As part of the festival, the hotel will host weekend brunch and dinner buffets and serve 15 new durian dishes that infuse six Malaysian-origin durians into savoury Chinese plates and western-style desserts. Think Rice Noodle Roll With Durian Dough Stick, Mini Dough Stick with Pandan Durian Kaya, Portuguese Egg Tart with Durian & Mochi, and of course, Malaysian Durian Ice Cream. There are creative offerings, such as Mini Musang King Durian with Abalone Duck Soup, which is simmered for three hours using fresh duck meat and premium abalone, as well as the D197 Durian Cheese Baked Caribbean Lobster that combines hot and spicy cheese with sticky sweet Musang King durian.

Guests will also get to try a platter of five freshly cut durian varieties (three for children), including the rich and creamy top-grade D197 Musang King, known as the ‘King of Kings’ in the durian world. The platter includes the D200 Black Thorn, which is being served for the first time and has an extremely smooth texture and strong sweet aftertaste, as well as the Penang variant D24 Sultan and two relatively rare and low-yield durian types in Hong Kong: the D88 and XO Durian.

Durian enthusiasts will also get the chance to chat with Executive Chef Danny to learn about Malaysian durians during the festival. The buffets will be held on July 20 (only brunch), July 21, August 3, 4, 17, 18 and 24. The buffet is priced at HK$888 for adults and HK$558 for children under 11 years old.

Image credits: Hotel Icon

Warm up your palate with an Aperitivo Dello Chef, a welcome bite using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Then, move on to the classic Escargot, prepared in the traditional Piedmontese style with garlic, anchovies, and parsley. Next up, enjoy the homemade Tagliatelle Fungo e Funghi is served with veal jus, mushrooms, and topped with Tasmanian black truffles. Take your time to savour the change of flavours with the paired Barolo wines. 

For the main course, choose between Chef’s Signature Guinea Fowl (two ways) or the delightful Lobster & Zabaione, featuring whole Brittany blue lobster, savoury zabaione, and topped with Tasmanian black truffle. Finish your meal on a high note with the refreshing, homemade Panna Cotta e Pesca made with Piedmontese peaches.

Barolo, the renowned wine region in Italy’s Piedmont, is famous for producing exceptional red wines from the Nebbiolo grape. Its deep colour, complex aromas of roses and red fruits, and powerful yet elegant structure have earned it the title “King of Wine”. During the wine dinner, you’ll have the chance to sample various styles of Barolo wines, with main courses paired with the outstanding Ettore Germano, Serralunga d’Alba “Cerretta” 2010, and the 1999 Monforte d’Alba “Ginestra-Pajana” from Domenico Clerico.

Excited to try it yourself? This exclusive event has limited seats, so book your table on their website now. Santé!

Wine Week: Celebration of Barolo 
When: June 24-29, 2024
Where: Castellana, 1/F, Club Lusitano Building, 16 Ice House Street, Central 
Cost: 5-course dinner is priced at HK$1,580 per person
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook | +852 3188 5028

Images credit: Castellana
*This article is a paid collaboration. To know more, read our Ethics & Transparency statement or visit this page if you’d like to advertise with us.”

The Chairman, which placed at No. 50 in last year’s rankings, was praised for its fanfare-free food-first approach to classic Cantonese cooking spearheaded by Danny Yip. Wing found a place on the 2023 extended 51-100 list, and was recognised as the Highest New Entry of 2024. The Vicky Cheng-helmed establishment pays tribute to the Eight Great Chinese cuisines by putting a contemporary spin on traditional dishes.

Earlier this year, six Hong Kong restaurants made it to Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list for 2024: The Chairman, Wing, Neighborhood, Mono, Caprice, and Ando. Six more venues from the territory featured on Asia’s 51-100 best restaurant rankings for 2024: Xin Rong Ji, Ta Vie, Vea, Estro, Godenya, and Howard’s Gourmet. 

Header image credits: The Chairman, Wing

The list comprises 100 of the world’s best cities for food, which taste Atlas narrowed down from 16,601 cities in their database, based on 395,205 (271,819 valid) user votes. These final 100 cities recorded the best average ratings for regional and national dishes most commonly served in them. To view the full rankings, visit the Taste Atlas page.

Taste Atlas added that Hong Kong is famous for dishes like har gow, Chinese BBQ pork (aka char siu), wonton noodles, crispy fried chicken, and sweet and sour pork. The website also revealed their picks for the best authentic restaurants in Hong Kong: Pekinese dumpling specialist Wang Fu, as well as Michelin star restaurants Lung King Heen, Shang Palace, Summer Palace, and Man Wah.

Want to get your fix of Hong Kong food? Then check out these guides:

• Best street food in Hong Kong
• Best Bib Gourmand Restaurants in Hong Kong
• Where to eat the best dim sum in Hong Kong
• Best Cantonese food restaurants in Hong Kong

Header image credits: naveebird, cclickclick, 4kodiak via Canva

Bombshell — Tsim Sha Tsui

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Bombshell (@bombshell_hkg)

Looking for a showstopper cake? Bombshell in Tsim Sha Tsui’s Mira Place is known for its 3D explosion cakes. Each creation is encased in a rich chocolate shell filled with homemade confections like soft-centred chocolates and nut brownies. Smash the shell with a special magic wand to release the goodies inside! Check out their playful and eye-catching designs, such as the Unicorn Bomb, Basketball Bomb, and Monopoly Bomb, available in various sizes.

Signature: 3D explosion cakes 
Location: 118-130 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
Order: Minimum 4 days pre-order. Self pick-up and delivery are available
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook | +852 6388 9758

Butter — Central & Tsim Sha Tsui

No cake shop list is complete without mentioning Blacksheep’s signature cake shop that does classics like the New York Cheesecake, Triple Chocolate Cake and Smores Cake starting from HK500. Or if you’re looking for pies, they do a mean apple pie. They also have a completely dog-friendly cake for HK$350! With delivery across the Hong Kong island, you can get these goodness right at your doorstep! Pick-up is available from their Soho location, or shop at their K11 Musea dine-in cake shop.

Signature: American cakes and pies 
Location: 34B Staunton St, SoHo | Kiosk LA106, Level 1, K11 MUSEA, Tsim Sha Tsui
Order: Minimum 48 hours pre-order. Self pick-up and delivery are available. Free delivery if you choose to enjoy it at any Blacksheep restaurant.
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook | +852 2810 0660

Fine Foods by The Royal Garden — Tsim Sha Tsui

Known for their homemade delicatessen-style butterfly cookies, The Royal Garden Hotel’s own French patisserie also does exceptional cakes. If you are looking to try some treats as featured on Great British Bake Off, you must taste their Napoleon collection, and Pink Rose Cake, which is shaped like a rose! You can also do a takeaway tea set which features some of their best sweet and savoury delights.

Signature: French patisserie, Napoleon cakes
Location: Lobby, The Royal Garden Hotel, 69 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East
Order: Minimum 3 days pre-order. Self pick-up and delivery are available. Free delivery if you choose to enjoy it at any hotel restaurant and room.
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook | +852 2810 0660

Giovanni Pina — Multiple locations

As a celebrated Italian bakery with over a century of heritage, Giovanni Pina crafts exquisite pastries using authentic, natural Italian ingredients. Founded in 1920, this bakery combines traditional techniques with innovative recipes to create signature delights like the Saint Honore Cake and Sacher all’Italiana. Their world-class pastries are available at four locations across Hong Kong, where you can also dine in their glamorous restaurants.

Signature: Italian pasticceria
Location: Multiple locations in Central, Tsim Sha Tsui and North Point
Order: Minimum 2-3 days pre-order. Self pick-up and delivery are available.
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Check individual branch for phone numbers

Infiniti C — Online

Infiniti C offers whimsically decorated gluten-free, keto-oriented pastries and cakes. Prices start at HK$480 for 6-inch cakes (serving 6-8 people) and go up to HK$1,400 for 11-inch cakes (serving 15-20 people). They use premium ingredients like monk fruit sweetener, grass-fed butter, Japanese eggs, and Okara flour for their delectable creations. Order online two days in advance and pick up at one of the distributor’s locations, or have it delivered right to your door.

Signature: Gluten-free and keto-oriented cakes
Location: Online orders only. 
Order: Minimum 2 days pre-order. Pick up at one of the distributor’s locations and delivery are available.
Contact: Website | Instagram | +852 2988 8398

Island Gourmet — Admiralty

I have two words for you: Frou Frou. Perhaps one of the best cakes of all time, with its 70% dark chocolate mousse and crunchy praline, and no one does it better than Island Shangri-La’s Island Gourmet. They also have a number of other incredible options including Hokkaido Cheesecake, St Honoré, and Raspberry Mille-Feuille, which are definitely worth a try. But let’s be honest, if you’re going to Island Shangri-La, you have to get the Frou Frou.

Signature: Frou Frou, St Honoré, Hokkaido Cheesecake
Location: Level 5, Pacific Place, Supreme Court Road, Admiralty
Order: Minimum 3 days pre-order. Self pick up and delivery are available.
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook | +852 2820 8550

La Famille — Multiple locations

La Famille specialises in minimalist-design and elegant Chiffon cakes and Bavarois. Using premium ingredients from Japan, they execute the delicate flavours using French pastry techniques. A wide range of flavours are available, and don’t miss the seasonal fruits such as Japanese Peach and Oolong for spring. Order online or visit one of their 15 locations in Hong Kong.

Signature: Whole Chiffon cakes, Bavarois
Location: 15 locations in Hong Kong
Order: Special orders require minimum 3 days pre-order. Self pick up at their stores.
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Check individual branch for phone numbers

Lady M — Multiple locations

A staple at all office parties, because it will be hard to find someone who doesn’t love the signature Mille-crêpes, soft and fluffy with the right amount of sweetness – I am already salivating!  Lady M cakes come in tons of flavours including their signature Earl Grey and Green Tea (HK$510 for 6-inch or HK$780 for 9-inch), but do try their seasonal favourites such as the Christmas Red Velvet or Milk Tea.

Signature: Mille-crêpes in various flavours
Location: 10 locations in Hong Kong
Order: Minimum 3 days pre-order. Self pick up at their stores.
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook | +852 3956 1494

LIFETASTIC Patisserie — Multiple locations

If you need a gluten-free dessert for your party, look no further than LIFETASTIC’s Watermelon Strawberry Cake, which also comes in a Light (less sweet) version! Most of their cakes are almond or glutinous rice-based, offered in a wide range of delectable flavours and sizes, all shaped into an aesthetic, neat square. With other flavours like Yangmei & Lychee, Pandan & Mango Black Rice, and Durian Layer Cheesecake (for all durian fans!), there are so many you can try!

