Cherry Chan

Hong Kong’s restaurants come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. While some may look a bit dingy, others present themselves with stunning decor and sweeping views that practically demand you take a picture. Keep reading if you want to find the most Instagrammable restaurants in Hong Kong. RECOMMENDED: Looking for more casual dining options? Check out the best izakayas in Hong Kong!

Hong Kong is home to numerous exceptional Japanese restaurants specializing in sushi, yakiniku, and ramen – but there’s just something about izakayas that we love so dearly. Much like their Japanese counterparts, Hong Kong’s izakayas offer a laid-back dining experience where patrons can unwind with friends as they enjoy bar snacks, sip on draught beers (or just drink sake straight from the bottle if it’s been a rough day at the office), and just simply have a good time. Keep reading to find our favourite Japanese dining and drinking dens in Hong Kong! View this post on Instagram A post shared by Time Out Hong Kong (@timeouthk) RECOMMENDED: Ready for another drink? Head to the best rooftop bars in Hong Kong!

Hong Kong's skyline is legendary. Centred on Victoria Harbour, it's a nightly festival of neon and LED lights flickering against glass towers. There are many places in the city where you can glimpse these majestic skylines, but the best ones are those where you can drink and dine. Hong Kong has a bundle of rooftop bars that offer jaw-dropping views of the city. Whether you're planning a romantic night under the stars, a celebration with your nearest and dearest, or just looking for somewhere to get away from – or above – it all, one of these watering holes in Hong Kong is sure to have you covered.  RECOMMENDED: Grab a bite to eat at the best restaurants with epic views in Hong Kong!

This city really does have an impressive variety of global cuisines. Hong Kong's own cuisine, however, is mainly influenced by Cantonese cuisine. A cuisine characterised by its lighter and more natural tasting flavours, along with the traditional, and sometimes laborious, techniques used to create them. So, whether you're looking to sample some comforting classics or enjoy an exquisite Cantonese feast, here are some of the best places to find it in Hong Kong. RECOMMENDED: Enjoy a meal at the best restaurants with epic views in Hong Kong

Hong Kong boasts a dynamic food culture, offering diverse dining choices across various budgets. However, finding restaurants suitable for large groups can pose a challenge. Whether organising a family get-together, a corporate function, or a birthday bash, discover top eateries that serve delicious meals and provide a fitting setting for your group gatherings. RECOMMENDED: Need to grab a bite in the middle of the night? Here are the best 24-hour and late-night restaurants in Hong Kong!

Need to stave off a hangover after a long night of drinking or just want to grab a bite to eat in the early hours of the morning? Our city has some seriously delicious 24-hour and late-night restaurants to satisfy those cravings. Say goodbye to hunger pains with these tasty options.RECOMMENDED: Grab a piping hot egg tart and pineapple bun at the best local bakeries in Hong Kong!

Our city has plenty of Western-style bakeries that offer baguettes, sourdough loaves, and pastries. Similarly, Hong Kong also has loads of local bakeries that sell classic baked goods like pineapple buns and egg tarts sold by the dozen. Scroll below to find our top picks for the best local bakeries around town. RECOMMENDED: These spots also whip up festive snacks for Chinese New Year – have you filled your candy box yet?

Ask a dozen Hongkongers where to get the best dim sum in Hong Kong and you’ll likely get a dozen different answers. Dim sum is a huge part of Hong Kong's unique heritage and cultural identity and therefore, also a big part of our diet. There’s everything from white tablecloth establishments housed inside luxury hotels to neighbourhood gems that are still rough-around-the-edges, but almost equal in quality. Ahead is a list of the very best dim sum restaurants in Hong Kong. The settings may vary, but just about everything they serve is highly recommended. RECOMMENDED: Stay up to date with the latest food and drink news in Hong Kong.

From new openings and hot events to product launches, Hong Kong's food scene is never short of exciting happenings. So, we've conveniently gathered this month's foodie happenings that you need to know to stay in the loop.  Bookmark this page for more updates! We'll keep dropping the freshest news as it comes in. RECOMMENDED: Get ready for Year of the Snake by booking a table for the best Chinese New Year menus in Hong Kong.

