The Best Cheap Eats Hong Kong Guide

Want to know all the best cheap eats in Hong Kong? I made it my mission to find the best budget-friendly eats in the city during my week there, and while I’m sure I barely scratched the surface, I tried so many amazing cheap eats in Hong Kong. 

I absolutely loved eating out in Hong Kong, it is a true foodie city – even for a fussy, budget foodie who doesn’t eat pork like me (there is a lot of pork in Hong Kong Chinese food). And I was surprised at how easy it was to eat cheap in Hong Kong.

My main eating focus was iconic Hong Kong Chinese food staples like egg waffles, egg tarts and dumplings during my time there, and I wasn’t disappointed. I also managed to try a few different Western food options and they were also so good!

I am no Hong Kong food expert by any means, but I was so impressed by the level of great food in the city that I wanted to share my Hong Kong food itinerary, because Hong Kong turned out to be up there with New Orleans as one of my favorite food cities in the world.

So here it is, my Best Cheap Eats Hong Kong Guide!

The Best Cheap Eats Hong Kong Guide

Check out my interactive map to plan your cheap eats in Hong Kong adventure!

Egg Waffles and Sweets

If you haven’t eaten a Hong Kong style egg waffle, also known as bubble waffles and eggettes, then you haven’t lived! I’ve been a massive fan for a long time, so I was really excited to try them in their hometown – and I wasn’t disappointed.

The Hong Kong-style egg tart is another big player in the sweet scene in Hong Kong. They are similar to English custard tarts and Portuguese pastel de nata, with creamy egg custard in a pastry case.

Mammy Pancake

I ended up eating at Mammy Pancake twice – and both times I had the chocolate chip egg waffle because it was so damn good.

Crispy edges on the outside, and pillowy soft with melty chocolate pieces inside – it was my favorite egg waffle I had in Hong Kong, and no surprise that it is a Michelin-recommended restaurant.

Locations: Numerous locations around Hong Kong. I ate at their Sheung Wan and Kowloon locations.
Website

Lee Keung Kee

Of the three egg waffle places I tried, my plain egg waffle from Lee Keung Kee was my least favorite but I still enjoyed it. It was a bit too thin and crunchy for me – not as much substance as the other two eggette places I tried.

I’m also a fan of different flavors and they only offer the plain eggette – as far as I could see at least.

I did go to the Nathan Road branch and the original is in North Point so they may be better there.

Locations: Original location is 492 King’s Rd, North Point
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Tai Cheong Bakery

Tai Cheong Bakery is famous for their egg tarts and I can definitely see why, and their sugar puffs were to die for too (a very airy donut that was slightly wet inside and very crispy on the outside).

I ended up grabbing a tart or a puff nearly every day for breakfast – I just couldn’t get enough of them.

I tried both their traditional egg tart and one with cheese, and the custard in both was so creamy and rich, with a buttery pastry base. The cheese one has a slightly more savory flavor.

Location: Numerous locations in Hong Kong. I ate at their Central location at 35 Lyndhurst Terrace.
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Dumplings

Dumplings, little delicious pockets of wonderfulness. Dumplings are one of my favorite foods, and East Asian dumplings are my absolute favorites. What better than dumplings to stuff yourself on after you hike Lion Rock or Dragon’s Back?

Hong Kong is a mecca for dumplings, especially Har Gow, or shrimp dumplings, and this Hong Kong Chinese food staple is a must for any Hong Kong food itinerary.

I tried a few different dumpling places during my time in Hong Kong and I loved them all. Soup dumplings, pan-fried Beijing-style dumplings, steamed shrimp dumplings – they were all so good.

Din Tai Fung

My favorite dumplings, hands down, were the Xiao Long Bao, or soup dumplings, from Din Tai Fung – I went there two days in a row even though it was in Kowloon and I was staying in the city.

I used to LOVE Xiao Long Bao a few years ago, and I thought I wouldn’t be able to eat them any more because I no longer eat pork, but Din Tai Fung has chicken Xiao Long Bao and they were outstanding.