Signature: Gluten-free Watermelon Strawberry Cake
Location: 13 locations in Hong Kong
Order: Minimum 2 days pre-order. Self pick up and delivery are available.
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook | +852 3611 9766

Mandarin Cake Shop — Central

The Mandarin Cake Shop has been a staple in the homes and offices of Hong Kong folk since the ’70s, and its incredible range and classic tastes remain unbeatable to this day. The timeless 1963 Mandarin Cheesecake or Opera Cake (HK$498) are sure to please everyone at the table. The shop is also known for its fragrant and sweet Rose Petal Jam, which pairs perfectly with their freshly-baked scones. Visit around 3pm and grab some on your way out!

Signature: 1963 Mandarin Cheesecake, Opera Cake
Location: M/F, Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, 5 Connaught Road Central, Central
Order: Minimum 48 hours pre-order. Self pick up and delivery are available.
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook | +852 2825 4008

Oookie Cookie — Central & Causeway Bay

If you’re a fan of “Is It Cake?” on Netflix like us, then Oookie Cookie’s whimsical food imitation cakes could be the perfect birthday cake for you! From the famous Cha Chan Tang Fondant Cake Collection, featuring cakes shaped like Pineapple Buns with Butter and Egg Tarts, their creations are a feast for the eyes. Can’t pick one? Their unique “one bite” boxes feature shortbread or meringues shaped like unicorns, sea animals, and even mahjong tiles. With roots in a baking studio since 2016, this artisan bakery is also famed for its customized chewy cookies.

Signature: Cha Chan Tang Fondant Cake Collection
Location: 2 locations in Causeway Bay and Central
Order: Minimum 5 days pre-order. Self pick up and delivery are available.
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook | +852 9220 9622 (Whatsapp)

Pandora Cake Shop — Tsuen Wan

Owning a 3D cake might be a dream for many, and Pandora Cake Shop is a place you can’t overlook. Helmed by award-winning pastry chef Jess Leung, this online bakery is a favourite among celebrities for its highly realistic and creative 3D cakes – think Hermes Birkin bags turned into cake! If you’re keen to learn, they offer classes for Sugar Paste, Modelling, and Sugar Flowers. They also have their own fondant brand, PandoraBox, ideal for crafting figures and wrapping cakes for the humidity in Hong Kong and across Asia.

Signature: Customised 3D cakes
Location: Unit D1, 16/F, TML Tower, 3 Hoi Shing Road, Tsuen Wan
Order: Pre-order is required. Self pick up and delivery are available.
Contact: Instagram | Facebook | +852 6420 0553 (Whatsapp)

Pâtisserie Tony Wong — Multiple locations

Pastry chef Tony Wong puts together incredibly unique edible artworks. The pâtisserie, with five locations around the city, makes beautiful handmade cakes like the ‘Rose Cake’ which resembles a rose that has just started opening its petals, ‘Everlasting Cakes’ topped with a preserved flower wrapped in a crystal sphere, and ‘Japanese Cuisine Series’ with fun realistic cakes that look like bowls of ramen and takoyaki. Besides a selection of vegan and keto desserts, they also do tailor-made multi-tier wedding cakes and ‘smash cakes’ for the little ones to get their hands into.

Signature: Rose cake
Location: 6 locations in Causeway Bay, Kowloon City, Kowloon Bay, Kwai Fong, Tuen Mun and Wong Chuk Hang
Order: Minimum 3 days pre-order. Self pick up and delivery are available.
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook | +852 2382 4288

Soulgood Bakery — Tsim Sha Tsui

Many of us have fallen in love with the delightfully light texture of Basque cheesecake, a perfect blend between an airy soufflé and creamy cheesecake! Check out Soulgood Bakery for a twist on this classic dessert – starting as an online bakery, they expanded to a physical store in just a year. Their signature lava-style and soft-centred cakes offer over 16 creative flavours, including Crème Brûlée Taro and Japanese Matcha Strawberry Mochi. For a healthier choice, try their keto cakes!

Signature: Basque Cheesecake
Location: B201-39, B2 Floor, K11 Musea, 18 Salisbury Rd., Tsim Shu Tsui
Order: Minimum 48 hours pre-order. Self pick up and delivery are available.
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook | +852 9827 0511

Sweetpea Cafe — Central

This café hidden between streets in Sheung Wan does it all: gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free, and even keto cakes. They can make custom-made cakes and cupcakes for weddings and birthdays in all types of styles, from crepe, to chiffon, to log cakes, to good old dense American-style cakes (and even treats for your pups!) from around HK$700 for entire cakes. Whether enjoying a slice with a cup of coffee in-store, or grabbing a whole cake, you have to try their Persian Love Cake with Kirsche macerated sour cherries and Iranian pistachios. We also love that they use bags made of recycled material and paper boxes to pack their products.

Signature: Gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free, and keto cakes
Location: 4 Shin Hing Street, Central
Order: Minimum 3 days pre-order. Self pick up and delivery are available.
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook | +852 3689 7269

The Cakery — Multiple locations

Who says healthy can’t be fun? Indulge in The Cakery’s artsy, super-cute yet organic, sugar-free, gluten-free, and vegan-friendly cakes, such as the popular Comic Cake collection and the signature Tutti Frutti – a spongy chiffon cotton cake filled with seasonal fruits. Available in 5 locations across Hong Kong, each cake and sweet treat is made with natural sugars and nutrient-rich ingredients – and comes with zero regrets!

Signature: Gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free, and keto cakes
Location: 5 locations in Central, Admiralty, Quarry Bay and Wong Chuk Hang
Order: Minimum 3 days pre-order. Self pick up and delivery are available.
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook | +852 9166 1290

The Cheesecake Factory — Tsim Sha Tsui

The American chain restaurant may have just one location in Hong Kong, but it offers what seem like endless options for their cheesecakes. The definition of indulgent, you can go for the Original, the Godiva Chocolate, Pineapple Upside-down, Mango Key Lime, and many more. There are also seasonal offerings during holidays like the Pumpkin Pecan cheesecake. They only do in-store purchases, so call to order ahead or swing by the counter to order per slice, 7-inch, or 10-inch whole cakes. 

Signature: Cheesecakes
Location: Shop G102, Harbour City Gateway Arcade, 25 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
Order: In-store purchase only
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook | +852 2791 6628

Vive Cake Boutique — Online

Vive Cake Boutique is the brain child of artist Vivien Lau. They do bespoke cakes for weddings and other special occasions, when what you need is not just a delicious pastry, but a work of art. They also offer adorable 5-inch and 7-inch cakes ranging from HK$500 to over HK$1000 that are perfect for birthdays and baby showers, with themes like pirate’s treasure hunt, unicorns, and ‘ice cream’. They also do delivery to most places in Hong Kong starting from HK$200. For custom cakes, contact the team directly.

Signature: Themed cakes
Location: 9/F, 1001 King’s Road, Quarry Bay
Order: Minimum 4 days pre-order. Pick up at Jello & Mellow and Kwai Fong. Delivery is available too.
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook | +852 9602 2869, +852 2337 2055

Header image credits: Butter

Curry Fish Ball 咖哩魚蛋 (gaa lei jyu daan)

These little guys are pretty easy to find around town. When you walk down a food stall-laden street in Hong Kong and smell something tasty, it is likely the scent of the gaa lei jyu daan or Hong Kong fish balls bathed in yellow curry. These fragrant, flavourful balls of fish paste floating in an oily, golden curry soup can’t help but catch a longing glance from all who pass. Expect to pay HK$10 or less for a heaping bowl.

Where: Fishball Man 魚蛋佬 (Hung Hom) – Cheung Chau Fish Balls 甘永泰魚蛋 (Cheung Chau) – Tung Tat Food Shop 通達食店 (Mong Kok)

Egg Tart 蛋撻 (daan taat)

The ever-popular daan taats are something similar to an English custard tart, but heavier on the egg. The crumby exterior crust is filled with a creamy, rich, egg custard filling that can then baked to a golden brown or left pristine yellow. Needless to say, most people buy these by the boxful (they’re usually around HK$8 for one). Don’t confuse these little guys with the egg tarts in other parts of China or Macau, each of these regions has their own unique take on the dessert, with Portuguese-style egg tarts loved in Macau also well-liked in Hong Kong.

Where: Tai Cheong Bakery 泰昌餅家 (Multiple locations) – Gold Garden Cafe 金園茶餐廳 (Cheung Sha Wan) – Bakehouse (Multiple locations)

Egg Waffle 雞蛋仔 (gai daan zai)

This has to be my personal favourite snack. Made from a mixture akin to the typical western pancake or waffle batter, gai daan zai is a hexagonal waffle mat of puffy, bubble-shaped bits! When crafted correctly, the bubbles should be crunchy on the outside and just-so gooey on the inside – it is an art. The original is served up as is, but gai daan zai adulterated with chocolate, matcha, cheese, and even avocado have started to become popular around town in the last few years. The classic bubble waffle usually costs around HK$20, with the fancier versions costing up to HK$30.

Where: Hung Hom Pancake 紅磡雞蛋仔 (Hung Hom) – Master Low-Key Food Shop 低調高手大街小食 (Multiple locations) – Lee Keung Kee North Point Egg Waffles 利強記北角雞蛋仔 (Multiple locations)

Faux Shark Fin Soup 碗仔翅 (wun zai ci)

Fake Shark’s Fin Soup is a classic on the streets of Hong Kong. Originally in the 1940s, street vendors used actual shark’s fin leftovers and bits of meat from restaurant broths. By the 1960s, they started swapping shark’s fin for mung bean vermicelli, making the dish more accessible and even more popular. Today’s version is packed with vermicelli, edible mushrooms, kelps, seaweeds, bean sprouts, bamboo shoots, and beaten eggs, mimicking the traditional soup. To serve, just sprinkle some white pepper and drizzle red vinegar on top for that extra burst of flavour.

Where: Block 18 Doggie’s Noodle 十八座狗仔粉 (Multiple locations) – Marble Noodle 孖寶車仔麵 (Kwai Fong) – 粉果佬 (Kwun Tong)

Fried Pork Intestine 炸豬大腸 (zaa zyu daai coeng)

In this city, it is waste not, want not (when it comes to pigs) with a popular dish derived from seemingly every extremity. As unappealing as it may sound, jaa jyu cheung is one of the most famous street snacks in Hong Kong! With pig intestine that has been rolled up, deep-fried, and stuck on a stick for ease of consumption, this bacon-like treat is usually accompanied by a sauce or two of your choice for HK$12 to HK15.

Where: 多寶美食 (Prince Edward) – Delicious Food Shop 美味食店 (Prince Edward) – Tai Wai Snacks 大圍小食 (Tai Wai)

Hong Kong-Style Milk Tea 奶茶 (naai caa)

Bending the food rules of what constitutes ‘street food’ a bit here to include another of my personal faves, HK style milk tea. Exactly as it sounds, this drink is a mixture of black tea with either condensed or evaporated milk, and if you like, a bit of white sugar. The beauty is in the simplicity. This drink is iconic to this city and consumed at any and all meals, but traditionally, lunch or afternoon tea. (Read more about popular Hong Kong drinks.) A cup of iced or hot milk tea can cost up to HK$12 if ordered individually or can come included with a set meal.

