Ask a QuestionHong Kong's dining scene is a vibrant fusion of tradition and innovation, offering unforgettable flavors for every traveler. From bustling street stalls serving egg waffles and curry fish balls to historic tea houses with dim sum trolleys, the city caters to all tastes.
Navigate queues politely, carry cash for local gems, and clarify tea or snack charges upfront. Embrace pointing at menus if English is limited, and savor Michelin-starred dim sum or century-old egg tarts. With these tips, you’ll dive into authentic eats, avoiding hassles and relishing Hong Kong's culinary magic.
Fine Dining
Lung King Heen
Hong Kong is home to numerous Michelin - starred restaurants, such as Lung King Heen at the Four Seasons Hotel, which is the world's first three - Michelin - starred Chinese restaurant. These establishments offer exquisite dishes, elegant settings, and top - notch service. Reservations are highly recommended, and dress codes may apply, usually smart casual or more formal.
Tea Houses (Cha Chaan Teng)
A unique part of Hong Kong's dining culture. Places like Lan Fong Yuen, established in 1952, are famous for their traditional Hong Kong - style milk tea made with a special "stocking - like" tea - bag technique, as well as classic snacks like pineapple buns and egg tarts. Another great option is Kam Wah Cafe, known for its delicious pineapple buns filled with thick slices of butter. Tea houses are casual, affordable, and perfect for a quick bite or a laid - back meal.
Dim Sum Restaurants
Dim sum is a must - try in Hong Kong. Tim Ho Wan, often regarded as the world's cheapest Michelin - starred restaurant, is a popular choice. Their baked buns filled with barbecued pork are a signature dish. When dining at a dim sum restaurant, you'll typically be given a menu with pictures and descriptions of various small dishes. Use the order form provided to mark the items you want and the quantity. Remember, sharing is key in dim sum dining, as it allows you to sample a variety of flavors.
Street Food Stalls
Explore areas like Temple Street Night Market or Mong Kok for a wide array of street food. You can find fish balls, curry fish balls, egg waffles, and stinky tofu. Street food is not only delicious but also a great way to experience local culture. However, be cautious about food hygiene, especially when choosing from stalls. Look for ones with high turnover and clean - looking preparation areas.
While credit cards and mobile payments (Alipay/WeChat) are widely accepted in malls and chain restaurants, traditional eateries and street stalls often only take cash . For example, iconic spots like Mak’s Noodle (深水埗) or Yat Lok (中环) may decline cards. Always carry HK$300–500 in small bills for tea houses, night markets (e.g., Temple Street), and hidden gems.
Tip: Use ATMs at convenience stores for quick cash withdrawals.
Many Cantonese restaurants automatically serve complimentary tea and snacks (e.g., peanuts) but charge for them . A typical tea fee is **HK$10–20 per person**, and side dishes like pickles might add HK$20–30 to your bill. To avoid surprises, clarify with the server: “Is the tea and snacks included?”
Hong Kong’s queue culture is legendary—popular spots like Tim Ho Wan (添好運) or Lee Keung Kee (雞蛋仔) often have hour-long lines . Use apps like WaitMe or Eatigo to reserve slots, or visit during off-peak times (e.g., 2:30–5 PM for dim sum). Pro tip: Some restaurants use S-shaped queues to reduce perceived wait times.
Most mid-to-high-end restaurants add a 10% service charge, but this doesn’t always go to staff . If service is exceptional, leave a 5–10% tip in cash (e.g., round up the bill). However, avoid tipping at fast-food chains or tea cafes. For takeout, use delivery apps like Foodpanda to add a tip directly.
At seafood restaurants (e.g., Chuen Kee in Sai Kung), prices are often per kilogram and include cooking fees . A 1kg lobster might cost HK$600–800, plus HK$100–150 for steaming. Always ask for a total price estimate before ordering to avoid sticker shock.
Many family-run spots have strict hours:
While Hong Kong offers diverse cuisines, Cantonese dishes often include offal (e.g., chicken feet in dim sum). If you’re averse to this, politely ask: “Does this contain organ meat?” . For vegetarians, specify “no meat, fish, or oyster sauce” to avoid hidden animal products.
Table Manners
In most restaurants, especially Chinese ones, you'll be seated at a round table. Food is often served in the middle of the table for sharing. When using chopsticks, don't stick them upright in your rice bowl as it resembles incense sticks used in funerals. Instead, place them on the chopstick rest provided. It's polite to let the elders or the host start eating first. When someone serves you tea, tap the table with your index and middle fingers as a sign of gratitude.
Washing Utensils
In many Chinese restaurants, you'll be given a pot of tea and a bowl at the beginning of the meal. The bowl is used to wash your chopsticks, cutlery, and crockery before use.
Ordering: In group dining, it's common to order a variety of dishes to share. If you're unsure what to choose, ask the server for recommendations. In some restaurants, especially those with set - menu options, they may have different offerings for lunch and dinner, with lunch often being more affordable.
Service Charge
Most restaurants in Hong Kong add a 10% service charge to the bill. However, if you receive exceptional service, leaving a small additional tip is appreciated but not mandatory.
Restaurants may place complimentary condiments (e.g., chili oil, soy sauce) on the table but charge for them. Always ask: “Are these free?” For example, a bowl of peanuts at a tea house could cost HK$20 .
While casual wear is standard, high-end restaurants like Amber (French cuisine) or Sushi Saito enforce smart-casual rules (no shorts/sandals). Check reviews or call ahead to confirm .
Dining costs in Hong Kong can vary widely. Street food and meals at local tea houses are relatively inexpensive, with a meal costing around HK$30 - HK$100. Mid - range restaurants may charge HK$100 - HK$300 per person, while fine - dining experiences can start from several hundred Hong Kong dollars per person and go up significantly. Look out for lunch specials, set menus, and happy hour deals at bars and restaurants, which can offer better value for money.
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