When you are trying to find somewhere to eat in Hong Kong, the choice can be overwhelming. Normally, we’d recommend you take one of our excellent Foodie Tours, but since we are closing for our summer holiday from July 29th to August 23rd, we figured we should offer this pick of the Hong Kong restaurants you should try this summer instead. They aren’t the family-run local businesses we feature on our Foodie Tours, but we think they are great eateries and highly recommend you try them.
1. Old Bailey
We are excited about Old Bailey. It recently opened at Tai Kwun, Hong Kong’s new heritage centre for the arts in the reimagined Central Police Station compound. The subtle, well balanced flavours of Jiangnan cuisine are a delight to the palate. Dishes are firmly anchored on traditional recipes, with an emphasis on seasonal produce and a preference for sourcing organic ingredients wherever possible. Try the mala ibérico pork xiao long bao served in a deliciously flavourful umami broth, a twist on a classic, or the tea-smoked pigeon revealed with a flourish from within a glass cloche – food theatre encapsulated right there at your table.
Address: 2/F JC Contemporary, Tai Kwun, Old Bailey Street, Central
2. Man Hing
When it comes to style, the Greater China Club channels a Gatsby-era Art Deco vibe like no other Hong Kong restaurant can. Chic, playful and with a close eye on the finer detail, Greater China Club is all about the atmosphere. Well not quite all – the heart and soul of the place is its food. In Man Hing, executive chef Chan Wai Ting has created authentic Cantonese cuisine that provides as much pleasure as its surroundings. He and his team take pride in creating a delicious menu based on seasonal ingredients.
Address: A, 10/F, D2 Place, 9 Cheung Yee Street, Lai Chi Kok
3. Okra
Okra has been a popular fixture in Sai Ying Pun since it opened a couple of years ago. Serving unpretentious fusion food typical of a Japanese izakaya, this place specialises in creating dishes that can be shared – perfect for a casual night out with a group of friends. Try the Roasted Beef Love Handle, grass-fed Black Angus in a burnt olive oil soy sauce, or the Hentai Pigeon Tatsuta, an aged bird, perfectly marinated and served with preserved ginger and spring onion. Ask your server to help you select the right sake to accompany your choices.
Address: Okra Hong Kong, 110 Queen’s Road West, Sheung Wan
4. Happy Paradise
This is no ordinary neighbourhood restaurant. Eating here is not cheap, but we think it’s worth every dollar. Anthony Bourdain visited Happy Paradise while filming Parts Unknown shortly before his tragic death earlier this year. This restaurant’s inventive chef was crowned Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2017. May Chow serves up fun and exciting dishes which take their inspiration from China’s food tradition. Neon lighting, retro furnishings and loud 90s pop music create a youthful vibe. We love the sharing dishes, perfect for a group of friends. Our pick is the yummy fried chicken, but if you are feeling adventurous, try the pig’s brain. Whatever you select, team it with a colourful cocktail.
Address: 52-56 Staunton Street, UG/F, Central
5. Hexa
If it’s classic Cantonese you are looking for, then check out Hexa. Located at Harbour City’s Ocean Terminal Extension, you will enjoy prime harbour views through floor to ceiling windows from an equally impressive interior. Stand out dishes include the stir fried crab with chilli and golden garlic and baked Australian Wagyu beef with black garlic which have us salivating with anticipation. Desserts are also to die for, such as the jasmine tea panna cotta served with a hazelnut puff.
Address: Shop OTE 101, Ocean Terminal, Harbour City, 3-27 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
6. New Punjab’s Club
The tagline on the New Punjab Club’s website reads “Bringing swagger back to Punjabi Cuisine” and it’s this attitude which makes it a firm favourite with diners. The rich heritage of the Punjab is transplanted to Hong Kong, reincarnated as a lively yet sophisticated venue showcasing the passion of co-founder Syed Asim Hussain. The tandoor is put to good use, with line-caught cobia and intensely-spiced chicken cooked to perfection by Michelin-starred chef Palash Mitra.
Address: 34 Wyndham Street, Central
7. San Xi Lou
This year, San Xi Lou opened up in Causeway Bay and with it came what is proclaimed by some to be the best Sichuan food in Hong Kong. It’s worth dressing up for this upscale place where bold flavours and elegant interiors come together in perfect harmony. Signature dishes include roasted goose, Sichuan-style stewed fish and double cooked pork belly with preserved vegetable. Go on – treat yourself!
Address: 1102, 1 Matheson Street, Causeway Bay
We’d love to hear what you thought of our Hong Kong restaurant recommendations. Why not book a Foodie Tour for when we reopen on August 27th and tell us in person your choice of where to eat in Hong Kong?