Where To Find The Best Authentic Hong Kong Restaurants
Shops and markets come and go but one thing that remains intact is the stories behind food experiences. Aside from top-rated tourist attractions with glamourous shopping centers, Hong Kong has a rich food history and is dubbed as the “Culinary Capital of Asia” featuring the Cantonese life from cafés, tea shops, and luxurious restaurants.
According to history, Hong Kong was like a fishing village before the British colonization, trading salted fish, pearl, and salt. As the years went by, the Guangzhou market developed, and more merchants begin to deal with the locals including the Easterners and Westerners giving birth to fusion cuisine.
During the 1940s, affordable foods were produced to feed the refugees during the Chinese Civil war, introducing Hong Kong-style cafés, also called the “cha chaan teng”. Locals learned different recipes like dim sum and other baked goods, creating a unique culinary landscape for the Hong Kong people based on their lifestyles.
At present, the country serves some of our favorite delicacies such as egg waffles (gai daan zai), pineapple buns (bor lor bao), and Hong Kong-style milk tea (lai cha).
Must-try foods in Hong Kong
One of the best reasons why you should visit Hong Kong is to taste its prominent Chinese dishes, which includes:
- Brisket noodles with shredded beef meat
- Char Siu or Barbecue pork
- Claypot rice combined extra ingredients like chicken, pork, Chinese sausage, or mushrooms.
- Dim Sum paired with hot tea
- Hong Kong roasted goose marinated in different blends and spices
- Lo Mai Gai (classic dim sum dish stuffed with rice and chicken) dipped in chili sauce
- Roast chicken with lesser spices compared to roasted goose
- Roast pork (Belly of the pig)
Restaurants that offer authentic Hong Kong Dishes
Jardin De Jade
Local and foreign diners will love the Shanghainese recipes and other traditional dishes made from stellar ingredients acquired from the mainland. According to Michelin Guide, the restaurant’s must-try recipes are steamed reeves shad or smoked duck.
Address: Shop G3–4, G/F, Sun Hung Kai Centre, No.30 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong China
Fook Lam Moon
A highly recommended restaurant that offers authentic Hong Kong dishes is Fook Lam Moon located in Wan Chai. The authenticity of the food they serve remains true to the Chinese tradition as they fill every dish with seasonings and artificial flavors.
They proudly offer a historically rich menu including Braised Whole Yoshihama Abalone, Fresh Lobster with Black Beans and Peppers, Superior Sharks Fin Soup, Deep Fried Stuffed Crab Shell, and a wide variety of traditional dim sum.
Address: 35-45 Johnston Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong
Little Bao
The restaurant specializes in bao burgers. Don’t miss their signatures like the super tender Pork Belly Bao with sesame mayo and a hoisin glaze, or the juicy Szechuan Fried Chicken. If you’ve still got room after your meal, you can top it all off with their matcha ice cream bao - a crunchy, creamy bite of local flavors.
The place is also perfect for a night-out celebration. You can also experience Little Bao’s authentic specials at home, as they offer delivery within the districts of SoHo, Mid-Levels, Central, Sheung Wan, Causeway Bay, and Happy Valley.
Address: Shop H1, G/F, 9 Kingston Street, Fashion Walk, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
Din Tai Fung Hong Kong
Din Tai Fung ensures consumers’ satisfaction through authentic Hong Kong foods cooked with love. The owner of the restaurant, Mr. Yang Jihua carefully selects high-quality ingredients, from seasoning and flavorings, before serving them to the customer’s table.
Address: Shop G3-11, G/F, 68 Yee Wo St., Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
Yung Kee
Generation after generation, Yung Kee took pride in the foods they serve with the “taste of authenticity” perfect for casual and formal dining.
Located in the Central District, Yung Kee serves charcoal-grilled barbecue meats and other classic Hong Kong dishes. They prepare authentically flavored meals with high standard culinary skills and premium ingredients open for locals and foreign visitors.
Address: 32-40 Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong
Shang Palace
If you’re looking for a fancy restaurant, Shang Palace is the perfect place to go. They cater top-rated traditional and authentic Cantonese specialties. You have lots of food to choose from as the Shang Palace menu is categorized from different groups such as dim sum, a la carte dishes, and set meals.
Address: 64 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Hong Kong
Lung King Heen
A renowned Chinese restaurant with a three-star rating from Michelin. Their signature dishes comprise of seafood and dim sums such as steamed lobster with scallop dumpling and wok-fried prawns with organic black garlic and dried chili.
Address: 8 Finance Street, Four Seasons Hotel, Hong Kong
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