Hong Kong is definitely the place to experiment with food, with everything from Egyptian meals to molecular cuisines available. Whether you are a vegan or an Islamic, you will still be spoilt with a mind-boggling amount of choices, with a varying budget to suit your style.
Wanna know what restaurants I would recommend? Read the rest of the article at Expat Arrivals!
As a newcomer to Hong Kong, before lapsing back to your hometown's delicacies which you would inevitably find at speciality supermarkets around town, you should really give the Chinese cuisine a try. Why? Because there are so many different styles within the bracket that there will definitely be one that you would fancy. Shanghainese food tends to be sweeter, while Sichuanese food more spicy. There are also Pekingnese, Cantonese, Chiuchow, Yunnan, Wunan, Mongolian BBQ......It will take you quite a while to go through all the Chinese cuisines available, let alone the international cuisines in town.
Hong Kongers eat out at least several times a week, ranging from a Cha Chan Teng (local fast food) to an upscale club. A 10-15 percent service charge can be expected from restaurants, while no service charge should be included for self-service cafes or fast food chains.
Keep yourself up-to-date with all the eateries by surfing the popular dining guide Openrice.com. HK Magazine and Time Out also provide weekly restaurant advices as well as dishing out an annual restaurant guide. For a reputable restaurant guide off the shelf, you can purchase the WOM Guide or the Fodor Guide.
Chinese
Yung Kee
For the best roast goose, you should head over to Yung Kee. Also try their preserved eggs with pickled ginger, BBQ suckling pig, as well as shredded jelly-fish.
Address: 32-40 Wellington Street, Central.
Website: www.yungkee.com.hk
Telephone: 2522 1624
Jumbo Floating Restaurant
Jumbo is a fine dining floating restaurant with a reputation for good seafood. You can also hop onto a small junk while you are there, and take a tour around the Outlying Islands.
Address: Shum Wan Pier Drive, Wong Chuk Hang, Aberdeen.
Website: www.jumbo.com.hk
Telephone: 2553 9111
Western
Felix
It is an ultra-contemporary eatery with a splendid view, especially in the men's room. Designed by Philippe Starck, they serve mouth-watering dishes. Reservations are recommended, and no flip-flops, shorts, nor sneakers are allowed. Leave the kids at home since children under 12 are not welcomed.
Address: 28/F Peninsula Hotel, Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui.
Website: www.peninsula.com/Hong_Kong
Telephone: 2315 3188
Dan Ryan’s Chicago Grill
It is a perfect place for American expats to look for a taste of home. Ribs and potato skins are served in a portion and setting reminiscent of any US big city.
Address: 114 Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty.
Website: www.danryans.com/dans
Telephone: 2845 4600
Halal
Ebeneezer's Kebab
They serve Halal food, with kebab portions much smaller than that in Britain, but nonetheless a quick and delightful fix.
Address: G/F, 25 D’Aguilar Street, Lan Kwai Fong, Central.
Website: http://www.ebeneezers.com/
Telephone: 2114 0555
Islamic Food
Traditional Halal food from Western China, where the Islamic population dwells, is available in this unassuming restaurant. Their Islamic beef buns are especially juicy, so make sure you order one as soon as you step inside, since it is freshly made.
Address: 1 Lung Kong Road, Kowloon City.
Website: http://www.openrice.com/english/restaurant/sr2.htm?shopid=1441
Telephone: 2382 2822
Vegetarian
Bookworm Cafe
As an organic vegetarian restaurant with a huge collection of books, it makes a great place for a relaxing brunch.
Address: G/F, 79, Yung Shue Wan Main Street, Lamma Island.
Website: http://bookwormcafe.com.hk/
Telephone: 2982 4838
Life Cafe
Being an organic vegetarian restaurant in the heart of Central, it makes a great place for a workday lunch. They carry a huge collection of Yogi organic tea, so you can get some and bring back to your office as a coffee replacement.
Address: 10 Shelley Street, Soho.
Website: http://www.lifecafe.com.hk/
Telephone: 28109777
Bars
Sugar
This swanky alfresco rooftop bar provides an amazing view of the harbour. Grab your buddies along to chill there with a glass of your favourite cocktail.
Address: 32/F East Hotel, 29 Tai Koo Shing Road, Tai Koo.
Website: www.sugar-hongkong.com
Telephone: 3968 3968
Sevva
It is a luxurious alfresco lounge bar that offers a panoramic view over Hong Kong, with fancy wines to compliment such.
Address: 25/F Prince's Building, 10 Chater Road, Central.
Website: www.sevva.hk
Telephone: 2537 1388
Desserts
Honeymoon Desserts
Arguably the most famous dessert store in Hong Kong, they serve the renowned pomelo and sago in mango sauce. They also have durian treats available for those of you who would like to test whether you have acquired the Asian taste buds.
Address: Shop 4-6, G/F Western Market, Sheung Wan.
Website: http://www.honeymoon-dessert.com/en_us/
Telephone: 2851 2606
Yuk Yip dessert
Yuk Yip is a street dining stall, which is rather primitive, but serves delicious desserts like sesame soup and green bean soup.
Address: outside of 2 Elgin Street, Central.
Website: http://www.openrice.com/english/restaurant/sr2.htm?shopid=7951
Telephone: 2544 3795