If there's anything that our Chinese parents have taught us, it's to make sure you never show up to someone's house empty-handed, especially when it’s Chinese New Year. And while a basket of oranges or biscuit tin is all well and good, food and drink brands in Hong Kong are getting creative so you can come bearing gifts that are slightly more impressive. From chocolates and cookies to cakes and tea, here’s the list of our top food and drink gifts to give this CNY. RECOMMENDED: Enjoy some festive food for thought by reading all about traditional CNY snacks and why we eat them.

Whether you’re a local Hongkonger or a newly arrived expat, having a few useful Cantonese phrases in your back pocket can make your life a whole lot easier. Especially if you’re eating out at a cha chaan teng or local restaurant, there are some essential, time-saving phrases you need to know to get the attention of the lo baan (owner) – think of them as your building blocks to communicating efficiently and a way to avoid getting yelled at by waiters. Practice makes perfect so don’t be afraid to say these out loud at your local diner. Here are a few essential phrases to get you started. RECOMMENDED: Fill your belly at the best Italian restaurants in Hong Kong if you're not feeling quite confident yet. 

Fashion trends may come and go in the blink of an eye, but athleisure clothing has established itself as a lasting favourite among style enthusiasts. This versatile style not only embraces size inclusivity, but seamlessly blends comfort, style, and performance – making it easier than ever to look chic while staying active.Keep scrolling to find the hottest athleisure clothing brands accredited by the Hong Kong Tourism Board under the Quality Tourism Services (QTS) Scheme, which recognises merchants in the city that consistently deliver high product quality and service standards. 

Tseng Tau Tsuen is a quiet residential village tucked away in Ma On Shan. There’s not a lot that goes on there, but with the upcoming opening of the mega Go Park Sai Sha, the village is soon to gain a new neighbour that will turn this serene locale into a vibrant hub of activity. This mall complex offers a wide range of sporting facilities, such as a multipurpose stadium that can be used for small concerts, a rock-climbing gym, a golfing range kitted out with Trackman radar technology, pitches and courts for various sports, and even an indoor swimming pool. But let’s be honest, what we’re really interested in, is the range of eateries that’ll be joining the mall.  Currently, Sports Bistro is the only dining venue that’s open for business inside Go Park. Aligning with the mall’s sports-friendly message, this restaurant focuses on nutritionist-recommended dishes, with options like all-day breakfast plates, salads, Asian rice and noodle dishes, and light snacks on the menu. We decided to check out the restaurant on a Sunday afternoon, and even though Go Park was still undergoing trial operations – meaning there was not much there besides sporting facilities – the restaurant was completely packed full of customers.  Luckily, we only waited for a bit before being ushered to our table. The restaurant’s venue was spacious and had large floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing plenty of natural sunlight to flow into the space. The decor is relatively simple, featuring a few sports-related

For some Hongkongers, the thought of making the long journey into the New Territories can deter them from visiting just for a meal, let alone exploring the area. However, many who live there will tell you that there are plenty of worthy spots to dine at – if you’re willing to sacrifice time to commute.  Adding to New Territories’ roster of restaurants is Dzô Dzô, a Vietnamese eatery under local dining group Taste Gourmet Group, proprietors of venues like Shanghainese and Sichuanese restaurant Azure 80 and Japanese-inspired French venue Tirpse. Meaning ‘cheers’ in Vietnamese, Dzô Dzô is located within New Town Plaza, one of the busiest and largest shopping malls in Sha Tin.  We visited the restaurant on a Monday evening and were surprised to find the restaurant packed with diners, even on a weekday. After a short 10-minute wait, we were taken to our seats. Despite being partially open to the mall, the restaurant is tucked away in a quiet corner, so we could dine without hearing any commotion. Dzô Dzô’s interior featuring a calming colour palette of green and white, with light wooden fixtures and potted plants creating a relaxed ambience for diners. The menu offers a wide selection of Vietnamese dishes ranging from light appetisers to entrees for sharing. Rather than ordering from Dzô Dzô’s a la carte menu, we were recommended by the staff to go for the dinner set for two (starting from $398) – which comes with two appetisers, a vegetable dish, one entree, and two drinks – so w

