When I think of Hong Kong, the first thing that pops into my mind is Cha Chaan Tengs (local Hong Kong cafés). Back in my childhood, my sisters and I would binge-watch Hong Kong dramas, always drooling over the dim sum scenes and those cozy café settings.
Hong Kong is truly a foodie’s paradise. From roast goose and wonton noodles to claypot rice and beyond, the city serves up some of the best comfort food in the world. On top of that, it’s also home to countless Michelin-starred restaurants and Bib Gourmand eateries.
Here are some of the highlights from our short trip – every restaurant and dish we tried was recommended by my sister, social media foodies, or good old research. And just to be clear, this is not a sponsored post – every meal was paid out of our own pockets (and worth every cent!).
Day 1 – First Bites Around Causeway Bay
We stayed near Causeway Bay station and Times Square, which turned out to be a foodie jackpot.
Mak’s Noodle – Right across from our hotel! I didn’t realise how tiny the bowls of wonton noodles were until they landed on the table. Honestly, they looked comically small… but wow, the flavour! Springy noodles, juicy wontons, and a broth that packed a punch. Hands down, one of the best noodles I have ever had. Forget Singapore’s version – this was next-level.
Lei Garden (Times Square, Level 10) – A classic Cantonese restaurant. My sister swore by their soups (apparently they sell out fast). True enough, the winter melon soup was already gone by dinner. We ordered claypot rice (minus the pig intestines – thank you, sister). The rice came with tender pork, crunchy crispy rice, and a drizzle of dark soy sauce. Delicious, though claypot rice just is not my thing.
For dessert, my sister insisted on the almond milk with whipped egg white. She loved it. I… shivered at the thought. Smooth, yes, but not for me.
Day 2 – Michelin Magic
Dinner was at Ho Hung Kee (since 1946) inside Hysan Place (12th floor) – a one-Michelin-star congee and noodle shop.
My husband could not stop raving about their char siu bun (“the best ever!”). Honestly, every single dish we ordered – from wonton noodles to silky congee – was flawless. Highly, highly recommended!
Day 3 – Silky Tofu & Roast Goose Dreams
At Po Lin Monastery, we tried tofu fa (tofu pudding) with ginger-sugar syrup. Smooth as silk, though I personally was not a fan of the ginger kick. Too spicy for my taste, but still a must-try.
Later, we headed to Ki’s Roasted Goose (Jardine’s Bazaar). Their goose skin was shatteringly crisp, the meat juicy, and not overly fatty. Alongside the goose, we had char siu, roast pork, and chicken. The char siu was a little salty for me, but everything else? Perfection. If only I could tabao (takeaway) a goose back to the UK!
Day 4 – Goose, But Make It Zesty
After one roast goose feast, my sister brought us to Yung’s Tangerine Peel Roast Goose (Wan Chai, Lockhart Road). This was goose on another level. The subtle tangerine zest added a refreshing twist to the rich meat – absolutely delicious. We also tried their chicken, char siu, and roast pork, which were all fantastic. Pro tip: go early, it gets packed!
Day 5 – The Classic Cha Chaan Teng Experience
We cabbed over to Red Tea (Tsim Sha Tsui), a true-blue Cha Chaan Teng. My sister warned me – don’t bother the staff for extras. They are famously grumpy (it is part of the charm, apparently).
Their egg tarts were divine, but the star of the show was the Hong Kong-style French toast. Imagine fluffy milk bread stuffed with peanut butter, dipped in egg, fried till golden, then drenched in syrup. Sweet, rich, and oh-so-addictive. We had to share one among three people because it was that indulgent.
Day 6 – Dim Sum in the Rain
Heavy rain meant school closures and many shops shuttered – but thank goodness Lung DimSum (Causeway Bay) was open. Their dim sum was beautifully presented and tasted just as good, with the congee being a standout. Comfort food on a rainy day = perfect ending.
And just like that, our foodie adventure in Hong Kong came to an end. Honestly, I wish we had more days (and more stomach space!) to explore all the flavours the city has to offer. I will never forget the roast goose, silky congee, and those unforgettable wonton noodles.
So tell me – which of these Hong Kong dishes would you love to try first? Let me know in the comments below!