In this day and age, it’s hard to find anyone who hasn’t heard of dim sum. This popular Cantonese tea-time delight has seen immense popularity all over the world and truth be told, you could even find places selling them in the far reaches of Europe. 

However, contrary to popular understanding, to the locals in Hong Kong, dim sum is more than just a tea time snack—it is ingrained as part of their lifestyle and more often than not, a meal that brings their family and loved ones together.

From enjoying dim sum at a boisterous cha chaan teng with the common folk or even at a prestigious Michelin-starred restaurant where the classic dim sum is given a shot of elegance and grandeur, here are 18 dim sum restaurants in Hong Kong you should definitely try. 

CHUK YUEN SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

Talk about a family-friendly seafood restaurant in Hong Kong, and locals would probably direct you to Chuk Yuen Seafood Restaurant.

That old establishment has been around for decades and today, it remains a popular haunt for locals when they want an unpretentious and good meal with family and friends.

On its menu, you have a great variety of dim sum and seafood favourites. Notable dim sum dishes are Egg Tarts (HK$21), Steamed Shrimp Dumpling (HK$39), Steamed Siew Mai (HK$29) and Baked BBQ Pork Buns (HK$26).

28 Hankow Rd, Hong Kong Pacific Centre
Hong Kong, Tsim Sha Tsui
Tel: +852 2722 0633
Mon to Sat: 11am – 12midnight
Sun & PH: 10am – 12midnight
Nearest Station: Tsim Sha Shui

DIM DIM SUM

Probably one of the more well-known dim sum restaurant chains in Hong Kong, Dim Dim Sum is a wallet-friendly option for locals and tourists in search of affordable and creative dim sum.

Besides the traditional Har Gau, Siew Mai and Steamed Spareribs with Black Bean Sauce, diners are also treated to an interesting range of dim sum options such as Pineapple Bun with Pineapple Custard Filling, Japanese-style Siew Mai and Chicken and Black Truffle Pot Pie.

Their Salted Egg Yolk Custard Buns come in adorable piggy shapes are extremely photogenic for your social media feed!

G/F, Man Wah Building
23 Man Ying Street, Jordan
Tel: +852 2771 7766
Daily: 10am – 1am
Nearest MTR: Jordan

DUDDELL’S

If you are looking for a place that impresses, Duddell’s at Central does that with their exquisite dim sum creations, hearty Cantonese soups and posh interior—they even have their own rooftop bar.

Awarded with two stars in Michelin Guide Hong Kong 2015, the restaurant is the choice destination for business meetings, family reunions and a date with your significant half.

On their dim sum menu, you will find Shrimp Dumpling with Matsutake Mushroom, Pork and Shrimp Dumpling with Scallop and Caviar, Steamed Barbecued Iberia Pork Bun… and the list goes on.

Level 3, Shanghai Tang Mansion
1 Duddell Street, Central
Tel: + 852 2525 9191
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 12am
Sun: 12pm – 11pm
Nearest MTR: Central

DYNASTY RESTAURANT

Award-winning Chinese restaurant Dynasty sits within the space of the elegant Renaissance Harbour View Hotel and while prices may be slightly steeper than the casual dim sum restaurants, this is where you will find amazing dim sum that comes with generous ingredients.

Besides their legendary Barbecued Pork, some crowd-favourites that can never go wrong are the Baked Crab Gratin and Baked Char Siu Pineapple Bun.

Renaissance Harbour View Hotel Hong Kong
1 Harbour Road, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2802 8888
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Sun: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest MTR: Wan Chai

FOOK LAM MOON

Fook Lam Moon’s primary clientele comprises the rich and famous in Hong Kong—dining at this 1-Michelin Starred restaurant is a bragging right on its own.

While you can most definitely expect only the best ingredients to go into the dim sum, the high price tag is not for all to digest. While the place may appear slightly snobbish, there is a reason why the restaurant is ever popular among the socialites over the weekends. And yes, their dim sum is pretty elegant.

Shop 3, G/F, Newman House
35-45 Johnston Road, Wan Chai
Tel: +852 2866 0663
Daily: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Nearest MTR: Wan Chai

FU SING SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

Fu Sing Seafood Restaurant is not at all pretentious and their traditional outlook is one reason why it makes the dining experience all the more authentic. They may be known for their shark’s fin but we would go for their dim sum any day.

Filled with the sweetest char siew fillings in an airily soft bun, Fu Sing’s Baked BBQ Pork Buns are the best that we’ve had in Hong Kong—that pillowy bun came with a full centre of char siew fillings and a crusty pineapple-shaped top. Other than that, the Steamed Rice Rolls with Dough Stick and Carrot Cake are excellent choices too.

Fu Sing Seafood Restaurant has three outlets in Hong Kong—Wan Chai, Causeway Bay and Central.

1/F, 68 Yee Woo Street, Causeway Bay
Tel: +852 2504 4228
Mon to Sat: 11am – 11pm
Sun & PH: 10.30am – 11pm
Nearest MTR: Causeway Bay

JADE GARDEN

Founded by leading F&B organisation Maxim’s Group, Jade Garden is a dim sum chain that is popular among families for their wide range of dim sum options and classic Cantonese dishes.

Dim sum is served on trolleys (so you get the true yum cha experience) and you get to pick what you like among the varieties on offer that day. Besides that, the restaurant also has dishes that are suitable for communal dining as well.

803-803A, Level 8
Grand Century Place
Mongkok, Kowloon
Tel: +852 2573 9339
Daily: 7.30am – 4pm, 5.30pm – 11.30pm
Nearest MTR: Prince Edward

KING’S DIM SUM

The best part about dim sum is that it can be enjoyed at any time of the day—whether its breakfast, tea or even supper. King’s Dim Sum is a hole-in-the-wall dim sum eatery in Causeway Bay which serves dim sum from 7am to 11.30pm.

Prices are considered reasonable here and the eatery even has a translated menu in English so tourists do not have to be shy about ordering. Although not as famous as the other big names, King’s Dim Sum is still an underrated place worth checking out.

Siki Centre, 23 Jardine’s Bazaar
Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2325 5010
Daily: 7am – 11.30pm
Nearest MTR: Tin Hau

LEI GARDEN

Established in 1973, Lei Garden is a very successful international dim sum brand that originally started off as a traditional Cantonese-style restaurant. The 1-Michelin Starred restaurant now has 24 branches in neighbouring countries such as Singapore and China too.

The food is consistently remarkable and always reliable no matter which branch you go to or when you visit. Among what we ordered, their Steamed Custard Stuffed Buns, with its molten centre, left a deep impression on our minds. Other notable items on the menu are the Pan-fried Pork Dumpling topped with rice nest and Deep-fried Taro Dumplings.

10/F, Times Square
1 Matheson Street, Causeway Bay
Tel: +852 2506 3828
Daily: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Nearest MTR: Causeway Bay

LIN HEUNG TEA HOUSE

Having been around for decades, Lin Heung Tea House is one of the oldest teahouses in Hong Kong—that will remind you of old Hong Kong in the 60s and 70s—and it is conveniently located at the bustling Wellington Street.

Do not be surprised if you are put on the waiting list as the restaurant sees a snaking line in the mornings which mostly consists of loyal patrons who make it a point to head back time and again for their dim sum which is served on trolleys by waitstaff who has been working there for decades.

160-164 Wellington Street
Central, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2544 4556
Daily: 6am – 10pm (dim sum untill 3.30pm only)
Nearest MTR: Sheung Wan

LUK YU TEA HOUSE

An institution that has been around long enough to be labelled as an icon in the Hong Kong dining scene, Luk Yu Tea House is very traditional and its setup is akin to what you see in Hong Kong dramas—complete with ancient touches of jades and marbles, sans the gangsters, of course.

Prices may not be the most affordable on the list and there is no good service to speak of here too but this is one place to check out for an authentic dim sum experience when you are in Hong Kong.

Diners will find the usual dim sum staples such as Egg Tarts, Har Gau and pau with various fillings on the menu.

24-26 Stanley Street, Central
Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2523 5464
Daily: 7am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Central

MAXIM’S PALACE

One of the most prominent names when it comes to dim sum, Maxim’s Palace at Central is MASSIVE—fitting up to 500 diners in one seating so you can expect the place to always be lively and bustling.

The restaurant serves their dim sum in trolleys that are filled with a hundred varieties of dim sum and signature dishes—all prepared fresh from the kitchen daily. With so many choices, there is always a reason to head back for more.

Enjoy a splendid selection of dim sum with the likes of chee cheong fun, taro puffs, har gau and other refined Cantonese fares.

3/F, City Hall 5-7 Edinburgh Place
Tel: +852 2521 1303
Mon to Sat: 11am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 11.30pm
Sun & PH: 9am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 11.30pm
Nearest Station: Central

ONE DIM SUM

After earning their one Michelin star in 2012, One Dim Sum has been gaining a steady reputation for their affordable dim sum and that also means that the restaurant is packed with regulars who return often for its much-lauded dim sum.

Everything on the menu is pleasantly affordable and nothing is above HK$28. You can indulge in a range of dim sum— be it the Steamed Vermicelli Rolls to buns and congees.

Shop 1 & 2, G/F, Kenwood Mansion
15 Playing Field Road, Prince Edward
Tel: +852 2789 2280
Mon to Fri: 10.30am – 12.30am
Sat & Sun: 9.30am – 12.30am
Nearest MTR: Prince Edward (Exit A)

SUN HING RESTAURANT

To satisfy your late-night or early morning dim sum craving, Sun Hing Restaurant in Kennedy Town is a chaotic dining establishment where diners eat and leave once they are done with their meal.

Look out for the dim sum counter where you can choose your own dim sum but the locals will encourage you to wait for the special dishes that are freshly prepared every hour. Don’t miss out on their signature Custard Bun—it has been making rounds on Instagram for its photogenic custard lava.

Shop C, G/F, 8 Smithfield Road
Kennedy Town
Tel: +852 2816 0616
Daily: 3am – 4pm
Nearest MTR: Kennedy Town

TIM HO WAN

Since its rapid international expansion, much has been said about the dipping standards of this one-Michelin starred dim sum empire. Even so, that has not deterred many tourists from visiting them and the queues are never-ending.

Diners may not find a large variety of dim sum but their selective menu is good for the undecided. Go for their famous Baked BBQ Pork Bun and Steamed Egg Cake.

G/F, 9-11 Fuk Wing Street
Sham Shui Po
Tel: +852 2788 1226
Daily: 8am – 10pm
Nearest MTR: Sham Shui Po

TIN LUNG HEEN

An upscale Cantonese restaurant situated in the swanky Ritz Carlton Hong Kong, Tin Lung Heen boasts an unbeatable view of the city’s skyline and dim sum that’s literally fit for royalty.

The menu sprawls across many categories, including roast meat, vegetables, dim sum, but the must-try dish is its Iberian Pork. Its fine dim sum coupled with spectacular views from the 102nd floor makes Tin Lung Heen a must-visit destination in Hong Kong.

102/F, The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong
International Commerce Centre
1 Austin Road West, Tsim Sha Tsui
Tel: +852 2263 2270
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Sat, Sun & PH: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest MTR: Kowloon

WEST VILLA

There is nothing fancy about the place that will catch your attention. In fact, West Villa is an old and traditional-looking restaurant at Causeway Bay you will probably skip if you aren’t looking out for it.

However, diners will be delighted to know that they take their roasts and braised meats seriously and one that you should really consider ordering is their BBQ Pork.

5/F Lee Gardens One
33 Hysan Avenue, Causeway Bay
Tel: +852 2882 2100
Daily: 11am – 11.30pm
Nearest MTR: Causeway Bay

YAN TOH HEEN

2-Michelin Starred restaurant, Yan Toh Heen, within InterContinental Hong Kong has received raving reviews for their Cantonese delights. Guests dine in an elegant setting, decked out in jade decor and have a chance to taste Executive Chef Lau Yiu Fai’s master creations.