Japan’s curry specialist Caligari has opened their first overseas location in Hong Kong. This Tokyo-based restaurant boasts accolades such as nabbing first place in 2019 and 2023 at the Kanda Curry Grand Prix, an annual event held in Japan to crown the country’s best curry. Currently, the restaurant ranks as one of Japan’s 100 best curry restaurants on Tabelog, one of the country’s most popular restaurant apps.  Caligari’s Hong Kong outpost is located in a bustling area in Central but the restaurant is tucked away in an inconspicuous corner of the Entertainment Building, creating a comforting environment to enjoy your food. The restaurant has an understated white interior, complemented by accents from dark wooden furniture and fixtures. I visited Caligari at noon on a Saturday and to my surprise, there were only a few customers dining at the restaurant. Differentiating itself from other curry restaurants in Japan, Caligari uses a unique blend of spices like fennel, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, as well as mustard seeds to add depth in their curries. By simmering their curries at high pressure and temperatures for eight to 12 hours, the restaurant achieves distinctly rich flavours. Customers can opt for rice sets served with Caligari’s signature curry – a harmonious blend of chicken and pork cooked down with coconut milk to render subtle flavours – or the premium spices curry – a velvety sauce that contains a dash of coconut milk and the natural essences of the

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Time Out Hong Kong (@timeouthk) From now until February 19, heritage Cognac brand Rémy Martin is holding an exclusive Rémy Martin Cognac Express pop-up at Elements in Tsim Sha Tsui. The Cognac brand’s pop-up space takes form in a lavishly decorated train carriage, in which guests can scan a QR code to redeem an e-boarding pass that allows them to hop aboard and learn about Rémy Martin’s 300-year old Cognac blending and ageing legacy. Additionally, guests can also admire a display of Rémy Martin’s Club, VSOP, and XO Cognac bottles in their limited edition Chinese New Year packaging. What’s more, the Cognac Express also provides an interactive tasting area for guests to sip on the brand’s fine Cognacs, while learning about the differences of each variety from Rémy Martin’s brand ambassadors. During the event period, Rémy Martin has partnered with renowned bars Penicillin and Lockdown to create two Rémy Martin VSOP based cocktails – Working to Restore and Express Highball – for customers to savour. The Rémy Martin pop-up will also provide masterclass sessions, in which spirit experts will share their knowledge about Cognac production and appreciation.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Time Out Hong Kong (@timeouthk) Dara – meaning ‘auntie’ in Kapampangan (one of the eight major languages of the Philippines) and spoken primarily in the entire province of Pampanga – is a family-run business and is named after the restaurant’s executive chef and founder Imelda Bunoan, also known as Darang Mel (Auntie Mel). The modern Filipino restaurant originally opened in late 2022 within Art Lane in Sai Ying Pun; but has recently moved to a bigger location across the neighbourhood. The restaurant is tucked behind La Paloma and a stone’s throw from Call Me Al, so keep your eyes peeled if you’re trying to find their venue. The new venue buzzes with activity and exudes a lively atmosphere. Dara has kept the same colour scheme, furniture, and decor from its previous location; such as the arch design in their bar display, rattan and wooden fixtures, and hanging light bulbs. Aside from boasting a space that’s four times bigger than their previous venue, the new space features high ceilings, a large bar table that stretches as far as the eye can see, and a soon-to-open karaoke and billiards room that will be fully operational by January. It's an expansive space that's a rare find on this side of town.Since their move to the new location, Dara has expanded their menu to provide more affordable and filling Pinoy classics. Feeling hungry, we start off by tearing into a portion of homemade pandesal – a traditional bread roll – ($58) wh

If you’ve ever been on Peel Street, chances are you’ve most likely passed by Chôm Chôm. Like most venues on this dynamic street, you’ll most likely find a crowd of people at Chôm Chôm spilt out onto the pavement as they sip on cocktails and Vietnamese beer. This resto-bar has been an integral part of Soho’s bustling neighbourhood since 2013, but briefly closed its doors during the summer. After their short break, the Vietnamese eatery is back and ready to host diners and drinkers alike. Previous patrons of Chôm Chôm are familiar with the outdoor seating area, where you’ll find drink crates turned into makeshift stools and tables, as well as plastic chairs that would fill up their front entrance. While it isn’t the most glamorous seating arrangement, it added to Chôm Chôm’s character and paid homage to casual streetside eateries that you would see in Vietnam. Following their summer break, the restaurant has renovated its outdoor space to have two large benches built into the front entrance, but we suspect Chôm Chôm will bust out the plastic chairs once again when the time comes. Chôm Chôm doesn’t offer reservations, so be sure to arrive early, as this spot fills up quickly. Despite visiting on a busy Thursday evening, we were able to grab our seats right by the bar, which provided us with a clear view of Chôm Chôm’s kitchen. Chôm Chôm’s atmosphere was lively and full of energy, but the raucousness made it difficult to have a conversation at a normal volume. Nevertheless, the s

