If you have a taste for international cuisine, you'll likely already know that Hong Kong has one of the most exciting dining scenes in the world. From steamed shrimp dumplings to Hong Kong-style milk tea, the culinary capital of Asia has some of the best eats you'll find anywhere.
It's no wonder so many Canadians have flocked there to pursue careers as chefs, mixologists and wine connoisseurs — this vibrant city is a foodie's dream.
Narcity sat down with the founder of FollowMeFoodie, and resident judge of TopChef Canada and Iron Chef Canada, Mijune Pak, to talk about why Hong Kong is a culinary destination. As a Canadian culinary critic and TV personality, Mijune has a lot of expertise when it comes to the food here.
"Hong Kong is one of my favourite cities," she said. "I have so many nostalgic memories of the food there because I spent a few summers there during my early adult and adult life. It's so vibrant and diverse and you can have unique gastronomic experiences at any price range."
Courtesy of Mijune Pak
While the traditional cuisines in Hong Kong are Cantonese, Mijune notes that you can find so much more due to cultural influences, immigration and the multicultural population.
Four neighbourhoods particularly stand out as tasty destinations: Central is home to world-class establishments and trendy bar concepts; then there's artsy Kennedy Town for the coolest taverns and cafes, the multinational cuisine hub, Wan Chai and Tsim Sha Tsui's stunning rooftop patios with views of the iconic neon lights.
Out of the many dining options, these 12 are some of Hong Kong's best. Write them down, bookmark them on your laptop and follow them on Instagram — if you're planning a future trip to Asia's culinary capital, you won't want to miss these spots.
Tell Camellia
Price: 💸💸💸
Cuisine: Tea-based cocktails
Address: 45 Pottinger St., Central, Hong Kong
Why You Need To Go: This hidden gem in Central offers tea-based cocktails. Have a sip of the "Turkey" cocktail — made up of rize tea, apricot, kimyon leaf and gin — for a light and unique drinking experience. These innovative tea-tails are guaranteed to elevate your night out.
Tell Camellia opened in 2019 and has already reached #23 of Asia's 50 Best Bars 2021.
The Pontiac
Price: 💸💸
Cuisine: Cocktails and late-night eats
Address: 13 Old Bailey St., Central, Hong Kong
Why You Need To Go: Grungy, wild and free. Ranked #26 in Asia's 50 Best Bars 2021, this American-style dive bar serves up cheeky cocktails with a side of rock n' roll.
Come for the loud music and jukebox tunes, stay for the great service and well-crafted drinks.
1011 SIPTEA
Price: 💸
Cuisine: Bubble teas
Address: 39 Lee Tung St., Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Why You Need To Go: Mijune recommends that everyone who visits Hong Kong tries the city's signature milk tea.
With an inviting motto like "sip a little, live a lot," it's no wonder that Wan Chai's 1011SIPTEA blends healthy living with tea culture.
They keep aromas, colour and taste in mind. With an emphasis on traditional brewing methods, 1011SIPTEA showcases the cultural background of each tea.
You can also grab some adorable merch while you're there. Can't wait until you can visit in person? 1011SIPTEA also has a location on Bloor Street West in Toronto.
Penicillin
Price: 💸💸
Cuisine: Sustainable cocktails
Address: 23 Hollywood Rd., Central, Hong Kong
Why You Need To Go: If the laboratory-style tiled bar isn't already enough of a draw, Penicillin's commitment to sustainable cocktails will really catch your eye. As the winner of Asia's 50 Best Sustainable Bar Award for 2021, Penicillin puts a ton of effort into minimizing waste and reducing the bar's carbon footprint.
Like, the-handwash-in-the-bathroom-is-made-from-alcohol-waste-and-lemon-peels levels of sustainability.
Try a few of these guilt-free, climate-conscious cocktails. They'll even plant a tree each time you order a "Penicillin."
Website
The Chairman
Price: 💸💸
Cuisine: Cantonese
Address: 18 Kau U Fong, Central, Hong Kong
Why You Need To Go: Known for its authentic cuisine, The Chairman also delivers an upscale atmosphere, complemented by the chef's dedication to traditional Cantonese ingredients. The seafood is picked fresh daily from the market, making for a mind-blowing experience.