Baked Roasted Duck & Taro Buns, Steamed Barbecued Pork Buns and Steamed Prawn and Bamboo Shoot Dumplings are just some items on the menu to name.

G/F, InterContinental Hong Kong
18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
Tel: +852 2721 1211
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 2pm, 6pm – 11pm
Sun & PH: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Tsim Sha Tsui

Lin Heung Tea House in Sheung Wan is one of the oldest teahouses in Hong Kong and it is one of the few Chinese restaurants that serves dim sum the traditional way.

An unassuming Chinese restaurant which offers both locals and tourists the most authentic Cantonese dining experience you can get, this restaurant is definitely a place that is worth visiting—if you are willing to brave the crowd.

Lin Heung Tea House has been in business since 1889. For first-timers, get ready to fight for your food when you get to Lin Heung Tea House. You’ll find diners swarming to a pushcart whenever it gets out of the kitchen, and some dishes can get sold out within minutes so you have to be quick on your feet!

This teahouse is almost perpetually crowded, but it truly is a must-visit destination when you are in Hong Kong. What else can we say? Lin Heung Tea House may not be the best option for the faint-hearted, but it sure is one hell of an experience.

Lin Heung Tea House
162 Wellington Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 25444556
Daily: 6am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Sheung Wan MTR Exit E2

Read: 15 Best Dim Sum Restaurants in Hong Kong that offer the quintessential dim sum experience.

Talk about a family-friendly seafood restaurant in Hong Kong, and locals would probably direct you to Chuk Yuen Seafood Restaurant.

That old establishment has been around for decades and today, it remains a popular haunt for locals when they want an unpretentious and good meal with family and friends.

Chuk Yuen Seafood Restaurant has a menu of dim sum items and seafood. And in particular, the famous Cheese Lobster deserves a special mention. Be prepared to wait in line for a table no matter what time of the day you go; their popularity is simply undeniable.

You probably wouldn’t think much of its shopfront—which is merely a host stand and a few tanks of live seafood—but upon going down to the basement (where the dining area is), you’d be shocked by its capacity.

Hall after hall of tables, Chuk Yuen Seafood Restaurant is huge. It is probably also why they are families’ top choice in Tsim Sha Tsui.

On its menu, you have a great variety of dim sum and seafood favourites. Notable dim sum dishes are Egg Tarts (HK$21), Steamed Shrimp Dumpling (HK$39), Steamed Siew Mai (HK$29) and Baked BBQ Pork Buns (HK$26). While we liked their dim sum, we say keep your focus on the seafood if you have limited tummy space.

What you definitely must try and probably will see on every table is the Cheese Lobster (HK$480 for small, HK$780 for big). Yes, it is what you think it is—chunks of fresh lobster dunked in a copious amount of gooey cheese. Just the thought of it should make you salivate!

We have to be honest that it wasn’t cheese of the best quality. But when in a typical Hong Kong-style restaurant, we weren’t expecting top-grade European cheese too. If you could look past this fact, you’d be able to truly enjoy the Chinese-style Cheese Lobster.

Other seafood favourites are the Steamed Clams with Chopped Garlic & Vermicelli (HK$50 per pc). This simple seafood dish was brimming with freshness and sweetness from the plump clam flesh.

At Chuk Yuen, there are, too, other seafood dishes for families to enjoy, such as Steamed HK-style Seabass, Geoduck Shabu Shabu (HK$880), Steamed Scallop with Garlic (HK$50 per pc).

Other than their Tsim Sha Tsui’s outlet, Chuk Yuen Seafood Restaurant also has two other branches in Happy Valley and Sheung Wan.

Chuk Yuen Seafood Restaurant
28 Hankow Rd, Hong Kong Pacific Centre
Hong Kong, Tsim Sha Tsui
Tel: +852 2722 0633
Mon to Sat: 11am – 12midnight
Sun & PH: 10am – 12midnight
Nearest Station: Tsim Sha Shui

For more recommendations, read our guide on Tsim Sha Tsui’s best places to dine at.

Singaporeans are evidently obsessed with Hong Kong – and the endless opening of Hong Kong gourmet brands on our sunny island is testimony to that fact. While most travellers only spend a weekend in the Pearl of the Orient, we strongly suggest you to re-visit the city this year.

From having breakfast at Honolulu Cafe, boarding a junk boat, hiking the Dragon’s Back, shopping till you drop at Citygate Outlets to partying at Lan Kwai Fong, here is a curated 4D3N Hong Kong Itinerary and 20 Tips On What To See And What To Eat.

DAY ONE IN HONG KONG

#1 HAVE BREAKFAST AT HONOLULU CAFE

Honolulu Coffee Shop is famous for their egg tarts. Having said that, do make it a point to visit in the morning to savour the freshest and tastiest egg tarts. There is a stark contrast in its quality during daytime and nighttime. We also highly recommend their Pineapple Buns.

176-178 Hennessy Rd, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2575 1823
Daily: 6am – 12am
Nearest Station: Wan Chai

#2 BARGAIN HUNTING AT LADIES MARKET

The Ladies Market is a popular night market that stretches across a few streets. Even if shopping is not on your to-do list, you should still take a stroll down the aisle and check out all the interesting items that have on sale.

Tung Choi Street
Mong Kok, Kowloon

#3 CHECK OUT THE FLOWER MARKET

Located on Flower Market Road, the Flower Market is actually a cluster of flower shops selling all sorts of flowers you ever dreamt of. Bouquets are readily available or if you would like, stalks of roses can also be bought at relatively cheap prices. It is Valentine’s Day every day here!

Flower Market Road
Prince Edward, Kowloon

#4 LUNCH AT KAM WAH CAFE

Kam Wah Cafe has a made a name for itself with its bo lo bao (pineapple bun). The local cha chaan teng is always crowded with locals and foodie tourists, but trust us, the pineapple buns are worth the wait.

G/F, 47 Bute St
Prince Edward, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2392 6830
Daily: 6.30am – 12am
Nearest MTR: Prince Edward

#5 BOARD A HONG KONG JUNK BOAT

The picture of a junk boat against the picturesque skyline of Hong Kong says everything. Cruising along the sea on a Hong Kong junk boat is an unmissable experience! So gather your friends, charter a boat and sail into the sea while singing along to Moana’s soundtrack.

#6 DINNER AT RONIN

Ronin—a speakeasy style Japanese bar-cum-restaurant—is one of Hong Kong’s best-kept secrets. The dark, mysterious 20-seated bar’s primary focus is seafood and damn, it seriously is one of the best meals we ever had in our lifetimes. Of course, the divine meal comes at a costly price.

8 On Wo Lane
Central, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2547 5263
Mon to Sat: 6pm – 12am
Sun: Closed
Nearest Station: Sheung Wan

#7 BAR HOP AT SHEUNG WAN

Admittedly, the neighbourhood of Sheung Wan is immensely gentrified. However, we certainly do not mind the new addition of exciting cocktail bars! Some of our personal favourite watering holes include Aberdeen Street Social, Sohofama and NEO Cocktail Club.

DAY TWO IN HONG KONG

#8 BRUNCH AT MAXIM’S PALACE

If you are looking for a quintessential Hong Kong dim sum experience with the comfort of a modern establishment, then head to Maxim’s Palace. They have retained its authenticity by serving dim sum on traditional trolleys like the good old days.

3/F, City Hall 5-7 Edinburgh Place
Tel: +852 2521 1303
Mon to Sat: 11am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 11pm
Sun & PH: 9am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Central

#9 HIKE DRAGON’S BACK

Located in the outskirts of metropolis Hong Kong, Dragon’s Back boasts stunning panoramic views of tall skyscrapers, coastal shores and the surrounding mountainous region. The beginner-friendly hike makes an excellent alternative for those who wish to admire Hong Kong’s scenery minus the suffocating crowds.

#10 LUNCH AT YUM CHA

If you are looking for a great yum cha meal without the scruffiness, Yum Cha is the perfect place. The dining establishment is exceptionally popular for its irresistibly adorable dim sums. It is worth mentioning that the steamed dishes were superb and service was impeccable.

3/F, 20-22 Granville Road
Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2751 1666
Daily: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Nearest MTR Station: Tsim Sha Tsui

#11 COFFEE AT OMOTESANDO KOFFEE

Fans of Japanese Omotesando Koffee can look forward to the specialty coffee bar’s high quality espresso-based beverages and baked custard cubes at Hong Kong’s outlet. Take all our money already!

G24-25, Lee Tung Ave
200 Queen’s Rd East
Tel: +852 2601 3323
Mon to Fri: 8am – 8pm
Sat and Sun: 9am – 9pm
Nearest MTR Station: Wan Chai

#12 SHOP TILL YOU DROP AT CITYGATE OUTLETS

Ladies, remember to increase your credit card’s spending limit prior to visiting Citygate Outlets. This shopping centre this is where you can find global brands such as Burberry, Club21 and OnPedder at slashed prices.

20 Tat Tung Road, Tung Chung,
Lantau, Hong Kong
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tung Chung

#13 DINNER AT YAT LOK

Yat Lok might be notorious for their atrocious service, but it is their insanely delicious roast goose meat that kept us returning religiously each time we visit Hong Kong. It has been nearly half a century since award-winning Yat Lok started serving amazing roast meat with their family secret recipe, and the rest is history.

G/F, 34 -38 Stanley Street
Central Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2524 3882
Mon to Sat: 10am – 9pm
Sun: 10am – 5.30pm
Nearest Station: Central

#14 PARTY AT LAN KWAI FONG

You have not experienced Hong Kong until you paint the town red at their nightlife district Lan Kwai Fong. There are countless of bars and clubs at this area and they open till an unearthly 6am. Not even kidding.

DAY THREE IN HONG KONG

#15 LUNCH AT HELLO KITTY CHINESE CUISINE

Hello Kitty Chinese Cuisine—the World’s First Hello Kitty-Themed Dim Sum Restaurant—has taken Hong Kong by storm and is a must-visit for all avid fans. Due to Hello Kitty Chinese Cuisine’s overwhelming popularity, we strongly recommend you to make a reservation in advance to secure a table.

Shop A-C, G/F, Lee Loy Mansion
332-338 Canton Road, Kowloon
Tel: (852) 8202-8203
Daily: 11am – 3.30pm, 6pm – 11pm (last order 10pm)
Nearest MTR Station: Jordan

#16 SPEND THE DAY AT OCEAN PARK

Ocean Park is one of Hong Kong’s best attractions. It houses an amusement park, an animal theme park, an oceanarium and a marine mammal park all in the 17-hectare park. An ideal place for families to spend an entire day at.

#17 DINNER AT ICIHRAN RAMEN

Ichiran Ramen is a ramen chain from Japan and boy, we are glad it has opened 24/7 outlets in Hong Kong. The dining concept is unique; diners sit in individual partitioned cubicles. The broth is unbelievably tasty—we will never get sick of it.

Lockhart House Block B
440-446 Jaffe Road
Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2152 4040
Daily: 24/7

DAY FOUR IN HONG KONG

#18 BRUNCH AT SING HEUNG YUEN

Make your way to Sing Heung Yuen—one of Hong Kong’s very last few Dai Pai Dongs—and experience the local way of life by dining at this old-school roadside food vendor. The humble Chinese alfresco eatery has been around for nearly half a century and is especially well-loved amongst locals for its signature tomato egg noodles and yummy condensed milk buns.

2 Mee Lun Street, Central
Tel: +852 2544 8368
Mon to Sat: 8am – 5pm
Closed on Sun and PH
Nearest Station: Sheung Wan

#19 VISIT DISNEYLAND HONG KONG

It doesn’t matter if you are a grown adult, because there is no age limit at Disneyland. Discover the magic, immerse yourselves in the fairytales and forget all your adult fears and unhappiness. Spend half a day at Disneyland Hong Kong and unleash the inner child in you.

