Must-Visit Cha Chaan Tengs & Hong-Kong Style Restaurants

Want to get a true taste of Hong Kong? From award-worthy bowls of wonton noodles to classic cha chaan teng fare, we’re bringing you a curated list of popular Hong Kong-style restaurants well worth the visit.

Whether you’re new to the city and want to dive straight into the best local eats or are simply a huge fan of Hong Kong cuisine, we’ve got you covered with this curated list of must-visit spots accredited under the Quality Tourism Services (QTS) Scheme. From comforting bowls of congee and wonton noodle soup to classic tea-time favourites and more, here are some of the best places to get a true taste of Hong Kong.

Cha Chaan Teng – Classic Hong Kong-style cafe fare

Founded in 1991 as a humble cafe in Wan Chai, the aptly named Cha Chaan Teng now boasts a prime Central location on Wellington Street. The shop prides itself on preparing its food with care, using ancestral cooking techniques and family recipes passed down. You’ll find a wide array of quintessential Hong Kong-style cafe fare here, including the restaurant’s signature Crust Egg Cookie and Crusted Baked Chicken.

Cha Chaan Teng, G/F, Shop B & D, Sunwise Building, 112-114, Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2838 9730, www.facebook.com/goldenrice.rest.hk

Read More: Where To Eat Like A Local – Central & Sheung Wan

Congee King – Famous for its signature fish-broth congee

Is there anything more comforting than a hot bowl of congee? This particular spot is famous for its signature fish-broth congee, which at the time of opening was the first of its kind. Having held its Michelin Bib Gourmand since 2018, this local gem will not disappoint. For something more traditional, order the Pork Liver and Scallops Congee, and we wouldn’t skip on the sticky rice dumplings either.

Congee King, various locations across Hong Kong, www.facebook.com/tckhk

Read More: Where To Find Yum Cha In Hong Kong

Ho Hung Kee (1946) Congee & Noodle Shop – The first wonton noodle shop to earn a Michelin star

This long-standing establishment has upheld a reputation for high-quality food and service for over 70 years and remains a popular haunt for locals and tourists alike. While congee is one of the shop’s specialities, the House Wonton Noodles stands as the most popular item, undoubtedly earning Ho Hung Kee its title as the first wonton noodle shop in the world to be awarded a Michelin star.

Ho Hung Kee (1946) Congee & Noodle Shop, Shop 1204-1205, 12/F, Hysan Place, 500 Hennessy Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, www.facebook.com/hohungkee

Kee Wah Tearoom – Tea time favourites served in a Historic Grade III building

Housed in a Historic Grade III building on Queen’s Road East, you can find Kee Wah Tearoom within Kee Wah Bakery’s flagship shop. The nostalgic 1930s-inspired décor creates the perfect setting to enjoy an afternoon tea break — the perfect time to enjoy local favourites such as Porkchop Rice Casserole, Prawn Toast and Pineapple Buns with a thick slab of chilled butter.

Kee Wah Tearoom, 1/F, 188 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, www.facebook.com/KeeWahTearoom

Read More: Where To Eat Like A Local – Wan Chai

Kung Wo Tong – Traditional Chinese herbal tea shop in Hong Kong

This traditional Chinese herbal tea shop was founded in 1904 by the son of an imperial doctor of the Qing Dynasty (who was also a Chinese doctor himself!). Now with four branches serving a range of health-promoting drinks and herbal jelly, Kung Wo Tong started as the first shop in Hong Kong to sell Kwei Ling Ko — a jelly-like medicinal dessert traditionally made from tortoise shell that is consumed for its heat-clearing and detoxifying properties.

Kung Wo Tong, various locations across Hong Kong, www.kungwotong.com.hk

Read More: Your Guide To Local Hong Kong Dessert Shops

Lok Yuen – Master of handmade fish balls in Hong Kong

A master of handmade fish balls, wonton and dumpling noodle shop Lok Yuen has been using the same traditional techniques for over 50 years. Customise your ideal bowl, picking your preferred type of noodle and combination of tasty toppings (the freshly made wontons and dumplings are also worth a try!).

Lok Yuen, various locations across Hong Kong, www.lokyuenhk.com

Mak’s Noodle – A beloved wonton noodle shop

If you’re a fan of wonton noodles but still haven’t visited Mak’s Noodles, you’re missing out. Continuing to follow the recipe of the current Mak’s grandfather (aka “Guangzhou’s King of Wonton Noodles”) who founded the noodle shop back in the 1920s, you can expect perfectly plump shrimp wontons, silky noodles and a rich clear broth. The portions here are notoriously small but that just leaves room to sample other popular dishes like beef brisket and tendon noodles or dumplings!

Mak’s Noodle, various locations across Hong Kong, www.maksnoodle.com

Ming’s Kitchen – Hong Kong-style seafood dishes

Hong Kong harbours a deep-rooted love for seafood and it’s comforting to know you don’t have to travel very far to get your fix. With a branch in Causeway Bay and another in Mong Kok, Ming’s Kitchen is our go-to for dishes that pay tribute to authentic Cantonese flavours, with an original twist, such as Spicy “Deepthroat” Mantis Shrimps and salt-baked Hong Kong Flaming Virgin Crabs, which is set aflame at your table.

Ming’s Kitchen (Causeway Bay), Shop G8-11, 15 Canal Road West, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
Ming’s Kitchen (Mong Kok), 519 Shanghai Street, Mong Kok, Kowloon, Hong Kong, mings.kitchen

Nam Kee Spring Roll Noodle – Cart noodle shop with multiple locations across Hong Kong

Nam Kee Spring Roll Noodle started out in the 1980s as a small family-run food trolley in Aberdeen, and has grown today into a popular chain that you can find at practically every corner. Like most typical cart noodle shops, Nam Kee offers a wide variety of noodles and toppings to choose from. If you’re not afraid of a little heat, have your noodles with the special chili sauce, or order the sour and spicy noodle soup with signature spicy pork.

Nam Kee Spring Roll Noodle, various locations across Hong Kong, www.namkee.hk

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