Hungry in Hong Kong? Not for long. Hong Kong has an array of options for every taste. Whether it’s a large sit down meal, an ice cream on the run or some surprising Michelin starred food, Hong Kong has it all! Here’s 5 of the best places to eat in Hong Kong for every type of appetite.
Emack and Bolio’s
Did someone say Ice cream? Scattered throughout Hong Kong and the rest of Asia, Emack and Bolio’s offer a wonderful variety for those with a sweet tooth.
Here, you’ll find a range of eclectic flavours like Deep Purple Chip, Space Cake and Grasshopper Pie. The names don’t give much away, but they’re both creative and delicious. My favourite thing here though is the cones. Get one dipped in cereal- I’d recommend the fruit loops. Sugar lovers unite and get yourself to Emack & Bolio’s.
Mama San
Any Bali-goer will be familiar with Mama San, and it is a cousin of the Bali venue. Here you’ll find a menu of Asian fusion including Thai, Chinese, Singaporean and many more.
The menu’s inspiration from around Asia is best described as aromatic. Each and every dish served, hits your table with a smell for the senses. Chef Will Meyrick does a great job of blending spices to create some exceptional dishes.
It’s a laid back, colonial-era environment, complete with some chilled beats and a modern Asian decor.
Yardbird
This Japanese restaurant specialises in yakitori dishes of grilled chicken. Yardbird’s servings are bite sized and designed for sharing, so there’s no need to by shy – order a few dishes to try a variety. There’s just about every part of a chicken available on the menu, so if you’re unsure, just have the waitstaff help you out with what’s best. On a personal note, I found it hard to go past their ‘KFC’ option – fried goodness!
It’s an intimate restaurant in that there isn’t much room to move and it makes for a cosy, party like atmosphere. People tend to make Yardbird a visit as part of a larger night and it is the perfect place to enjoy a few beers or sake with your dinner.
Hutong
For something fancier, and with a bit more room, look no further than Hutong. Specialising in Chinese dishes, this is the perfect place for a first or last night dinner in Hong Kong. If you’re trying to impress someone, this is probably the place to do it!
There’s a tight menu of northern Chinese cuisine, and if you’re a fan of Sichuan, you’ll find a number of dishes to your liking.
The food is wonderful and in any venue would taste great, however the real clincher with Hutong is the views over Hong Kong harbour. If you can snare a window seat, you’ll be able to enjoy a panorama out over Hong Kong Island. Book at around 7.00-7.30, and that will allow you to have unencumbered views of the 8pm laser light show. It’s a superb place to watch it as you sip on a cocktail or three.
Tim Ho Wan
Not really much of a secret, but Tim Ho Wan offers arguably the best dim sum in all of Hong Kong. Tim Ho Wan has even snared a Michelin star for 3 of it’s outlets in HK. That has earned it the highly marketable title of the world’s cheapest Michelin starred restaurant. I’ve eaten at 2 of the Michelin starred outlets – North Point and Sham Shui Po, and both were equally good.
There’s so many good, traditional dumpling options on the menu here. However, be sure to try their most famous dish, the baked buns with BBQ pork.
No matter the outlet, it’s always extremely busy, so if you’re not stretched for time, a non-peak time like 2.30-5.30 might make a visit less rushed. They do turn tables though, so don’t despair if you turn up and are confronted with a line.
Whether you’re really hungry or just peckish, big budget or a lower budget, I hope you find something that meets your appetite! Have you found somewhere else amazing? Share your best places to eat in Hong Kong!