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CNA
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- CNA
Where do top chefs eat in Hong Kong?
In Hong Kong, food isn't just fuel – it's a full-blown obsession. From well-loved cha chaan teng to polished Michelin-starred restaurants, the city's culinary landscape is as dynamic as its skyline. Whether you're craving wonton noodles at a hole-in-the-wall joint or modern Cantonese fare with a view, Hong Kong delivers – loud, proud, and always delicious. Here's a selection of places to indulge your tastebuds. ARCHAN CHAN, HEAD CHEF, HO LEE FOOK ArChan Chan is the head chef of Ho Lee Fook in Hong Kong, where she reinterprets classic Cantonese cuisine with contemporary flavours and bold, wok-fired techniques. Recognised for her vibrant energy and culinary flair, she elevates humble, homestyle dishes with her unique blend of tradition and innovation. 'There is something just so effortlessly cool about Falcone. It has got great energy where the vibe is always just right. The pasta is consistently delicious, the pizza is spot on and the wine list is unfussy and easy to love. The team brings a lot of heart to the floor, so every visit feels like a good time waiting to happen.' Falcone, Shop 1082, IFC Mall, 8 Finance St, Central, Hong Kong Ah Lung Pakistan Halal Food 'This little curry spot holds a very special place in my heart – I have been eating here for over 30 years. The flavours have stayed remarkably consistent, which is rare and comforting. Even during the decade I spent living in Australia, it was always one of my first stops whenever I came back to Hong Kong.' Ah Lung Pakistan Halal Food, G/F, 95B Woosung Street, Jordan, Hong Kong Ju Xing Home 'Ju Xing Home is a true local gem and a favourite among chefs for its honest cooking, quality ingredients and refreshingly reasonable prices. It feels just like eating at home – especially for me, as it's only a three-minute walk from where my parents live in the neighbourhood I grew up. It is the perfect spot for big, casual meals with family or friends.' Ju Xin Home, 418 Portland Street, Mongkok, Hong Kong Eight Treasures 'If you're into herbal broth, you will absolutely fall for this place. Beef brisket noodles are a Hong Kong classic and Eight Treasures really knows how to elevate the dish. I actually stumbled upon it by accident – I walked past, caught a whiff of something incredible, and decided to give it a go. Safe to say, I've been back many times since.' Eight Treasures, G/F, Wing Wah Bldg, 124 Electric Road, Tin Hau, Hong Kong Bar Leone 'Ranked number one on Asia's 50 Best Bars (and number two for the World's 50 Best Bars), Bar Leone is a place that gets all the little details right. The hospitality is warm and genuine, the cocktails are expertly crafted, and the snacks are simple yet seriously tasty. It doesn't try too hard either, which is exactly what makes it such a standout.' Bar Leone, 11-15 Bridges St, Central, Hong Kong DAVID LAI, CHEF-OWNER, NEIGHBOURHOOD David Lai is the chef-owner of one Michelin-starred Neighborhood in Hong Kong, which serves up French bistro cuisine with around 20 seafood-driven, tapas-style dishes on rotation. A pioneer of the city's farm-to-table movement, his restaurant offers an intimate dining experience that showcases his meticulous sourcing and culinary craftsmanship. Dynasty 'While there may be other dim sum places in Hong Kong that are more popular among foodies, my go-to spot is Dynasty at the Renaissance Harbour Hotel. The dim sum here is classic, refined, and well executed – and the service is consistently excellent. In my opinion, their chicken feet are the best in Hong Kong.' Dynasty, Renaissance Harbour View Hotel, 1 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong Genuine Lamma Hilton 'This scenic seaside restaurant on Lamma Island is where I like to take out of towners for leisurely alfresco seafood lunches. It's located off the beaten path, away from the tourist traps near the government ferry pier and less than a 15-minute boat ride from the pier outside Ap Lei Chau market, which happens to be one of Hong Kong's finest fish markets. I usually buy my own seafood there and bring it to the restaurant for cooking.' Genuine Lamma Hilton, Lot 584 DD, 10 Sok Kwu Wan, Lamma Island, Hong Kong Sun Hon Kee 'Sun Hon Kee is a beloved Hakka bistro located deep in the New Territories. Each day, chef Hon prepares a bespoke menu for eight to 12 people in the restaurant's private dining room. In doing so, he'd scour the market for the best seasonal ingredients and prepare them simply and heartily, but always with a twist. It's the type of personalised cooking that is increasingly difficult to find in our gentrified city.' Sun Hon Kee, Shop G01, G/F, Commune Modern, 28 Wo Fung Street, Luen Wo Hui, Fanling, New Territories, Hong Kong Kamcentre Roast Goose 'Kamcentre is an offshoot of the famed Yung Kee restaurant in Central, which is famous for their roast goose. Located in a bowling alley at the South China Athletic Association, the head chef at Kamcentre was the top barbeque chef at Yung Kee back in the day. Now, he and his veteran teammates cook up some of the best roast goose, char