Promising to (currently!) be the “only authentic Egyptian cuisine” in Hong Kong, AZIZA is a small family-run restaurant tucked away on Hau Wo Street in Kennedy Town, serving lovingly prepared Middle Eastern fare. Chef Mohsen Gaber Ibrahim and his wife, Zinab Mohamed Hammd, always impress with their super tasty falafel, moist and flavourful lamb and beef kebabs, and the homemade couscous – yes, from scratch by Zinab! – that is incredibly light and fluffy. To top it off, the freshly made Egyptian desserts are sure to be the perfect sweet end to your meal.

AZIZA, Shop D, 28 Hau Wo Street, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong, 3462 2844, [email protected], www.aziza.com.hk

Read more: AZIZA Brings Tasty Egyptian Food To Kennedy Town

This Mui Wo favourite is relaxed and friendly, serving up authentic Turkish food. With a selection of favourites such as baba ghanoush, falafel and lamb shish, it’s definitely worth making a stop at if you’re planning a day trip to Lantau!

Bahçe Turkish Restaurant, Shop 19, G/F, Mui Wo Centre, 3 Ngan Wan Road, Mui Wo, Lantau Island, Hong Kong, 2984 0222, www.facebook.com/BahceTurkishHK

Read more: Your Neighbourhood Guide To Mui Wo

Brought to us by the same brother and sister duo behind Brazilian-Japanese street food resto, Uma Nota, BEDU channels modern Middle Eastern cuisine and is a little different from other offerings from the region out there. This cosy space offers items such as a beetroot and mint labneh, baked (instead of fried) falafel, a golden spiced chicken manti, with tons of flatbread, along with a refreshing range of cocktails to wash it all down.

BEDU, 40 Gough Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2320 4450, [email protected], www.bedurestaurant.com

Read more: BEDU: Modern Middle Eastern Cuisine On Gough Street

FRANCIS is a breath of fresh air. With Israeli-born chef Asher Goldstein taking inspiration from his upbringing in Tel Aviv, the result is a vibrant mix of dishes, using fresh and seasonal produce. Opt for comforting classics or more contemporary offerings, such as sweet potato with paprika, couscous and feta, and don’t skip dessert!

FRANCIS, 4 & 6 St. Francis Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, 3101 9521, [email protected], www.francis.com.hk

Read more: FRANCIS: Bringing A Taste Of Tel Aviv To Wan Chai

Located in Soho with an easy-to-spot mural as you get off the Mid-Levels escalators, Maison Libanaise has got to be one of our favourites in the city. Perfect for lunch or dinner, this restaurant serves up a selection of classic Lebanese dishes, with a modern twist. From Maison’s falafel and za’atar fried chicken to beef shawarma and more, choose your main and get it all wrapped up in a tasty pita, or served as a salad with your choice of rice or tabbouleh and a selection of sauces. Veggies out there also must try the harissa roasted cauliflower, for a meat-free dish with a difference. Make sure to check out its cute outdoor terrace space and order a frosé or two.

Maison Libanaise, 10 Shelley Street, Soho, Central, Hong Kong, 2111 2284, [email protected], www.maisonlibanaise.com.hk

Read more: Maison Libanaise: Lebanese Fare In Soho

Named after chef Alex Malouf’s mother, Mama Malouf offers numerous fusion comfort food options such as a burrata with baked eggplant, falafel with yoghurt tahini sauce, and halloumi fondue with fig jam and brioche – along with a range of shakshuka dishes during weekend brunch. If you’re in the mood for a lavish Middle Eastern banquet, “Let Mama Do What Mama Does Best” and opt for the banquet menu, priced at $330 per person.

Mama Malouf, G/F, 93 Catchick Street, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong, 2817 3828, [email protected], www.mamamalouf.hk

Read more: The Best Kebabs In Hong Kong

Located conveniently near the Soho escalators, Le Souk is colourfully designed and ideal for drinks after work, as well as for dinner parties with family and friends. With signature dishes such as Cous Cous Le Souk, Egyptian Mezze Platter, Morrocan Seafood Paella and Seabass tagine, this restaurant offers good options for both vegetarians and meat lovers.

Le Souk, G/F, 4 Staunton Street, Soho, Central, Hong Kong, 2522 2128, [email protected], www.lesoukhk.com

Olive serves Greek and Middle Eastern dishes in a buzzing space on Elgin Street. The food is a modern interpretation of what some consider to be quite a “heavy” style of cooking. We love the light takes on old classics such as traditional kofta, warming tagines, vegetarian moussaka, as well as the selection of sensational desserts and world-class wines! Its set lunch, consisting of mezze (hummus, halloumi and calamari), flavourful main courses and traditional desserts, is definitely a must-try.

Olive, G/F, 32 Elgin Street, Soho, Central, Hong Kong, 2521 1608, www.facebook.com/OliveHongKong

Read more: Olive: Mouth-Watering Greek & Middle Eastern Food In The Heart Of Hong Kong

If you’re looking for Middle Eastern cuisine with a twist, catering and events company Pomegranate Kitchen is just the place! With a unique blend of Mediterranean cuisine and spices, it delivers a tasty variety of recipes including hummus, shakshouka and zataar, as well as specially-crafted soups and salads. A great choice for private dinners, catered events, and lunch deliveries!

Pomegranate Kitchen, 4/F, Sing Teck Industrial Building, 44 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Wong Chuk Hang, Hong Kong, 2580 0663, [email protected], www.pomegranate.com.hk

Read more: Private Dining: Where To Host Dinner Parties

Well known for being a shisha bar and a great late night hangout, Sahara serves delicious North African fare, featuring some incredible tagines, fluffy pita and delectable dips. Stay on the ground floor for the infectious ambience complete with Moroccan glass lanterns, music and the occasional Bellydance appearance or head up for a more intimate dinner on its cushioned floor.

Sahara, 11 Elgin Street, Soho, Central, Hong Kong, 2291 6060, www.sahara.hk

Read more: Your Guide To Shisha: Hookah Hook-ups For Every Mood

Hidden away on Glenealy Road, Sumac is a friendly Lebanese restaurant with warm and sunny burnt orange decor and classic French windows. Named after a spice used throughout the Mediterranean, it offers some of the most authentic grub you can get in the city, including a rack of delicious, juicy lamb, hummus, fattoush and halloumi. The friendliness of the manager and the delicious food makes this a hidden gem worth seeking out.

Sumac, 8 Glenealy Road, Central, Hong Kong, 2147 9191, www.sumac.com.hk

If you’re craving traditional Middle Eastern delights, Zahrabel is the place for you! With a choice of sharing menus comprising of four, six, eight or 10 sharing mezze dishes, along with a-la-carte options, it knows just how to keep you coming back for more! Signature dishes include Jos Mahrouse, a Mediterranean dip made of spicy nuts, hot mezze (great for vegetarians and meat eaters), and baklava.

Zahrabel Dining Club, 25/F, 239 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, 5503 9181, [email protected], www.zahrabel.com

Read more: Zahrabel: Lebanese Lunch With A Tasty Flair

Editor’s note: This post was originally published on 22 August, 2017 and was updated by Sakina Abidi on 19 June, 2019.