HONG KONG GUIDE: EATING & DRINKING
Like any world city, Hong Kong has an almost overwhelming number of dining and nightlife options, streets and streets lined with places you could load up. But also like many other big cities, it’s so easy to miss the best places because of the sheer amount of choice – it doesn’t help that the true gems are well and truly hidden. As part of a new partnership with Hong Kong Tourism Board, I’ll be sharing with you an updated guide of my favourite hidden parts of this city, first up, where to eat and hang after dark. Read on for the not-so-known places. And head to the bottom for a video and to about how you could win a trip to this amazing city – with me as your guide!
Oddies Foodies – chocolate filled eggs waffles with vanilla and chocolate soft gelato (!!)
Limewood
Tea and toast at Cafe Mido
A pit stop in Sham Shui Po
Noodle stops in Central
Lok Cha Tea House
Cha Cha Wan
Teakha
Fish & Meat
Teakha
Teakha
Oddies Foodies
Lok Cha Tea House
My favourite dumpling house in Hong Kong by far, you’ll be hard pressed to find somewhere with such a perfect mix of old world ambience and yummy (vegetarian) dumplings.
Cooked Food Centres
Although not necessarily easy on the eyes, Hong Kong’s cooked food centres are home to a plethora of eating options – perfect for a quick meal between pit stops. Queen Street Cooked Food Centre is the most accessible, and home to a great Indian restaurant, and a little further East at Java Road Cooked Food Centre, Tung Po is a poular place for traditional cantonese seafood – try a plate of razor clams.
Mido Cafe
Wes Anderson would be proud of the throwback 50’s tiles and furniture, and the gorgeous green antique windows that look down onto the local temple. The menu is Hong Kong cafe food which can be a tad odd for the uninitiated – condensed milk on toast anyone? – but don’t let that stop you.
Oddies Foodies
The soft serve craze has hit Hong Kong hard, and you’ll find that everyone has their favourite place to go. I’m all about the east meets west element at Oddies Foodies – softserve topped with traditional Hong Kong egg waffles (they’ve added chock chips because.. why not?).
Teakha
Hidden away behind newly gentrified area of Tai Ping Shan Street, this quaint little tea house is one of my favourite places to relax with a cup of freshly brewed Masala Chai. A palette of mint green and Japanese cermaics on the tables gives it a distinctly feimine edge, and the surrounding area feel a little bit like Old World Hong Kong.
Cha Cha Wan
Still an absolute favourite of mine, this Thai restaurant continuously serves up delicious (albeit super spicy) fare. Australian chef Adam Cliff (who trained under David Thompson at Nahm in Bangkok) has nailed the food, music and ambience tri-fector and you’re going to love it. It’s great for a late night meal!
Brickhouse
This alleyway restaurant has been open for a few years but is still going strong, with cocktails, great tunes and late night vibes, it’s a great choice when you’re looking for a bit of variety.
Ho Lee Fook
Chef Jowett Yu (previously of Mr. Wong and Ms. G’s in Sydney) dishes up the most delicious chinese food on the island, and the basement location is perfect for a big and delicious night.
Stockton
This bar is admittedly almost impossible to find, but worth searching for. Located directly below Fish & Meat restaurant on Wyndham Street, you’ll have to take the alley next to O2 hairdressers to find it. But once you’re there you’ll love the speakeasy vibes and big soft leather chairs.
Duddells Rooftop
Although Duddell’s may not have the skyscraper view that other rooftops do in the city, it is easily the best when it comes to ambiance. Better know for the dim sum searved downstairs, this rooftop is somewhat of a hidden gem, with shrubs and hanging light making it the perfect place for an evening drink.
Missy Ho’s
The neighborhood of Kennedy Town has seen major changes over the last few years, particularly with the opening of the recent MTR station. Step into Missy Ho’s, an all night dinner and drinks spot where you’re obligated to have fun. Don a costume as you head in, order a Mai Tai and take a turn on the swing (yes really).
A few other places you shouldn’t miss if you have more time include Limewood, Linguini Fini (escalator location is perfect when you’re wandering) and Chilli Figara (the original one).
To celebrate Hong Kong Summer and our new partnership, Hong Kong Tourism and Flight Centre are giving away an amazing travel prize to Hong Kong, including flights and 5 nights accommodation. To top it all off, I’ll be personally showing the winners around this gorgeous city, so they can get the hidden insights. Head to the Hidden Hong Kong site here to enter!
Photos by Nicola Lemmon
