Ha Fa Villa

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.

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.

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.

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.

Taizhou cuisine emphasises the natural flavours of ingredients, so dishes are only sparingly seasoned with aromatics. Braised wild-caught yellow croaker from the East China Sea is the must-try signature here; other recommendations include deep-fried conger eel and braised radish. Seasonal offerings include regional specialities like lamb offal which is rarely found in Hong Kong. Certain items require pre-ordering.