#20 DINNER AT TSUI WAH

Tsui Wah is hands down the most famous Cha Chaan Teng in Hong Kong. The menu is comprehensive but you can’t go wrong with their signature Hainanese chicken rice and fishball noodles. We are amazed by how the chain has successfully managed to keep its standards consistent throughout all outlets.

15 Wellington Street
Central, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2525 6338
Daily: 24/7
Nearest Station: central

For more recommendations, read our Hong Kong Food & Travel Guides to find out more about the best places to visit.

Third-wave specialty coffee cafes, rowdy raunchy bars, upscale speakeasy lounges, street side local hawkers, fine dining restaurants… Wan Chai is a bustling district in Hong Kong with an eclectic mix of tenants.

It is impossible to categorise this neighbourhood—because you simply cannot limit Wan Chai to a single trait when so much is going on at the same time.

From one-Michelin-star Fook Lam Moon Restaurant, local Hong Kong-style restaurant Joy Hing’s Roasted Meat, Omotesando Koffee’s first international outpost, peacock-themed cocktail speakeasy Ophelia to independent coffee shop The Cupping Room, here is our Guide to Bars, Cafes, Cha Chaan Tengs and Restaurants in Wan Chai, Hong Kong.

DYNASTY RESTAURANT

Situated within Renaissance Hong Kong Harbour View Hotel is Dynasty Restaurant, a fine dining establishment that serves a fine array of authentic Chinese delicacies. It is also a great place for dim sums.

Popular dishes include the Quail Egg with Minced Shrimp and Pork Steamed Dumpling (HK$65) and Black Truffle Sauce Vegetarian Dumpling (HK$58).

Renaissance Harbour View Hotel
3rd Floor, 1 Harbour Road, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2584 6971
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Sun: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Wan Chai

FOOK LAM MOON RESTAURANT

One-Michelin-star Fook Lam Moon Restaurant is a frequent haunt amongst Hong Kong socialites. Needless to say, a meal here is far from affordable and prices of handcrafted dim sums typically range from HK$60 to HK$70.

Fook Lam Moon Restaurant is also listed in our Guide To The Best Dim Sum Restaurants in Hong Kong.

Shop 3, G/F
35-45 Johnston Rd, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2866 0663
Daily: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Wan Chai

HAM & SHERRY

Ham & Sherry is a successful collaboration between restaurateur Yenn Wong and British Michelin star Chef Jason Atherton. The name itself says it all; house-cured meats and sherry is the name of the game.

Ham and Sherry boasts Asia’s biggest sherry list and sherry novices should try their tasting flights (HK$295), where you get to sample four sherries of your choice.

1-7 Ship St, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2555 0628
Closed on Sundays
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Wan Chai

HONOLULU COFFEE SHOP

Honolulu Coffee Shop is one of Hong Kong’s best cha chaan tengs and they are best known for their egg tarts. However, do make it a point to drop by in the morning to savour the freshest and tastiest egg tarts as there is a stark contrast in its quality during daytime and nighttime.

The Honolulu Pineapple Bun with Butter aka Bo Lo Yao is their next bestselling snack.

176-178 Hennessy Rd, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2575 1823
Daily: 6am – 12am
Nearest Station: Wan Chai

If you are going to Hong Kong for holiday, check out this list of the Top 11 Cha Chaan Teng (Hong Kong style tea restaurant) in Hong Kong.

JOY HING’S ROASTED MEAT

One of the best roast goose restaurants in Hong Kong, Joy Hing’s Roasted Meat is a small and unassuming local eatery jam-packed with native Hong Kongers throughout the day.

The dining experience here is certainly not for the fussy eaters; expect an elbow-to-elbow condition and non-existent staff service here. However, what you get in return is an extremely satisfying meal of roast goose and char siew at economical prices.

Chong Hing Building
265-267 Hennessy Rd
Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2519 6639
Mon to Sat: 10am – 10pm
Closed on Sundays
Nearest Station: Wan Chai

KASA

Kasa is a 52-seater restaurant that specialises in Cantonese fusion cuisine. Patrons can expect an impressive selection of Instagram-worthy east-meets-west dishes that will definitely pique your interest. Think Molten Duck Yolk Custard Lava Cake (HK$38++) and lattes served in oriental tea cups.

It is also worth a special mention that every dish at Kasa is MSG-free.

Suite 103, 1/F Shui On Centre
6-8 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2659-9189
Mon to Fri: 8am – 9.30pm
Sat: 12pm – 9.30pm
Closed on Sundays
Nearest Station: Wan Chai

OMOTESANDO KOFFEE

Hailing from Tokyo, Omotesando Koffee is a popular Japanese coffee brand that took the world by storm with its quirky venue, irresistible baked custard cubes and espresso-based beverages.

While its flagship location at an age-old traditional Japanese home is no longer in operations, Hong Kong is now home to Omotensando Koffee’s first international outpost.

G24-25, Lee Tung Ave
200 Queen’s Rd East
Tel: +852 2601 3323
Mon to Fri: 8am – 8pm
Sat and Sun: 9am – 9pm
Nearest MTR Station: Wan Chai

Tsim Sha Tsui has so many restaurants, eateries and cha chaan teng that it can be quite a headache to decide on where to dine at. For a start, here is a quick guide to the restaurants in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong that you can dine at.

OPHELIA

Former Australian miner Ashley Sutton is renowned for his outrageous bars in Bangkok and the influential tastemaker has opened a whimsical nightlife playground—a peacock-themed cocktail speakeasy that is unlike anything we have ever seen.

Inspired by the lavish opium dens of the 19th century, no expenses have been spared to create this fantasyland.

Shop 39A-41A, 1/F, The Avenue
Lee Tung Avenue, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2520 1117
Mon to Thu: 6pm – 2am
Fri and Sat: 6pm – 4am
Closed on Sundays
Nearest Station: Wan Chai

KAM FUNG CAFE

Kam Fung Cafe is a well-loved local institution known for its excellent milk tea, pineapple buns, egg tarts and baked chicken pies.

Kam Fung Cafe’s baked chicken pies are phenomenal; the crust is super buttery and melts in the mouth. We suggest you head there early to get the cream of the crop! Yes, these fresh-off-the-oven chicken pies are worth waking up early for.

41 Spring Garden Ln
Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2572 0526
Daily: 6am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Wan Chai

KAM’S ROAST GOOSE

It is no surprise that Kam’s Roast Goose was bestowed the honourable Michelin star just within months of its opening in 2014. After all, owner Hardy Kam Shun-yuen is the descendant of legendary Yung Kee’s founder.

Fast forward to 2016 and Kam’s Roast Goose has maintained its shining star with its signature dish. Yes, the specialty goose restaurant has lived up to its hype!

Po Wah Commercial Centre
226 Hennessy Rd
Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2520 1110
Daily: 11.30am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Wan Chai

MANSONS LOT

Mansons Lot is interestingly named after a Scottish immigrant by the name of Patrick Manson. Sir Manson was the first person in Hong Kong to import live cattle and today, specialty coffee cafe is aptly named after him.

The European-style cafe serves a comprehensive variety of dishes and caffeinated beverages.

G/F, 15 Swatow Street
Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2362 1899
Nearest Station: Wan Chai
Daily: 7.30am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Wan Chai

THE BUTCHER’S CLUB BURGERS

The Butcher’s Club was only founded in 2013, but has already quickly gained the recognition of locals and expats alike for being Hong Kong’s best burger joint.

The burger specialty bistro takes immense pride in serving dry-aged beef from Australia to meat lovers in Asia.

G/F, Rialto Building
2 Landale St
Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2528 2083
Daily: 8am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Wan Chai

THE CUPPING ROOM

The Cupping Room is a well-established independent coffee shop in Hong Kong and home to the champion of Hong Kong Barista Championship 2013.

Set food inside Cupping Room and let the aroma of coffee beans engulf you—this Melbourne-inspired coffee shop is the go-to place for excellent coffees and one of our all-time favourites.

G/F, 32 Swatow Street
Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2371 2338
Mon to Fri: 8am – 5pm
Sat and Sun: 9am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Wan Chai

22 SHIPS

Named after its address on Ship Street in Wan Chai, 22 Ships is a no-reservation tapas bar by English chef & restaurateur Jason Atherton and hotelier & restaurateur Yenn Wong. It is a fun place to dine at; enjoy your tapas in a buzzing and intimate setting.

22 Ship St, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2555 0722
Mon to Sat: 6pm – 11pm
Sun: 12pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Wan Chai

Located on the third floor of Attitude Hotel in Hong Kong’s Tsim Sha Tsui is Yum Cha, a spacious and elegant 130-seater dim sum restaurant. The dining establishment is especially popular for its irresistibly adorable dim sums.

We will admit that we were initially extremely skeptical about a fancy-looking hotel eatery named Yum Cha. But fortunately, the steamed dishes were superb and service was impeccable. Mind you, hospitality is virtually non-existent in Hong Kong’s local restaurants.

If you are looking for a great yum cha meal without the scruffiness, Yum Cha can be your next.

Yum Cha’s two best-selling dim sums are the Hot Custard Molten Buns (HK$49+) and Green Tea Custard Molten Buns (HK$49+). The former is stuffed with piping hot liu sha, while the latter is filled with matcha lava. No added MSG have been used to enhance these delightful treats.

Both items come in a set of three and are steamed fresh upon order. And yes, they are the iconic face buns; we almost couldn’t bear to destroy the cartoon baos!

You have to eat the molten buns while they are still lukewarm. Otherwise, the lava custard might solidify. That was what happened to us.

The Baked Pineapple Puffs (HK$59+) are interestingly presented in a steel birdcage – while we were excited by the novelty of its presentation, these puny crumbly baked failed to impress us with its taste and texture.

The price is exorbitant for its tiny portion and we would honestly rather order other dim sums on the comprehensive menu.

Sweets aside, we also enjoyed Yum Cha’s fragrant Chili Pork Dumplings (HK$59+ for six pieces) and Crab Roe & Pork Dumplings (HK$59+ for four pieces). These aromatic signature bite-size savouries pack a punch with every bite!

Yum Cha
3/F, 20-22 Granville Road
Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2751 1666
Daily: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Nearest MTR Station: Tsim Sha Tsui

For more recommendation, read our guide on the best dim sum restaurants in Hong Kong.

Who else besides Hello Kitty is five apples tall and has no mouth? The Japanese Sanrio character has stolen the hearts of generations across the globe since its debut a few decades ago, and today, Hello Kitty is a world-famous icon and very well-loved.

Cutesy Hello Kitty-themed cafes are already sprouting across Asia, with another kawaii Hello Kitty-themed cafe set to open in Singapore Changi Airport next month. Evidently, the world just cannot seem to get enough of this Japanese cat with no mouth.

If you thought that the restaurant industry would halt at just Hello Kitty cakes and coffees, you are absolutely wrong. Hello Kitty Chinese Cuisine, the World’s Very First Hello Kitty-Themed Dim Sum Restaurant has taken Hong Kong by storm and is a must-visit for all avid fans.

It has been about a year since Hello Kitty Chinese Cuisine first opened its doors but till date, the Hong Kong restaurant faces no lack of eager patrons. It’s like the novelty of Hello Kitty Dim Sums never worn off.

Hello Kitty Chinese Cuisine’s diverse clientele consists of an interesting mix of locals, Western expatriates, Japanese tourists, screaming toddlers and young couples from all over the world. While everyone comes from a vastly different background, they are all dining at the restaurant for the same reason: the love for Hello Kitty.

No expense has been spared to ensure that every single item – edible or non-edible – at Hello Kitty Chinese Cuisine is imprinted with Hello Kitty’s face, iconic bow or its silhouette. From dim sums, wet tissue packets, teacups, teapots, chairs, windows to even ceiling lamps, you are completely surrounded by the cuteness.