siu, and other Cantonese barbecue meats in the city. Be sure to book ahead.' Kamcentre Roast Goose, 1/F, South China Athletic Association, 88 Caroline Hill Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong RICHARD EKKEBUS, CHEF, AMBER Dutch-born Richard Ekkebus is the chef behind Hong Kong's three-Michelin-starred Amber, where he redefines French haute cuisine with sustainable ingredients and bold Asian influences. With a menu that is dairy-free and increasingly plastic-free, his groundbreaking approach has shaped the city's fine dining landscape for nearly two decades. Yardbird 'Founded by my friends Matt Abergel and Lindsay Jang, Yardbird remains one of Hong Kong's most contemporary and dynamic yakitori spots. Every cut of chicken – from thigh to heart – is masterfully grilled over binchotan charcoal, while their house-made shichimi togarashi adds a signature kick to each skewer. With its no-reservations policy, it's an ideal spot for relaxed dining, whether after service or on a day off.' Yardbird, Winsome House, 154-158 Wing Lok Street G/F, Shops A and B, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong The Chairman 'The Chairman is a must whenever I have visiting chef friends, and I've been an ardent supporter since my early days at Kau U Fong. It's become an icon for traditional Cantonese cuisine with dishes that are rooted in tradition yet elevated by the finest seasonal ingredients (many of which are locally sourced and often organic). Besides the preset menus, I usually entrust Danny [Yip] and his team to create a unique experience for me.' The Chairman, 3F, The Wellington, 198 Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong Xin Rong Ji 'Xin Rong Ji specialises in seafood dishes of Taizhou in the Zhejiang province, and the wild yellow croaker is a testament to the restaurant's commitment to sourcing only the finest ingredients. Holding a Michelin star, the culinary execution here is exceptional. Besides seafood, their roasted Peking duck stands out as one of Hong Kong's finest, alongside comforting home-style dishes.' Xin Rong Ji, GF & 1F, China Overseas Building, 139 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong Babette 'Babette is the brainchild of Cedric Tsia, one of my former junior sous chefs at Amber. This charming bistro embodies the true spirit of Parisian dining: A relaxed setting, moderately priced dishes, and an unpretentious yet deeply satisfying menu. As someone with an enduring love for Paris (where I met my wife Fiona), Babette evokes comforting nostalgia for one of my favourite cities.' Babette, Shop G-3, G/F, Nan Fung Place, 173 Des Voeux Road, Central, Hong Kong Man Wah 'Perched within the iconic Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, Man Wah is more than an opulent dining space – it's a dim sum pilgrimage. The gilded interiors and harbour views set the stage, but chef Wong's reimagined classics steal the show. Their char siu bao, glazed with honey from local hives, is a masterclass in balance where a sticky-sweet crust gives way to smoky, succulent pork.' Man Wah, 25/F, Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, 5 Connaught Road Central, Hong Kong The acclaimed chef behind Caprice at Four Seasons Hong Kong, Guillaume Galliot is a master at blending classical French techniques with bold Asian influences. Hailing originally from the Loire Valley, his three-Michelin-starred cuisine showcases precision, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to exceptional ingredients. REMPAH NOODLES 'This little noodle bar in Wan Chai serves authentic Nonya flavours. Although the menu is on the small side, they are very consistent and do everything well. I always order two bowls of laksa and sometimes the kaya toast and kueh pie tee, too.' Rempah Noodles, G/F 18 Hennessey Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong One Harbour Road at Grand Hyatt 'Our regular weekly Sunday family dim sum spot and where we take out-of-town guests, we always order the works here including har gow, siu mai, cheong fun, taro puffs, crispy chicken, char siu and suckling pig. The wok-fried beef noodles is another favourite, and my wife likes the hot and sour soup.' One Harbour Road at Grand Hyatt, 1 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong Samsen 'Samsen needs no introduction as one of Hong Kong's best spots for Thai food, and we try to go at off-peak times since the queues are notoriously long. The food is consistent and always tasty – we like the pad thai, khao soi beef and chicken, and curry chicken with rice.' Samsen, 23 Jervois Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong Yat Lok 'A legendary spot for roast goose in Central, Hong Kong, our usual order at Yat Lok is rice with half a roast goose and a mixed plate of char siu (BBQ pork) and roast pork for two to share. If we're not too hungry, we'd get the dried noodles with roast goose and a side of veggies.' Yat Lok, 34-38 Stanley Street, Central, Hong Kong Lobster Bar and Grill at Island Shangri-la 'The perfect family-friendly spot for Sunday brunch, the Lobster Bar at Island Shangri-la has baby chairs, a kids' menu and great quality food and wine. My usual order is the beef tenderloin