Kong Egg Puffs, Waffles with Peanut Butter
Master Low Key Food Shop Hong Kong Puffs
Shau Kei Wan Main Street E
Shau Kei Wan, Hong Kong
+852 6601 5300
https://goo.gl/maps/y3Nqw6ivAap
See more photos from Hong Kong Master Low Key Food Shop:
San Kee Congee Shop Hong Kong
I never would have found Sang Kee Congee Shop without the wonders of social media. It’s a total local treasure that is under the radar and relatively off the tourist beat. If you’re like me and thinking, “What the heck is Congee?”, it’s a traditional savory rice porridge that is often enjoyed for breakfast. It’s not much to look at, but man is it comforting and tasty.
Despite its humble appearances, the Sang Kee Congee Shop is ranked #120 our of almost TEN THOUSAND restaurants on Trip Advisor!
What to order at Sang Kee Congee Shop: Pork Ball Congee, Chinese donuts
Sang Kee Congee Shop
Ground Floor, 7 – 9 Butt Street
Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
+852 2541 1099
https://goo.gl/maps/iP1VVuKTjKp
Hip Shing Cooked Food Stall in Causeway Bay Hong Kong
Hong Kong’s street food hawkers were once everywhere in the city, selling their delicious and cheap wares. Because of hygiene and crowding concerns in the 1970’s, it’s now illegal for Hong Kong’s street food hawkers to sell their food on the streets. They now have to deal with expensive rents to operate a restaurant. Emotions are so high around the topic there have been violent protests when city officials try to shut down the illegal food stalls.
There are still a few places that defy these city laws and offer outdoor seating. One of them is Hip Shing Cooked Food Stall. The food stall does have a standard restaurant with indoor seating, but the best place to enjoy their delicious food is behind the restaurant in their open air seating.
One of the Last Hong Kong Outdoor Food Stalls
The risk of being shut down is so great that the owner of the restaurant wouldn’t let us take photos outside until he found out we were based in the United States and not locally. After that he turned total comedian and gracious host and happily mugged for photos.
This place is definitely no-frills with plastic sheets covering the tables and a dirty canvas serving as an awning, but that just adds to the charm. We enjoyed an amazing hot pot dinner accompanied by beer that flowed like water and the amazing company of Cynthia’s family. If you’ve never had hotpot, it’s such a treat! A pot of boiling broth is heated at your table and you cook your own meats and vegetables like an Asian fondue.
The dining experience made me think of a more charming and unpolished Tung Po (mentioned above).
What to Order at Hip Shing Cooked Food Stall: Hotpot, all the beer you can handle.
Hip Shing Cooked Food Stall
號 地下, 130 Electric Road
Tin Hau, Hong Kong
+852 2571 2222
https://goo.gl/maps/ZCcwVCZuvWB2
More photos from our Hip Shing hot pot meal:
Hung Tong Restaurant – The Best Dim Sum in Hong Kong?
OMG give me all the dim sum! Despite living in San Francisco, I was a total dim sum novice before my visit to Hong Kong. By having Kerry’s Hung Tong as my first dim sum experience I basically doomed my chances of ever having another meal live up. Every dish is a little piece of art. We’re talking edible gold leaf on dumplings, goose puffs in the actual shape of geese and abalone tarts you just want to faceplant into. I think this was my favorite meal in Hong Kong.
You don’t have to take my word for it though. Cynthia is a dim sum connoisseur and she called it “mind-blowing and creative”! Just make sure you call ahead for a reservation – this is one of the hottest tables in Hong Kong.
What to Order at Hung Tong Restaurant: Deep Fried Roasted Goose & Mushroom Puffs, Pan Fried Wagyu Beef Buns, Diced Abalone & Chicken Puffs, Steamed Scallop & Shrimp Dumplings with Asparagus plus pretty much everything else on the menu!
Hung Tong Restaurant Dim Sum
18 Hung Luen Road
Hung Hom Bay, Hong Kong
http://www.shangri-la.com/hongkong/kerry/dining/restaurants/hung-tong/
More photos of our food at Hung Tong Restaurant:
Ferry to Lei Yue Mun Fish Market in Hong Kong
A visit to the Fish Market at Lei Yue Mun is overwhelming to the senses. You’re bombarded by the smells, sounds and sights of a huge fish market with stalls that seem to wind on for miles. The premise of the market is that you pick out your freshly caught fish and shellfish. It is then whisked away to one of the market restaurants where it is prepared on the spot. Other than cooking your food right on the boat, there’s no fresher way to enjoy seafood.