Featuring a stunning upside-down-hanging garden, Rue du Liban is the perfect place to sit back and relax.The eatery provides a modern yet authentic take on Lebanese fare, and allows diners to order a wide selection of sharing platters and regional dishes; such as starters like grilled halloumi cheese ($128), tabbouleh salad ($108), lamb sambousek ($118), and more. Move onto Rue du Liban’s grilled mains like chicken fatteh ($168), grilled tiger prawns with garlic sauce ($258), and mixed grill platter ($568). If you want to pair your meal with libations, Rue du Liban’s menu also provides a range of wine labels from Lebanon that should not be missed.

Rootdown is the newest addition to Sai Ying Pun's cafe-filled neighbourhood. Located just a few stops away from Sai Ying Pun's MTR Exit B3, this all-new cafe is nestled within the colourful walls of ArtLane and stands out with its unique exterior. Unlike other cafes in the area, Rootdown's venue has large wooden panels that are lined up to allow sunlight and wind into the cafe, while keeping the cafe semi-closed off from the street. Inside the cafe's venue, you'll find a few wooden tables and chairs, as well as a sleek metallic cafe-bar where their beverages are made. Rootdown's food offerings span from pastries such as croissants or toasted milk bread with maple brown butter (both $35), to savoury bites like nori chips or loaded potato skins topped with sour cream and pancetta (both $50). Additionally, the menu also provides a range of sandwich options such as grilled cheese ($70), as well as salami and pepperoni ($90). Regardless if you have a vegetarian diet or not, the 'shroom sandwich ($90) should not be overlooked. Containing three different types of mushrooms – maitake, shiitake chips, and a mushroom pate spread – along with arugula and pickled onions between crispy focaccia bread; this sandwich is packed full of flavour and umami. When it comes to beverages Rootdown serves up of plenty of coffee options, smoothies, and blended lattes. But if you care for some tipple, the bar also offers whisky or tequila highballs, wines; and even some of their own cocktails. 

Over the years, Kennedy Town has undergone a transformation evolving from a sleepy town into one of Hong Kong’s trendiest neighbourhoods full of casual eateries and restobars. Adding to the array of drinking establishments in this waterfront town is Blotto, a laid-back drinking den that prides itself on making sure you have a good time while drinking to your heart’s (and liver’s) content. The bar’s name was inspired from a 15th century term that means ‘to be extremely drunk’ - now, you’ll know what to expect when you swing by. The philosophy of Blotto is simple: ‘if it ain’t fun, don’t do it’, and the bar certainly follows that motto with gusto.  Blotto exudes a no-fuss, unpretentious divey vibe. It is simple yet honest, inviting you to unwind and have a great time. The bar's signage, painted in bold grey letters, almost gives the impression that the painter made an amusing mistake on the letters. Inside, the bar's interior is adorned with colourful metal stools and steel drum chairs. The walls are a cheerful mix of yellow, pink, and blue, decorated with cheeky murals portraying animals joyfully sharing pints or raising wine glasses. It's the kind of joint where you can kick back and gleefully gulp down a few libations without feeling like you're under a microscope. They also offer a modest collection of card and board games to keep you and your friends entertained throughout the night. The brainchild behind the bar is local mixologist Austen Lendrum, who is also the co-found

If you’ve recently walked past Linva Tailor on Cochrane Street, you may have noticed a new dining addition opposite the cheongsam tailoring shop. Indonesian Restaurant 1968 may seem unassuming at first glance, but little do people know, this restaurant has an extensive history and is one of the longest-standing Indonesian restaurants in the city. Their first restaurant originally opened on Yun Ping Road in Causeway Bay in 1968, and has moved across several locations in the CWB district and Central over the years, before finally settling down underneath the Mid-Levels Escalator this August. Indonesian Restaurant 1968 is owned and run by Hudson Chang, the grandson of the original proprietor, and he continues to carry out the legacy of his family. We arrived at the restaurant on a bustling Friday evening, but fortunately, we managed to secure a table without much delay. Stepping inside, diners are instantly greeted by the homely and rustic atmosphere that Indonesian Restaurant 1968 prides itself on. The decor showcases wooden tables, cosy booth seats, rattan chairs, and menus resembling a newspaper. Since the restaurant was packed, we were only able to get a seat at the bar table in the basement level, where the ceiling was noticeably low. Our dining experience was slightly hindered by a boisterous group of diners seated nearby. The low ceilings created a rather echoey environment, which made it challenging to maintain a conversation at a normal volume.The restaurant’s menu feat