Hello Kitty Chinese Cuisine is undoubtedly a media darling. However, we have to be honest with you that Hello Kitty Chinese Cuisine – despite its global hype – is not a gourmet destination, but a go-to place to fulfil one’s Hello Kitty fantasies.

When the steamed baskets of Hello Kitty dim sums were presented to us, we were squirming in delight – how could anything look so damn adorable? We almost couldn’t bear to eat them.

Har Gow (HK$68) and Liu Sha Bao (HK$62) are Hello Kitty Chinese Cuisine’s bestselling dim sums. The former comes in a steamed basket of four dainty shrimp dumplings, while the latter comprises three delicate custard buns stuffed with molten salted egg yolk.

Well, they may be signature dishes and tasted decent, but don’t expect anything out of the world. And don’t be too carried away with taking photos that you forget about your buns! The molten salted egg yolk will harden if left for too long.

While many lament about Hello Kitty Chinese Cuisine’s exorbitant prices, customers have to acknowledge the extreme efforts taken to craft these Kitty-themed treats. In fact, chefs take about 17 more steps (compared to traditional dim sums) to make these Kitty delights. Well, as the saying goes, time is money.

Man Kwong – the founder of Hello Kitty Chinese Cuisine – is an advocate of healthy eating, hence only locally grown organic ingredients and all-natural dyes are used in this family-friendly restaurant.

The Kitty dim sum’s eyes and whiskers have been dyed black with squid ink, while her pretty bow is coloured pink with beetroot, and minuscule nose dotted yellow with carrot.

For something more substantial, order the Hello Kitty Red Apple Chicken Rice (HK$108). The main course is essentially a hearty portion of saffron fried rice complemented with a myriad of organic vegetables and shredded chicken in scrumptious apple sauce.

Needless to say, the Instagram-worthy food is a huge draw and we see everyone snapping away endlessly. Due to Hello Kitty Chinese Cuisine’s overwhelming popularity, we strongly recommend you to make a reservation in advance to secure a table.

Hello Kitty Chinese Cuisine
Shop A-C, G/F, Lee Loy Mansion
332-338 Canton Road, Kowloon
Tel: (852) 8202-8203
Daily: 11am – 3.30pm, 6pm – 11pm (last order 10pm)
Nearest MTR Station: Jordan

Remember those adorable Gudetama dumplings with molten centers that everyone was posting photos and videos of on social media? Well, to kickstart the new year, Dim Sum Icon has changed its Gudetama concept to a Little Twin Stars one with adorable dim sum items.

Everyone should know Dim Sum Icon in Hong Kong by now.

Remember those adorable Gudetama dumplings with molten centers that everyone was posting photos and videos of on social media? Well, to kickstart the new year, Dim Sum Icon has changed its Gudetama concept to a Little Twin Stars one with adorable dim sum items that will totally melt any girl’s heart.

Dim Sum Icon changes their character themes every three months and this Little Twin Stars theme will last till the end of April 2016. Then, a surprise new theme will replace this one.

Of course, we could not resist trying out these dim sum ourselves, so we ventured to The ONE at Tsim Sha Tsui in Hong Kong to have a taste. We were certainly not disappointed by the array of colourful pastel-coloured dishes.

Our first and probably only gripe about the restaurant was the small space and having to share and squeeze in between tables. It was difficult for us to even move our arms freely for fear of hitting the person next to us. We spotted an alfresco seating area but it seemed to be closed up.

The actual indoor dining space was extremely tiny and could not accommodate a large number of people.

But there is also a small retail space if you are thinking of picking up some cute Little Twin Stars merchandise.

The Creamy Custard Bun (HK$49 for 3) is a must-try item for all first-timers at Dim Sum Icon. Choose between a steamed and fried version; we went for the former. Unlike some other custard buns that we have had, the custard inside this particular bun was extremely flowy and molten-like.

It definitely was not the best we’ve tasted though, but it was above average in terms of taste and texture of the actual custard. The cute Little Twin Stars imprints on top of the buns is, of course, the cherry on top and we couldn’t stop snapping photos.

When in Hong Kong, you must have their rice rolls. The Steamed Rice Rolls with Seafood (HKD$49) was a hearty portion with prawns and crab sticks stuffed in the rice rolls. Only one of the rolls had the Little Twin Stars printed though, so take your photos before you mess the dish up!

The prawns inside the rolls were plump and huge; the “QQ” or springy texture of the rolls were the winning factors for us. The rolls taste best when consumed as soon as possible, so make it snappy when taking your photos, and enjoy it while it is hot.

These pastel-coloured gems made our days when it reached our table. The Colour Prawn Dumplings (HKD$59) are essentially ‘Har Gao’ or regular steamed prawn dumplings, with the dumpling shell coloured to the theme colours of Little Twin Stars.

Although the dumplings itself were not anything special, it was still a dish we did not regret ordering. Every dumpling was generously stuffed with crunchy prawns. And you bet the colours made us really happy.

We were so tempted to try the Steamed Pork Dumplings Topped with Scallops (HKD$69) and alas, we gave in and ordered a portion. These Siew Mais are slightly more premium with scallops as toppings. This dish actually surprised us as the meat filling was pretty tasty and juicy.

We were still hungry, so we went for something hearty – the Fried Rice with Seafood (HKD$79) but we were immensely let down. The rice was dry and tasteless and the seafood did not taste fresh. The odd use of fried anchovies made each bite even drier and the dish just did not work for us.

So we say, stick to the actual dim sum dishes and skip everything else.

One popular dessert to try is the Rabbit Marshmallow Dessert (HKD$29). But if you still want more of Little Twin Stars, there are also themed desserts such as the Milk Tarts (HKD$39), Kiki or Lala Cup Cake (HKD$49) and Chestnut Mille Crepe Cake (HKD$49).

While some might think that the dishes here are gimmicky, Dim Sum Icon deserves a thumbs up for their attention to details and pretty yummy dim sum.

Dim Sum Icon
L308, 3/F, The ONE, 100 Nathan Road
Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Daily: 11am – 11pm
Nearest MTR: Tsim Sha Tsui Station (Exit B1 or B2)

Hong Kong prides themselves as “Asia’s World City”, and this busy commercial city is probably the busiest playground in Asia, with many mouth-watering snacks to check out too; we are just about to share with you the 10 Must-Eat Local Foods in Hong Kong.

Well-loved for countless reasons, and visited by many from all over the world, Hong Kong is a heaven in many forms. Among which, of course, is it gourmet offerings that unites foodies from all over the world. There is no such thing as ‘dieting’ when in Hong Kong. When we think of ‘diet’ when in Hong Kong, we really meant ‘diet for the soul’ – which means stuff your faces in all the amazing local foods.

Please, do yourself the favour and check out these 10 Must-Eat Local Foods in Hong Kong. Your life will be complete, and they will have you counting down to your next trip to Hong Kong.

#1 DIM SUM

Hong Kong is also unofficially but very affectionately known as the ‘Land of Dim Sum’. Essentially delicate-size snacks that are served in baskets, eating dim sum is like a ritual in Hong Kong, and is part of a local’s lifestyle. We never say no to a good dim sum meal, and it is something we look forward to waking up to when in Hong Kong.

There is no lack of dim sum options in Hong Kong, and you can read our post here on the Dim Sum Restaurants in Hong Kong. But if there is only one you must go to, it has to be One Dim Sum. It is a nondescript and humble outlet at Prince Edward, and on to the menu, an assortment of dim sum awaits you – nothing is above HK$26.

#2 EGG TART

Egg tarts in Hong Kong are of a different league – the top, if we must. The best egg tarts are found in Hong Kong, and what you an expect from a good Hong Kong-style egg tart is a baked buttery pastry shell that flakes as you eat, with rich creamy egg custard that is wobbly and mildly sweet.

We have this love-hate relationship with egg tarts; very much more of ‘love’, definitely. Why ‘hate’, you may wonder. Because for some unbeknownst reason, egg tarts are extremely high in calories. Well, we try to forget about this fact whenever we are in Hong Kong, because egg tarts are too damn good to pass on.

And where do you find the best egg tarts in Hong Kong? Head straight to Honolulu Cafe. For just HK$8 per piece, this is satisfaction at its very peak; happiness can be so affordable.

#3 EGG WAFFLES

Egg waffles are also known as ‘Gai Daan Jai’ or ‘Gai Daan Tsui’ in Cantonese, which literally means little eggs when translated. The snack is actually made up of numerous egg-shape waffle pieces that are conjoined together to form a honeycomb structure.

Gai Daan Jai is an extremely popular street snack amongst the locals and they can be found on almost every street and corner in Hong Kong. The egg waffle is crispy on the outside, warm and chewy on the inside and it is interesting to note that the they are actually hollow! For the best, get your serving at Lee Keung Kee North Point Egg Waffles.

#4 MILK TEA

Though ubiquitous, Milk Tea is a must-try when in Hong Kong. Unequivocally an iconic drink of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong-style Milk Tea is prized for its smoothness and full-bodied creamy taste.

The traditional ones are prepared with black tea and milk, and usually carries a hint of bitterness within it sweetness body. Hong Kong-style Milk Tea can be easily found in cha chaan teng, and are available in both hot and iced versions.

Though the disparity between a good and better Milk Tea is not huge, and the chances of getting a bad cup is pretty low, we highly recommend Lan Fong Yuen’s version.

#5 ROAST GOOSE

Whoever said money cannot buy happiness obviously hasn’t been to Hong Kong for their famous Roast Goose! That plumpness, that severe juiciness, those fatty layers, and very crisp skin; a divine Roast Goose is worth jogging those additional laps for.

Hong Kong is home to many splendid roasts restaurants, and the highest form of indulgence is a roast goose leg (that usually comes with a premium price) served with sweet plum sauce. Honestly, the fattier, juicier and oilier, the better. And we crown Kam’s Roast Goose the Number One in Hong Kong.

#6 PINEAPPLE BUN

Or more commonly known as Bo Luo Bao. And there is no pineapple. It is a sweet and fluffy bun, with a crusty top that resembles a pineapple (hence its name) – akin to the crunchy texture of sugar cookies. A popular choice for breakfast, eat this with a slab of butter and your life will never be the same again.

There are probably dozens, if not hundreds, of good bakeries, cha chaan teng and dim sum restaurants in Hong Kong that do a good Bo Lo Bao. And our loyalty is sold to Kam Fung Restaurant in Wan Chai – be there early and hit the fresh batch from the oven in the mornings.

Read our guide to the best pineapple buns in Hong Kong.

#7 CURRY FISHBALLS

The irony is in Hong Kong, their fishballs are almost completely free of fish. Never mind that, because we still love our Curry Fishballs all the same. It is a classic street snack with decades of history, but let’s just skip the long stories and head straight to the point – Hong Kong’s Curry Fishballs are so spring and yummy!

More often than not, they are prepared with a thick curry sauce that is sweet and mildly spicy. A cup of Curry Fishballs is tasty and ideal for sharing. You can find them at every corner and every turn, and let’s just say that whatever stall we buy them from, they are always satisfying and enjoyable.

#8 MACARONI SOUP WITH HAM & EGG

This is a very quintessential Hong Kong-style breakfast that is usually eaten in local cha chaan teng. And the macaronis in Hong Kong is one that is unique to the city, for we can never find anything close anywhere else. Do not think of their macaronis as you would of a typical Italian pasta; the ones in Hong Kong are slimmer and has a smooth surface, quite often cooked to a softness that is almost melty to taste.

A typical Macaroni Soup is served with ham and egg, though it is not uncommon to find variations with luncheon meat, pork chop or sausages. They make inexpensive breakfast choices, and are usually sold as a set with a side of buttered bun and milk tea. While there is nothing overly fancy about this dish, Macaroni Soup with Ham & Egg is still a must-try if it is your first time to Hong Kong. We have a few favourites, but Tsui Wah’s rendition never fails us.

