Hi Backpackers (Hong Kong Hostel Group)

No discussion about Hong Kong’s historic noodle shops would be complete without mentioning Ho Hung Kee, which originally opened in Wan Chai in the 1940s and is famed for its springy wonton noodles and fresh, sweet soup. More elements have been added here at its new address – dim sum and some Cantonese dishes are now served too. For the interior, they’ve adopted a more contemporary, Western style aesthetic.

This offshoot of its London namesake by British chef Simon Rogan moved here in 2025. As opposed to the tasting menus offered in the former venue, a new sharing-style set menu allows guests to dine flexibly and creatively. As always, the modern British score celebrates local sustainable produce and champions a farm-to-table zero-waste concept. Four types of libation pairings cater to both wine buffs and teetotallers.

French

Chef Hung has worked in many 5-star hotels and values food quality and shrewd techniques more than anything else. Seasonal ingredients from around the world are painstakingly prepared the traditional way and then plated with modern refinement. Wok-fried crab claw with dried shrimps, spring onion and layered bean curd sheet is exquisitely presented and loaded with umami. The wine and tea sommeliers, as well as the professional service team, make for a pleasant experience.

The founder and head chef Mok moved his restaurant to this location in 2021. As always, top notch ingredients like sea urchin, abalone and blue lobsters are flown in daily from Japan and France. But the theatrical cooking now happens in a much bigger room, along with a private room that seats eight. The wine list also sees a lot more choices. Amadai with sea urchin cream sauce stands out in particular, with its crispy scales and juicy flesh.

Run by a group of Hongkongers of Zhejiang descent, this traditionally furnished restaurant boasts universal appeal. On the menu, Zhejiang delicacies rub shoulders with Shanghainese specialities. Make sure you pre-order ‘snatched tiger tails’ – seared swamp eel in a brown sauce that reveal exquisite knife work and a springy texture. Also check out the seasonal dishes and excellent buns and pastries. Friendly, unobtrusive service.

For over 70 years, the Kams have been famous for their roast goose and this shop was opened by the third generation. But the goose extravaganza doesn’t stop at their juicy roast goose with crispy skin. Try also their silky, melty goose blood pudding or the decadent blanched noodles tossed in goose fat. Other Cantonese barbecue dishes glistening in the window are also worth trying. With only 30 seats, don’t be surprised to see a queue.