USD
How to Have the Ultimate Foodie Escape in Hong Kong
Written by Nate Robinson
Searing woks, sprawling wine and food shows, and some of Asia’s best cocktail bars: here’s how to have the ultimate foodie escape in Hong Kong.
It’s always been renowned as an unmissable destination for foodies, but there’s never been a better time to be hungry in Hong Kong. The city’s dining clout continues to astonish, with 79 Michelin-starred restaurants, decades of local dining history and 9 of Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024 all mingling to create one of the finest culinary scenes in the world. Discover how to have the ultimate foodie escape in Hong Kong, from traditional tea restaurants to October’s unmissable Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival.
Indulge in a Michelin-starred degustation
Hong Kong’s culinary scene is renowned for its diversity and quality; you’ll find fiery newcomers and old favourites alike in 2024’s Michelin Guide, with 214 restaurants earning a star or mention.
In ritzy Causeway Bay you’ll find traditional Cantonese seafood at Forum (three stars), opened by the late ‘abalone king’ Yeung Koon-yat – his kitchen is still a culinary force to be reckoned with. Hidden behind antique stands in Central’s historic Cat Street is Mora (one star and green star), its interior design a bright medley of jade and cream among a sea of bronze and brown; its degustation menu pays tribute to soy in all its forms, from fresh milk made in-house to rich mapo tofu. In nearby Sheung Wan, Tate (two stars) dazzles with an eight-course tasting menu that dances between French and Chinese influences, with small plates presented with exceptional delicateness, and an extensive wine list.
Hit a food & wine festival
It’s no surprise that always-hungry Hong Kong draws world-class foodie festivals. The landmark Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival returns to the Central Harbourfront Event Space on 23-27 October 2024, celebrating the city’s East-meets-West culinary culture across five continuous days of feasting. Expect traditional Cantonese dishes given a fusion spin, spectacular feats of modern gastronomy, more than 300 participating food and wine vendors and more, all backdropped by magnificent views over Victoria Harbour.
Sample street food at a dai pai dong
Seek out Hong Kong’s dai pai dongs (street food stalls), their green-steel exteriors and roaring-hot woks and you’ll be richly rewarded, with spots like Haiphong Road Temporary Cooked Food Hawker Bazaar serving a staggering amount of local delicacies under its corrugated metal roof; must-tries include Hong Kong-style french toast, perfectly paired with a cup of milk tea.
Discover Hong Kong café culture
Hong Kong’s answer to the American diner has been pouring tea since the 1950s, when the city’s labourers would seek refuge – and an ice-cold drink – after the day’s work. As British-style cuisine exploded in popularity, these establishments transformed into the iconic cha chaan tengs (tea restaurants) Hong Kongers know and love today. You’ll find one on almost every street corner, but for first-timers, Central’s Lan Fong Yuen makes for the quintessential introduction – its ultra-smooth ‘silk stocking’ milk tea is legendary.
Drink up at an award-winning bar
Since opening in 2023, Central’s ultra-cool Bar Leone has been crowned #1 in Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024, the first bar to debut in the coveted top place. Backing up the Italian-inspired bar’s killer negroni list is a smoked-olive martini and a food menu that ranges from the honest mortadella sandwich to onion rings a la aglio e olio, decadently topped with parmesan cheese. Walk just five minutes and you’ll find yourself at COA (itself making history with three consecutive #1s from 2021-2023, now #4), surrounded by the city’s largest collection of agave-based spirits. With these two practically separated by a single street, it’s no exaggeration to say that Hong Kong is home to one of the greatest barhops in the world.
Be wowed by Hong Kong afternoon tea
The city’s afternoon tea is a thing worth savouring, with establishments like Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong’s contemporary Clipper Lounge offering twists on long-established classics. Set among lush palms, vaulted ceilings and spectacular views over Victoria Harbour, The Peninsula – Hong Kong’s last remaining grand old hotel – boasts an unrivalled afternoon tea service, featuring tuna nicoise milk buns, wild lavender and prawn sandwiches and the finest French champagne.
Enjoy breakfast with a difference
The secret to the perfect breakfast in Hong Kong is hidden in fresh pineapple buns and a cup of milk tea. Topped with a caramelised cookie-like crust (its namesake) and best enjoyed with a thick slice of just-melting butter, pineapple buns have become synonymous with the tastes of old Hong Kong. You can find shops almost anywhere, from retro spots – Happy Valley’s Cheung Hing Coffee Shop has been serving some of the city’s best pastries for six decades – to new favourites like Red Bean Bakery (its famous Giant Pineapple Bun makes for the perfect split between friends).
Discover Hong Kong
This article was produced in partnership with Hong Kong Tourism Board.
After more inspiration? Check out 6 Surprising Things to Do in Hong Kong.