#9 WANTON NOODLES

There are many variations of wanton noodles in Asia, and while they are all arguably ‘the best’ in their own rights, Hong Kong’s version deserves our love for it is ever comforting. The main ingredients are egg noodles that are cooked al dente and boast a springy texture, blanched Chinese vegetables (usually kai lan or cabbage) and dumplings (wanton) – fat dumplings that are really plump prawns wrapped in smooth skin.

Served either dry or in soup, the former is our preferred version. Tossed in a special sauce and topped off with prawn roe, and presented with a bowl of wanton soup. The soup version is simpler – just unpretentiously a noodle soup dish that warms thy soul.

Wanton Noodles are everywhere in Hong Kong, and Mak’s Noodle is a unanimous favourite all these years.

#10 TONG SUI

Quite simply ‘sweet soup’ in English, Tong Sui refers to a group of Cantonese desserts such as red bean soup, gingko barley soup, gui ling gao, walnut paste and jellied beancurd. Tong Sui stalls are aplenty in Hong Kong, and many of them devote themselves to preparing fresh traditional desserts daily in-house.

It is hard to choose pick just one favourite Tong Sui, so we will leave this open for your exploration. But we are pretty certain that even if you do not have a sweet tooth, you will find it hard to resist a bowl of Tong Sui when in Hong Kong.

Drop by Chiu Chow Hop Shing, a 50-year-old institution in Kowloon City that dishes out some of the best traditional sweet soups from Chiu Chow province.

For more recommendations, read our food and travel guides to Hong Kong.

The Pearl of the Orient is well-known for its stunning skyline. One of the most densely populated countries, Hong Kong is also the third most important financial centre in the world. But apart from its finance portfolio, there are many other things about Hong Kong that the world loves.

Every year, Hong Kong sees increasing tourism, and this world city has a compilation of stories to fall in love with. Cultural and spiritual discoveries, old meets new architecture, food and more food; there is always something to look forward to at Hong Kong, and there is always something to keep us returning.

If you already have an intimate bonding with Hong Kong, how many of these can you resonate with? But if you haven’t been, maybe it is time to fall in love – hard.

Here are 29 Reasons To Love Hong Kong:

#1 MAKE A TRIP TO SAI KUNG

A small town that sits in New Territories, Sai Kung is an alternative to Hong Kong’s city skyline. Surrounded by villages and fishing ports, the town is every bit picturesque with blue waters and distant mountains. Notable for their seafood restaurants, Sai Kung is also a destination for seafood lovers, and the restaurants are mainly located on the seafront.

Cafes in particular is a big trend in Hong Kong. No, we are not talking about the Hong Kong-style cha chaan teng, but our regular coffee houses and thematic spaces to unwind at. Here is our guide to the Best Western Cafes in Hong Kong you must visit.

#2 EAT PINEAPPLE BUN (BO LUO BAO)

Or more commonly known as Bo Luo Bao. And there is no pineapple. It is a sweet and fluffy bun, with a crusty top that resembles a pineapple (hence its name) – akin to the crunchy texture of sugar cookies. A popular choice for breakfast, eat this with a slab of butter and your life will never be the same again.

Read our guide to Hong Kong’s best pineapple buns.

#3 DO THE DIM SUM RITUAL

Because Hong Kong is otherwise affectionately known as Dim Sum Land. So what is a trip to Hong Kong without some bite-sized delicacies? We really cannot do without our baked char siew buns, siew mai and custard buns.

Read our guide to Hong Kong’s Top 12 Dim Sum Restaurants.

#4 WONG TAI SIN TEMPLE

One of the most prominent worshipping grounds in Hong Kong, Wong Tai Sin Temple is a beautifully ornamented building with five main feng shui elements that will get every geomancy enthusiast excited.

#5 EGG TARTS – ONE OF THE BEST THINGS YOU CAN EAT IN HONG KONG

Glorious daan taat, oh how we love you so! Egg custard tart with a buttery pastry shell, baked to perfection and with a flaky crust, and exudes the creamiest fragrance. Our all-time favourite is Honolulu’s rendition. Three each, please!

#6 PARTY ROCK AT LAN KWAI FONG

Party animals, party rock is at Lan Kwai Fong! Put your hands up to the sound and shake that! This is the ultimate night spot for crazy nights and we heard even TVB celebrity Bosco Wong parties here and has been spotted a few times.

#7 FIND EVERYTHING THAT YOU NEED AT HARBOUR CITY

Dubbed as the best all-in-one destination in Hong Kong, Harbour City in Tsim Sha Tsui is a huge playground for every fashionista and gourmet. There are also entertainment options, and Marco Polo HongKong Hotel also sits within Harbour City. For the shoppers, you will most definitely be spoilt for choices with its myriad of international luxe labels, casual and sports wear, and kids’ apparels. Dining is also exhilarating with all its local and international names that will suit every budget and palate. There are also two cinemas and a ferry terminal that is home to cruise liners.

#8 MONGKOK – THE HEART OF HONG KONG

Known as the world’s most densely populated area, Mongkok is one happening part of Hong Kong. Some locals we know detest its rowdy atmosphere, but we see beauty beyond this messy hood. Nail parlours, massage houses and random boutiques are littered everywhere, and cafes and cha chaan tengs are aplenty. There is surely something to see and do, but you just have to beware of pickpockets.

#9 EXPLORE TAI HANG – THE HIPPEST NEIGHBOURHOOD IN HONG KONG

An obscure hood that is mainly residential, Tai Hang sits southeast of Causeway Bay and is fast becoming a dining destination. In the recent years, the gritty neighbourhood sees many new cafes and dessert shops, and the whole Tai Hang area henceforth exudes a charm that is second to none. Alongside car repair shops and old roadside stalls that they call dai pai dong, Tai Hang is one area not to be missed.

#10 HAVE A MEAL AT A LOCAL CHA CHAAN TENG

A Cha Chaan Teng, for the uninitiated, is a kind of local eatery in Hong Kong that serves comfort food at affordable prices. These local diners are where Hong Kongers go for their regular meals, and you can find them almost everywhere.

 Read our guide on the Top 10 Hong Kong Cha Chaan Teng.

#11 GO FOR A HIKE

An alternative to the city life, locals love a good hike at the beautifully rural Hong Kong downtown. There are several itineraries to join if you need a little guidance.

#12 TEAKHA – A QUAINT TINY TEA CAFE

Offering the world an impressive range of organic tea like Masala Chai, Thai iced tea, Jasmine Blossoms, and Hoji au Lait, and Forest Black Tea, this tea specialist is housed in a little shophouse on a quiet alley off Tai Ping Shan Street. Unassuming yet full of surprises, Teakha is a hidden gem where locals and expats hang out and spend an afternoon.

#13 DISNEYLAND HONG KONG – THE HAPPIEST PLACE ON EARTH

Because this is the happiest place on Earth. Walt Disney was a brilliant man, and he made countless dreams come true; he made us all realize it is alright to not grow up. Discover the magic, be immersed in the fairytales and forget all your adult fears and unhappiness. Spend a day or two at Disneyland Hong Kong; because it is okay to bring out the kid in you.

#14 A LUXURIOUS STAY AT INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL HONG KONG

Intercontinental Hotel Hong Kong is easily our favourite hotel in Hong Kong. Over two-thirds of the 503 luxurious rooms and 87 suites provide a stunning view of Victoria Harbour, and all rooms come with 24-hour butler service. The hotel also offers complimentary yoga classes and Taiji for guests. Dining options within the property is aplenty, so if you are looking for a five-star experience when staying in Hong Kong, InterContinental Hong Kong is your best bet.

#15 ADMIRE THE CITY’S SKYLINE FROM THE PEAK

So this is where you get the best view of Hong Kong. With so many things to see and do, The Peak is ever popular with both locals and tourists. Dine in style at the many restaurants that serve both continental and international cuisine, enjoy a panoramic view of Hong Kong at the Sky Terrace that is 428m above sea level, but most importantly, take the Peak Tram – one of the oldest’s railway that travels at a very steep gradient.

#16 GO CRAZY FACTORY OUTLET SHOPPING AT CITYGATE OUTLETS

The husbands will hate us, but the Citygate outlets at Tung Chung will please the ladies. You can find brands like Burberry, Diane von Furstenberg, OnPedder and Club21. You might want to increase your credit limit prior to your trip.

#17 TAKE NGONG PING 360 TO LANTAU ISLAND

If you have some time to spare after shopping at Citygate outlets, take the 25 minutes cable car ride toNgong Ping 360 — one of Hong Kong’s must-visit tourist attractions on Lantau island. There, you get to see the spectacular Giant Buddha, and visit the Po Lin Monastery.

#18 IFC

Often photographed for Hong Kong’s publicity, the International Financial Centre (ifc) is the most notable tall building. The heart of Hong Kong and an integrated commercial development, ifc is the most happening office building. The sheer amount of shopping options here is enough to keep you busy for a day, and there is a cinema too.

#19 THE PRIZED VICTORIA HARBOUR

The energetic skyline is one of our favourite sights, and one that we can never get sick of no matter how many times we visit Hong Kong. It is second to none, with its skyscrapers set against distant mountains and clouds hanging low in the day, and brightly lit up at night with a rainbow of colours. Not to be missed is the nightly “Symphony of Lights” show. At 8pm every night, witness the magic of the multimedia show that is named “World’s Largest Permanent Light and Sound Show” by Guinness World Records.

#20 CAUSEWAY BAY – THE ULTIMATE SHOPPING AREA IN HONG KONG

Want to boost the economy? Then head to Causeway Bay – quite possibly the ultimate shopping area in Hong Kong. It is on Hong Kong Island, and you can find shops at every inch of the street, and several major departmental stores are within walking distances from each other too. The renown Jardine’s Crescent street market is here, too!

#21 SHAM SHUI PO – EVERY GEEK’S HEAVEN

Known for being the street market for electronic devices and gadgets, Sham Shui Po is every geek’s heaven. Camera equipments are found to be relatively cheaper too.

#22 TAKE A STROLL ALONG THE AVENUE OF STARS

Walk the trail where celebrities leave their hand and foot prints – well, quite literally. It is a lovely stroll along the Victoria Harbour, and it overlooks the iconic Hong Kong skyline.

#23 BARGAIN HUNTING AT LADIES’ MARKET

We do think this place is kind of messy and it definitely is not the most tasteful, but for first-timers, it can be quite eye-opening. It is one long stretch in the heart of Mongkok, and you can find all sorts of merchandise – accessories and footwear, paintings and lifestyle products, sex costumes and soccer jerseys (imitations), and most stalls sell counterfeit branded bags and watches.

#24 OCEAN PARK – AMUSEMENT PARK, ANIMAL THEME PARK, OCEANARIUM AND MARINE MAMMAL PARK

Located in the Southern District, Ocean Park is one of the longest standing attraction of Hong Kong. It houses an amusement park, an animal theme park, an oceanarium and a marine mammal park all in the 17-hectare park. An ideal option for families to spend a day at.

#25 EGG WAFFLES (GAI DAN ZAI)

Just sugar and eggs, but there is something so addictive about this iconic street snack that gets everyone’s hearts. Crisp on the outside, warm and airy on the inside, Egg Waffles make a very affordable everyday snack.

#26 DA PAI DANG

Like our Singapore’s zi char, Da Pai Dang are roadside stalls and makeshift eateries at Hong Kong, and it is a diminishing trade. If you chance upon one, stop by for a quintessential Hong Kong meal. Most of them cook really well!

#27 BALL LAW COWSSANT – A HYBRID OF CROISSANT AND BO LUO BAO

If you love po luo bao, you will fall in love uncontrollably with URBAN Bakery Works’ Ball Law Cowssant! A hybrid of croissant and bo luo bao (pineapple bun) complete with a slab of French butter, the Ball Law Cowssant (Dare devil version) is nothing but sheer indulgence. URBAN Bakery Works has also just launched a new Molten Egg Yolk Custard Croissant, which is equally good, if not even better.

