Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R., China + Add a trip

Hong Kong has a world of dining to offer. This is a quick guide to what you should try out in general, rather than a comprehensive review of any one restaurant. Furthermore, it honors the mantra of moving “beyond the path of a traditional guidebook.” So I'm skipping ahead of the basics on the subject, i.e. Cantonese cuisine, Dim Sum, etc.

Now to it. As you might expect, you’ll find plenty of Chinese food everywhere in Hong Kong. It's expensive here in comparison to Beijing or Shanghai, not to mention the Chinese countryside, but rather budget-friendly by international standards. In Central or Kowloon, do try the local Cantonese food, such as Dim Sum. But don't miss out on Hong Kong's fledgling display of other Asian cuisine: Shanghainese, Pekinese, Sichuan, Hot Pot, Korean BBQ, and Japanese—just pick your favorite. On a side note, international fast-food chains may take on a different form in Hong Kong. For example, Pizza Hut is not the take-out pizza joint U.S. citizens may be used to, but rather a comfy, nicely lit, sit-down restaurant.

If you’re looking for a plethora of charming restaurants from all over the world, you’ll find them in SoHo close to Central. I especially recommend you try the Nepalese one on Staunton Street.

Another nice area is Knutsford Terrace in Tsim Sha Tsui, an obscure alley packed with super-cozy restaurants, such as the Turkish Merhaba. You might need an informed local to provide proper directions to this area, but finding it is worth some effort.

Quite a ways further up the Kowloon hillls, you'll find the small fishing village of Sai Kung, famous for its fresh, local seafood. This is worth a try if you have more time on your hands.

Unique to Hong Kong, though, are the so-called “Private Kitchens.” These are something of a phenomenon: unlicensed, hard-to-find restaurants—often in rebuilt apartments—sporting up to 10-dish meals, including local seasonal specialties, and requiring reservations 1–2 weeks ahead. The mystique, food, and personal service make private kitchens marquee experiences of Hong Kong. There’s one called Yellow Door Kitchen on Cochrane Street in Central, and at least one in Wan Chai.