Where: Bing Kee Cha Dong 炳記茶檔 (Tai Hang) – Lan Fong Yuen 蘭芳園 (Central) – Shui Kee Coffee 瑞記咖啡(Sheung Wan)

Pineapple Bun 菠蘿包 (bo lo baau)

These golden, puffy buns are a particularly popular for breakfast but can also be grabbed from almost any local bakery or cha chaang teng for an on-the-go street snack for HK$5. Once again deceptively named, these sweet buns contain no pineapple! Bo lo bau get their name from the crunchy, sugary cap that sits atop the bun, giving a pineapple-like look to the rotund bun and are best served with a thick slice of cold butter in the middle.

Where: Kam Fung Restaurant 金鳳茶餐廳 (Wan Chai) – Kam Wah Café & Cake Shop 金華冰廳 (Mong Kok) – Cheung Hing Coffee Shop 祥興茶餐廳 (Happy Valley)

Pork Dumpling 燒賣 (siu mai)

Without a doubt one of the most common and popular street snacks around the city, siu mai is a delectable Chinese dumpling with local variations found all over China. However the one we are concerned with today is the Cantonese version. Traditionally, the siu mai from our local neighbourhood usually contains fish or meat paste with a little bit of pork, or no pork at all, and will be served with a stick, costing HK$10 to HK$15 for a bowl. Don’t forget to top it off with the sweet soy sauce & chilli oil!

Where: Hung Fook Tong 鴻福堂 (Multiple locations) – Keung Kee 強記美食 (Wan Chai) – ohmumsister餓媽家姐 (Tsim Sha Tsui)

Rice Noodle Roll 腸粉 (cheung fun)

Don’t be fooled by the Cantonese translation of this snack, which means pig intestine noodles, as this traditional street snack often contains no meat. This popular dish consists of tubular rolls of thin rice noodle sheets smothered in soy sauce and other toppings. Top tip: this snack is always a hit with the little ones!  However, keep in mind that if purchased in a dim sum restaurant, these rolls are often stuffed with some sort of beef or pork based filling. You’ll pay up to HK$30 at a restaurant and roughly half that at a street snack stall.

Where: Hop Yik Tai Snack Shop 合益泰小食 (Sham Shui Po) – 舊時光石磨腸粉 (Tsim Sha Tsui) – Kwan Kee 坤記腸粉 (Multiple locations)

Stinky Tofu 臭豆腐 (cau dau fu)

Really highlighting the ‘fragrant’ in Fragrant Harbour, stinky tofu might seem like one Hong Kong street food to avoid — especially once you smell it. But do not be too quick to judge this (excessively?) fermented friend, for it tastes much better than it smells. Hong Kong’s sticky tofu is most commonly fried (to leave a nice crunch and golden exterior) and served with chilli sauce. A bag of stinky tofu costs anywhere from HK$15 to HK$30.

Where: 多寶美食 (Prince Edward) – Delicious Food Shop 美味食店 (Prince Edward) – Tai Wai Snacks 大圍小食 (Tai Wai)

Three Fried Stuffed Treasures 煎釀三寶 (zin joeng saam bou)

Another street snack staple is Three Fried Stuffed Treasures. This classic snack features a trio of veggies: aubergine, bell pepper, and soya puff, all generously filled with marinated dace fish paste and then fried on an iron griddle until the edge get crispy. Ready to eat? Give them a dip in soy sauce, Worcestershire, or chilli sauce to kick up the flavour. They’re called “treasures” because each piece is served in sets of three and looking as stuffed as they can be! You can someitmes find this dish at a dai pai dong.

Where: Tung Hing 東興小食 (Tai Kok Tsui) – Jargor 1996 渣哥一九九六 (Kowloon Bay) – 百利來美食 (Yuen Long)

Tofu Pudding 豆腐花 (dau fu faa)

An extremely popular dessert in Hong Kong that is happily consumed all year round (icy cold in the summer and gently warm in the winter) is dou fu fa or tofu pudding. This delicacy is made from soft, silky tofu spooned from a huge container in thin slices and topped with condiments such as ginger sugar. Although it sounds simple, the temperature, texture, and flavour of the desert all need to be just so, making this one hard dish to perfect. One bowl will set you back just HK$15 to HK$20.

Where: Kung Wo Beancurd 公和荳品廠 (Sham Shui Po) – One Bean Curd Pudding Specialist 一豆花 (Multiple locations) – 亞玉豆腐花 (Multiple locations)

Virginia Chan, founder of Humid with a Chance of Fishballs Tours, is a tour guide by day and avid traveller by weekend. Virginia is a proud Vancouverite now in Hong Kong exploring all corners of Asia. She’s currently discovering her Asian roots – one flight, one noodle, and one Canto slang at a time. *slurp*

Header image credits: Leung Cho Pang via Canva

What is Michelin Bib Gourmand?

The name Bib Gourmand came from the Michelin company’s nickname for their mascot “The Michelin Man”, who is officially known as Bibendum. This Bib Gourmand guide is close to Michelin stars, but it focuses on restaurants that serve good quality food within HK$300. Since 1997, Michelin has been creating this guide to acknowledge restaurants that offer great dining experiences across the world, and there are 67 such establishments in Hong Kong.

At first, the Bib Gourmand offered the label “R” to identify restaurants that met these standards. Bib Gourmand is well-loved due to the great creative logo of the Michelin man licking his lips to represent great food deals. This gives the new lens of Michelin, where food out of high-end restaurants can also be qualified as great examples of culinary excellence.

Man Yuen — Wong Tai Sin

Man Yuen is a recent addition to the Bib Gourmand list, thanks to its quality Cantonese dishes made with fresh ingredients. The fact that it’s tucked away in a public housing estate in East Kowloon doesn’t stop diners from making reservations to feast on classics such as wok hei-laden “king of stir-fries” with fresh, dried, and sakura shrimps. The dining experience here is elevated by the fact that the kitchen staff and front-of-house teams have worked in exclusive clubs, hotels, and restaurants.

Address: Shop S02, 2F, Tin Ma Court Commercial Centre, 55 Chuk Yuen Road, Wong Tai Sin
Opening Hours: 11am-10.30pm
Contact: Website | Facebook | Instagram | +852 6315 7300

Kwan Kee ClayPot Rice — Sai Ying Pun

Kwan Kee is easy to find, thanks to its large traditional sign that stands out from the street. The restaurant is known for its clay pot dishes, including beef, fish, chicken, goat, and vegetables. They use a blend of three types of rice as a base that is lightly brushed with oil to create its golden crisp-and-crunchy texture, and top it with delicious ingredients. The cooking technique involves trapping the steam to retain moisture in the ingredients and give the dishes their trademark chewy texture and smoky flavour. The house signature dishes are white eel, pig bone soup, stewed lamb, and house special drunken chicken.

Address: Shop 1, Wo Yick Mansion, 263 Queen’s Road West, Sai Ying Pun, Western District
Opening hours: 11am-2:30pm & 6pm to 10:30pm (Monday-Saturday); 6pm to 10:30pm (Sunday)
Contact: + 852 2803 7209

Po Kee — Sai Wan / HKU

Po Kee is a locally recognised Cantonese roasted goose favourite spot in the Western District of Hong Kong. It has been in business for more than 40 years and is loved by locals of all ages. The shop is famous for its roast goose, which is lean, juicy, crispy skin and served with Lai Fan (rice noodle). We also like their Char Siu (barbecue pork), with its hint of smoky flavour and the right amount of sweetness from the honey. Po Kee attracts lots of customers from across Hong Kong, so make sure to arrive before 2pm before the goose is sold out.

Address: Shop P, G/F, 425 Queen’s Road West, Shek Tong Tsui, Western District
Opening hours: 11:30am to 8pm (Closed Sunday)

Ăn Chơi — Sheung Wan

Sheung Wan is full of restaurants that cater to pretty much every kind of palate — whether you’re craving local fare, reasonably priced sushi, or hearty Thai food. So it’s quite something when a humble Vietnamese establishment in this neighbourhood has customers lining up during the lunch hour rush. The restaurant captures the liveliness of the country’s famed street stalls, and is known for its bánh mì sandwiches that come in an array of fillings, as well as its varying versions of phở that are made according to different regional traditions. Wash it all down with egg coffee or Vietnamese beer.

Address: 15-17 Mercer Street, Sheung Wan
Opening Hours: 12pm-10pm
Contact: Website | Facebook | Instagram | +852 5286 1517

Tasty — Central

Tasty is located in IFC mall and is usually full of customers who come for the delicious options of congee, and noodles with delicately wrapped shrimp wontons. The fried dough is a great side to dip with your congee. We recommend the house-made specials like pork liver, fish belly, frog, and steamed buns. Tasty serves a wide range of food such as dim sum, stir-fry rice, and noodles with other ingredients. You cannot miss their Cantonese desserts — think red bean soup, stewed papaya, stewed pear, and black sesame paste.

Address: Shop 3016-3018, 3/F, IFC, 1 Harbour View Street, Central
Opening hours: 11am-11pm
Contact: Website | Facebook | +852 2295 0101 and +852 2295 0505

She Wong Leung — North Point

This shop is known for its snake soup and has been in business for more than 20 years. Snake soup is a common delicacy people love to eat during the winter for its health benefits and to stay warm. The texture of the soup resembles that of chicken, and the dish is served with mushrooms and other ingredients. The owner of the store changes the menu seasonally and uses different ingredients, such as black fungus and tangerine peel. Diners can choose to have their snake soup with vegetable rice, curry chicken wings, lamb stew, or roast meat. She Wong Leung also sells stew with Chinese medicine ingredients.

Address: Shop A, G/F, 298 Electric Road, North Point
Opening hours: 12pm-12:30am
Contact: +852 2578 8135

Little Napoli Pizzeria — Happy Valley

This Italian restaurant was moved from the Michelin Selected list and accorded Bib Gourmand status in 2024. Classic Neapolitan pizzas and street foods like ripieno fritto and panuozzo are made with only ingredients from Naples. Pizzas such as Margherita or Vesuviana are made to order, baked in an Italian stone oven at 400 degrees Celsius, giving them a crisp and slightly charred crust with a gooey centre. Seating is limited, so it’s recommended that diners come early if they want to dine in.