#28 BEST COCKTAIL BARS IN THE CITY

Best known as a city for the best shopping and dining, Hong Kong has no lack of good drinking spots, too. We dug through into the streets to score you the top five cocktail bars in Hong Kong so you can hit the ground running.

#29 THE ICONIC JUNK BOATS

Because we all need something for Instagram to conclude our trip, yes? And what can be more iconic of HongKong other than the ubiquitous Bank of China building?

For more recommendations, read our curated Hong Kong’s food and travel guides.

Dim Sum is a ritual in Hong Kong. It is a lifestyle, it is a past-time, it is quintessentially Hong Kong.

Many cultures have something similar like the Spanish tapas, the Italian cicheti and the Japanese izakaya, but dim sum is somewhat on a different level, very gastronomical and exquisite, and is truly special especially to us Asians.

From traditional dim sum teahouses, to the cheapest Michelin Starred dim sum restaurants, and very posh Chinese restaurants that offer an exquisite dining experience like no other – there are countless of dim sum restaurants in Hong Kong, and while the choices are mind-boggling to say the least, we have shortlisted our favourites to share with all of you.

Here is our guide to Hong Kong’s 15 Dim Sum Restaurants You Must Dine At.

#1 DIM DIM SUM

A place that serves affordable and creative dim sum is Dim Dim Sum, which has several outlets – Mong Kok, Sha Tin, Wan Chai and Jordan.

Besides the usual suspects like Har Gau (HK$28) and Siew Mai (HK$21), Dim Dim Sum also has a variety of interesting creations with a twist such as Pineapple Bun with custard and pineapple fillings (HK$19), Stuffed Eggplant (HK$21) with teriyaki sauce, and Pan-fried Lotus Root Cakes (HK$24).

The Salted Egg Yolk Custard Buns (HK$20) that come in piggy shapes is a good bet, and is very photogenic!

G/F, Man Wah Building
23 Man Ying Street, Jordan
Tel: +852 2771 7766
Daily: 10am – 1am
Nearest MTR: Jordan

#2 DUDDELL’S

Awarded with two stars in Michelin Guide Hong Kong 2015, Duddell’s at Central is one of the bests that we’ve dined at. It boasts an elegant ambiance with fine dim sum and Cantonese soups, and has a rooftop bar.

Good for lunch meetings, even better for unwinding after work if you need a drink or two. Duddell’s adds a touch of sexiness to the humdrum of the business district.

As for dim sum, Duddell’s offers the classic items that are presented in a refined manner. Shrimp Dumpling comes with Matsutake Mushroom (HK$60) or Fish Maw (HK$69), Pork Dumpling is served with scallop (HK$60), Mushroom Dumpling is topped with Black Truffle (HK$69), Abalone Puff with Chicken (HK$58)… You get the idea.

Level 3, Shanghai Tang Mansion
1 Duddell Street, Central
Tel: + 852 2525 9191
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Sun: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest MTR: Central

#3 DYNASTY RESTAURANT

Sitting within Renaissance Harbour View Hotel is Dynasty Restaurant, an elegant space that dishes out fine dim sum. The price tags may be on a steeper side, but that is because the kitchen is not stingy with their ingredients.

Some of the more popular dishes include Shrimp and Crabmeat Deep-Fried Toasts (HK$65), Quail Egg with Minced Shrimp and Pork Steamed Dumpling (HK$65), Barbecued Pork Bun (HK$58), and Black Truffle Sauce Vegetarian Dumpling (HK$58).

Renaissance Harbour View Hotel Hong Kong
1 Harbour Road, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2584 6971
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Sun: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest MTR: Wan Chai

#4 FOOK LAM MOON

Frequented by the rich and famous personalities in Hong Kong, Fook Lam Moon is a 1-Michelin Starred restaurant that is renowned for its haute Cantonese cuisine. Dining here is not cheap at all; prices of dim sum range from HK$60 to HK$70.

While the items are all prepared with premium ingredients, the price tag is not for all to digest. The vibe can be a little pretentious too, but there is a reason why the high societies love it so much and why the place is always packed on weekends. Their dim sum is indeed pretty elegant.

Shop 3, G/F, Newman House
35-45 Johnston Road,, Wan Chai
Tel: +852 2866 0663
Daily: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Nearest MTR: Wan Chai

#5 FU SING SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

Dim sum lovers, all hail Fu Sing Seafood Restaurant. The whole outlet looks traditional, but that is what makes them such an atmospheric spot for a dim sum meal. They are widely known for their shark’s fins, but we would take the dim sum any time.

Filled with the sweetest char siew fillings in a airily soft bun, Fu Sing’s Baked BBQ Pork Buns (HK$38) are the best that we’ve had in Hong Kong. We can never forget that pillowy bun that came with a full center of char siew fillings and a crusty pineapple-shaped top. Other than that, the Steamed Rice Rolls with Dough Stick (HK$48) and Steamed Shrimp Dumplings (HK$38) are really satisfying too.

Fu Sing Seafood Restaurant has three outlets in Hong Kong – Wan Chai, Causeway Bay and Central.

1/F, 68 Yee Woo Street, Causeway Bay
Tel: +852 2504 4228
Mon to Sat: 11am – 11pm
Sun & PH: 10.30am – 11pm
Nearest MTR: Causeway Bay

#6 LEI GARDEN

The most consistent Michelin Star Restaurant for dim sum? Lei Garden wins the award hands down.

Lei Garden is known for its weekend dim sum crowds, and it is little wonder given the quality of their dim sum. The food is consistently remarkable and always reliable no matter which branch you go to or when you visit. The Steamed Thousand Layers Sponge Cake (HK$32) was really soft and sweet, and the Steamed Custard Stuffed Buns (HK$32) with a flowy center left a deep impression on us.

10/F, Times Square
1 Matheson Street, Causeway Bay
Tel: +852 2506 3828
Nearest MTR: Causeway Bay

#7 LIN HEUNG TEAHOUSE

An institution in Hong Kong, Lin Heung Teahouse has been around for decades and it is one of the oldest teahouses in Hong Kong. Conveniently located at the bustling Wellington Street, Lin Heung offers a taste of Old Hong Kong, and is very well-loved by both locals and tourists alike.

Lin Heung Teahouse is as old-school as it gets; dim sum is served using trolleys the traditional way, and most of the staff have worked there for decades. If you get there early enough in the morning, you will find yourself among locals who have been dining there for many years.

The staff here tend to be ruder – especially to foreigners who cannot speak Cantonese – but that’s just part of the Hong Kong’s traditional dining culture, no?

160-164 Wellington Street
Central, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2544 4556
Daily: 6am – 11pm, dim sum till 3.30pm
Nearest MTR: Sheung Wan

#8 LUK YU TEA HOUSE

Dining at Luk Yu Tea House – also one of the oldest dim sum restaurants in Hong Kong – is as though you were transported back in time to the 60′s. Very traditional with ancient touches of jades and marbles, Luk Yu Tea House actually looks and feels like a movie set. But we really love how atmospheric it is this way, less the gangsters, of course. Yes, it used to be a haunt for the biggest gangsters in town. Such history to speak of!

Prices are not cheap, but what you are paying for is the experience of dining at a traditional teahouse with authentic Hong Kong dim sum. Service is bad too – be prepared to face rude and nonchalant servers. If you are willing to overlook these, Luk Yu is still worth a visit for those who have never been. Don’t leave without trying the Siew Mai with Pork Liver.

24-26 Stanley Street
Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2523 5464
Daily: 7am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Central

#9 MAXIM’S PALACE

The flagship outlet at City Hall offers the most quintessential Hong Kong dim sum experience. Accommodate 500 guests at one go, Maxim’s Palace is massive and it is noisy. It ranks top for its authenticity by retaining its practice of serving dim sum on trolleys – the good ol’ traditional way.

There will be 18 trolleys – filled with a hundred varieties of dim sum and signature dishes that are all prepared fresh from the kitchen daily – going around the dining hall, and you pick what you like. No matter how many times you go back, there is always something familiar to pick from among your favourite dishes, as well as something new to try.

Apart from the usual suspects like har gau, siew mai and chee cheong fun, you can also find mouth-watering and refined Cantonese fare that is prepared with a sheer passion for Canton-style cooking. Its signature dishes include Deep-fried Prawns with Mango Salad Dressing, Deep-fried Sliced Garoupa with Sweet Corn Sauce,

3/F, City Hall 5-7 Edinburgh Place
Tel: +852 2521 1303
Mon to Sat: 11am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 11pm
Sun & PH: 9am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Central

#10 ONE DIM SUM

With just one nondescript and humble outlet in Prince Edward, One Dim Sum has been in the spotlight ever since they earned their one Michelin star in 2012. Even though it did not retain the Michelin star, the queue at the restaurant remains the same every day – it is mostly packed with regulars who return again and again for its much-lauded dim sum.

Everything on the menu is pleasantly affordable. You can expect your everyday dim sum selection, special creations and daily surprises that can be found on the black board. And nothing is above HK$26.

Choose from the classic favourites like Baked Barbecue Pork Bun (HK$15 for a plate of 3), Steamed Siew Mai (HK$24 for a basket of 4), Steamed Vermicelli Roll with Deep Fried Flour Roll (HK$17 per portion), Steam Cake in Mala Style (HK$16).

There is something so enchanting about enjoying a cheap dim sum meal while being surrounded by locals, and trying to understand all their concurrent Cantonese conversations.

Shop 1 & 2, G/F, Kenwood Mansion
15 Playing Field Road, Prince Edward
Tel: +852 2789 2280
Mon to Fri: 11am – 12.30 midnight
Sat & Sun: 10am – 12.30 midnight
Nearest MTR: Prince Edward (Exit A)

#11 SUN HING RESTAURANT

If you are feeling peckish in the middle of the night, head over to Sun Hing Restaurant in Kennedy Town. It opens from 3am till 4pm the next day. It is very chaotic in there though, so do not linger. Just eat and go.

There is a dim sum counter where you can pick your dim sum, and the staff often brings out special dishes that are freshly prepared every hour. We observed and noticed the locals actually sit around to wait for these random specials. Anyway, be sure to try the much-lauded Custard Bun. Most dim sum dishes are priced below HK$20.

Shop C, G/F, 8 Smithfield Road
Kennedy Town
Tel: +852 2816 0616
Daily: 3am – 4pm
Nearest MTR: Kennedy Town

#12 TIM HO WAN

Tim Ho Wan shot to fame being the original poster boy as the cheapest One-Michelin Starred Dim Sum Restaurant. Within a few years, its dim sum empire has expanded to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Manila and Sydney.

We used to be big fans of Tim Ho Wan as it was really good and cheap. But prices have gone up significantly and the standard is no longer as good as before. That said, if you have never tried Tim Ho Wan before and do not mind to wait in line, it is still worth a visit. Tim Ho Wan may no longer be the cheapest dim sum restaurant in Hong Kong, but it still has several things going for it. The much-lauded Baked BBQ Pork Bun alone is reason enough for you to visit them.

G/F, 9-11 Fuk Wing Street
Sham Shui Po
Tel: +852 2788 1226
Daily: 8am – 10pm
Nearest MTR: SHam Shui Po

#13 TIN LUNG HEEN

For dim sum with a view, no one can beat Tin Lung Heen at the swanky Ritz Carlton Hong Kong. Perched at the top of the commerce building, Tin Lung Heen is perhaps the highest Chinese restaurant in Hong Kong and it offers unparalleled views of city’s skyline.

The menu sprawls across many categories, including roast meat, vegetables, dim sum, but the must-try dish is its Kurobuta Pork. The excellent dim sum offerings, coupled with the amazing view and excellent service, make Tin Lung Heen a destination Hong Kong for dim sum lovers.

