7 Best Restaurants in Hong Kong, China

Celebrated chef Gray Kunz’s restaurant offers expertly prepared modern European fare in a casual and relaxed 49th-floor locale with stunning urban vistas. A fan of fresh, seasonal ingredients, Kunz incorporates local produce into the ever-evolving menu whenever possible, often adding Asian flavors to excellent effect.

The decor, staff uniforms, and—of course—the food all capture the retro vibe of the 1960s Hong Kong cha chaan teng (local café). Cantonese pop songs from that era play over the sound system while diners relish bowls of elbow macaroni served in soup and topped with ham and eggs. Other staples include spaghetti served in chicken broth with cha siu pork and green peas. But the sweets here are what really stand out. The egg tarts are rich and custardy, and the French toast is served with a giant slab of butter. Surely the best items, though, are the hotcakes topped with bananas, buttered walnuts, and soft-serve ice cream.

It’s a blast from the past at this retro Hong Kong café, done up in period '80s and '90s decor, complete with autographed Cantopop idol posters from that era. The food is old-school as well, and you’ll find hearty local specialties like elbow macaroni with barbecued pork, milk tea, and toasted sandwiches filled with fluffy scrambled eggs. If you come after 3 pm, try the “principal's toast”—it’s black truffle paste and cheese smothered on thick pieces of bread. It’s delicious indulgence done the cheap and cheerful way.

The Mandarin Oriental’s Clipper Lounge has long been lauded for serving one of the best afternoon teas in town. Sandwiches and miniature cakes cascade down a multitier stand, and classic scones are served with clotted cream and the restaurant’s famed rose-petal jam. The restaurant also offers sumptuous buffet and à la carte options throughout the day.

The space is dingy, the tables are cramped, and the staff is brash—but the food makes it all worth it. Kam Fung has been around for more than five decades, serving traditional Hong Kong café fare such as crumbly crusted freshly baked egg tarts, and pineapple buns wedged with a thick slab of butter. Wash everything down with the velvety smooth milk tea after a meal that’s cheap, quick, and absolutely satisfying.

This outdoor stall has been in operation for well over 30 years and the canopied tables are pretty much always packed from 8 am to 5:30 pm. The iconic dishes here are the instant ramen noodles or beef and macaroni served in a sweet tomato broth, as well as the toasted, crispy buns drizzled with condensed milk.

Finding a hearty meal in Central doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune—especially not if you head to this famous 24-hour eatery. Join the locals and the late-night party crowd and order milk tea, then move on to the extensive menu, which ranges from toasted sandwiches to noodles, fried rice, and Malaysian curries. Although it’s not quite what typical Hong Kongers would make at home, this definitely qualifies as Chinese comfort food. Noodles and fried rice are some of the safest bets for timid palates. There's also a wide range of set meals at very reasonable prices.