Address: 8 King Kwong Street, Happy Valley
Opening Hours: 12pm-10pm (closed Mondays)
Contact: Website | Facebook | Instagram | +852 6882 1823

Ho To Tai Noodle Shop — Yuen Long

If you’re looking for Cantonese dumplings or wontons in New Territories, this is your go-to spot in the area. This two-storey noodle shop has been in business for over 70 years — even boasting a dried noodle factory that sells to retail stores. The restaurant, which has retained its old-school design, is one of the more popular joints in Yuen Long as it has a steady stream of local and out-of-town customers. Ho To Tai makes everything from scratch — its dumplings, wontons, and noodles — following traditional recipes. Everything is made with care, leaving customers full of love as they feast on their meals and purchase noodles to take home as Hong Kong souvenirs.

Address: G/F, 67, Fau Tsoi Street, Yuen Long
Opening hours: 10am-8pm
Contact: +852 2476 2495

Sang Kee Foods — Sai Ying Pun

Hong Kong’s Western District is home to the Teochow or Chaozhou people, who settled in the city after arriving from the Guangdong Province and brought their distinctive Chiuchow cuisine with them. And anyone who understands the Hong Kong food scene knows that Sang Kee Foods is the place to go for its nose-to-tail concept for Chiuchow-style marinated goose — evident in the menu, which includes goose blood curd, web, wing, liver, intestine, and gizzard.

Address: Shop 4, GF, Wo Yick Mansion, 263 Queen’s Road West, Sai Ying Pun
Opening Hours: 9am-8.30pm
Contact: Website | +852 2547 4035

Nishiki Yakitori Restaurant — Tsim Sha Tsui

Nishiki has a well-established presence on the Hong Kong culinary scene, having opened more than 20 years ago. The focus is on Yakitori (grilled chicken), the star being the tsukune that is made with boneless chicken thigh from Japan and Brazil in a specific ratio. Try the grilled chicken liver sourced from local farms. This bustling spot is usually busy, so call ahead to make a reservation — and get a counter seat to see the chefs work their magic.

Address: Shop 103, 1F, Regal Kowloon Hotel, 71 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
Opening Hours: 12pm-10:30pm
Contact: Facebook +852 2723 8660

Any Wet Market In Hong Kong

These traditional marketplaces sell everything from fresh meat and seafood, to vegetables and fruits. These bustling spaces located across Hong Kong reflect the local cuisine and culture, as you find everything you need to make a variety of Cantonese dishes and can even shop for household items you might not find anywhere else in the city. Check out the Wan Chai Market for its fresh seafood, or the Fa Yuen Street Wet Market for its beef, pork, and mutton.

Read the guide: The Best Wet Markets In Hong Kong

Feather & Bone — Multiple Locations

What started as a small shop in the Graham Street wet market has now expanded into a full-scale butchery operation and retail stores at several locations across Hong Kong. Feather and Bone is many a Hongkonger’s go-to place for meats free of hormones, antibiotics, and growth stimulants, as well as free-range pork and chicken. You can even get fresh produce to use as ingredients in your dishes or wines to pair with your meal. You can find whatever you see in their stores online, and you can even dine at their six all-day restaurants attached to their retail spaces. Check out their Roasts At Home for a build-your-own-roast approach to cooking, or their BBQ Packs that you can put straight on the grill.

Address: Wan Chai, Causeway Bay, Mid-Levels, Sai Ying Pun, Tsuen Wan West, Happy Valley, Clear Water Bay, Hollywood Road (See all locations)
Opening Hours: Depends on the branch
Contact: Website | Facebook | Instagram | +852 6313 0513

Farmer’s Market — Central

If you’re picky about where your meat comes from, and what’s in it, then Farmer’s Market could become your go-to butcher. This online store — founded by Emma Pike and now run by Hooked Fish Gallery — supplies naturally-farmed, restaurant-quality Australian meat and fish and offers next-day delivery throughout Hong Kong, five days a week. This is some of the tastiest meat you’ll find in the territory, and all their suppliers meet strict standards of ethical and sustainable farming practices.

Address: Hooked Fish Gallery, Shops D/D1 Caine Mansions, 80-88 Caine Road Mid-Levels
Contact: Website | Facebook | Instagram | +852 9556 0070

Bones and Blades —Multiple Locations

Conscious carnivores rejoice! The meat sold here embraces sustainable and ethical farming, from some of the best family-owned farms in the world. Beautiful cuts of grass-fed beef, Welsh lamb, Australian pork, and 81-day free-range chicken are prepared in-house, and the knowledgeable team can help guide novices on the various cuts on offer. Shop online (with some limitations on delivery zones) or at their stores in Sai Ying Pun, Sai Kung, and Discovery Bay.

Address: Sai Ying Pun, Sai Kung, Discovery Bay
Opening Hours: Depends on the branch
Contact: Website | Facebook | Instagram | +852 5200 3900

Meatmarket — Online

Pick up a fresh, free-range Australian chicken or some 100% organic beef fillets, as well as fruits and veggies, wines, craft beers, seafood, fresh bread and dairy from Meatmarket. They’ve also added sausages in a variety of flavours to their offerings — think Sichuan Chicken, Lamb Honey Mint & Rosemary, Garlic & Bay Venison, and more. You can also choose from a fantastic selection of plant-based meat substitutes from Beyond Meat, Omnipork and Gardein. A one-stop grocery shop with an excellent delivery service.

Contact: Website | Facebook | Instagram | +852 2882 6398

The Butchers Club — Multiple Locations

Shop online for frozen beef, lamb, pork, and shellfish, or buy your own piece of Prime Black Angus beef and let the butchers dry age it for you. You can also try to replicate their famous burgers (some say the best in Hong Kong) at home with their “Ultimate Burger Set”, complete with dry-aged beef burger patties, handmade baps, cheese slices, and bacon. Or let them do the work for you — gather your friends and head to their private kitchen/butchery in Aberdeen for an evening of delicious food and wine, where you’ll get to see the chefs at work and try your hand in the kitchen too.

Address: Wong Chuk Hang, Wan Chai, Central, Tsim Sha Tsui
Opening Hours: Depends on the branch
Contact: Website | Facebook | Instagram | +852 2388 9644

Gonzalo Kosher Meat — Online

Sample their beef, chicken and lamb, which are all Glatt Kosher, grass-fed, antibiotic and hormone-free and sourced in Uruguay, the US, Canada, and Australia. The product selection is excellent with a wide range of cuts including rib-eyes, hanger steaks, whole and diced chicken, pork steaks, and mince. Check out their decent ready-meal selection for those lazy nights when you can’t bear to face the stove.

Contact: Website | Facebook | Instagram | +852 922 65110 / +852 646 22075

My Meat Man — Wong Chuk Hang

Spawned from My Wine Man, My Meat Man sells premium Australian beef, lamb, chicken, seafood, and cheese. They’re serious about their products, which you can see from their detailed website exploring their meat’s provenance. Delivery fee is HK$100 or free on orders over HK$800. In some areas, the minimum order is HK$1,000 for free delivery, or a HK$200 fee applies.

Address: 4 Yally Industrial Building, 6 Yip Fat Street, Wong Chuk Hang, Aberdeen
Opening Hours: 10am-6pm (closed on Sundays)
Contact: Website | Facebook | +852 2552 5516

Loi Chan Frozen Meat Co. — Mui Wo

This frozen meat store in Mui Wo, South Lantau, offers exceptional pricing and quality on a variety of meats, including Cornish Game Hens and whole ducks imported from the USA, Canadian scallops, antibiotic-free chicken franks, fresh fish, and more. They deliver to the Discovery Bay Kai Tak ferry pier, and you have to pick up your meat from the pier.

Address: 23A Chung Hau Street, Mui Wo
Opening Hours: 8am-4pm (closed on Thursdays and Sundays)
Contact: Website | Facebook | +852 9095 4543/ +852 2984 8346

Tenderloin Fine Food — Kwai Chung

The offerings from Tenderloin include organic poultry, meat from New Zealand and Australia, fresh Atlantic salmon, and a range of frozen fish. You can also pick up a well-priced bottle of red or white wine, delicious cheeses, patés, and even coffee beans. Oh, and caviar! If you know your Oscietra from your Beluga, this shop is for you.

Address: 2/F, Block A, Kerry TC Warehouse 1, 3 Kin Chuen Street, Kwai Chung
Contact: Website | Facebook | Instagram | +852 2692 9329

Artisan Butcher — Sai Ying Pun

This neighbourhood store specialises in quality meats and wines. Stroll in and browse through their selection of grass-fed ribeye and sirloin from Argentina and Australia, and Hoengseong Hanwoo from South Korea, as well as cured meats even snacks like ham-and-cheese wrapper sticks. Check their socials for announcements about wine tastings and whether they have any special offers.

Address: Shop 3, 1-2 St. Stephen’s Lane, Sai Ying Pun
Opening Hours: 12pm-8.30pm (2.30pm-8.30pm on Mondays)
Contact: Facebook | Instagram | +852 6360 3670

Steak King — Multiple Locations

These purveyors of affordable, quality meat and seafood started out as Argyle Butchers, but now operate under the Steak King brand. Explore their selection of fresh, frozen, and chilled products — which include beef, lamb, pork, chicken, and seafood — as well as their wines, spirits, and master-chef gadgets. Each product package has a QR code that directs you to videos or articles that will give you information on how to best cook the product so that you get the most out of your meat. If you’d like to have a restaurant-quality meal at home, Steak King’s Chef & Butcher Ready Meals & Meal Kits will get you sorted with their gourmet ingredients and professional cooking techniques.

Address: Wong Chuk Hang, Tung Chung
Opening Hours: Depends on the branch
Contact: Website | Facebook | Instagram | +852 9095 1817

So stock up your fridge or freezer with great cuts from the best butchers in Hong Kong to be ready for any occasion — from a home-cooked meal over a glass of wine or a barbecue party for a bunch of friends!

Header image credit: thesomegirl via Canva

Bakehouse

Grégoire Michaud, an award-winning Swiss pastry chef, opened Bakehouse to share his passion for baking and dedication to high quality ingredients. Recognized as one of the best bakeries in Hong Kong, their shops are inspired by European craftsmanship shops. Bakehouse has five locations in the city: Causeway Bay, Soho, Stanley, Tsim Sha Tsui and Wanchai. Their house signatures are artisanal bread loaves and pastries such as sourdough egg tarts, croissants, danishes, scones, and quiches, all made with quality ingredients from Europe.

Opening Hours: Depends on the branch
Location: 5 locations in Causeway Bay, Soho, Stanley, Tsim Sha Tsui and Wan Chai
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook

Gontran Cherrier

Since launching in Paris in 2010, the artisan baker Gontran Cherrier has “wowed” the world with its unique and bold flavours. 9 years later, the opening of his French bakery in Tsim Sha Tsui’s K11 Musea drew a long queue for their signature croissants and baguettes. Using traditional French baking methods and sourcing the finest ingredients locally and from abroad, Gontran’s creations, such as black baguettes, ‘Cloud’ croissants, Danish toasts, and pretzels, are inspired by his global travels.

