Best Cheap Places To Eat In Hong Kong – Discover The Tastiest Food On A Budget

Are you a foodie looking for the best places to eat in Hong Kong without breaking the bank? Look no further! Hong Kong is a food lover’s paradise and home to some of the world’s most delicious and affordable cuisine. From traditional street food to trendy cafes, this vibrant city has something for everyone. In this article, we will guide you through the best cheap places to eat in Hong Kong and help you explore the city’s culinary culture to the fullest.

Why Hong Kong Is A Foodie’s Dream

Hong Kong is a melting pot of cultures, and this diversity is reflected in its food. Traditional Cantonese cuisine has been greatly influenced by other regional Chinese cooking styles, as well as international dishes from countries such as Japan, Korea, and Thailand. The city also has a rich history of street food, which has evolved and adapted to changing tastes over the years. In Hong Kong, you can find everything from high-end Michelin-starred restaurants to humble street vendors, all serving up delicious and affordable meals.

The Best Cheap Places To Eat In Hong Kong

1. Tim Ho Wan – Dim Sum

🥢Tim Ho Wan is known for serving the best dim sum in Hong Kong at an affordable price. With several branches throughout the city, this Michelin-starred restaurant offers an extensive menu of steamed, baked, and fried dim sum dishes. Be sure to try their famous BBQ pork buns and steamed rice rolls with shrimp.

2. Kau Kee – Beef Brisket Noodles

🍜Kau Kee is a legendary noodle shop in Hong Kong, famous for its beef brisket noodles. This humble restaurant has been around since 1920 and serves up hearty bowls of noodles in a flavorful broth. The lines can get long, but it’s well worth the wait.

3. Tsui Wah – Hong Kong-Style Cafe

☕Tsui Wah is a popular chain of Hong Kong-style cafes that serves up a variety of local comfort food. From classic dishes like buttered toast with condensed milk to more adventurous options like pineapple buns with luncheon meat, there’s something for everyone at Tsui Wah. The prices are reasonable, and the portions are generous.

4. Mammy Pancake – Egg Waffles

🍳Mammy Pancake specializes in egg waffles, a popular street snack in Hong Kong. These fluffy, golden waffles are made to order and come in a variety of flavors, including chocolate, green tea, and taro. At Mammy Pancake, you can get a freshly made waffle for under HKD $20.

5. Sing Heung Yuen – Tomato Noodle Soup

🍅Sing Heung Yuen is a hidden gem in the heart of Central, known for its famous tomato noodle soup. This old-school diner has been around since the 1950s and serves up delicious comfort food at affordable prices. The tomato noodle soup is a must-try, as is the milk tea.

6. Yat Lok – Roast Goose

🦢Yat Lok is a Michelin-starred restaurant that specializes in roast goose, a classic Cantonese dish. The meat is cooked to perfection, with crispy skin and succulent meat. The prices are reasonable, and the portions are generous. Be sure to arrive early, as the lines can get long.

7. Lan Fong Yuen – Hong Kong-Style Milk Tea

🍵Lan Fong Yuen is a legendary Hong Kong-style diner that has been around for over 50 years. The restaurant is famous for its milk tea, which is made using a secret blend of tea leaves and evaporated milk. The prices are affordable, and the atmosphere is nostalgic.

8. Hop Yik Tai – Rice Rolls

🍚Hop Yik Tai is a small, family-run restaurant that specializes in rice rolls, a popular street food in Hong Kong. The rice rolls are made fresh to order and come with a variety of fillings, including BBQ pork and shrimp. The prices are reasonable, and the portions are generous.

9. Tsuta – Ramen

🍜Tsuta is a Michelin-starred ramen restaurant that originated in Japan and has since expanded to Hong Kong. The menu features a variety of ramen bowls, including the signature shoyu ramen, which is made using a special blend of soy sauce. The prices are reasonable, and the portions are filling.

10. Kam Wah Cafe – Pineapple Buns

🍍Kam Wah Cafe is a popular Hong Kong-style cafe that is famous for its pineapple buns. These sweet buns are filled with a slice of butter and are a classic street snack in Hong Kong. The prices are affordable, and the atmosphere is bustling.

11. Joy Hing – Char Siu

🍖Joy Hing is a local favorite for char siu, a Cantonese-style BBQ pork. The meat is tender and flavorful, with a crispy skin. The prices are reasonable, and the portions are generous. The restaurant has been around since 1947 and is a must-try for meat lovers.

12. Australian Dairy Company – Breakfast

🥞Australian Dairy Company is a Hong Kong-style cafe that is famous for its breakfast sets. The menu features classic dishes like scrambled eggs, toast, and macaroni in soup. The prices are affordable, and the portions are filling. Be prepared for a busy and chaotic atmosphere!

13. Lin Heung Tea House – Dim Sum

🍤Lin Heung Tea House is a traditional Cantonese tea house that has been around for over 100 years. The restaurant is famous for its dim sum, which is served in a communal setting. The prices are reasonable, and the atmosphere is authentic.

FAQs

Q: What is the most popular street food in Hong Kong?

A: The most popular street food in Hong Kong is probably egg waffles, also known as gai daan jai in Cantonese. These fluffy, golden waffles are a favorite snack among locals and tourists alike.

Q: How much does it cost to eat at a typical Hong Kong-style cafe?

A: A meal at a typical Hong Kong-style cafe can cost anywhere from HKD $30 to HKD $100, depending on the dish and the location of the restaurant.

Q: Is it safe to eat street food in Hong Kong?

A: Yes, it is generally safe to eat street food in Hong Kong. However, it’s always a good idea to choose vendors who have a lot of customers and who are busy cooking fresh food.

Q: What is the best time of day to visit a dim sum restaurant?

A: Dim sum is traditionally served as a breakfast or lunchtime meal, so the best time to visit a dim sum restaurant is in the morning or early afternoon.

Q: Can you find vegetarian food in Hong Kong?

A: Yes, there are plenty of vegetarian options in Hong Kong. Many restaurants offer vegetable dishes, and there are also vegetarian and vegan restaurants throughout the city.

Q: What is the typical tipping etiquette in Hong Kong restaurants?

A: Tipping is not required in Hong Kong restaurants, but it is appreciated. A 10% tip is generally considered appropriate.

Q: What is the best way to get around Hong Kong to find cheap places to eat?

A: The best way to get around Hong Kong is by public transportation, such as the MTR or buses. This will allow you to easily explore different neighborhoods and find the best cheap places to eat.

Q: What is a must-try dish in Hong Kong?

A: A must-try dish in Hong Kong is roast goose, a classic Cantonese dish that is cooked to perfection with crispy skin and succulent meat.

Q: Are there any Michelin-starred restaurants that offer affordable options?

A: Yes, there are several Michelin-starred restaurants in Hong Kong that offer affordable options, including Tim Ho Wan and Yat Lok.

Q: Can you find international cuisine in Hong Kong?

A: Yes, Hong Kong is a cosmopolitan city with a wide range of international cuisine available. You can find everything from Italian pizza to Japanese sushi to Indian curry.

Q: What is the best area in Hong Kong for foodies?

A: There are several areas in Hong Kong that are great for foodies, including Central, Causeway Bay, and Tsim Sha Tsui. Each neighborhood has its own unique culinary scene.

Q: What is the most affordable way to enjoy dim sum in Hong Kong?

A: The most affordable way to enjoy dim sum in Hong Kong is to go to a traditional tea house, like