102/F, The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong
International Commerce Centre
1 Austin Road West, Tsim Sha Tsui
Tel: +852 2263 2270
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Sat, Sun & PH: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest MTR: Kowloon

#14 WEST VILLA

Yet another old and traditional-looking outlet is West Villa at Causeway Bay. We learned of the countless raves about them, but strange enough, while the ambiance is that of the typical Hong Kong dim sum house, we were not particularly impressed.

Alright, food was decent though. They take their braise seriously, and the Goose Webs with Abalone Sauce (S$70) is a bestseller. The roast options are worth ordering too – Sliced BBQ Pork (S$88), Cantonese Roasted Pork (S$118) and Roasted Baby Pigeon (S$68).

5/F Lee Gardens One
33 Hysan Avenue, Causeway Bay
Tel: +852 2882 2100
Mon to Sat: 11am – 11.30pm
Sun: 10am – 11.30pm
Nearest MTR: Causeway Bay

#15 YAN TOH HEEN

Known for its refined Cantonese cuisine, Yan Toh Heen is a 2-Michelin Starred restaurant at Intercontinental Hong Kong. Start with the Yan Toh Heen Three Trios (HK$158) – a dim sum platter of Puff Pastry with crabmeat, mango and avocado; Bun with Duck Liver and Taro; and Crispy Rice Paper Roll with Seafood, Peach and Almonds. Other interesting dim sum options include Baked Roasted Duck & Taro Buns (HK$66), Wok-seared Buns with Wagyu Beef and Cumin (HK$60).

Yah Toh Heen’s Peking Duck (HK$1,180) is also one of the best in Hong Kong. What makes the Peking Duck here different is the condiments and sauces. It is served with six condiments that include green papaya, cucumber, red chilli, pineapple, yuzu and spring onion; as well as three different sauces – traditional sweet sauce, osmanthus plum sauce, and black garlic chilli sauce.

G/F, InterContinental Hong Kong
18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
Tel: +852 2721 1211
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 11pm
Sun & PH: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Tsim Sha Tsui

For more recommendations, read our curated Hong Kong Travel Guides.

The world knows Tim Ho Wan – a One-Michelin star dim sum restaurant that started with humble beginnings in Hong Kong. But do you know about One Dim Sum?

With just one nondescript and humble outlet in Prince Edward, One Dim Sum has been in the spotlight ever since they earned their one Michelin star in 2012. Even though it did not retain the Michelin star, the queue at the restaurant remains the same every day – it is mostly packed with regulars who return again and again for its much-lauded dim sum.

Everything on the menu is pleasant affordable. You can expect your everyday dim sum selection, special creations and daily surprises that can be found on the black board. Before we went, we expected a touristy crowd, but it was everything but that. There must be a reason why the locals love it too, and their willingness to queue up for a table is a good tell-tale of the dim sum’s standard, yes?

The outlet is small; probably just enough to sit thirty. But unlike most of the small and rowdy joints in Hong Kong, the staff are welcoming and very patient with our requests – even when we spoke zero Cantonese. You know that typical Hong Kong scene with grumpy servers shouting customers around, slamming food on the tables; so intimidating with that fiery temper. But One Dim Sum is nothing like that, and it was indeed a refreshing change from those hostile scenarios.

On to the menu, an assortment of dim sum awaits you – nothing is above HK$26. Choose from the classic favourites like Baked Barbecue Pork Bun (HK$15 for a plate of 3), Steamed Siew Mai (HK$24 for a basket of 4), Steamed Vermicelli Roll with Deep Fried Flour Roll (HK$17 per portion), Steam Cake in Mala Style (HK$16).

We also tried the Dried Squid with Curry Sauce (HK$19). There’s something about Hong Kong’s curry sauce that is mildly sweet and highly addictive, and the generous squid slices that were covered in a copious amount of curry sauce really took our breath away. Another surprising find was the Steamed Minced Beef Ball (HK$16). We are not usually fans of meat balls, but we observed that every local ordered that, and we thought we would try it too. Best decision, ever.

If you are a fan of Cantonese soups, then you must not miss out on its daily Chinese Soup (HK$22). We were lucky to have the watercress soup on that afternoon we went, and we slurped all the double-boiled goodness down with an inexplicable sense of satisfaction. Who would have thought a dim sum restaurant would excel in their soups too? That order was such a bonus to our meal!

We had a very memorable meal, and we made a pact with ourselves to come back to One Dim Sum every time we find ourselves in Hong Kong. There is something so enchanting about enjoying a cheap dim sum meal while being surrounded by locals, and trying to understand all their concurrent Cantonese conversations.

One Dim Sum, please stay awesome the way you are. We will be back for you. Soon.

One Dim Sum
Shop 1 & 2, G/F, Kenwood Mansion
15 Playing Field Road, Prince Edward
Tel: +852 2789 2280
Mon to Fri: 11am – 12.30 midnight
Sat & Sun: 10am – 12.30 midnight
Nearest MTR: Prince Edward (Exit A)

Hong Kong is known for many things – the iconic Peak, postcard-worthy Hong Kong’s skyline, the vibrant nightlife and entertainment scene at Lan Kwai Fong, as well as the one thing that truly defines Hong Kong, at least for food lovers – dim sum.

A trip to Hong Kong is not complete without having a dim sum meal or two. Or as many as you can. There are countless dim sum restaurants in Hong Kong, and while the choices are mind-boggling to say the least, we love Maxim’s Palace for they offer the most quintessential Hong Kong dim sum experience. It ranks top for its authenticity by retaining its practice of serving dim sum on trolleys – the good ol’ traditional way.

Here are 5 reasons why Maxim’s Palace is our favourite dim sum restaurant in Hong Kong and why you should go there for yum cha when in the city.

DIM SUM SERVED ON TROLLEYS THE TRADITIONAL WAY

Maxim’s Palace is one of the few places that serves dim sum the traditional way. It is a better experience when you have Hong Kong ladies pushing plates of dim sum around in old school trolleys and you pick your favourites from the endless selection. They are all fresh from the oven, served hot and most delicious.

OVER 100 DIM SUM AND SIGNATURE DISHES TO CHOOSE FROM

At Maxim’s Palace, there are a hundred varieties of dim sum and signature dishes that are all prepared fresh from the kitchen daily. No matter how many times you go back, there is always something familiar to pick from among your favourite dishes, as well as something new to try. Ask the ladies for recommendations for daily specials and new items. Or if it is your first visit, have them tell you what is most popular and what you must not miss out on. The interaction adds on to the overall experience, and we are certain you will have a very pleasant meal.

Har gau, siew mai, Ma Lei Gao, Egg Tarts, Baked Barbecued Pork Pastry, Steamed Bean Curd Stuffed with Shrimp Paste, Deep-fried Spring Roll, Pork Spare Ribs in Black Bean Sauce… Wash everything down with a pot of fragrant Jasmine tea, or Pu-er – if you prefer something stronger.

DELIVERING ONLY THE FINEST CANTON-STYLE COOKING

Maxim’s Palace is extremely popular for its dim sum during lunch – there is a perpetual long queue, especially on weekends – and this further reiterates their standard and quality. Apart from the usual suspects like har gau, siew mai and chee cheong fun, you can also find mouth-watering and refined Cantonese fare that is prepared with a sheer passion for Canton-style cooking. Its signature dishes include Deep-fried Prawns with Mango Salad Dressing, Deep-fried Sliced Garoupa with Sweet Corn Sauce,

The series of accolades that Maxim’s Palace has accumulated over the years is the best testament to their consistency in delivering only the finest Canton-style cooking.

FLAGSHIP OUTLET AT CITY HALL WITH A STRATEGIC LOCATION

While Maxim’s Palace has 9 branches in Hong Kong, foodies-in-the-know all flock to its flagship outlet at City Hall which is just a short walk from IFC. It makes the perfect place to host your overseas business associates, to bond over team lunch, or to simply steal a breather from work over a hearty dim sum feast.

The posh interior with a high ceiling, coupled with a view of the Harbour, completes the impeccable experience at Maxim’s Palace City Hall.

THE QUINTESSENTIAL HONG KONG DIM SUM EXPERIENCE

The main reason why we love Maxim’s Palace is because of the aforementioned quintessential Hong Kong dim sum experience.

Maxim’s Palace City Hall can accommodate 500 guests at one go. It is massive and it is noisy. But that is how it should be like – everyone cozying up in the dining hall that is brightly lit with crystal chandeliers and Cantonese songs on loop. There will be 18 trolleys – filled with all the classic dim sum items – going around the dining hall, and you pick what you like.

This feature is brought to you by Maxim’s Group, the leading F&B group with 70 brands, and 840 outlets in Hong Kong, China and Vietnam. Read our guide on the best of Maxim’s Group dining concepts in Hong Kong. 

Tim Ho Wan, the cheapest 1 Michelin Star dim sum restaurant from Hong Kong, is opening in Singapore at The Atrium @ Orchard, Plaza Singapura today. Opened by Chef Mak Kwai Pui (previously from Lung King Heen at Four Seasons Hong Kong), Tim Ho Wan has gained a strong following over the years and long queues are a common sight at his restaurants.

We got a sneak preview at a media tasting last night. Here are some of the highlights from the much anticipated Tim Ho Wan in Singapore.

The star on the menu and what you must order at Tim Ho Wan is the legendary Baked Buns with BBQ Pork ($4.50 for 3). I can say with confidence after trying, that the buns are as good as the ones in Hong Kong.

The Steamed Egg Cake ($3.80), another of Tim Ho Wan’s ‘Big Four Heavenly Kings’, is also a must-try — soft, fluffy and very addictive. I also enjoyed both the Steamed Prawn Dumplings ($5.50 for 4) and Steamed Pork Dumplings ($5 for 4). These classics were well-executed to a good standard.

Also good was the Deep-fried Beancurd Skin Roll ($4.20 for 3). It was a lot better than I thought it would be, and this was because of two combined successes — the deep-fried beancurd skin roll was not too greasy, and the fillings were of impressionable quality.

Tim Ho Wan also offers five different variations of Vermicelli Roll (Chee Cheong Fun) – BBQ Pork ($5.50), Shrimp ($5.50), Beef ($5.50), Black Pepper ($5) and its signature Pig’s Liver ($5.50).

We also tried the Steamed Beef Balls with Beancurd Skin ($4.20 for 3) and Steamed Dumpling Teochew Style ($4 for 3), and while decent, both were unremarkable.

The Pan-fried Carrot Cake ($4.50 for 3), one of the much-lauded items on the menu, was disappointing. It was slightly bland and it was missing the x-factor of a carrot cake that would otherwise mark a satisfying dim sum meal.

Other dishes on the menu include Glutinous Rice Dumpling ($5), Chicken Feet with Black Bean Sauce ($4), Pork Rib with Black Bean Sauce ($4.20) and Garlic, Mushroom, Spinach Dumpling ($3.80 for 3). They also have a rice category where they serve dishes such as Rice with Beef & Fried Egg ($6), and Rice with Chicken, Sausage and Mushroom ($6).

To end off the meal, there are two sweets available – the Tonic Medlar & Osmanthus Cake ($3.50 for 3) and Yam Puree with Sago ($3.50).

Supporters of Tim Ho Wan swear by the awesome BBQ pork buns and their affordable dim sum. At the same time, there are naysayers who feel that it is over-rated and not worth the time. This brings us back to the million dollar question: Is Tim Ho Wan worth the hype and queue?

Tim Ho Wan got famous because it offered good dim sum at very cheap prices – when it first started, you could get a very satisfying meal for around HK$50-80 (S$9-13) per person. However, with the high rental in Singapore – as with its branch at IFC Hong Kong – the dim sum here is slightly pricier. Most of the items are priced around $4-5.50 per basket. To be fair, they are still comparable with Singapore’s average; most dim sum restaurants in Singapore are priced at that range as well.

