Hong Kong is known for its food scene. It’s one of the main reasons why I chose to study abroad there, despite being a less frequented destination. I grabbed friends to explore new eateries at least 4 days of each week, and quickly found my favorite spots that I still dream about. If you ever get the chance to visit, take advantage of the affordable public transit (and food scene) and get to exploring!
In no particular order:
1. Sister Wah (Brisket noodles!)
— Address: 13 Electric Rd, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
— My order: Beef Brisket Noodles (HK $65 ~ US $8.32)
— This Michelin recommended restaurant serves up tender beef brisket with a clear broth and your choice of noodles. Try the turnip if you want to get some veggies in as well. They have English and Japanese on the menu!
2. The Soy House (Soy milk tofu pudding!)
— Address: 4 Sharp St E, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
— My order: Hot Soy Milk with Sweet Tofu (HK$32 ~ US$4.09)
— This is the only item I get, so I can’t speak to everything else on the menu. However, a hot cup of this fresh soy milk with tofu pudding is the BEST on a cold day. It’s slightly sweet and you can ask for extra toppings! (If you’re looking for tofu snacks in general, try out Ko Wu Beancurd Factory in Sham Shui Po!)
3. Pakeeza Rood Restaurant (All day Pakistani buffet!)
— Address: Shop 51, 2nd floor, Mirador Mansion, 58 Nathan Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
— My order: 3 Dish Buffet (HK $125 per person ~ US$15.99 per person)
— This was my first time having Pakistani food, and it did not disappoint! We tried all four buffet sets which each included a curry soup appetizer; 3 mains with naan, roti, and rice; mama blanca (dessert); and hot milk tea. The owner is extremely friendly. If you have a little more to spend, ask for his recommendation and he’ll give you a flat price!
4. King of Coconut (Silly little drink!)
— Address: Corner of Dundas Street and Tung Choi Street, Mong Kok, Hong Kong
— My order: Small cup! (HK $22 ~ US$2.81)
— This counter services spot only sells one slushy, fresh coconut milk drink and has multiple locations! There are 3 different sizes. You can ask for pearls or jelly for an additional charge.
5. 濃姐石磨腸粉 (Tiny shop, silky noods, cheap.)
— Address: Hong Kong, Jordan, Shanghai St, 62號AVA62地下5號鋪
— My order: #1 Beef brisket cheung fun (HK $32 ~ US $4.09)
— I have never had cheung fun noodles so silky. You can take it to-go, or stand at the small table they have in front. They also have a pot of garlic chili crisp that makes it even tastier. No English menu, so have Google Translate on deck!
6. Australia Dairy Company (HK style breakfast!)
— Address: 47 Parkes St, Jordan, Hong Kong
— My order: Breakfast set with scrambled eggs, buttered toast (HK$43 ~ US$5.50); steamed egg pudding with almond flavor (HK$33 ~ US$4.22)
— Scrambled eggs and toast sounds so simple, but you will understand once you try it. The eggs are silky and the toast is thick and fluffy. Don’t knock the ham and macaroni soup until you try it! It’s a HK breakfast staple. Finish off with the slightly sweet steamed egg pudding. Don’t be intimidated by the long line; it moves fast! This is a standard HK style cafe with quick service and strangers grouped at tables together.
7. Tomato C Hing (comfort food)
— Address: 號地下, 255 Ki Lung St, Sham Shui Po, Hong Kong
— My order: Smooth beef and scrambled eggs with ramen noodles (HK $54 ~ US $6.91)
— This Michelin recommended restaurant specializes in their thick, stew-like tomato soup. It is the definition of comfort food. Ask for an English menu and check off your choices with the provided dry erase marker!
8. Po Po Dumpling House (Northern style steamed dumplings.)
— Address: Shop B, 18-24 Chik Shun St, Tai Wai, Hong Kong
— My order: Steamed green onion and mutton dumplings (HK$33 ~ US$4.22 for 6 pieces); steamed pork and chopped chives dumplings (HK$30 ~ US$3.84 for 6 pieces)
— These northern style Chinese dumplings have a flour based wrapper that’s a bit thicker and doughier than your standard HK dumpling spot. Their black vinegar dipping sauce received the stamp of approval from my friend whose family hails from Northern China!
*Prices as of Dec 2023
Hunter Hom
Fall 2023
GW Exchange - Chinese University of Hong Kong
Columbian College of Arts and Sciences
Political Science and Economic Major