Hong Kong Must-Try Restaurants: A Food Lover’s Ultimate Guide

Hong Kong is a culinary paradise where East meets West, tradition blends with innovation, and every bite tells a story. From humble dai pai dongs (open-air food stalls) to Michelin-starred fine dining, the city offers an unforgettable gastronomic journey. Whether you’re craving dim sum, roast goose, or fusion cuisine, this guide will take you through the must-try restaurants that define Hong Kong’s vibrant food scene.

Iconic Local Eateries

1. Tim Ho Wan – The World’s Cheapest Michelin-Starred Dim Sum

No trip to Hong Kong is complete without dim sum, and Tim Ho Wan is the perfect place to start. Known as the "dim sum specialists," this humble eatery earned a Michelin star for its affordable yet exceptional dishes. Must-tries include:
- Baked BBQ Pork Buns: Fluffy, sweet, and crispy.
- Steamed Shrimp Dumplings (Har Gow): Translucent skin with juicy fillings.
- Rice Rolls with Pork Liver: A local favorite.

With multiple locations across the city, Tim Ho Wan proves that great food doesn’t have to be expensive.

2. Yat Lok – The Best Roast Goose in Town

Roast goose is a Hong Kong specialty, and Yat Lok is legendary for its crispy-skinned, succulent meat. The Michelin Bib Gourmand-awarded restaurant serves its signature dish with a side of plum sauce and rice. Pro tip: Go early—this place gets packed!

3. Lan Fong Yuen – The Birthplace of Silk Stocking Milk Tea

This 70-year-old cha chaan teng (Hong Kong-style café) is famous for inventing silk stocking milk tea, a rich, smooth brew strained through a cloth filter. Pair it with their buttery pork chop bun for the ultimate Hong Kong breakfast.

Hidden Gems & Street Food Delights

4. Sing Heung Yuen – Tomato Noodles Heaven

Tucked away in Central, this no-frills spot is beloved for its tomato broth noodles topped with crispy fried eggs and luncheon meat. It’s a comfort food masterpiece that keeps locals and tourists coming back.

5. Kau Kee Restaurant – Beef Brisket Noodles Worth the Wait

A Hong Kong institution, Kau Kee serves beef brisket noodles in a savory broth that’s simmered for hours. The tender meat and springy noodles make the long queues worth it.

6. Cheung Hing Kee – Pan-Fried Soup Dumplings

These sheng jian bao (pan-fried soup dumplings) are crispy on the bottom, juicy inside, and absolutely addictive. A must-try street snack in Mong Kok.

Upscale Dining & Fusion Experiences

7. The Chairman – Redefining Cantonese Cuisine

Ranked among Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, The Chairman elevates traditional Cantonese dishes with premium ingredients. Don’t miss their steamed flower crab with aged Shaoxing wine or clay pot rice with preserved sausages.

8. Amber (Closed but Reopening Soon) – A Michelin-Starred Legend

Before its temporary closure, Amber was a beacon of French fine dining in Hong Kong. With its upcoming relaunch, foodies eagerly await its reinvented tasting menus and impeccable wine pairings.

9. Mott 32 – Modern Chinese with a Twist

Housed in a historic bank vault, Mott 32 blends Cantonese, Sichuan, and Beijing flavors with contemporary techniques. Their 42-day aged Peking duck is a showstopper.

Sweet Treats & Dessert Spots

10. Yee Shun Milk Company – Silky-Smooth Steamed Milk Pudding

This dessert shop specializes in double-skin milk pudding, a creamy, wobbly delight that melts in your mouth. Try it hot or cold!

11. Oddies Foodies – Egg Waffles Reinvented

Hong Kong’s iconic gai daan zai (egg waffles) get a gourmet upgrade here, with flavors like matcha soft serve and Nutella-filled bites.

12. Tai Cheong Bakery – The Famous Egg Tarts

No visit to Hong Kong is complete without a buttery, flaky egg tart from Tai Cheong. Crispy crust, silky custard—perfection in every bite.

Late-Night Bites & Nightlife Eats

13. Tsui Wah – The Ultimate Late-Night Cha Chaan Teng

Open 24/7, Tsui Wah is a lifesaver for night owls. Their satay beef instant noodles and condensed milk toast are midnight cravings done right.

14. Under Bridge Spicy Crab – Fiery Seafood Feast

If you love spice, this spot’s typhoon shelter crab (fried with garlic and chilies) is a must. Pair it with icy beers for the full experience.

15. Quinary – Award-Winning Cocktails & Bites

For a modern twist, Quinary serves inventive cocktails like the Earl Grey Caviar Martini alongside small plates like truffle fries. A great way to end a food-filled day.

Hong Kong’s dining scene is as dynamic as the city itself—constantly evolving yet deeply rooted in tradition. Whether you’re slurping noodles at a street stall or savoring haute cuisine with a skyline view, every meal here is an adventure.