The dim sum in general is good. If you have never been to Tim Ho Wan in Hong Kong, then this one in Singapore is not to be missed. But if you had been there before, then I would suggest to give it a little wait before stepping into the Singapore outlet. As with any new restaurant, there will inevitably be teething problems. I urge everyone to be patient.

All in all, the arrival of Tim Ho Wan is great news and a strong boost to the F&B scene in Singapore. Tim Ho Wan will be opening its second branch at Toa Payoh in July, before adding four other branches by the end of this year.

Tim Ho Wan
#01-29 Plaza Singapura
The Atrium @ Orchard
68 Orchard Road
Tel: +65 6251 2000
Note: This was an invited media tasting.

After my trip to Hong Kong in September, I wasn’t expecting to see the vibrant city so soon, at least not within this year. But things always happen when you are least expecting them, so when an invitation came from the Novotel Group to gather a few bloggers from all over Asia for a short holiday in the land of dim sum and roast goose — my answer was short and sweet: YES! I want to eat egg tarts!

On my previous trip, we were scrambling around Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and Lautau Island and it was more of a touch-and-go as we wanted to see as many places we could. This time round, I did a lot more eating and shopping at a much relaxed pace — so to add on to my earlier guide, here’s another 10 Things to Do in Hong Kong.

I was there during the Halloween week in end October, and the notable difference was the change in weather. Back in September, it was warm and slightly humid, but this time round, the weather was good great fantastic. It was windy, and starting to get cold. Everyone was out in their semi-winter clothing: coats, scarfs and boots. It’s a nice change to be able to dress up without having stares as though I’m a weirdo. I love Hong Kong!

Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival 2010

If you are planning a holiday to Hong Kong next year, why not go during the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Month during November? With a diverse assortment of unique traditional Chinese festivals and Western cultural celebrations, there will be plenty to see and EAT.

We got passes for the opening Gala of the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival, and it was a magnificent event with wine and food from all over the world. The picture of the burger you see above, is the best burger in the world, only because it was the first proper food that I had for that day. Imagine being surrounded by crates of wine when you are on an empty stomach.

The Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival was held at Kowloon and the venue had a brilliant view of Victoria Harbour. The yearly festival is organized by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, with more than 160 wine booths and another 60 food booths participating for the event.

I must have like what, five, or six samplings of dessert wine. Minh and Boo were amused by my sweet tooth as they opted for glasses of white wine instead. After many glasses of wine (priced at 1-2 voucher tickets, 10HKD each voucher), nibbles of cheese, and a few bites here and there, we decided to call it a day to prepare for the next day.

Visit during the Halloween week and watch Lang Kwai Fong comes alive

It was so much fun looking at all the people who dressed up for Halloween! Everyone was in their crazy outfits, and I swear all of them flocked to Lang Kwai Fong – the most happening nightlife place in Asia. The Hong Kong police was there to cordon the area and we had to take a huge detour just to get to Lang Kwai Fong.

Queue up for the World’s cheapest Michelin-Star restaurant

Is Tim Ho Wan Dim Sum Restaurant worth queuing up for? Yes. Is it true that they are the cheapest Michelin-Star restaurant? Yes. Are their dim sum really so good? Yes.

The dim sum at Tim Ho Wan are so good that they deserve a post on its own, but I’m too lazy to blog a few separate posts. I shall attempt the impossible and try to squeeze everything within my list of 10 things to eat in Hong Kong.

My fellow food bloggers Minh and Boo went early at 9.30am to queue up for a table. By the time I got there at 9.50am (don’t judge me, my hotel was much further away), and lo and behold — a long queue forming outside the restaurant. There was a sense of relief as the restaurant opened its doors at 10am and we were the first batch of 29 people to get into Tim Ho Wan that day.

Baskets and baskets of dim sum started to arrive on our table, and there was “ooh” and “whoa” all around. I’m not going to go into details of everything that we had, but some of the must-try dim sum at Tim Ho Wan are:

The Baked bun with BBQ pork (Char Siu Bau). How can something so simple taste so good? The char siew filling was perfect, it hit the right tones for savoury and sweet, and the deep-fried bun was crisp around the edges but not too oily. I actually exclaimed “oh my god” aloud. The Steamed Prawn Dumpling was very well executed with thin and translucent skin, and fresh crunchy prawn. I managed to grab a Siew Mai from the folks who shared a table with us. It  had the right proportion of lean meat, I put the whole thing into my mouth and swallowed it. Oh the tasty little thing!

I’m not a fan of ham siu kok, but very few dim sum restaurants serve this nowadays, so you may want to try it at Tim Ho Wan. It was also my first attempt on Chicken Feet as I always thought that it’s disgusting. But since I’m already at Tim Ho Wan, there’s nothing to lose so I decided to give it a shot. I hate to say this, but it was surprisingly delicious.

I was having one of the best meals of my life, and somehow I managed to eat so much dim sum even though my stomach was protesting. “Just one more, just one more dim sum. I promise to eat less for dinner.”

Between the three of us, we had 15 dim sum dishes and paid only HKD 210 (SGD$37)! Can you imagine paying just SGD$12 for top quality dim sum? It’s dirt cheap! Is Tim Ho Wan really worth the hype? Yes, I’ll willingly queue up for their dim sum every time I’m in Hong Kong.

I recommend going to Tim Ho Wan early in the morning. They open at 10am so you decide what time you want to be there. If you are there after 10am, they will give you a queue number so you can walk around the area and come back later.

Getting there: From Mong Kok Station, find Tung Choi Street/Women Street, turn right and walk all the way to the end of the street and turn left. If you get lost, scream for help get directions from the locals.

Tim Ho Wan
2-8 Kwong Wah St
Mong Kok, Hong Kong, China

Eat at many Michelin Star Restaurants if you have the money to splurge

Maybe it’s just me, but I didn’t particularly enjoyed the Michelin Star experience. Well, I mean they are great, in the sense that you are feeling: “whoa, I just ate at this Michelin Star Restaurant!” But other than that, there’s really nothing to shout about. My first michelin star restaurant was Yung Kee during my previous trip to Hong Kong earlier in September this year. The Roast Goose was good, but I wouldn’t pay that kind of money or queue up half an hour for it.

After eating at Tim Ho Wan, we went to Island Tang Restaurant the next day to have lunch with the folks from the Hong Kong Tourism board. To be fair, the dining experience at the Michelin Star restaurant is pretty good: impeccable service, good food – but it wasn’t really out-of-this-world. Maybe it’s just me.

Island Tang Restaurant
Shop 222, The Galleria,
9 Queen’s Rd, Central
Tel: 2526 8798

Take the Cable Car and visit Ngong Ping 360

If you have some time to spare after shopping at Citygate outlets, take the 25 minutes cable car ride to Ngong Ping 360 — one of Hong Kong’s must-visit tourist attractions on Lantau island. There, you get to see the spectacular Giant Buddha, and visit the Po Lin Monastery. The Ngong Ping village has a couple of interesting eateries and it incorporates two major themed attractions: Walking with Buddha and Monkey’s Tale Theatre.

Getting there: Tung Chung Station, and go to the Ngong Ping cable car station (round trip tickets for standard cabin is 107HKD)

Temple Street Night Market

I didn’t get to visit Temple Street during my previous trip to Hong Kong, which was a shame since there’s so much to see at the famous night market. Temple Street is known as one of the busiest flea markets in Hong Kong, it’s interesting to walk around and see the different stalls that sell cheap & random merchandise, and there’s also food stalls along the way.

We were having beef brisket by the roadside during the evening, and it’s amazing to see how the street slowly came alive as the vendors started to set up their stalls. Anyway, if you are in the Temple Street area, there’s a pretty famous Claypot rice place at Arthur Street.

Getting there: Yau Ma Tei MTR in Kowloon.

Gong Zai Mian – Hong Kong Style Instant Noodle

“You must have the Gong Zai Mian!” my friend repeatedly emphasized this when I told her I was going Hong Kong for the second time this year. I refused to go to any Hong Kong Cafes in Singapore because of this dish. I thought it’s ridiculous to pay $6 for a bowl of instant noodle with sunny side up and luncheon meat.

Mr Gadget and I had breakfast at a random place near Temple Street, and we ordered Gong Zai Mian. I swear it’s so yummy! And the best part? They are so much cheaper than the Hong Kong Cafes in Singapore.

Shopping Paradise in Hong Kong

Mong Kok is definitely on the top of the list for Shopping in Hong Kong. There’s Fa Yuen Street which is famous for selling sports wear and equipments. If you are into photography, PLEASE get your camera stuff in Hong Kong! It’s probably around 15-20% cheaper than what it is in Singapore. Mr Gadget introduced me to Wing Shing Photo Supplies, which is supposedly one of the most reliable camera shops that locals go to. I was almost tempted to get a lens there which is SGD$200 cheaper. There’s also Langham Place shopping mall within walking distance from the Mong Kok MTR.

Anyway, moving on from Mong Kok, there’s Causeway Bay, one of Hong Kong’s major shopping districts. Otherwise, check out  the largest shopping mall in Hong Kong (not sure if it’s still the largest, but it’s definitely one of the biggest) Harbour City at Tsim Sha Tsui (TST). If you like big shopping malls, I’d suggest going to the new Elements Mall at West Kowloon – the place is huge and spacious, and like the other Hong Kong shopping malls, they have all the big brands under one roof.

But when I talk about shopping in Hong Kong, all I can think of is H&M!

This may sound crazy, but I actually went to four different H&M within a day. As the Men Clothing at H&M Langham Place has very limited stuff, I went to H&M at Canton road, TST (which was located directly opposite Harbour City), and H&M Queen’s Road Central. Both outlets are very crowded, and there are at least a dozen people eying the same thing at one time. Of the four H&M locations in Hong Kong that I went to, my favorite is definitely the H&M at Elements Mall. The place was practically empty and I could shop at ease without having to ‘fight’ with anyone to grab the clothes.

Wing Shing Photo Supplies
55-57 Sai Yeung Choi Street
Mongkok Kowloon, HK
Tel: 2396 6886

H&M Hong Kong
30 Canton road
Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
Tel: +852-3521 1171

68 Queen’s Road Central
Central, Hong Kong
Tel: +852-2110 9546

Elements
Kowloon Station
Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
Tel: +852-2196 8391

Langham Place
Mong Kok Station
Mong Kok, Kowloon
Tel: +852-3580 7621

Eat, eat, eat, eat, eat, eat, eat, eat, eat, eat, eat, eat, eat and eat

You are in Hong Kong! There’s only eating, and shopping, and eating, and more shopping on the agenda. I had my favorite Mango ice from Hui Lao Shan, feasted on Beef Brisket by the roadside, ate countless Egg Tarts and Po Luo Bao in random bakeries, enjoyed a leisure afternoon tea after a whole day of shopping, tasted some of the famous Hong Kong street food like Curry Fish Balls and Siew Mai while having Gong Cha bubble tea.

Travelling is just another excuse for me to eat more.

Stay in Novotel Hotel Hong Kong

I stayed in the Novotel Citygate at Tung Chung during this trip. If you are in Hong Kong mainly for shopping at the Citigate factory outlets, it makes sense to stay at Novotel Citygate since they are just located within the shopping mall. Otherwise, the Novotel Group has another two hotels – Novotel Nathan road in Kowloon, and Novotel Century at Wanchai. All three Novotel hotels are conveniently located within walking distance to the MTR stations.

Novotel is extending an offer to readers of my food blog: Simply quote ‘Novotel blgr’ when you make a direct booking with any of Novotel hotels in Hong Kong, and get a free upgrade to the next room category. Valid until end of August 2011. (Novotel Century Hong Kong: booking@novotelcenturyhk.com; Novotel Nathan Road Kowloon: h6771-re1@accor.com; Novotel Citygate Hong Kong: H6239-RE1@accor.com).

// Many thanks to the team at Novotel Hotel Hong Kong and PRDA who hosted us for this trip. No payment was received, only the air-ticket and accommodation were sponsored.