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Time Out Hong Kong (@timeouthk) Renowned Japanese chef Shinji Kanesaka is bringing his two Michelin-starred Ginza Sushi Kanesaka to Hong Kong for the first time with the brand new opening of Kanesaka Hong Kong. Helmed by chef Seiji Taniguchi who was formerly at Sushi Kanesaka’s Tokyo Palace Hotel branch, this Japanese restaurant intimately seats up to 20 guests at a time and serves up authentic Edomae-style sushi to Hong Kong’s diners. Customers can choose from menu options such as a lunch nigiri set, a lunch omakase, or an exquisite dinner omakase – all of which will showcase the chefs’ expertise in sushi craftsmanship. Highlights of Kanesaka include dishes such as chef’s signature maki roll with akami, chutoro, and otoro; horse mackerel nigiri; monkfish liver; and Bafun sea urchin maki.

While Jardine's Cresent in Causeway Bay may seem like a like a standard street market full of stalls selling all sorts of knick knacks and home appliances, it's also home to Liao Za Lie, a casual restaurant that specialises in Shaanxi-style cusine. Diners can expect to find a wide variety of delightful appetisers such as rou jia mo – a crisp, flaky pancake stuffed with fillings such as minced pork or potatoes and onions; firey stir-fried dishes, and sharing dishes such as Sichuan fish with pickled mustard, or wide biangbiang noodles tossed generously in chilli and garlic that can be customised to your spice tolerance. 

Every culture has its unique cuisine, but some dishes can be more daunting than others. Hong Kong is no stranger to having some eyebrow-raising dishes – think snake soup or century eggs – but what if we told you that mooncakes have been listed among the world’s worst dishes? Online travel guide platform Tasteatlas has released its list of the 100 worst-rated dishes in the world for 2025, compiled from over 600 thousand ratings by global users. To our surprise, single-yolk mooncakes landed in 25th place on the list and earned a mere 2.7 points out of five. What’s more, these traditional treats also topped Tasteatlas’ list as the worst pastry in the world. While one user described mooncakes as a “hard-boiled egg in a sweet cake”, others defended them, saying “it’s nice to have a filling snack that isn’t too sweet”, and that it “definitely doesn’t deserve the low rating it gets”. The top spot on the list went to Sweden’s blodplättar (traditional animal blood pancakes and lingonberries), which scored a 1.6 out of 5, followed by blodpalt – dumplings made from rye or barley flour dough and animal’s blood – from Finland at 1.8 points, and calskrove – a calorific calzone stuffed with hamburgers and French fries – also from Sweden at 1.9 points. Aside from mooncakes, several Asian dishes also made Tasteatlas’ list. Among them, Thailand clinched fifth place with deep-fried silkworm pupae at 2.0 points, followed by fish entrail sour curry in ninth place with 2.2 points. Others on the li

If you’ve ever gone bar-hopping in Central, chances are you’ve dropped into Dr. Fern’s Gin Parlour for a cocktail at least once. Since opening its doors in 2017, this hidden gem in Landmark’s basement has become one of Hong Kong’s top speakeasy-style bars. Housing over 200 bottles of premium gin sourced globally, it’s a haven for gin lovers. Photograph: Courtesy Dr Fern's Gin Parlour/Jared Lam Sadly, the bar recently announced on Instagram that it will be closing its doors by January 25 and encouraged visitors to ‘drop by one last time for a prescription to whatever ailment you have’. As a farewell, Dr. Ferns’ is going out with a bang and holding a series of exciting guest shifts. Visitors can stop by on January 16 to catch Shanghai-based bar The Union Trading Co’s mixologist Lio Yao behind the bar, or catch Dr. Fern’s former head bartenders Paul and Gerry as they shake and stir exclusive cocktails for one last time on January 18 and 24. While t​​he gin parlour hasn’t mentioned any plans to open at a new venue, we’re keeping our fingers crossed that they’ll return to Hong Kong’s bar scene. Recommended reading: I tried the viral custard flan from Rosewood Hong Kong and here's my verdict Chinese app Xiaohongshu sees an influx of American users following the likelihood of a TikTok ban Catch unbeatable deals at Black Sheep Restaurants’ Black Series Follow us on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, or subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news and updates on what's g

