Hong Kong is home to many of the world’s best dining scenes, boasting a variety of foodie experiences, from Michelin-starred restaurants to inexpensive hole-in-the-wall joints.
Here are five spots for delicious dining — because when in Hong Kong, you must eat your way, and you must eat well.
For Authentic Cantonese: Meen & Rice
Don’t leave Hong Kong without trying Cantonese cuisine. A good place to go is Meen & Rice, an airy noodle shop tucked away from all the hubbub in Repulse Bay. It mixes a modern flair with Eastern cooking accents — notice the stir-fry strainers hanging on the ceiling — and you’ll feast on stir fry, noodles and congee (rice porridge) while enjoying a relaxing view of the beach.
The fresh shrimp wonton soup is an obvious choice. But don’t discount anything with fish balls, such as fish-ball noodle soup or fish-ball tossed noodles. The pan-fried tiger prawn is an excellent option, as well, if you want to splurge a little. On a rainy day, the congee is the way to go.
www.meenandrice.com
For Cheap Eats: Chung Kee Noodle Restaurant
Sai Kung’s Chung Kee Noodle Restaurant might not boast a Michelin-star accolade, but this joint gets more than its fair share of hungry diners. In fact, at lunchtime, you might have to wait in line for more than an hour before being seated. The restaurant’s noodle soups are definitely worth the wait, however, due to flavorful broth and delicious toppings ranging from the familiar — soy sauce eggs, barbecue sausage and marinated pork — to the more exotic, such as tripe, pork intestine or chicken feet.
Most of the staff doesn’t speak English, so inform clients that they may have to gesture and point at the items they want. The noodles and its base costs around $14, while the toppings range in price. It’s a cash-only establishment, so bring enough bills — and don’t forget the napkins, too.
For Dim Sum: Yum Cha
Boutique chain restaurants have several locations, and for a good reason: The food is too good — or too pretty — to have just one spot.
Such is the case for Yum Cha, which has expanded to four locations across Hong Kong, thanks to the cute presentation of some of its dishes and the power of Instagram to influence hungry foodies. Still, while this Insta-famous spot flaunts yellow custard buns with “eyes,” sausage rolls shaped like dogs and barbecue buns made to look like adorable piglets, the “prettiness” can’t take away from the quality of the food.
So yes, order the ’grammable dishes and get your photos out of the way, then go for the chef’s specials.
yumchahk.com
For International Cuisine: Aberdeen Street Social
Michelin-star chef Jason Atherton is a man of many culinary talents: He can whip up the heartiest of ramen bowls, prepare delicious tapas or cook British comfort food practically all at once. So if you’re seeking a break from Hong Kong and Chinese gastronomy, you might consider satisfying your hunger at Aberdeen Street Social, Atherton’s casual spot serving modern British cuisine in the fairly new PMQ in Central Hong Kong.
The best time to go is over the weekend for brunch, when main dishes include a lobster roll on a brioche bun and truffle mac and cheese — which can be just the ticket for curing Friday-night hangovers.
www.aberdeenstreetsocial.hk
For Tea: Cafe Gray Deluxe
Of course, you cannot leave Hong Kong without reveling in its British traditions. Gastronomy-wise, this would include partaking in afternoon tea.
Come hungry to Cafe Gray Deluxe, the Upper House Hotel’s upscale restaurant with views of Victoria Harbour. The afternoon tea, which runs daily from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at this Instagram-worthy venue, is divine, with several choices of sweet and savory treats, as well as tea and other drink options. (Hot chocolate, coffee and smoothies are available as alternatives.)
During the holidays, visitors can enjoy eggnog or mulled wine; the latter was some of the best I’d ever had. Carve out some time here, as this is a social affair that could last for a couple hours.
www.upperhouse.com