Opening Hours: 9:00am—9:00pm (Weekdays); 10:00am—9:00pm (Weekends & Public Holidays)
Location: B205, B2/F, K11 Musea, Tsim Sha Tsui
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook

Hashtag B

Local bake shop Hashtag B redefines traditional local baking with a creative twist. Embracing the endless possibilities of ‘B’—Bakery, Better, Bread, Believe—it offers a fresh take on Hong Kong-style breads, such as the Earl Grey Pineapple Bun and the Sweet Potato Cocktail Bun, while using less sugar and salt for healthier options. Handmade daily with natural, premium imported ingredients, it features popular items like the Napoleon Caramel Mille-Feuille Tart, delightfully made with 27 layers of flaky pastry and a dreamy golden caramel custard filling.

Opening Hours: 7:30am—8:00pm (Weekdays); 8:30am—9:00pm (Weekends & Public Holidays)
Location: Shop F, G/F, Po Wing Building, 67 Lee Garden Road, Causeway Bay | Shop C, G/F, Savoy Mansion, 49 Carnarvon Road, Tsim Sha Tsui | Area A, G/F, Berkshire House, Taikoo Place, Quarry Bay
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook

Happy Bakery

Happy Bakery has been a local favourite since the 1970s, with workers and students seeking breakfast or afternoon tea treats. Despite closing last August due to lease issues, it made a comeback on Queen’s Road East, still cherished for its affordable, freshly baked goods. Famous for its cream cones, an almost-lost traditional pastry with a light, crisp texture and a creamy filling that’s lightly sweet with a hint of saltiness, as well as other classic delights like red bean cakes and sables, the bakery also serves new delights such as mochi pudding tarts.

Opening Hours: 6:00am—8:00pm
Location: 66-68 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai
Contact: +852 2528 1391

hkBREADBOX

Have your home smelling like freshly-baked bread, without all the mess and work. Bread products are delivered to you 90% baked then quickly frozen, leaving you to pop them in your oven for fluffy brioche, crispy baguettes and savoury focaccia ready in under ten minutes. Order on Tuesdays by 5pm, and expect delivery on Thursday or Friday.

Location: Online orders only
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook

Leisurely Bakery

Top bakery Leisurely Bakery in Hung Hom is popular for its innovative pastries. Known for its signature Tiramisu Soft Bun, which oozes mascarpone cheese and rich coffee flavour, this bake shop often sells out items quickly. Other signature items include Scookies (a mix of scone and cookies) and Creamy Sweetcorn Soup Soft Bun. From nostalgic Hong Kong favourites to Western classics and fusion creations, it’s clear that Leisurely Bakery has won the hearts of locals.

Opening Hours: 8:00am—9:00pm
Location: 147-155 Wuhu Street, Wuhu Street, Hung Hom
Contact: Instagram | Facebook

Levain Bakery

Levain Bakery, opened in 2009, has been dubbed one of Hong Kong’s first artisanal bakeries for its commitment to using 100% traditional bread making methods and levain. You can be confident that the rest of their fine ingredients, including Aichermühle flour from Germany, also exclude additives or flavoring to make sure their baguettes, signature sourdough bread, brioche, croissants, European desserts, and coffee meet their high standards. All of their displayed products are handmade fresh daily. There are a variety of vegan and gluten-free products available in the bakery for purchase. 

Opening Hours: 8:00am—7:00pm
Location: Block B, Unit H105 and H107, PMQ, 35 Aberdeen Street, Central | Shop A, G/F, Tung Sing Bldg, 138-144 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai | G63, G/F, DB Plaza (Block C), Discovery Bay
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook

Maison Kayser

Delicious French bakery serving baguettes, cakes and pastries to eat in and take away at their 12 locations in Hong Kong. The bakery also does beautifully decorated seasonal sweets – their Christmas logs look too good to eat.

Opening Hours: Depends on the branch
Location: Shop online | 12 locations across Hong Kong island and Kowloon
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook

Plumcot

Plumcot is an artisanal French bakery opened by two pastry chefs that believe every baked good should be fresh with premier quality. As one of the best bakery in Hong Kong, they sell a variety of desserts and pastries such as flan, vanille mille-feuille, madeleines, lemon meringue tarts, cheesecakes, and more. One of Plumcot’s best-selling products is the canelé, a rich rum vanilla cake filled with creamy custard. They also make homemade ice cream flavours including dark chocolate, toast baguette, blue cheese, latte with yuzu, and dairy-free sorbets. There is an online store for pre-order and pick-up in-store.

Opening Hours: 8:00am—6:00pm (Wednesday to Sunday); Closed Monday & Tuesday
Location: G/F, 10A Sun Chun Street, Tai Hang
Contact: Website | Instagram | +852 2573 6293

Proof.

Proof, an Australian bakery located in Happy Valley, sells fresh artisanal bread made with unbleached flour, natural ingredients, and no preservatives or additional additives. The store bakes fresh products daily from Tuesday to Friday and on the weekend. Proof specializes in sourdough, multigrain loaves, croissants, muffins, classic French breakfast pastry bostock, cookies, pain de levain, and their own granola, which incorporates coffee beans roasted in Hong Kong for that rich aroma and flavour. The store supports environmental-friendliness and arranges its overstock baked products to be given to charities. 

Opening Hours: 7:30am—4:00pm
Location: 14 Tsun Yuen Street, Happy Valley
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook | +852 6542 9788

Tai Cheong Bakery

With a clientele includes Chris Patten, the last governor of Hong Kong, this local bakery has been churning out their award-winning egg tarts since 1954. First opened at Lyndhurst Terrace in Central, the top bakery currently have 6 locations in Hong Kong, which attract tourists on the hunt for that famous egg tart, and locals who pop in for pineapple bread, red bean buns and steamed sponge cake at low prices. Not to be missed is their doughy sugar puff.

Opening Hours: Depends on the branch
Location: 6 locations in Central, The Peak, Hung Hom, Tsing Yi and Tseung Kwan O
Contact: Website

In an announcement on social media, representatives from the bakery said, “The time has come for us to bid farewell (at least for now), with the hopes that we will all meet again soon. We are proud and honoured to have had an opportunity to welcome you and share what we do here in Hong Kong through some difficult times, and supporting it through spreading simple joy in pastries.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 當文歷餅店 by Dominique Ansel (@dangwenlihk)

The name of the store is a nod to famed pastry chef Dominique Ansel’s first name in Cantonese. Ansel, who is best known for inventing the cronut, put an 852 spin on his menus at the city’s outlets, with offerings like cookie shots that look like Yakult bottles, pineapple bun mousse cakes, and peanut mochi chaussons. 

“I have always loved Hong Kong. But for me, it did not make sense to copy and paste our menu from New York into Hong Kong. Food is about memories — a recollection of a moment, a time, an icon. And that’s why it is so important in making pastries that it relates to the people there,” said Ansel when he opened his first store in the city, explaining why his famous cronut would not be on his Hong Kong menus.

The cronut was so revolutionary that it was named one of Time Magazine’s best inventions of the year in 2013. Ansel followed this achievement up by being crowned the World’s Best Pastry Chef for 2017 by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants. He has several international stores — Dominique Ansel Bakery and Dominique Ansel Workshop in New York, as well as Dominique Ansel Las Vegas. Ansel also opened a bakery in Tokyo that shut down in 2019, which left Hong Kong as the only Asia outpost for the brand.

Header image credits: Dang Wen Li by Dominique Ansel

Each slice costs HK$58, while a whole 12-inch pizza is priced at HK$378. Diners who want to have a half-and-half combo pizza will pay HK$398. The pizzas feature none of the traditional bread-based dough, sauce, or toppings that one sees in Italian pizzas. Instead, each of the three flavours has a seaweed crust topped with rice. 

The Sea Lover toppings include chopped scallop, salmon, edamame and house special sauce, while the Tuna N’Cream is a decadent combination of chopped tuna, cream cheese, tamale, and truffle mayo. The last one, simply called Canadian, has imitation crabmeat, tuna, yellow pickles, and spicy mayo.

The concept of sushi pizza originated in Toronto in the early 1990s, when Japanese-Canadian chef Kaoru Ohsada during his time as a chef at Nami Japanese Seafood Restaurant. The original version — inspired by the California roll — had a fried rice patty as the base with toppings like avocado, salmon, tuna, or crab meat.

Last month, Pizza Hut made headlines when it teamed up with famed snake soup restaurant Ser Wong Fun to create the world’s only snake soup pizza. The pizza, which was on the franchise’s menu in November as an autumn special, had toppings used in Ser Wong Fun’s famed snake stew. The restaurant also came up with a special pizza with Chinese preserved sausages and a sausage-filled crust.

Image credits: Chotto Maki

Island Shangri-la — Admiralty

Come aboard for a dream ride! From now until January 7, the Lobby Lounge at Island Shangri-La presents an immersive tram afternoon tea experience (HK$1,008 for two). Embark on an epicurean adventure set within “The Shangri-La Wonderliner”. Find your culinary Shangri-La as you savour the whimsical, winter-themed afternoon tea delights, available exclusively at the Lobby Lounge during the holiday season.
The festive “Enchanted Wonders” afternoon tea, featuring a medley of luscious desserts and palatable savouries, is also available at Island Gourmet (HK$948 for two). Book now for a splendid celebration of the season of enchantment.

Price Range: $$$
Signature Dish To Try: Black Forest Log Cake, Santa winter berry, Lobster mille-feuille
Location: Level 6, Pacific Place, Supreme Court Road, Admiralty
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook | +852 2877 3838

The Murray — Central

From December 1 to January 8, immerse yourself in the festive ambiance at The Murray. The Garden Lounge is hosting the Murray Festive Afternoon Tea, priced at HK$788 for two adults. This delightful set features a tempting array of Christmas treats, including Turkey and Cheddar Cheese Sandwich with Cranberry Cream, Salmon & Dill Cream Christmas Tree Vol au Vent, and Traditional British Mince Pie. For an elevated experience, Popinjays at The Murray’s bar offers a Lavish Velvet Afternoon Tea Buffet (HK$398), and Murray Lane presents Santa’s Afternoon Tea with Mulled Wine (HK$364). Secure your spot early and enjoy a complimentary glass of Prosecco.

Price Range: $$$
Signature Dish To Try: Turkey and Cheddar Cheese Sandwich with Cranberry Cream, Salmon & Dill Cream Christmas Tree Vol au Vent, British Mince Pie
Location: 22 Cotton Tree Dr, Central
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook | +852 3141 8888

WOOBAR — Tsim Sha Tsui

From November 23rd, 2023, to February 29th, WOOBAR at W Hong Kong Hotel presents the “Enchanted Forest” afternoon tea (HK$728 for two) and Xmas-exclusive festive tea buffet (starting from HK$398). Begin with premium W Caviar and savor Tomato Chocolate Quiche and Air-dried Beef Profiteroles with Avocado. Explore visually stunning desserts like Chestnut Mont Blanc Cake and Cranberry Trifle, ending with Cranberry Cinnamon Scones. Each bite takes you on a delightful exploration of flavors and textures, leaving behind a lingering sense of culinary bliss.

