Hong Kong is not only known as the “Shopping Paradise” but also as Asia’s culinary capital, where diverse food cultures from around the world converge. From bustling streets to hidden alleys, the city offers a feast for the senses, especially in its iconic tea houses and restaurants. Despite recent challenges, Hong Kong’s food scene remains vibrant, with its time-honored eateries continuing to draw crowds of locals and tourists alike.
Mak’s Noodle: A Legacy of Wonton Noodles
The second character in “Mak’s” means “small,” and this humble shop on Wellington Street in Central has become a Hong Kong institution. Founded by Mak An, whose father was known as the “King of Wonton Noodles” in 1930s Guangzhou, Mak’s Noodle is a family business with a rich history.
Famous for its “siu yung” (small bowl) wonton noodles, the dish features four delicate shrimp wontons, springy noodles, and a rich broth with a hint of pepper. Though the portions are small, the flavors are big, and many customers order multiple bowls to satisfy their cravings. Other notable wonton noodle spots include Mak Man Kee, Ho Hung Kee, Tsim Chai Kee, and Chee Kei. 
Address:
- 77 Wellington Street, Central
- 55 Parkes Street, Jordan, Kowloon
Kau Kee Restaurant: A Century of Beef Brisket
With over 90 years of history, this small shop in Central is a local favorite, often frequented by Hong Kong celebrities. Kau Kee is renowned for its clear broth beef brisket, simmered for hours to achieve a rich, aromatic flavor. The brisket is tender and flavorful, making it a must-try.
The menu is simple, focusing on beef brisket dishes like clear broth brisket (available in two cuts), curry beef tendon brisket, and beef brisket rice noodles (available only before 5:30 PM).
Address: 21 Gough Street, Central
Under Bridge Spicy Crab: A Seafood Sensation
For spicy crab lovers, Hong Kong has two main hubs: Temple Street and Wan Chai’s Jaffe Road. Under Bridge Spicy Crab, originally a street stall, has grown into a bustling restaurant thanks to its popularity. Be prepared to wait in line during peak hours, but the experience is worth it.
The signature dish is the Typhoon Shelter-style spicy crab, but don’t miss the garlic pepper mantis shrimp and stir-fried clams with black bean sauce.
Address: 421 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai
On Lee Fish Ball Noodles: A Fresh Catch
Recommended by locals and celebrities alike, On Lee has been serving Hong Kong’s best fish ball noodles for over 40 years. The fish balls are made fresh daily, with a firm texture and rich fish flavor. Pair them with rice noodles or thick noodles for a satisfying meal.
Address: 22 Shau Kei Wan Main Street East, Shau Kei Wan
Australia Dairy Company: A Breakfast Icon
For a classic Hong Kong-style breakfast, head to Australia Dairy Company, affectionately known as “Au Niu.” Their scrambled eggs, made with fresh milk, are incredibly smooth and fluffy. Pair them with buttered toast and steamed milk pudding for a hearty start to the day.
Another must-visit for milk pudding fans is Yee Shun Milk Company, famous for its thick, creamy double-skin milk pudding.
Address:
- Australia Dairy Company: 47-49 Parkes Street, Jordan
- Yee Shun Milk Company: 85 Percival Street, Causeway Bay
Lau Sum Kee Noodles: A Noodle Masterpiece
Established in 1956, Lau Sum Kee has earned praise from food critic Chua Lam for its handmade noodles, which are firm, springy, and full of egg flavor. Must-try dishes include shrimp roe noodles and goose intestine with ginger and scallions.
Address: Science Museum Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
Sang Kee Congee: A Bowl of Comfort
Congee is a staple in the Pearl River Delta, and Sang Kee has been perfecting it for over 40 years. Praised by Chua Lam as Hong Kong’s best congee, the shop starts preparing its broth at 2:30 AM daily, simmering it for hours with dried scallops, pork bones, and fresh ingredients. The result is a silky, flavorful congee that’s both comforting and nourishing.
Address: 7-9 Burd Street, Sheung Wan
Snake King II: A Unique Delicacy
This decades-old shop is famous for its chrysanthemum and five-snake soup, a rich and flavorful dish made with snake meat, chicken, and pork. The shop also offers herbal snake soup, believed to have beauty-enhancing properties, and roasted meats like char siu (barbecue pork).
Address: 24 Percival Street, Causeway Bay
Kam Wah Cafe: A Sweet Treat
For over 40 years, Kam Wah Cafe has been serving Hong Kong’s best pineapple buns (bo lo bao). Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these buns are a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Address: 47 Bute Street, Prince Edward
Roast Meats: A Hong Kong Staple
As Asia’s culinary capital, Hong Kong is home to a wide variety of roast meats, from succulent roast goose and duck to crispy pork belly and char siu. Whether you opt for a casual street-side stall or a high-end restaurant, these dishes are a must-try.