I also enjoyed the green squash and shrimp Xiao Long Bao and the steamed mushroom dumplings.

Locations: Numerous locations in Hong Kong. I ate at their Kowloon branch located in the Food Loft of the Mira Place One shopping mall.
Website

Tim Ho Wan

Known as the world’s cheapest Michelin-starred restaurant, Tim Ho Wan is every dim sum lover’s dream – it sure was mine. Tim Ho Wan started in Hong Kong in 2009 and has since expanded to ten other countries – a testament to how great they are.

While their baked pork buns are their most iconic dish, I don’t eat pork so I can’t comment on them. But I can comment on how outstandingly delicious their Har Gow shrimp dumplings are – probably the best I have ever had, and I have had a lot.

I also really loved their fried shrimp and vegetable spring rolls, and their mini egg tarts.

Locations: Numerous locations in Hong Kong. I ate at their branch located in Hong Kong Station.
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One Dim Sum

One Dim Sum once held a Michelin star, and while it no longer does, the dim sum here is still very good.

My favorites at One Dim Sum were the crispy shrimp wontons with a sweet and sour sauce, and the Har Gow crystal shrimp dumplings, which were not quite as good as Tim Ho Wan, but very delicious all the same.

Location: G/F 209A-209B Tung Choi Street Prince Edward, Mong Kok
Website

Wang Fu

If you are more of a potsticker dumpling fan, then don’t miss Wang Fu. Wang Fu is a small and unassuming shop on a busy street in Central, and it’s home to traditional handmade Beijing-style dumplings.

There are about ten different dumpling fillings to choose from including a couple of vegetarian options, and you get a plate of ten dumplings either steamed or fried. I tried the fried vegetable dumplings and they were really good.

You can also get dumpling noodle dishes and steamed buns.

Location: 98-102 Wellington Street, Central
Website

Yum Cha

The Yum Cha restaurant chain is all about serving authentic Chinese food with a modern twist, and I visited to try their dim sum offerings.

I had their shrimp and veg dumplings which were good but not the best I have had, and their molten custard buns, which were delicious and sweet.

If you are into posting photos of cute food on the ‘gram, then Yum Cha is a great choice as their buns are super cute (the molten custard buns have eyes on them and the pork buns look like little pigs).

Location: Nan Fung Tower, 2/F, Nan Fung Place, 173 Des Voeux Rd Central

Duddell’s

My last dim sum experience in Hong Kong was at Duddell’s at their Hong Kong Airport branch. Like Tim Ho Wan, Duddell’s has one Michelin star and has very agreeable dim sum.

My favorites here were again the har gow shrimp dumplings, as well as the mini egg tarts and the crispy shrimp spring rolls.

Their main restaurant in Central is more of an upscale experience compared to their airport branch, with a larger and more elaborate menu including soup dumplings in lobster broth, and grouper dumplings with termite mushrooms among other things.

Locations: Level 3 Shanghai Tang Mansion, 1 Duddell St, Central and East Hall, Terminal 1, Level 7, Departures of Hong Kong Airport
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Coffee

Hong Kong is serious about coffee, and although I only tried a couple of different places, I was really impressed by the quality and prevalence of high-quality cafes.

Pacific Coffee

Pacific Coffee is a Hong Kong chain that has consistently good coffee, and there was a branch right near my hotel so I went there most mornings for a vanilla latte or a flat white. They also offer a limited food menu with pastries, bagel sandwiches, and salads.

Locations: There are numerous locations throughout Hong Kong, you can find them here.
Website 

Cupping Room Coffee Roasters

Cupping Room Coffee Roasters was another solid coffee choice, and it reminded me a lot of the hipster cafes in Melbourne. I had a very well-made flat white and a delicious croissant, and I was very tempted by the inventive breakfast menu – next time.

Locations: There are four locations in Hong Kong, you can find them here
Website

Everything Else

While I wanted to try loads of Hong Kong Chinese food staples like dumplings, egg waffles, and egg tarts during my time in the city.

I also tried a number of other cuisines and I have no regrets because Hong Kong is also home to incredible Western food and more.