or the burger. Chef Cary also works with the seasons, and we recently had a delicious artichoke dish served just like how we'd have it at home in France.' Lobster Bar and Grill, Level 6, Island Shangri-la, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Hong Kong AUGUSTIN BALBI, CHEF, ANDO Born in Argentina and trained in Japan, chef Augustin Balbi is the man behind Michelin-starred Ando, where he artfully merges Japanese kaiseki traditions with his Argentine heritage to create refined, seasonally driven tasting menus. Exciting, bold and innovative, expect only precision cooking and pic-pretty plates that will not only feed your appetite but your Instagram, too. Ta Vie 'The chef at Ta Vie is a good friend of mine and you can feel how passionate he and the team are from the moment you walk in. I love their uni pasta but all their new creations are equally delicious. If you're lucky enough to try the Peking duck, don't miss it. Their homemade butter and chocolate mousse are also amazing. A spot perfect for special occasions!' Estro 'I love Italian food and, in my opinion, Estro is the most creative modern Italian restaurant in town. Their signature bottoni is a must-have every time I'm there, but to be honest all their pastas are amazing. Antimo combines tradition with innovation in such a way that it's comforting while delivering something new and unexpected.' Estro, Level 2, 1 Duddell Street, Central, Hong Kong Tasty Congee and Wantun Noodle Shop 'This place is a neighborhood haunt for me and my family. Every time we go, we get the wonton noodles, but they also have a variety of signature dishes like congee and beef noodles too. The staff is also super nice and will even recognise you if you come often.' Tasty Congee and Wantun Noodle Shop, 21 King Kwong St, Happy Valley, Hong Kong Fook Lam Moon 'An iconic Hong Kong restaurant, Fook Lam Moon has been around since 1972, which I respect a lot. Their dim sum is super delicious and well made, and whenever I have visitors in Hong Kong, I like to bring them to the Wan Chai flagship for a taste of traditional Hong Kong cuisine. Don't miss the roast suckling pig and glazed barbecue pork buns.' Fook Lam Moon, 35-45 Johnston Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong Little Napoli 'For me, Little Napoli has the best pizza in town. Expect classic Neapolitan pizzas with ingredients sourced from Naples – the classic margarita is a work of art. All pizzas are made to order and baked in a stone oven right in front of you, boasting a puffy crust with lots of flavour. It doesn't get any better than that.' Little Napoli, G/F, No. 6-16 Tai Wong Street East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong RICARDO CHANETON, CHEF-OWNER, MONO Richard Chaneton is the chef-owner of MONO where he crafts refined, contemporary Latin American cuisine with European technique and precision. A veteran of Mirazur (3-Michelin stars) in France and former head chef of Petrus in Hong Kong, his culinary artistry and cross-cultural storytelling has earned MONO a Michelin star. 22 Ships 'The real deal for Spanish flavours in Hong Kong, 22 Ships is a great spot for brunch or dinner. Get the jamon croquetas, black octopus paella and tortilla to share with friends and pair with some wines. They've recently moved from Wan Chai to a bigger spot with a terrace now at PMQ Central, too.' 22 Ships, S109 - S113, Block A, PMQ, Staunton St, Central, Hong Kong Chachawan 'If you're craving bold, punchy Thai flavours, this is the spot – it's super lively and always packed for a reason. My top picks from the menu are the Gai Yang (marinated grilled chicken), Pla Phao Glua (salt-crusted fish), Larb Bet (duck salad), and Som Tum Goong Papaya (spicy papaya salad).' Chachawan, 206 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong Luk Yu Tea House 'Luk Yu Teahouse is a must for old school dim sum and classic Cantonese fare. It has been around for over 80 years and may not be regarded as the best dim sum in town, but it is very authentic. Be sure to order the char siu bao, siu mai, egg tarts, and shrimp dumplings.' Luk Yu Tea House, G/F- 3F, 24-26 Stanley St, Central, Hong Kong COA 'COA needs no introduction as one of Asia's 50 Best Bars (number 18 to be exact). Known for their super creative agave-based cocktails, we even did a collaboration with them for MONO's fifth anniversary.' COA, Shop A, LG/F Wah Shin House, 6-10 Shin Hing Street, Central, Hong Kong
Time Out
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Two local foodies bring back Hong Kong flavours and memories with this dai pai dong pop-up
