Cecelia ChangWhen you think of Hong Kong, what are the first few things that spring to mind? For many, beyond the dazzling vistas of Victoria Harbour and the bustling streets blending the old and new, the culinary scene in Hong Kong stands out just as prominently.
During TripZilla’s recent visit, we enjoyed exploring numerous restaurants and iconic dishes that truly amazed us. For foodies travelling to Hong Kong, here’s a curated bucket list of must-try gastronomic experiences! From savouring traditional Cha Chaan Teng cuisine to visiting a Michelin-starred restaurant, Hong Kong promises an endless array of mouth-watering delights to discover!
A Hong Kong Foodie Bucket List
1. Dine in an old school Cha Chaan Teng like a local
Your Hong Kong foodie adventure isn’t complete without a visit to a Hong Kong-style cafe or diner, more affectionately known as Cha Chaan Teng. After all, these local cafes are where you can experience a taste of everyday life like a true Hong Konger!
For the most authentic and old-school Cha Chaan Teng experience, head to Po Sei Cha Chaan Teng in To Kwa Wan! Adorned with traditional floor tiles and handwritten menu items on the walls, it is undoubtedly one of the most classic Hong Kong-style restaurants you’ll ever visit.
Indulge in popular options such as Hong Kong-style satay beef noodles, egg ham sandwiches, iced lemon tea, and yuen yeung — a unique fusion of coffee and tea. While the satay beef noodles dish is simple yet flavourful, the star of the show is definitely the egg ham sandwich which features fresh, soft bread and incredibly fluffy eggs!
2. Eat by the streets at a Dai Pai Dong
In Hong Kong, a visit to a Dai Pai Dong, the quintessential open-air food stall, is essential for a down-to-earth gastronomic experience amidst the lively streets. After all, nothing feels more “Hong Kong” than eating among the bustling locals, sharing a table with other patrons, and soaking up the aroma of frying goodness and spices wafting through the air.
We were lucky enough to experience this firsthand at Bing Kee Cha Dong, a long-standing eatery nestled in a narrow alleyway in Tai Hang. This hidden gem, surrounded by tall buildings, offers a classic taste of Hong Kong.
Yet, if you prefer the taste of tradition with modern comforts, fret not — go to Dai Pai Dong Siu Chow in Wan Chai! The air-conditioned setting and spacious seats allow you to savour the same yummy Dai Pai Dong flavours in a more relaxed atmosphere.
Here, we ordered the sizzling claypot rice, beef cubes with glazed potatoes, and garlic-fried vegetables. These dishes were a feast to all senses — rich, aromatic, and bursting with vibrant colours! If you’re a fan of lap cheong (Chinese sausage), then we highly recommend trying the claypot rice.
3. Explore the upscale food court scene in Central
Central Hong Kong, a dazzling financial and business district known for its towering skyscrapers and high-end shops, also offers surprising culinary experiences. Nestled within Jardine House is BaseHall, Hong Kong’s latest food hall.
Unlike the typical food court scene, BaseHall boasts an upscale and exquisite vibe, as well as a diverse array of cuisines worldwide! It’s perfect for those seeking a touch of luxury alongside their global foodie adventure. On the day of our visit, we were also fortunate to catch an amazing live performance from a local band, Good Funk Shui, which further enhanced the entire dining experience.
Dazzled by the wide array of food choices, we opted for a stall which seemed to be a crowd’s favourite. It offers set meals featuring chicken chop and steak, served with free-flow fries, lemon tea, and minestrone soup. The palatable taste and generous portion made it a delicious yet affordable option! What’s even better? Complimentary water is available on-site.
4. Unwind with a sweet treat in a cosy cafe
Feeling a little worn out after strolling around Upper Lascar Row in Sheung Wan? Stop by Halfway Coffee and treat yourself to a cup of coffee or something delectable! With warm lighting, metal accents, wooden chairs, and retro floor lamps, this gem ticks all the boxes for an Instagram-worthy spot. In addition to the broad selection of beverages, this place also serves up desserts and main courses.
And if you’re craving a treat that’s both sweet and satisfying, Halfway Coffee’s lemon tart is a must-try! It’s a delicious and healthy option that won’t leave you feeling guilty. Besides, every cup of coffee here is served in beautiful Hong Kong porcelain, adding a touch of vintage charm to your experience. Meanwhile, the tea comes in a tiny ceramic cup adorned with a hand-painted koi fish design — how adorable!
5. Visit a resto-bar with a unique concept
It’s not every day that you get to dine in a “jungle” in Hong Kong. Located in Yau Ma Tei, The Jungle, a Nepalese fusion restaurant, is a must-visit for those seeking a unique foodie adventure! Open until midnight, it’s also a great spot to grab a drink or two if you’re in the mood for some late-night fun.
Featuring vibrant lighting and artificial trees, it feels as if you’ve been transported to a whimsical jungle paradise. We began our meal with a jungle-themed rum and mocktail, each with a distinct and satisfying taste. However, the undeniable highlight was the Nepalese dumplings, or momos for short. The crispy exteriors and aromatic fillings, perfectly complemented by the tangy kick of the chilli chutney, are simply unforgettable!
6. Sample mouth-watering street food in Mong Kok
Your Hong Kong foodie bucket list must include a food-hunting expedition in Mong Kok (though, any other neighbourhoods will do)! Dive into the local street food scene by trying some of these timeless favourites. Our top picks of some of the must-try street eats in Hong Kong include the iconic egg waffles (also known as gai daan zai or eggette), savoury curry fishballs, and the warm polo buns (or pineapple buns) paired with cold and creamy butter!
7. Indulge in a Michelin-starred experience
When it comes to Michelin-starred eateries, Hong Kong is home to a plethora of them. With such a wide selection, choosing among numerous restaurants can be quite challenging. Here’s our recommendation: Kam’s Roast Goose. A cornerstone of Cantonese cuisine, roast goose offers a symphony of flavours, perfect whether enjoyed on its own or paired with rice or noodles.
TripZilla tip: We recommend queuing for Kam’s Roast Goose as early as possible, as there are limited seats and wait times can stretch up to thirty minutes even before dinner.
From the enticing selection, we opted for the most popular dishes: Roast Goose, Barbecued Pork Belly (also known as fatty char siu), and Roast Suckling Pig. Typically, these are enjoyed with a bowl of fresh rice and a plate of vegetables. But beware — the portions are humongous!
Our favourites were definitely the roast goose and suckling pig. The roast goose had the juiciest meat we’ve ever tasted, exploding with flavours with every bite. Meanwhile, the roast suckling pig was perfectly crispy and fragrant, living up to our expectations.
So there you have it, a must-try bucket list for foodies in Hong Kong! You’ll uncover a new facet of this dynamic city with every bite. Nevertheless, this list is just the start of your culinary adventure in Hong Kong — so don’t wait, start planning your trip for your upcoming holiday!
Brought to you by Hong Kong Tourism Board.
All images credited to Cecelia Chang.