The trip from Hong Kong Island starts with a short ferry ride at Sai Wan Ho that costs only a few dollars. It only takes about 15 minutes to get to Lei Yue Mun on the Kowloon side of Hong Kong. Once you have your seafood selected, there are dozens of restaurants to eat at. It can be difficult to choose but we had the luck of insider knowledge on our side. Cynthia’s family took us to their favorite, Gateway Cuisine. Our food was exceptional and had outdoor dining with beautiful views of the Hong Kong skyline. It’s almost at the end of the fish market, so just keep walking and you’ll find it eventually!
The visit to Lei Yue Mun was also my first introduction to geoduck, which is pictured below. I don’t think I have seen a stranger looking food. If you told me was walrus genitalia, I would definitely believe you! It’s actually just a massive saltwater clam though. 🙂
What to Order at Lei Yue Mun Fish Market: All the fresh fish and shellfish you can eat, Geoduck (if you dare)
Lei Yue Mun Fish Market
Southeast of Youtang
Kwun Tong District
Hong Kong
http://www.lei-yue-mun.com/
Gateway Cuisine Restaurant at Lei Yue Mun
G/F, 58A
Hoi To Road, Lei Yue Mun
Kowloon, Hong Kong
http://www.gatewaycuisine.com/
Coral Sea Ferry Service to Lei Yue Mun
Ferry Pier
Tai Hong Street
Sai Wan Ho, Hong Kong
+852 2368 8885
http://www.coralseaferryservice.com.hk/
More photos from Lei Yue Mun Fish Market & Gateway Cuisine Restaurant:
If you’re looking for photogenic food experiences in Hong Kong that still taste great, look no further than Social Place. Their food is truly experiential and ranges from a stuffed pineapple set on fire at your table (above) to charcoal custard buns decorated with edible gold.
It’s also much more affordable than the super trendy Yum Cha dim sum (mentioned below).
What to order at Social Place Hong Kong: Charcoal custard buns, “Flame Pineapple” in Chicken & Pickled in Chicken & Pickled Ginger
Social Place Hong Kong
The L. Place, 139 Queen’s Road Central
Central, Hong Kong
+852 3568 9666
http://socialplace.hk/
More photos from Social Place Hong Kong:
What to Order at Shari Shari Kakigori Hong Kong: Sakura Cherry Blossom Japanese Shaved Ice, Mango Lassi Japanese Shaved Ice
Shari Shari Kakigori House 氷屋, SoHo
47 Staunton Street
Central, Hong Kong
+852 2661 2347
https://www.facebook.com/SHARISHARI.Kakigori/
More photos from Shari Shari Hong Kong:
Red Sugar at Kerry Hotel – Hong Kong Rooftop Bar
The best spot in town for happy hour is at Red Sugar, Kerry Hotel’s rooftop bar overlooking the Hong Kong waterfront. They have delicious – and beautiful – cocktails and a small bar menu as well as a huge craft beer menu. My favorite was their Lucky Cat cocktail served in a Japanese lucky cat glass (maneki-neko) glass.
What to Order at Red Sugar Hong Kong: Lucky Cat Cocktail, Popcorn Sour Cocktail.
Red Sugar Bar at Kerry Hotel
7/F, Kerry Hotel
38 Hung Luen Rd
Hung Hom, Hong Kong
http://www.shangri-la.com/hongkong/kerry/dining/bars-lounges/red-sugar/
More photos from Red Sugar Hong Kong:
Dockyard Food Court at Kerry Hotel
If you’re looking for fun and interactive, I highly recommend checking out Dockyard, a food court style restaurant at Kerry Hotel. They have an assortment of different restaurants featuring hundreds of dishes from all over the world. You can find everything from sushi to ice cream.
The food court also has its own app, meaning you can order from all the places and the food will be magically brought to your table. This makes it super easy for eating with a group and satisfying picky eaters or those with dietary restrictions.