Price Range: $$$
Signature Dish To Try: Premium W Caviar, Tomato Chocolate Quich, Air-dried Beef Profiteroles with Avocado
Location: 6/F, 1 Austin Road West W, Tsim Sha Tsui
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook | +852 3717 2299

The Lobby Lounge — Tsim Sha Tsui

The Lobby Lounge at Regent Hong Kong invites you to bask in the holiday magic against the backdrop of Hong Kong’s skyline. Through floor-to-ceiling windows, enjoy the festive brilliance of Hong Kong Island and Victoria Harbour. Experience the joy of the season with a special Christmas Afternoon Tea (HK$1,288 for two) available from December 23rd to 25th. Join Executive Pastry Chef Andy Yeung and Head Chef Rajiv Chowdhoory in savoring signature delights like Cod Fish Rillettes with Seaweed and Miso Kalamansi. Treat your taste buds to Madagascar Vanilla Mousse featuring Kalamansi Jelly and Yogurt Sponge.

Price Range: $$$
Signature Dish To Try: Cod Fish Rillettes with Seaweed and Miso Kalamansi, Madagascar Vanilla Mousse
Location: 18 Salisbury Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook | +852 2313 2313

COCO — Tsim Sha Tsui

Indulge in the festive spirit with COCO x Valrhona Chocolate Festive Afternoon Tea (HK$568 for two) at Mira Hong Kong. Immerse yourself in the Christmas essence with intense coffee, Chocolate Cafe Hukambi, Chocolate-dipped Gingerbread, Chestnut Cassis Mini Yule Log, and Valrhona Cocoa Spiced Scones. Delight in Foie Gras, Port Wine Tart, Snow Crab & Caviar Brioche, and Smoked Turkey & Cranberry Roll, served from a rolling trolley. Each guest will take home a gift of Les Choco’bar from Valrhona. Available from December 1 to 30 (excluding December 24 & 25), 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm.

Price Range: $$$$
Signature Dish To Try: Chocolate Cafe Hukambi, Chocolate-dipped Gingerbread, Chestnut Cassis Mini Yule Log
Location: Ground Floor, The Mira Hong Kong, 118 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook | +852 2315 5566

Alibi – Wine Dine Be Social — Mong Kok

Discover European Christmas delights at Alibi – Wine Dine Be Social, styled by Stickman Design of Dubai and Hong Kong in a 5,500-square-foot space. As December unfolds, relish a magical Christmas-themed Afternoon Tea (HK$398 for two). Delight in savory treats like Cured French Duck Breast, Foie Gras, Cherry Financier, and Scallop Tataki with Mango and Chorizo Salsa. Complete the experience with sweet delights, including the Mini Christmas Cherry Chocolate Log Cake and Christmas Green Tea Opera Cake, along with two glasses of special mocktails—because nothing spreads holiday joy like mocktails and merry moments!

Price Range: $$$
Signature Dish To Try: Cured French Duck Breast, Foie Gras, Cherry Financier, Scallop Tataki with Mango
Location: Level 5, Cordis, Hong Kong, 555 Shanghai St, Mong Kok
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook | +852 3552 3231

CARVER — Causeway Bay

Enjoy the winter season at Crowne Plaza Hong Kong Causeway Bay with BORGHESE x CARVER “Dolce Far Niente” Christmas Afternoon Tea Set—a collaboration with the renowned Italian Home Spa brand, BORGHESE. Set in CARVER’s chic and social ambiance, savor the delicate Coffee Grounds Dry-Aged Beef Open Face Sandwich, signature Mini Maryland Crab Cake, and assortment of tempting sweets and savories. As a special treat, each guest will receive a complimentary BORGHESE Holiday Home Spa Skincare Set, allowing you to continue the pampering at home. Prices start at HK$602, with an early bird discount of up to 10% off!

Price Range: $$$
Signature Dish To Try: Coffee Grounds Dry-Aged Beef Open Face Sandwich, Mini Maryland Crab Cake
Location: 1/F, Crowne Plaza Hong Kong Causeway Bay, 8 Leighton Road, Causeway Bay
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook | +852 3980 3980

More about Christmas

Feeling a bit Christmassy? Have a look at our amazing gift guides with more gifting options for your loved ones:

• Our best Christmas gift ideas for all
• Our best Christmas gift ideas for her
• Our best Christmas gift ideas for him
• Our best Christmas gift ideas for kids

And to fully enjoy the season, have a look at our round-ups to enjoy the most magical period of the year:

• Where to meet Santa Claus in Hong Kong
• Christmas markets and fairs in Hong Kong
• Christmas displays and decorations in Hong Kong
• Christmas dinner and lunch options in Hong Kong

Header image credits: The Murray

Ebisoba Ichigen 一幻拉麵 — Multiple Locations

Originating from Sapporo, the legendary ramen spot has quickly gained a cult following in Hong Kong. What sets them apart? Their daring departure from tradition by placing shrimp at the heart of every bowl of Hokkaido-style ramen. Using a shrimp broth made from a whopping 50 kilograms of shrimp heads daily, they have crafted a rich and addictive flavour that is now available for retail. With multiple branches across the city, their vibrant red interiors match the bold and aromatic flavours of their star ingredient.

Multiple locations in Central, Tsim Sha Tsui, Tsuen Wan, Tuen Mun & Wan Chai

Ichitora Ramen 一虎拉麵 — Wan Chai

Ichitora Ramen, a beloved spot in Wan Chai that offers authentic and delicious bowls of goodness. Their housemade tonkotsu broth, simmered for 12 hours daily, creates a rich and flavorful base for their traditional ramen. For those seeking a twist, try their Fresh Lemon Ramen, which adds a zesty kick to the classic tonkotsu. Choose from their selection of six staple ramen flavors, or opt for the vegan and vegetarian option for a plant-based treat.

23 Amoy St, Wan Chai | 2808 0635

KaneTsuru Ramen 金鶴拉麵 — Multiple Locations

A staple across Hong Kong, with over five locations, KaneTsuru is a must try for anyone looking for a healthier option to the sometimes greasy pork broth. They are famous for their chicken soup base which has a signature luxurious, creamy flavour – truly unbeatable! They also sometimes have limited edition flavours, definitely worth trying out if you catch them. While all their branches in Hong Kong are great, their Jordan location is one of their most popular. Serving consistently great food in a bustling yet modern and high-end atmosphere, what more can one ask for?

Multiple locations in Causeway Bay, Central, Jordan, Mong Kok, North Point, Tin Hau and To Kwa Wan

Kikanbo 鬼金棒 — Causeway Bay & Tsim Sha Tsui

Made to “delight all five senses”, this Japanese mainstay has become super popular in Hong Kong, bringing spice, miso and umami to our palates. The décor is covered with demon masks, and there is the rhythm of the Japanese drums, creating an atmosphere which enhance the flavours. Their traditional Shinshu Miso soup has their signature red pepper (Kara) and green pepper (Shibi) flavours which give you the unbeatable spicy numbing feeling. Plus you can customize your meats and spice levels, so you can definitely go there even if you don’t have the highest tolerance. But if you can handle your spices, you have to try the oni-mashi level, aka devil level!

G/F, 530 Jaffe Rd, Causeway Bay | +852 2481 3383
G/F, 20 Cameron Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui | +852 2481 2889

Konjiki Hototogisu 金色不如帰 — Central

Garnering one Michelin star consecutively from 2019 to 2021, this acclaimed restaurant originally hails from Tokyo. Their secret lies in the harmonious marriage of fresh Hamaguri clams, wa-dashi (Japanese fish stock) and pork broth, creating a unique, flavourful soup base. The signature shoyu soba is crafted with the three-soup stock mix, then topped with truffle sauce, porcini oil, and flakes for that umami punch.   

Shop 3020, Podium Level 3, IFC Mall, 8 Finance Street, Central

Kuroiwa Ramen 麵屋黑岩 — Sham Shui Po

For a hearty filling of some of Hong Kong’s best ramen, you’ll have to head over to Sham Shui Po. While Kuroiwa Ramen has a number of different soup bases, including the classic Tonkotsu, Ebi, Crab (with real crab meat!) and Fish base, one to try is their Bonito flavoured soup. It is intensely flavoured with dry bonito flakes on top which create an amazing texture. Their pork is flame torched, so it has a smoky flavour with fat that melts in your mouth.

Kuroiwa Ramen 麵屋黑岩, G/F, 219 Cheung Sha Wan Rd, Sham Shui Po | +852 2628 3369

Maru De Sankaku 鯛白湯らーめん — Central & Tin Hau

Maru De Sankaku is the sister restaurant of Zagin, specialized in fish broth instead of the traditional chicken or pork bone soup, using the finest sea bream from Osaka to create their creamy, foamy Madai Broth Ramen. With a concise selection of three ramen styles, you can fully customize and personalize your bowl.

13 Aberdeen St, Central | +852 2346 3889
Shop K15-16, Baseball 2.0, Jardine House, 1 Connaught Place, Central | +852 9660 6787
77 Electric Rd, Tin Hau | +852 6762 1117

Ramen Cubism — Central

At the other end of the spectrum, if you are looking for high end pomp and circumstance, you need to try Ramen Cubism, which brings two of Japan’s biggest ramen names to Hong Kong – Hayashi Takao and Matsumara Takahiro. The must-order, of course, is their Premium Cubism which has a rich creamy white broth, created without MSG or artificial flavourings. Another hot favourite is the Sky bird, which has a spicy white broth. The long lines outside the store are warranted, not only because of the scrumptious ramen, but also because they only serve 200 bowls a day!

Ramen Cubism, Basement, Yuen Yick Building, 27-29 Wellington St, Central | +852 2399 0811

Shugetsu 麵鮮醬油房周月 — Central & Quarry Bay

With two branches in Central and Quarry Bay, this Michelin-recommended eatery takes pride in its homemade noodles and 18-month fermented special sauce for the Shoyu broth. The must-try tsukemen ramen features noodles soaked in a flavorsome broth enhanced by the essence of mackerel, sardines, and kombu. Whether you prefer a fiery kick or a milder option, Shugetsu caters to all taste preferences with their customizable menu.

