In the foodie paradise that is Hong Kong, you’ll never run out of dining spots — no matter the time of day. From bustling cha chaan tengs (traditional cafes) and elegant fine dining to pasta and Cantonese specialties, these are some of the best food establishments in Hong Kong to check out whenever your hunger pangs strike.

FUEL UP WITH A HEARTY BREAKFAST

Breakfast options in the city run the gamut from traditional dim sum spreads to Western-style brunch fare. Start your day on the right note at these beloved eateries.

Australia Dairy Company

With its snaking queues, this iconic Jordan institution is undoubtedly one of Hong Kong’s most popular cha chaan tengs. Don’t be put off by its no-frills decor and gruff service — the scrambled eggs and macaroni soup here are some of the best in town. Be sure to save some space for its delectable steamed milk pudding, which is served either hot or chilled — we recommend the latter for a refreshing dessert.

Luk On Kui (formerly known as Lin Heung Kui)

For an authentic yum cha (literally “drink tea” in Cantonese) experience, head to this sprawling two-storey teahouse in Sheung Wan, where dim sum is served the traditional way on trolleys. The selection of dishes here is vast: Tuck into plump har gow (prawn dumplings), silky cheung fun (steamed rice rolls), flaky char siu sou (BBQ pork pastry) and more.

Elephant Grounds

If you’re looking to sample Hong Kong’s thriving cafe scene, check out this hipster magnet with several branches across the city. Its skilled baristas make a mean cup of joe using high-quality beans sourced directly from small producers worldwide. Pair your latte with hearty brunch fare such as buttermilk pancakes with homemade caramel butter.

ENJOY A SATISFYING LUNCH

With so much to see and do in Hong Kong — and so little time — you’re probably looking for a fuss-free yet fulfilling mid-day meal. These venues are sure to hit the spot.

Yat Lok

When in Hong Kong, it’s a must to try some Cantonese-style roast goose. This tiny, family-run eatery in Central draws long lines for its trademark dish, which is marinated using a secret blend of ingredients. Our tip? Enjoy it with a bowl of springy noodles served in clear broth and a dash of goose fat.

Pici

For a taste of authentic Italian cuisine, treat your palate at this homely pasta bar, which has several branches across the city, including in Wan Chai and Kennedy Town. Menu standouts include the tagliolini with freshly shaved black truffle, the strozzapreti (hand-rolled pasta with a short, slightly twirled shape) with basil pesto, and the pappardelle with porcini and veal ragu.

Cornerstone

Helmed by Australian chef Shane Osborn, this stylish all-day bistro in Central serves up a smorgasbord of global flavours featuring high-quality seasonal produce. The menu changes regularly, but highlights include the ‘char siu’ glazed octopus with smoked cauliflower puree, and the sea bass escabeche (fish marinated in vinegar and spices) with tomato fondue and carrot pasta.

SPLURGE ON A DELICIOUS DINNER

After a fun-filled day exploring the city, you’re bound to have worked up an appetite. Make a reservation at one of Hong Kong’s best restaurants for a veritable feast.

The Chairman

This upscale Cantonese venue in Central was crowned the Best Restaurant in Hong Kong 2023 by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, and for good reason. Each dish here is thoughtfully conceptualised and skilfully executed, from the flower crab steamed in 15-year-old Chinese wine, chicken fat and clam juice, to the goose smoked with camphor wood. As a plus, ingredients are sourced from local suppliers and producers where possible.

Lamma Rainbow Seafood Restaurant

You’ll find the best seafood in Hong Kong not in its fancy city-centre restaurants, but in the informal eateries that dot its fishing villages. A case in point is Lamma Rainbow on Lamma Island. It’s a bit of a trek to get to, but there’s a free ferry service for diners coming from Hong Kong Island and Tsim Sha Tsui. Order the salt-and-pepper prawns, fried crab with garlic and black beans, and ginger-steamed grouper — all best washed down with a crisp Tsingtao beer.

Amber

Snag one of the hottest tables in town at this two-Michelin-starred restaurant at The Landmark Mandarin Oriental. Here, Dutch chef Richard Ekkebus combines top-notch Japanese ingredients with French culinary techniques, and the results are nothing short of stellar — think decadent dishes such as blue lobster with fermented uni (sea urchin) miso, and Wagyu beef with crystal pear.

UNWIND OVER DRINKS

With eight establishments on the Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2023 list, Hong Kong’s drinks scene is often regarded as being among the finest in the world. Raise a glass at these trendy joints.

The Old Man

Number 47 on the Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2023 list, this popular cocktail bar in Central pays homage to the writer Ernest Hemingway. For starters, it’s named after his novel The Old Man and the Sea, with creative tipples that draw inspiration from his life and work. Try The Dangerous Summer, a heady concoction of kiwi bourbon, fermented koji rice, mango curd, vetiver and liquorice salt.

Skye

For gorgeous sunset views, book a table at this rooftop bar perched on the 27th floor of The Park Lane Hong Kong in Causeway Bay, where you can soak up panoramic vistas of the city skyline with a drink in hand. There’s an extensive beverage list that features everything from wine and whisky to sake and Champagne.

Ho Lan Jeng

Get a taste of Hong Kong’s craft beer scene at this industrial-chic venue in Central, which champions booze from local breweries including Citibrew and Moonzen. The food options are equally noteworthy, especially the seared pork belly burger and the slow-cooked Iberico char siu.

GRAB A LATE-NIGHT BITE

Craving for a snack after painting the town red? Fret not — these late-night restaurants have you covered.

Sun Hing Restaurant

Open from 3am to 4pm daily, this humble joint in Kennedy Town serves up a wide range of dim sum made entirely from scratch. Be sure to try its famous liu sha bao (custard buns), which feature a delightfully oozy molten centre.

Eat Overnight

Inspired by the Japanese TV series Midnight Diner, this atmospheric izakaya in Causeway Bay dishes up delicious skewers, croquettes, rice bowls and more. It’s open until 2am from Mondays to Saturdays.

Oi Man Sang

This no-frills eatery in Sham Shui Po, which started operations in 1956, is one of the oldest dai pai dongs (open-air food stalls) in Hong Kong. It doles out comfort food such as salted egg prawns and stir-fried beef and potato till 11.30pm daily.