Real ones know that even amidst the plethora of fantastic char siu, dim sum, roast goose, and other quintessential local eats, the most authentic Hong Kong flavours can arguably be found in our grotty dai pai dong stalls. Once neighbourhood dining staples in the hundreds dotted across the territories, Hong Kong's dai pai dongs have been steadily dwindling over the years, and only less than 20 now remain. That's why renowned chef and champion of Hong Kong flavours ArChan Chan has paired up with her Ho Lee Fook teammate and hospitality veteran Jonathan Leung to bring back the unpretentious, sizzling tastes that Hongkongers hold close to their hearts – with a limited-time dai pai dong pop-up. Cheekily named Peng Leng Jeng – Cantonese for the phrase meaning 'cheap, attractive, good' – the pop-up is a tribute to classic foodie favourites like Oi Man Sang and Keung Kee, with a menu of street-side staples cooked over custom high-heat flame burners to deliver the true char and wok hei (that elusive 'breath of the wok') that dai pai dong dishes bring to the table. Some dishes of note include typhoon shelter corn, salt and pepper squid, crispy egg omelette, black bean and chilli clams, crispy pork ribs with mayonnaise, the moreish pork lard rice, and of course the iconic stir fry king. Atmosphere is also a large part of the dai pai dong experience and Peng Leng Jeng offers diners the chance to step back into a time when the clatter of dishes and the blazing wok were loud, but the conversation and revelry was even louder. Pop the cap off a Blue Girl beer and kick back to the neon lights, Cantopop from the 80s to the 00s, and classic Hong Kong drinking games. Peng Leng Jeng is open from June 18 to August 31, on Tuesdays to Saturdays from 6pm onwards. To further build a sense of community, all hospitality professionals who pop by for a post-shift meal will get a 20-percent discount. Find out more on their website.
The Herald Scotland
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Six of Glasgow's best street food eats and where to find them
As we await the opening date for Fook Mei, a second venture from the Ho Lee Fook team, we've rounded up a list of six other places to find amazing street food in the city. From wood-fired pizza served from a converted horsebox to tacos down a 'hidden lane', here's what to look out for. Doughman's land Derby Street, Finnieston This quirky little container pitches up in Glasgow's West End from Wednesday to Sunday every week, serving a small but brilliant menu of freshly made pizzas. The brothers behind the venture are dedicated to using local produce wherever possible, and with a wood-fired oven kept at a toasty 500 degrees, can whip up the likes of pepperoni and hot honey or pistachio, mortadella ham and mushroom-topped pizzas in just 90 seconds. Wednesday to Friday, to try their creations for just £7. If you're a student, be prepared to pay even less thanks to a thrifty £6 deal. (Read more: Ron Mackenna review: Dough Man's Land) Ceylon Cartel The Barras Market You might recall these newcomers from my list of the best food and drink I had ordered in Glasgow earlier this spring, and with their dishes of Sri Lankan street food, they have easily earned a second mention. (Read more: A food & drink writer's guide for what to order in Glasgow this month) From traditional Kotthu topped with fried egg and cheese to crispy lamb rolls or a Watalappam dessert made with cardamom and nutmeg-spiked coconut milk, their dishes are sunshine in a cardboard bowl. They're currently located at The Barras, with plans to attend more events and festivals across the city in the near future. Rafa's Hidden Lane 1103 Argyle Street The colourful Hidden Lane in Finnieston is home to Rafa's, a taco spot which has over the years developed a cult favourite status in Glasgow. The menu here is always evolving, with some of the most recent specials including steak tacos topped with homemade chorizo-infused mayo, beech mushrooms and deep-fried pickles or pork belly burnt ends with jalapeno and bacon BBQ sauce. If you're a fan of their laid-back style and bold flavours, you might also be interested to know that the team behind Rafa's and Baked Pizza Al Taggio have recently launched Teglia Pizza on Cathcart Road in the city's Southside. Pakistani Street Food 412 Victoria Road This compact spot on Victoria Road is one of my favourite places to visit when searching for a hearty, flavourful lunch at a reasonable price. A chicken kebab wrap (with tender chunks of meat and salad drizzled in tamarind and garlic mayo, then wrapped in a warm paratha) is my go-to, while elsewhere on the menu are Biryani dishes, stuffed naan breads and pakora. Add a samosa for snacking on later to your order for just £1.50. Read more: MacTassos Glasgow Fort/Kelvin Way/Silverburn It's gyros galore at all three outlets for this Greek Street food business based in Glasgow. Since 2017, the family-run team at MacTassos has been passionate about serving their menu of pita breads filled with your choice of pork, chicken or falafel alongside extras of halloumi fries and sweet baklava. For a next-level summer picnic, order a few gyros boxes to share and head straight to the park. Antojitos The 78, 14 Kelvinhaugh Street Brother and sister duo John and Louise Kelly first launched this vegan-friendly Mexican as a lockdown project in 2020, going on to be crowned winners of the Best Scottish Street Food award just 11 months later. Though they are now based in the kitchen at the 78 in Glasgow's West End, Antojitos stays true to its street food roots with a menu of Mexican dishes, including quesabirria, spinach taquitos and grilled elote. If you find yourself in Edinburgh this summer, you can also get a taste of Antojitos at the popular Edinburgh Street Food collective at the Omni Centre.