5 Gough St, Central | 2850 6009
30 Hoi Kwong St, Quarry Bay | 2336 7888 

Zagin Soba 座銀 — Central & Happy Valley

Known for their chicken broth ramen, Zagin Soba is often chosen as the best ramen restaurants in Hong Kong. Their “cappuccino” technique creates an extra frothy and creamy soup, which is a delightful twist on traditional tonkotsu ramen. The signature Tori Paitan features a velvety smooth broth made from simmering chicken for hours, served alongside their specially selected thick and chewy noodles, sous-vide pork loin and chicken charshu. 7 Gough Street, Central | 2447 1398
13 King Kwong Street, Happy Valley | 2818 0322

Header image credits: Diego Lozano

This year’s offerings from some of the most popular hotels and F&B outlets in the city are defined by innovative flavours and sustainable packaging. If you want to go the extra mile, you could pair your mooncakes with tea or pick up luxe hampers for your friends and family.

If this is your first Mid-Autumn Festival, you can get an understanding of the significance of this famous food item with our cultural guide to mooncakes. Once you’re done, check out our pick of the best places in Hong Kong to get this festival favourite.

Cordis

If your taste in mooncakes gravitates towards the luxe variety, then try out the Cordis’ Ming Mooncakes. They are crafted using a range of traditional and contemporary flavours and come in a gift box designed by acclaimed illustrator Lingmuki. Order the classics, such as Mini Custard with Egg Yolk and White Lotus Seed Paste with Double Egg Yolks. They even have a festive gift set that comes with special XO sauce, caramelised walnut, palmiers and wine, in addition to the mooncakes.

Location: 555 Shanghai Street, Mong Kok, Kowloon

Call: +852 3552 3510

Ān Soy x Esca

Ān Soy joins forces with vegetarian food specialists Esca to create their first-ever limited-edition mooncakes that offer guests an elegant, soy-inspired, and vegetarian gifting options. Each pastry box features three pieces of Ān’s oozing Black Sesame Mooncakes created with Ān soy milk, and three pieces of Esca’s fragrant Osmanthus Salted Egg Soy Milk Financiers. The mooncakes — which are available on Date By Tate’s online shop — are presented within an eco-friendly wooden box to further their philosophy of sustainability.

Location: Date by Tate, 210 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan 

Call: 852 6730-2494

Fortnum & Mason

Indulge in Fortnum & Mason’s mooncakes infused with custard and flavours from the UK department store’s most famous tea blends. The bergamot-laced Earl Grey Classic adds a hint of zest, while the robust, malty Royal Blend provides a rich and full-bodied flavour. You can choose to pair the mooncakes with tea that comes in a mini tin, or put your own hamper together. They are available at the K11 flagship store and all Lane Crawford kiosks.

Location: Shop 022, K11 Musea, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui

Call: + 852 3916 8100

Hong Kong Cuisine 1983

For this year’s Mid-Autumn Festival, Hong Kong Cuisine 1983 has launched a collection of traditional hand-crafted Suzhou-style mooncakes renowned for their flaky crusts, generous fillings, and distinctive flavours. Presented in an elegant gift box, the collection features six flavours of mooncakes: Red Bean Paste with Nuts, White Lotus Seed Paste with Yolk, Premium Mixed Nuts, Yunnan Ham with Mixed Nuts, Red Bean Paste with Yolk, and Purple Sweet Potato Paste with Yolk.

Location: 1/F, Elegance Court, 2-4 Tsoi Tak Street, Happy Valley 

Call: +852 2893 3788

Hyatt Centric Victoria Harbour Hong Kong x Lee Keung Kee Egg Waffles

Enjoy a fresh take on Hong Kong classics with a unique mooncake gift box that contains six individually packed egg waffle-flavoured mooncakes, as well as two sets of peanut butter and condensed milk sachets. The mooncakes come in a gift box exclusively designed by Hong Kong artist Leon Lollipop, whose vibrant illustrations celebrate the moon and rabbits from Mid-Autumn myths. Created in collaboration with North Point’s famed Lee Keung Kee Egg Waffles, the limited-edition mooncakes are inspired by traditional 雞蛋仔 “gai daan jai” (egg waffles) and 格仔餅 “gaak zai beng” (chequered waffles served with peanut butter and condensed milk), and incorporate Lee Keung Kee’s original egg waffle batter recipe.

Location: 1 North Point Estate Lane, North Point

Call: +852 3762 1234

Regent Hong Kong

The famed Regent Hong Kong celebrates its return to the city’s hospitality landscape with Lai Ching Heen’s beloved egg custard mooncakes handcrafted with edible gold leaf flakes melded into a deliciously smooth and creamy mixture. The Lai Ching Heen Mini Egg Custard Mooncakes are presented in a bespoke gift box resembling a jade jewellery chest with drawers that open to reveal the culinary treasures within.

The Regent also has a curated collection of mini mooncakes that come in four flavours: White Lotus Seed Paste with Yolk, Red Bean Paste with Mandarin Peel, Green Tea Custard, and Earl Grey Tea Custard.

Location: Regent Hong Kong, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui

Call: +852 2721 1211

Le Méridien Hong Kong, Cyberport

Le Méridien Hong Kong, Cyberport is debuts three premium mooncake gift sets this year by way of its contemporary Cantonese restaurant Nam Fong. The mooncakes come in traditional and contemporary flavours: Mini White Lotus Seed Paste with Egg Yolk  and Mini Lava Egg Custard. In addition, Nam Fong has a Deluxe Mini Mooncake Assortment Gift Set that features classic and modern flavours of mooncakes with premium Chinese loose leaf tea.

Address: 100 Cyberport Road, Pok Fu Lam

Call: +852 2980 7788

The Landmark Mandarin Oriental

The Landmark Mandarin Oriental has crafted a double-decker bento box made of corn-fibre materials with six individually packed mini egg custard mooncakes. The neon-yellow wrapper band of the bento box celebrates the traditional and modern Mid-Autumn Festival rituals with symbolic elements, incorporating the characters of the hotel with minimalistic rabbit illustrations.

Location: The Landmark, 15 Queen’s Road Central, Central

Call: +852 2132 0188

Header image credits: Makidotvn via Canva

Looking for a place on Taco Tuesday in Hong Kong? You’re in luck! The city has a growing Mexican food scene with plenty of options to choose from. From trendy taquerías to gourmet fusion creations, we’ve rounded up the 10 best places to grab a taco and satisfy your cravings.

11 Westside — Kennedy Town

Helmed by Mexican native chef Esdras Ochoa, also known as the ‘Taco King’, 11 Westside offers authentic street-style tacos made with fresh ingredients and handmade corn tortillas. The Carne Asada, with grilled USDA prime short rib marinated in Mexican ponzu sauce, is a must-try, along with classic options like Al Pastor, Pollo Asado and Mango Shrimp. Vegetarians will also love the California Veggie option. Tucked away in a residential building, 11 Westside is a local favourite. Check out their Taco Tuesday for half-priced tacos!

1/F, The Hudson, 11 Davis Street, Kennedy Town | +852 9300 8068

Caliente — Tsim Sha Tsui 

The colourful and lovely Mexican joint Caliente is a longstanding favourite among foodies, serving everything from nachos, tacos to churros. Try the flavour-packed Taco de Cangrejo, filled with crab claw meat and salmon roe, and the classic taco El Santo with pulled pork and smoked chipotle aioli. Choose between homemade soft or hard shell corn tortillas and enjoy a combo with any three or five pieces. Save room for the delicious Mexican Fried Ice Cream to finish off your meal.

3/F, 6 Knutsford Terrace, Tsim Sha Tsui | +852 2723 5968

Chicano — Central 

Chicano pays homage to traditional Mexican cuisine with dishes that honour co-founder Gabriel Perez’s grandmother. From fresh guac to flavourful tacos, the homemade comfort food is sure to have you coming back for more. Be sure to try the Tacos de Lengua, made with beef tongue, salsa verde, and a refreshing squeeze of lime juice. Other mouthwatering tacos, like the Tacos de Pescado and Tacos de Camarones, are also a must-try.

G/F, 15 Gough Street, Central | +852 5595-3334

El Macho — Sai Ying Pun

For Mexican cuisine with a kick, head to El Macho in Sai Ying Pun. The festive decor is inspired by the Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, with colourful sombrero hats and inspiring murals. Try their tasty tacos such as El Pollo Loco and Tempura Fish Taco, or the house special El Macho burrito loaded with beef chilli con carne, fried beans, salsa, and guac. And don’t forget to indulge in their churros with hot chocolate for dessert!

1 Third Street, Sai Ying Pun | +852 2523 2488

Limewood — Repulse Bay

Overlooking Repulse Bay, Limewood is an upscale beach shack perfect for a leisurely lunch or a sophisticated sundowner and supper. With a focus on seafood, their dishes are influenced by Hawaiian, South American, Caribbean, and Southeast Asian flavors, all cooked with fresh local produce and modern techniques. Alongside their signature Fried Fish taco with chipotle mayo, braised purple cabbage, and white onion, try their new Boneless Chicken Wings taco with salsa macha and guacamole, and the Charred Span & Pineapple taco with grilled adobo pineapple, lardo, and guacamole. Arrive early or book ahead, especially on sunny days, as this beach-front favourite is always packed.

Shop 103/104, The Pulse, 28 Beach Road, Repulse Bay | +852 2866 8668

Pablo Modern Mexican Cocina — Tsim Sha Tsui 

Named after Spanish artist Pablo Picasso, Pablo brings a Southeast Asian twist to classic Mexican cuisine. The modern Mexican cocina serves a selection of tacos, including the signature Tacos de Barbacoa made with barbecued lamb, guacamole, shallots, and salsa borracha. This Tsim Sha Tsui spot also serves creative cocktails that pair perfectly with the delicious tacos.

66 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui | +852 3741 2990 or 3741 2899

Taco Chaca — Sai Ying Pun

Taco Chaca is a small taquería in the lovely neighbourhood of Sai Ying Pun. The casual joint s known for consistently serving some of the best-tasting tacos in town. With over 10 different kinds of Cal-Mex-style tacos, you’ll be spoilt for choice, from Lengua de Rex taco (slow-braised ox tongue) to Dodger Stadium taco (thin-sliced USDA rib eye beef). Their Baja-style fish tacos are a must-try, featuring battered fish and shredded cabbage with a generous amount of sauces on top. It’s a casual, affordable spot perfect for those looking for a quick and delicious bite.

119 Second Street, Sai Ying Pun | +852 2559 9519

Taquería Super Macho — Central 

Taquería Super Macho is a vibrant taquería that brings the flavours of Baja to Soho. Inspired by the laid-back taquerías of Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas, the restaurant serves undressed tacos with the toppings on the side, allowing diners to DIY their own unique combinations. Don’t miss their Baja-style Shrimp Taco and the Habanero-marinated Steak Taco, along with other regional specialities. Keep an eye out for limited-time tacos as well. On weekends, the Super Brunch features sharing tacos and free-flowing margaritas and Coronas, guaranteed a good time with your loved ones!