BEP Vietnamese Kitchen

I was craving a steaming bowl of pho and BEP Vietnamese Kitchen came up in my online search as one of the best Vietnamese food restaurants in Central Hong Kong.

Although I did end up going with the pho ga which was super fragrant and with white meat chicken, I was so tempted by lots of the other dishes on the massive menu including Vietnamese spring rolls, banh mi, and the bun noodle dishes.

Go at lunchtime for one of their affordable lunch specials.

Location: There are four branches of BEP Vietnamese Kitchen in Hong Kong. I went to their Central location at 88-90 Wellington Street
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Pizza Express

I know, I know – Pizza Express is a chain restaurant that’s a dime a dozen if you are from the UK. But, if you are not familiar with Pizza Express, then now is your chance to try their delicious pizzas and garlic butter dough balls.

On this visit, I had the Lava Neapolitan-style pizza, which is covered with burrata mozzarella, olives, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil and it was the best pizza I had in months – the burrata, wow, so good!

Locations: There are 21 Pizza Express restaurants in Hong Kong, I went to the one located at 97 Wellington Street in Central.
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Comptoir

This tiny but stylish restaurant in Kennedy Town has amazing Italian and French food, and I adored their gorgonzola gnocchi which was perfectly plump and chewy.

I nearly died with happiness with my first taste of the creamy gorgonzola – my first proper cheese in months.

They also have a lot of seafood dishes on the menu, and if you are a wine snob, then the selection of French wines will be bound to impress.

Location: 42 Forbes Street, Kennedy Town
Website

Burger Circus

When I was craving a good ole-fashioned burger and fries, Burger Circus delivered. Burger Circus models itself as an American-style diner, with simple burgers made with high-quality ingredients, hand-cut fries, pies, and milkshakes.

They also have refreshing house-made sodas including the super delicious passionfruit and pineapple flavor.

Location: 22 Hollywood Road, Central
Website

Photo Source

So that is my list of the best cheap eats Hong Kong from my visit. I felt like I had a pretty good overview of the diverse and eclectic food scene in Hong Kong, and I can’t wait to delve in further in the future.

How To Plan Your Hong Kong Food Itinerary

If you want to ensure you are safe when drinking out of a tap in Hong Kong, I recommend taking a LARQ self-cleaning and purifying water bottle with you on your travels – I love mine.

Where to Stay in Hong Kong

I loved both places I stayed in Hong Kong. Jen Hong Kong by Shangi-La was my luxury hotel choice and I loved the incredible views over the harbor, the super comfortable bed, and – if it had been open when I was there – the rooftop pool looked pretty amazing.

mini hotel Central was my less expensive accommodation choice and I ended up staying there for six nights. The rooms here may be small but I honestly didn’t mind the size, because they are well-appointed and I had everything I needed.

The location was fantastic, right in Central within walking distance to so many of these fantastic cheap eats in Hong Kong, and the lobby is a stylish and comfortable lounge area that is great for hanging out.

If you would prefer to stay in a hostel, check out the Hop Inn. Located in a central but quiet part of Kowloon, Hop Inn is an art and plant-filled hostel that offers dorm and private rooms.

How To Get Around in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is an easy city to navigate, with regular trains on the MTR, buses, trams, and taxis. If you are located in Kowloon or Central, it’s also easy to get around by walking.

Use Google maps to find out which trains, buses etc to catch between destinations.

The Best Insurance for your Hong Kong Trip

Make sure you get travel and health insurance before your trip, just to be on the safe side. Safety Wing is my go-to and they are cheap, and easy to claim with. 

Safety Wing also allows you to sign up when you are already traveling, unlike a lot of other travel insurance providers.

If you liked this post, check out my other food guides and recipe posts:

• The Best Cheap Eats in Auckland
• The Best Louisiana Food Guide to Tantalise Your Tastebuds
• The Best Markets in London
• World Dishes: New Zealand Corn Fritters Recipe
• World Dishes: Italian Gnocchi Recipe
• Eating Anchorage and Other Tales from the City

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