What to Order at Dockyard Restaurant in Causeway Bay: Sister Wah Beef Brisket Dan Dan Noodles, Cotton & Cream Milkshakes, Bamboo Sticks Fried Rice in a Fresh Coconut
Dockyard Restaurant at Kerry Hotel Hong Kong
Level One
38 Hung Luen Road
Hung Hom, Hong Kong
http://dockyardhk.com/
More photos from Dockyard Restaurant Hong Kong:
Emack & Bolio Ice Cream
Emack & Bolio’s colorful ice cream cones with unique flavors are instantly recognizable. The ice cream is rich and indulgent but really this is all about that Instagrammable moment! Their decorated waffle cones with things like Fruit Loops and Marshmallows are what really make them stand out. Just make stop taking photos in time to actually eat the ice cream – it is so good, especially on a muggy Hong Kong summer day.
What to order at Emack & Bolio Ice Cream Hong Kong: Fruit Loop Waffle Cone, Maple Walnut Ice Cream, Serious Chocolate Addiction Ice Cream
Emack & Bolio Ice Cream
26 Cochrane Street
Central, Hong Kong
+852 2505 6626
https://emackandboliohk.com/
Best Egg Tarts in Hong Kong – Kam Fung Cafe
You can’t visit Hong Kong without trying one of their famous egg tarts. Despite looking cheesy and savory, they are actually a lightly sweetened egg custard baked in a flaky pie shell.
It doesn’t look like much, but Kam Fung Cafe in Wan Chai is the place in Hong Kong to get your fix! The line out the door speaks for itself – I’m telling you, people love to queue for food in Hong Kong!
Kam Fung Cafe also makes perfect pineapple buns that are crisp on the outside and soft on the inside – served with a slab of butter.
The tarts tend to sell out, so get there early.
What to Order at Kam Fung Cafe Hong Kong: Egg Tarts, Pineapple Buns, Hong Kong Milk Tea
Kam Fung Cafe Egg Tarts & Pineapple Buns
41 Spring Garden Lane
Wan Chai, Hong Kong
https://goo.gl/maps/qEbjZqXYtkK2
More photos from Kam Fung Cafe:
Best Hong Kong Beef Brisket – Sister Wah Causeway Bay
If you’re looking for tender Cantonese beef brisket that literally melts in your mouth, look no further than Sister Wah Beef Brisket in Tin Hau/Causeway Bay in Hong Kong. This place is a definite hole-in-the-wall but don’t be fooled. It’s Michelin-guide recommended and super popular with the locals. Not to miss is their homemade soy milk which comes warm or cold and will be the best $1 US that you ever spend.
What to Order at Sister Wah Hong Kong: Beef Brisket (obviously), Drunken Noodles, Soy Milk
Sister Wah Beef Brisket
13A Electric Road, Tin Hau
Hong Kong, China
+852-28070181
https://goo.gl/maps/GkMhZSshS9x
Tom Dixon Shop x Nodi Coffee Hong Kong
Two of my favorite things – beautiful interior design and delicious coffee – come together in one chic package at the Tom Dixon Shop x Nodi Coffee collaboration in Central Hong Kong. Their gold, copper and granite color scheme is seriously goals. Upstairs is a fully functional coffee shop and downstairs is a Tom Dixon store where his latest designs are for sale.
Be warned though, coming here is dangerous! Unlike most places with beautiful interiors where you can just dream of buying things, at the Tom Dixon Shop it’s all for sale. You can do some serious damage to your wallet.
Tom Dixon Shop x Nodi Coffee
52 Hollywood Road
Central, Hong Kong
+852 2882 2068
https://www.tomdixon.net/storelocator/showroom/tom-dixon-shop-hong-kong
More photos from Tom Dixon Coffee Shop:
Cute Dim Sum in Hong Kong – Yum Cha
A Hong Kong food guide wouldn’t be complete without mention of Yum Cha, the super trendy dim sum place that you almost certainly have seen on Instagram. Unfortunately the only reason to go here is to get food that looks good and will get all the likes on your Instagram account. They are most famous for brightly colored custard buns with eyes on them. You poke a “mouth” with a chopstick and all the guts ooze out. It’s a genius idea and a super cute experience.
Unfortunately, the food tasted terrible and was soooo expensive! It was such a disappointment that it didn’t live up to the hype. I would highly recommend checking out Social Place instead if you’re looking for really cute dim sum. More information about Social Place is above!
Yum Cha Hong Kong
Nan Fung Tower, 2/F
Nan Fung Place,
173 Des Voeux Rd Central
Central, Hong Kong
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