Open since 2009, The Chairman continues its reputation for high-calibre cuisine. The spot boasts a #10 seat in the World's 50 Best Restaurants 2021, rising 31 places from its last ranking.
The Wise King
Price: 💸💸💸
Cuisine: Speakeasy and medieval-style drinks
Address: 25 Staunton St., Soho Central, Hong Kong
Why You Need To Go: Inspired by King Alfonso X, known as The Wise, this Soho speakeasy plays heavily on the medieval elements of the 13th century.
With a unique atmosphere and striking cocktails, sipping a drink at The Wise King is probably the closest you can get to time travelling.
James Suckling Wine Central
Price: 💸💸💸
Cuisine: Top wines and Korean cuisine
Address: 22 Staunton St., Central, Hong Kong
Why You Need To Go: Founded by the international wine critic James Suckling, this bar and restaurant exclusively serves wines ranked 90 and above (out of 100) on James' personal scale.
Offering over 500 wines by the glass alongside authentic Korean cuisine, this impressive spot is a must-visit for anyone who likes their vino.
Grain
Price: 💸💸
Cuisine: Craft beers and pub grub
Address: Shop 1, New Fortune House, 3-5 New Praya, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong
Why You Need To Go: Located on the Kennedy Town Waterfront, Grain is an enormous gastropub housing Gweilo brew lab, an experimental and research-based brewing facility. Craft-beer fans can sample brand-new brews that aren't yet available globally.
It's the only spot in Hong Kong with an on-site brewery, so you can expect a pretty long list of pints — in addition to some classic cocktails and comfort food.
11 Westside
Price: 💸💸💸
Cuisine: Mexican
Address: 1/F The Hudson 11 Davis St., Kennedy Town, Hong Kong
Why You Need To Go: Founded by a star of Netflix's The Final Table, Chef Esdras Ochoa serves up all the authentic Mexican dishes you know and crave.
Enjoy the luxe atmosphere and order some guacamole — it's made fresh right at your table.
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Winstons
Price: 💸💸
Cuisine: Coffee and cocktails
Address: Shop 4, 213 Queens Rd. W., Kennedy Town, Kong Hong
Why You Need To Go: Known for their killer espresso martini, this friendly neighbourhood joint is your one-stop shop for caffeine and libations alike.
Flex that main-character energy as you sip on your bevvy of choice right beneath a retro cinema sign.
MW Gunpowder Indian RestoBar
Price: 💸💸
Cuisine: Indian
Address: 18 Ship St., Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Why You Need To Go: With authentic Indian delicacies with a modern twist, this Wan Chai staple is a must-visit spot.
Gunpowder's contemporary interior is met with a carnival of menu items featuring street eats, freshly baked bread and exotic curries.
Website
QI Nine Dragons
Price: 💸💸💸
Cuisine: Sichuan
Address: 20/F, Prince Tower, 12A Peking Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Why You Need To Go: This Michelin-recommended restaurant serves up authentic Sichuan dishes that reflect the flavours of Sichuan right in Tsim Sha Tsui.
Savour your meal while you take in inspiring views from the rooftop patio.
Website
Hong Kong is home to a range of culinary experiences, and those visiting can chow down on local eats and international delicacies alike.
Mijune said it best: "Whatever you're craving, you're likely to satisfy it."
From award-winning restaurants to the hottest gastropubs, a visit to Hong Kong means an epic journey for your tastebuds. Let these 12 spots act as a starting point for your future trip. In the meantime, the Hong Kong Tourism Board is giving you a chance to win a $250 Amazon gift card so you can up your home-cooking game — all you have to do is enter below.
To learn more about great eats in Hong Kong, check out the Hong Kong Tourism Board website or follow them on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.
This article is for general information purposes only. If you choose to travel internationally, check your destination's COVID-19 situation and travel requirements before travelling. Countries may have their own entry and exit requirements, including mandatory COVID-19 testing and/or proof of vaccination.
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