8 Airport Restaurants To Try As Soon As You Land In Hong Kong (Or Just Before You Leave!)

Hong Kong is as renowned for its dining scene as it is for its constant movement. So whether you’re diving in the minute you touch down or indulging in one last hurrah, there’s an option near your gateway that will hit the spot.

No matter how much planning we may do, eventually we all find ourselves arriving at a destination too early to check in at our accommodation, or with time to burn before a scheduled departure. That’s where a good café, diner or restaurant comes in handy, and fortunately there’s something for every occasion around the corner, down the hall or across the street from the plane, train or ship of your choice. We’ve rounded up eight spots accredited by the Quality Tourism Services (QTS) Scheme for beginning a culinary adventure or getting one last taste for the road.

Read More: Leaving Hong Kong Checklist – Your Practical To-Do List

chapter

Sitting just a couple of flights above Airport Express and in-town check-in, chapter is a great choice for recharging no matter the time of day. Energising coffees and a wide array of pastries make it the perfect morning stop if you’re just stepping off a redeye, and a curated wine and beer list, hearty, nourishing sandwiches and handmade pastas make it the go-to before getting on one. Either way settle into the cosy, relaxing space and tuck in to star items: Grilled Canadian Natural Pork Tomahawk, the Grilled Seafood Platter, or chill with an Afternoon Tea Set to wind down. A meatless menu is also available for the less beefy among us.

chapter, Shop 1081, 1/F, ifc mall, 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2982 1883, www.instagram.com/chapter_hk_official

The China Coast Bar + Grill

Located minutes from the airport, The China Coast Bar + Grill is the perfect location for effortlessly balancing business and pleasure, on the way into town or out of it. A convivial atmosphere and a wide range of snacks and meals served by friendly staff make it an ideal meeting spot where you can also catch a football match on the widescreen TVs or play a friendly game of darts. Steaks are the name of the game, with the USA Grilled Angus Filet Mignon a must-have feast, or the Angus Beef Burger for the less decadent. Wash them down with one of the 100 international beers on the menu, or perhaps try a cocktail made with one of the Grill’s 100 rums.

The China Coast Bar + Grill, G/F, Regal Airport Hotel, 9 Cheong Tat Road, Chek Lap Kok, New Territories, Hong Kong, 2286 6898, www.regalhotel.com

Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao

Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao’s professionalism, authentic taste and efficient service have earned it seven Bib Gourmand awards over the years and its airport location has long been recognised as the first or last stop for travellers craving quality Chinese comfort food. Shanghainese and provincial favourites are what’s on tap, including house the specialities: classic hand pulled Lanzhou noodles, particularly the Dan Dan in pork broth with secret recipe Dan Dan sauce and sesame peanut paste, and of course the 18-fold Xiao Long Bao, traditional minced pork and soup dumplings.

Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao, Shop T160, Arrivals Meeters and Greeters Hall, 5/F, Terminal 1, Hong Kong International Airport, Chek Lap Kok, New Territories, Hong Kong, 2261 0553, www.crystaljade.com.hk

Grill Manten-Boshi

There’s nothing quite as unique as the Japanese omurice – omelette rice – and Grill Manten-Boshi has become one of the best in the game since it opened its doors in Azabu in 1978. A smile-inducing staple in Hong Kong, Grill Manten-Boshi ensures authentic Japanese flavours by using fresh ingredients in traditional preparations with a dash of international innovation for good measure. Among the must-tries are the Creamy Crab Croquettes, in which Japanese matsuba crab is mixed with sautéed onions and mushrooms, the signature Kagoshima and Hokkaido wagyu Beef Burger Omurice and the Hong Kong-exclusive Unagi Omurice. If your ship’s still in port the next day, come back for a Japanese Soufflé Pancake drizzled with Canadian maple syrup.

Grill Manten-Boshi Tokyo, Shop OT301-301A, 3/F, Ocean Terminal, Harbour City, 3-27 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 3751 5345, www.instagram.com/mantenboshi.hk

King Fong Bing Teng

Before you get on the train, head to King Fong Bing Teng for a final one-of-a-kind cha chaan teng meal. Day or night, this sophisticated Hong Kong-style diner dishes out local comfort food favourites made with quality ingredients and a healthy dose of East-meets-West creativity without straying too far from its roots. You can never go wrong with King Fong’s signature BBQ Pork Rice with Fried Egg. The pork is barbequed on site, the rice is premium Golden Phoenix Thai Hom Mali rice, and the secret recipe soy sauce is brewed locally. If you’re arriving early, start the day with an ultra-flaky Puff Pastry Egg Tart or Egg White Tart with milk, both made fresh daily. And don’t forget the milk tea on the side.

King Fong Bing Teng, Shop G004, G/F, Fire Zone, Elements, 1 Austin Road West, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2866 6760, www.instagram.com/kingfongbingteng

NUVA

Little welcomes visitors to Hong Kong – or bids them farewell – quite like a relaxing sea view, which is what makes NUVA the perfect bookend experience. Located at AsiaWorld-Expo a few minutes from the airport, NUVA is fine Chinese dining at its best, tucked in a quiet corner away from the city at its most frenetic. The menu’s highlights include next level dim sum, like the 12-fold Steamed Crystal Shrimp Dumpling adorned with gold foil, and the perfectly crisped Baked Stuffed Crab Shell, bursting with crab from atop a luxurious silver crab-shaped platter. Complete the feast with NUVA’s lusciously textured Baked Chestnut Pudding. As a bonus, take in the curated art work that lines NUVA’s walls.

NUVA, 2/F, Asia World-Expo, Hong Kong International Airport, Chek Lap Kok, New Territories, Hong Kong, 3606 8818, www.asiaworld-expo.com

pho.dle.bar

Combining authentic and belly-warming Vietnamese favourites with an elegant, natural and welcoming space, pho.dle.bar offers travellers a last chance to get ready for a ride. Before you get on the high speed train (or head to the airport), grab a quick snack of Bánh Mì or chewy rice paper rolls – or maybe a bowl of its signature US Angus Beef Short Rib pho in rich broth or the house speciality Vietnamese Soft Shell Crab in Yellow Curry for a kick. The word ‘bar’ is in the name, so be sure to try one of pho.dle.bar’s creative, refreshing drinks, like the Lemon, Mint, Basil, Lemongrass Soda, Green Grape Soda or Purple Mojito.

pho.dle.bar, Shop 2132, 2/F, Fire Zone, Elements, 1 Austin Road West, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2196 8175, www.cafedecogroup.com

Tasty Congee & Noodle Wantun Shop

Tasty Congee & Noodle Wantun Shop prides itself on dishing up authentic Cantonese comfort food, pulled from family recipes passed down through generations and made using traditional cooking methods to the delight of locals and visitors alike. It has 14 consecutive Bib Gourmand awards to show for taking simple congee and noodles to new heights. Whether you’re in need of a final taste of home or something to remember Hong Kong by, the airport location will do the trick. Make sure to try Tasty’s House Specialty Wonton Noodles in Soup, the Pork Meatballs & Pork Innards Congee or a comforting  Stir-fried Rice Noodles with Beef. It will make you want to come back for more.

Tasty Congee & Noodle Wantun Shop, Shop 7E182, Departures East Hall, 7/F, Terminal 1, Hong Kong International Airport, Chek Lap Kok, New Territories, Hong Kong, 2261 0101, www.tasty.com.hk