Hong Kong plays host to an endless array of luxury restaurants and opulent fine dining experiences, but the city is by no means lacking in the cheap eats department. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a wallet-friendly list of the best spots for snacks and meals under $50 in one of the city’s best areas for cheap eats – the Eastern District.
Located on the north-eastern coast of Hong Kong Island, the Eastern District reaches areas from Fortress Hill to Chai Wan, and more. This laid-back, down-to-earth neighbourhood is home to many hole-in-the-wall eateries and quirky street food stalls that all offer good food at great value. Tiffany Tsoi
RECOMMENDED: Looking for more cheap eats? Check out our feature on the street food heaven that is Kwai Chung Plaza
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This cosy spot in Sai Wan Ho brands itself as a ramen place, but in reality, it serves everything from traditional Chinese side dishes, to baked rice bowls, and their signature double hearts noodle dish: a hearty bowl of soup noodles with a choice of toppings, broth, and noodle type. You’ll be spoilt for choice – without so much as a dent in your wallet.
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Zeppelin hot dog shop is a Hong Kong-based brand with multiple branches all over the city serving up classic American hot dogs, and the Shau Kei Wan branch is no exception. All hot dogs are grabbed to go, with quirky takes on the timeless dish like the Country style dog, Aussie dog, and US Style Rings Dog. Enjoy a hot dog accompanied by other Western-style snacks available on the menu, including onion rings, crisscut fries, chicken nuggets, and even British fish fingers.
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This tiny backstreet eatery may look unassuming, but it’s not fair to judge a book by its cover, right? Loved by foodies across the city who come all the way – and sometimes need to queue – for their signature curry omurice; this store offers a menu where everything is under $50, making it the perfect lunch or quick snack spot. The Japanese-style curry omurice is by far the most popular order ($38), followed by their crowd-pleasing Taiwanese braised pork rice (also $38), making sure you get good bang for your buck.
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Despite its name, Master Low-key’s food shop isn’t popular for being, wait for it, low-key. This traditional snack shop is loved for its Hong Kong specialities including waffles, one of which is their signature order of the aptly-named Golden Waffle ($30), which puts a spin on the traditional snack and fills it up with a lavish explosion of salted egg yolk, condensed milk, and brown sugar. Master Low-key food shop may not have you splurging when it comes to price, but it definitely doesn’t hold back on richness or indulgence.
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Travelling might be off the cards this year, but what you can do is step into Jiu Fen Full for a little taste of Taiwan. One of the best things about this restaurant is that everything is served in small portions, which is perfect for snacking or tasting more from the menu. From beef noodle soup and Taiwanese sausages, to fried squid and everyone’s favourite bubble milk tea, all at a superbly affordable price point.
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The Eastern District is also home to many traditional congee and noodle stores, but Kam Fung’s congee and noodles is really something special, and the perennially long queues outside the store can certainly attest to that. This is the place to hit up for all your traditional Canto-style eats, from cheung fun, fried noodles, congee (there are a myriad of flavours to choose from), washed down with Hong Kong style milk tea.
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If you’re partial to croissants and pastries, you’ve probably already heard of Hazukido. It’s hard to miss this place – what with the rich smell of butter wafting through the air that pulls you in. This Japanese chain store offers croissants galore – with fun and creative flavours including caramel almond and custard and salted egg yolk and taro, or savoury versions such as the golden cheese and cod roe. All croissants at Hazukido are priced under $25 - going easy on the bank balance, without skimping on flavour.
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