33-35 Bridges Street, Central | +852 2333 0111

Te Quiero Mucho — Central 

This authentic Mexican restaurant & artisanal tequila bar offers a tantalizing variety of house special tacos from the classic Al Paster to Carne Asada, loaded with grilled Wagyu steak, raw onions, coriander and salsa verde, and everything in between. You can find Te Quiero Mucho in the Sheung Wan’s Mojo Nomad hotel, where it’s always buzzing with energy throughout the day. Don’t forget to try the classic guac with homemade tortilla chips, it won’t disappoint.

286 Queen’s Road Central, Central | +852 3423 3290

XOCO Mexican Cantina and Bar — Central

XOCO, a cosy eatery located on Mosque Street, is known for its generous servings of Tex-Mex delicacies. Their freshly made Tacos a la Plancha are filled with pepper rajas, artisan Jack cheese, lettuce, pico de gallo, refried beans, guacamole and sour cream, and it’s served with roja salsa, black beans and Mexican rice, so it’s best to come with an empty stomach. For fillings, they offer organic meats such as Yucatán pulled pork and Gunthorp chicken. Don’t forget to try their frozen margaritas served in adorable cactus glasses!

37 Mosque Street, Mid-Levels | +852 3620 2323

Header image credits: 11 Westside

Get free serves at the red-white-and-blue iconic ice cream truck at Haiphong Street in Tsim Sha Tsui from 3pm-5pm on July 15, July 23, and July 28.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Regal Hotels (@regalhotels)

In addition, as part of the Regal Hotels ‘Hello Summer‧Taste of Hong Kong’ promotion, Mobile Softee will also give out its trademark soft serve ice creams free of charge at Causeway Bay, Mong Kok, and Tsim Sha Tsui from 2pm-6pm according to the following schedule:

• Saturday, July 15: Near Causeway Bay Sogo Department Store
• Sunday, July 16: Near Langham Place, Mongkok (2pm-3.30pm) and Haiphong Road, Tsim Sha Tsui (4pm-6pm)

Mobile Softee (previously known as Mister Softee) serves only four flavours of ice cream: milky soft serve ice cream, ice cream drumstick with peanuts, Large Cups, and Jumbo Orange — all priced between HK$10 and HK$13.

Last week, Hongkongers managed to get a taste of a special strawberry-flavoured soft serve ice cream from Mobile Softee as part of Cantopop star Anson Lo’s birthday celebrations.

There’s nothing better on a hot Hong Kong summer day than a scoop of ice cream or a serving of gelato. Here’s our guide to where you can get the best ice cream in the 852.

Header image credits: LN9267 via WikiCommons

The theme for this year’s festival is ‘Quality, Affordability and Health’, and there will be around 60 stalls selling a variety of local brands or speciality foods, such as Chinese tonic delicacies, dried seafood, sweets, bakery products, special snacks, condiments, and preserved fruits. There will also be non-food attractions on offer, like a butchery demonstration, singing and stage acts, and Tai Chi performances.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 開心香港 Happy Hong Kong (@happyhkcampaign)

The government also organised a series of Gourmet Marketplaces as part of the Happy Hong Kong initiative. The first event at Wan Chai was a celebration of global cuisines, Chinese cuisines, and Hong Kong flavours. The next marketplace at Sha Tin focused on traditional Chinese food, while the most recent event at Kwun Tong put the spotlight on fine dining and Asian cuisines.

Financial Secretary Paul Chan, who announced the Happy Hong Kong campaign when he unveiled the 2023-2024 budget, recently revealed that more Gourmet Marketplaces are planned for the second half of the year.

Header image credits: The Hong Kong Food Council via Facebook

Messina — Central

The original Messina opened in Sydney in 2002. Now thriving with more than 25 outlets in Australia, Messina brought its artisan gelato ice cream to Hong Kong in 2021. At any give time, they have 35 signature flavours in their display case, such as Choc Fondant, Dulce de Leche, and Pistachio Praline, plus local flavours that regularly change like Milk Tea, Tofu Fa, Yuen Yeung, Yoyoyokult; as well as five special flavours, each of which are only available for seven days.

Messina has withstood the test of time by controlling every point of production, using milk from their own dairy farm, hazelnuts from their hazelnut farm, and making their own dulce de luche and chocolate from Ecuadorian cacao. One of the pricier ice cream spots on this list, you can get one scoop for HK$70, two for HK$85, or three for HK$95. They also make avant-garde gelato cakes.

Central #1: 37-43 Pottinger St | info@gelatomessina.com.hk

Central #2: Pop-up at Shop 239, LANDMARK ATRIUM, 15 Queen’s Rd Central

Mobile Softee — Multiple locations

Iconic and ubiquitous, Mobile Softee brings joy on wheels to every corner of Hong Kong. With 14 ice cream trucks roaming the city, you can usually spot the vibrant vans in areas with concentrated foot traffic, like Mong Kok, Tsim Sha Tsui, and Central. Since starting operations in 1970, Mobile Softee has sold just four items: milky soft serve ice cream, ice cream drumstick with peanuts, Large Cups, and Jumbo Orange. The affordable prices of HK$10 to HK$13 and iconic white, red, and blue vans make Mobile Softee a quintessential part of many Hongkongers’ childhoods.

Commonly seen at Star Ferry Pier (Tsim Sha Tsui), Central Pier no. 6, Stanley Main Street, Sai Kung Pier, Golden Bauhinia Square (Wan Chai), outside Sham Shui Po Station Exit D2)

Venchi — Multiple locations

Italian chocolatier Venchi is also known for its decadent ice cream offering. The chain’s spattering of small outlets in Hong Kong have done well with their luxe, velvety gelatos and fruity sorbets. They’ve tuned their ears to local tastes to the sound of limited edition flavours like Durian and Lychee. The mini cone with 120 grams of ice cream starts at the premium price point of HK$59, and they also offer ‘Gourmet’ cones and cups which are coated with an absolutely sinful layer of chocolate and/or nuts for an extra HK$15.

Multiple locations in Hong Kong

il Bel Paese — Discovery Bay, Happy Valley, Tsim Sha Tsui

Charming Italian restaurant and market il Bel Paese offers creamy gelato in handmade waffle cones at three locations: Discovery Bay, Happy Valley, and Tsim Sha Tsui (the only dedicated gelateria). There are no gimmicks here, just classics like rich dark chocolate, espresso, and hazelnut for full Ferrero Rocher feels, as well as tropical favourites like coconut, mango, and tart red berry. Pointing out which flavours are egg-free and dairy-free is a nice touch, too. Prices start at HK$38 for one hearty scoop in a cup or cone and go up to HK$88 for three.

Discovery Bay: G29-32A, Block C, DB South Plaza | +852 2987 0202

Happy Valley: 18A Yik Yam St | +852 2868 2818

Tsim Sha Tsui: 62 Mody Rd

Barista by Givrés — Central

Treat your senses to the pretty-as-a-picture gelato at Barista by Givrés. Located in Central, this trendy Hong Kong ice cream shop and café elevates the whole post-dinner treat experience with their patented creations of handcrafted gelato roses served on dainty metal stands. As the design is patented, you won’t find gelato roses anywhere else in Hong Kong.

The Rose in a simple cone (HK$50 for one flavour or HK$65 for two) that looks like you’re holding a pretty flower in your hand is the classic, but you can also pair the ice cream with a waffle, croffle, brownie, croissant, or even make it an affogato with a pour of their artisan espresso (from HK$68 to HK$80). The flavour options are simple, with popular ones being fragrant rose, pistachio, and vanilla.

7 Staunton St, Central | +852 9659 0816

XTC Gelato — Central

This Hong Kong gelataria has been around since 2001. Located centrally beside the Mid-Levels escalator, they serve gelato as well as sorbets for non-dairy takers in creative flavours like Clover Honey Yoghurt, Pear Williams Brandy, and Sour Cream; they also have a couple of nice locally bent flavours like the Hong Kong Milk Tea and Stem Ginger. They also make deliciously dense ice cream cakes, gelato popsicles, gelato cookie sandwiches, and gelato shakes. After a night out in the pub, swing by for a single scoop for HK$50. If you’re not sure what flavour to get, don’t worry, because the shopkeepers are always generous with the samples.

45B Cochrane St, Central | +852 2541 0500

Sweets House Cha Cha — Tsim Sha Tsui

With just one little shop inside city’super Harbour City, Sweets House Cha Cha is a gem offering honest soft serve ice cream made with Japanese ingredients. The Hokkaido Milk Soft Cream (HK$36) and Kyoto Uji Matcha Soft Cream (HK$38) are the must-tries at this Hong Kong ice cream shop if you’re going for the first time. If you want something a little more buffed up for a pretty Instagram shot, the soft serve in waffle cups (from HK$50) are perfect for sharing. The texture is uber creamy while the purity of the ingredients are obvious — they’ll have you saying “It’s not too sweet!”.

city’super, 3/F, Harbour City, 17 Canton Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui | +852 2375 8222

Twist & Buckle — Tsim Sha Tsui and North Point

Twist & Buckle is where ice cream becomes a work of art. The proclaimed “Churros Specialists” have branches in Tsim Sha Tsui and North Point, serving up whimsical delights of ice cream topped with just-made churros. Opened by two South American friends, the churros are made the traditional way while the flavour combinations are more inventive; think Crème Brûlée, Strawberry Stracciatella, and Lemon Pie. The ice cream churros range from HK$58 when paired with the original churro, to HK$68 for special flavours like the Rainbow and Cookie Monster (pictured above).

Tsim Sha Tsui: 29-31 Chatham Rd S | +852 6508 2674

North Point: 180 Electric Rd, North Point

Via Tokyo — Causeway Bay

Escape the bustling streets of Causeway Bay and enter the serene world of Via Tokyo. This Japanese-inspired dessert haven has a nice selection of soft-serve ice cream. Indulge in their velvety matcha, aromatic hojicha, pure Hokkaido milk, or heavenly black sesame flavours. The prices range from HK$40 to HK$50. One of our favourites has to be the Mochi Azuki (from HK$53) with a heaping bowl of sultry soft serve and little bites of tacky mochi. Matcha experts at their core, Via Tokyo also does other delectable matcha desserts such as Uji Matcha Basque Cheesecake and Matcha Rollcake.

Shop 1A-1B, Leishun Court, 106-126 Leighton Rd, Causeway Bay | +852 2895 1116

Mini Melts — Multiple locations

Mini Melts are a tiny wonder in the ice cream world. With 15 kiosks across Hong Kong, this treat from Canada offers a unique twist on the classic scoop. Each little gem of ice cream is frozen using liquid nitrogen with flavours ranging from tangy fruit medleys to Cotton Candy to Banana Split. A cup with one flavour will set you back around HK$40. The little ones will definitely be fans of this delightful ice cream treat which is as fun to eat as it is to look at.

Multiple locations in Hong Kong

Header image credits: Jean Balzan via Canva