Glasgow Times
09-06-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Viral Glasgow food stall set to open exciting new restaurant
The team behind HO LEE FOOK, based on Mcfarlane Street across from the Barras, has announced they are 'expecting' a new project. They'll be taking over the shop previously owned by brunch spot Scran at 239 London Road. Ho Lee Fook means good, wealth, and luck in Cantonese and the stall's menu, with highlights including haggis infused spring rolls, has queus forming around the corner. Now, they'll be opening up a restaurant in the space already loved by brunch munchers. Announcing the news on social media, they said: "HOLEEFOOK!! Is EXPECTING!!! INTRODUCING… FOOK MEI @fookmeiglasgow. "(I clearly need introduced to an iron). "Follow our journey turning the epic @scrangla into a Noodz or Sando Bar. TBC." Fans flocked to their post to share their excitement, one said: "This is news I needed today, holy hell, I'll never be out of there." Another gushed: "OMG! Congrats Lee and Johnny! Amazing news!" A third added: "YES MATE!!! Absolutely buzzing at this news!! Here we gooo!!!" While a few fans wanted to ensure their stall would remain open, they said, "YES!! Are you still going to have the shack?" HO LEE FOOK opened in 2023 and is run by Johnny and Lee. They were born in Scotland to Hong Kong parents and grew up as "takeaway kids," helping out in their families' shops. The Glasgow Times reported when the previous London Road shop owners, Scran, announced their 'exciting new plans'. At the beginning of this month, we reported that Scran will close its restaurant on London Road on Sunday, June 15, while a new eatery called Scran and Roadie will open at 180 Saltmarket on Saturday, June 21. Announcing the change on Instagram, owner Chris Mearns wrote: "It's almost time to pull the shutters down on our wee cafe for the final time. "Our last day will be Sunday 15th so you've still got two weeks to get your London Road Scran in. "It's bittersweet, we've had loads of fun and made so many friends here over the last two years, but it's time to get serious and take things to a whole new level." HO LEE FOOK have created a new page for new venture FOOK MEI, and you can follow its progress here.
The Herald Scotland
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Ho Lee Fook to take over popular cafe spot near The Barras
Sharing the news on social media, the husband and wife team said: "HOLEEFOOK!! Is EXPECTING!!! "Introducing… Fook Me. "Follow our journey, turning the epic @scrangla into a Noodz or Sando Bar. TBC." Earlier this year, Scran shared plans to relocate to the Saltmarket area of the city after a hugely successful two years in the East End. Confirming their last service in the London Road unit will be this Sunday, June 15, owner Chris Mears said: "It's almost time to pull the shutters down on our wee cafe for the final time. "Our last day will be Sunday 15th, so you've still got two weeks to get your London Road Scran in. "It's bittersweet, we've had loads of fun and made so many friends here over the last two years, but it's time to get serious and take things to a whole new level." Scran will launch its new location at 180 Saltmarket on Saturday, June 21. Though details of new menu plans have been scarce, fans of the business have been urged to keep their eyes peeled for further updates on social media. It is understood that Ho Lee Fook's original outlet at 1 McFarlane Street will remain open for business alongside Fook Mei at 239 London Road. You can read more about the tiny takeaway spot in the shadows of The Barras and how Lee and Johnny Chung were inspired to create their menu of dishes, such as Taiwanese hand-cut noodles and pork tankatsu sandwiches, in our lunch review from last month below. Read more: This tiny takeaway is serving some of the best street food you'll find in Glasgow
