Hong Kong’s food culture is shaped by its unique history. As a former British colony with deep Chinese roots, the city blends Eastern and Western influences into everyday meals.

You’ll find this most clearly in the cha chaan tengs (Hong Kong-style cafés), where menus include pineapple buns, macaroni soup, milk tea, French toast, and more.

Most locals in Hong Kong are Cantonese, and the dominant cuisine here is Cantonese (Yue) cuisine, which focuses on fresh ingredients, light seasoning, and steaming or roasting techniques. Other Chinese regional cuisines—like Shanghainese, Sichuanese, and Hunanese—are also popular, but this guide focuses on the meals locals eat day-to-day.

What Locals Eat

Breakfast / Lunch

• Dim sum
• Scrambled egg and beef sandwich
• Macaroni soup
• Congee and fried dough sticks (youtiao)

Lunch / Dinner

• Roast goose rice
• Beef brisket noodles
• Wonton noodles

Snacks

• Egg tart
• Pineapple bun
• Tofu pudding
• Curry fish balls

Where Locals Eat

These restaurants are tried-and-true favourites from locals who’ve lived in Hong Kong for decades. No tourist traps here—just honest food locals actually go back to.

Dim Sum

Kowloon

• One Dim Sum – Prince Edward: Affordable and reliable dim sum in a casual setting.
• Tim Ho Wan – Sham Shui Po: Known as the world’s cheapest Michelin-starred restaurant.
• Dimdimsum – Jordan: A modern take on traditional dim sum.

Hong Kong Island

• One Dim Sum – Prince Edward: Affordable and reliable dim sum in a casual setting.
• Tim Ho Wan – Sham Shui Po: Known as the world’s cheapest Michelin-starred restaurant.
• Dimdimsum – Jordan: A modern take on traditional dim sum.

For traditional push-cart service (experience over flavour):

• Lin Heung Kui – Central
• Luk On Kui – Sai Ying Pun

Cha Chaan Tengs (HK-Style Cafés)

Kowloon

• Kam Wah Café – Mong Kok: Famous for their pineapple buns and milk tea.
• Australia Dairy Company – Jordan: Known for scrambled eggs and lightning-fast service.
• Luen Fat – Kowloon City: No-frills, old-school cha chaan teng loved by locals.

Hong Kong Island

• Waso Café – Wan Chai: A cleaner, modern version of the traditional cha chaan teng.

Roast Goose Rice

Kowloon

• Ki’son Roasted Goose – Multiple locations: Popular for crispy skin and generous portions.
• Yung’s Tangerine Peel Roast Goose – Tsim Sha Tsui: Unique seasoning with dried tangerine peel.

Hong Kong Island

• Yung Kee Restaurant – Central: A long-standing institution known for consistency.
• Kam’s Roast Goose – Wan Chai: Michelin-starred, with perfectly roasted meat and rich sauce.

Beef Noodles

Kowloon

• Beef Brisket Pro – Yau Ma Tei: Straightforward name, great brisket.
• Supreme Beef Brisket Noodle – Yau Ma Tei: Light broth, tender meat, loyal following.

Hong Kong Island

• Kau Kee – Central: Famous for beef brisket in clear or curry broth.
• Shui Kee – Central: Tucked in a cooked food centre, serves generous bowls.
• Sister Wah – Tin Hau: Clean flavours, tender cuts, and local approval.

Wonton Noodles

Kowloon

• Good Hope Noodle – Mong Kok: Springy noodles and plump wontons.
• Lau Sum Kee Noodle – Sham Shui Po: Known for shrimp roe noodles and old-school vibes.
• Mak’s Noodle – Jordan/TST: Small portions, big flavour, rich history.

Hong Kong Island

• Tsim Chai Kee Noodle – Central: Bigger bowls and great value.
• Mak An Kee Noodle – Central: Traditional style, strong local following.
• Mak Siu Kee Noodle – Tin Hau / Happy Valley: Handmade noodles and balanced broth.

Congee

Kowloon

• Mui Kee – Mong Kok: Smooth texture and charcoal-cooked flavour.

Hong Kong Island

• Sang Kee – Sheung Wan: Traditional flavours and sliced fish congee done right.
   

Egg Tart

Kowloon

• Gold Garden Restaurant – Cheung Sha Wan: Rich custard and crisp shell.
• Sun Wah Restaurant – Cheung Sha Wan: Local favourite with loyal customers.
• Shun Hing Restaurant – Kowloon City: Eggy, sweet, and great with milk tea.

Hong Kong Island

• Happy Bakery – Wan Chai: Freshly baked with a golden top.
• Tai Cheong Bakery – Central: Creamy filling with a cookie crust.
• Honolulu Coffee Shop – Central: Flaky pastry and smooth custard.
• Bakehouse (Modern twist) – Known for sourdough-based egg tarts with a unique texture.

Looking for Something Else?

If you’re after other cuisines—Japanese, Thai, Korean, Western—Hong Kong has it all. Use the OpenRice app or website, and sort by “score smile” to find top-rated places near you.

Use the OpenRice app or website, and sort by “score smile” to find top-rated places near you.