Our city’s foodies are always on the hunt for great dishes to try, so it’s no surprise for an online food recommendation to quickly become a viral sensation. Recently, one post on Xiaohongshu (XHS) – a Chinese social media app that’s currently being flooded with ‘TikTok refugees’ – about the Hokkaido custard flan from Rosewood Hong Kong’s Butterfly Patisserie has sparked interest amongst many. Led by executive pastry chef Jonathan Soukdeo, the patisserie consistently churns out showstopping pastries. Although this baked dessert has been available at Butterfly Patisserie for six months, it’s become a hot commodity and must be reserved in advance on Rosewood Hong Kong’s website. Luckily, I was able to get my hands on one of these pastries to see what all the hype was about.   Photograph: Cherry Chan At first glance, the flan is around the same size as a fist and has a flaky pastry shell with distinct layers. The custard’s surface is lightly caramelised and dusted with icing sugar. After taking a hefty bite, the strong egg and vanilla flavours of the custard coated my entire palate.  The flan was pleasant at first, but the creamy filling got pretty sweet as I continued eating and wished I had a cup of tea or coffee to offset the rich, eggy flavours. With that said, I particularly enjoyed the flan’s crispy pastry shell, which added a contrast in textures. Photograph: Cherry Chan As someone with a low threshold for sweets, I tapped out after having half of the custard flan, bu

From January 17 to 26, Black Sheep Restaurants is returning with its ever-popular Black Series dining event, which promises exclusive dishes and signature menus at unbeatable prices. What’s more, all Black Series diners will receive a lai see, offering a chance to win redeemable prizes for their next visit. You could potentially win two-for-one deals on lunch and dinner, or even snag a complimentary bottle of Champagne! Photograph: Courtesy Prince and the Peacock Expect lavish dining experiences at venues like Prince and the Peacock, where chef Palash and his team have whipped up a menu (from $468) with dishes like lobster shorba in tomato broth and tomato cream, tandoor-fired Wagyu short ribs with sesame chutney, and more. Treat yourself and your loved ones to an unforgettable meal at Michelin-starred eatery Belon (from $1,088) which includes creations like Spanish mackerel with ginkgo nut and red curry, and smoked Pekin duck with sugarcane and sakura. Photograph: Courtesy Grand Majestic Sichuan For those seeking traditional Chinese flavours, be sure to drop into Ho Lee Fook on Elgin Street to savour timeless Cantonese classics in their time-limited dinner menu ($498). Alternatively,  Grand Majestic Sichuan’s exclusive menu (from $328) will serve up fiery dishes like bang bang chicken tossed in spicy sesame sauce and kung pao prawns.  Photograph: Courtesy Black Sheep Restaurants If you’re craving something sweet, Gelato Messina will offer a third scoop on the house for

Last December, Hong Kong’s foodies couldn’t stop raving about Japan’s beloved bakery TruffleBakery opening in town. Well, it seems like the hype around Japanese bakeries isn’t dying down anytime soon, as baked goods brand Merci Moncher has just opened its first overseas location in Hong Kong! Here’s all the key info you knead to know about this artisan bakery. Where is Merci Moncher in Hong Kong? You can find the Japanese bakery at 15 Lan Fong Road in Causeway Bay near Lee Garden One. Photograph: Courtesy Merci Moncher What’s on the menu at Merci Moncher? Aside from a wide variety of baked goods – including baguettes, bread loaves, and roll cakes – Merci Moncher also offers Hong Kong-exclusive items like mini melonpan bread loaves, cream-filled milk rolls inspired by Italian maritozzo buns, flaky egg tarts made with Hokkaido milk, and plenty more. Those in need of caffeine can also grab fresh brews made from NOC’s coffee beans from the shop’s small coffee stand. Photograph: Courtesy Merci Moncher Special promotions at Merci Moncher To celebrate Merci Moncher opening its first overseas location, the bakery will be rolling out week-long discounts and deals in January. Enjoy a buy-one-get-one deal on their flaky egg tarts from now until January 14, followed by a buy-one-get-one deal on croissants from January 15 to 21. Finally, the bakery will be selling their mini melonpan bread loaves with a 50 percent discount from January 22 to 28.  What is Merci Moncher and why are they

China’s largest online shopping platform, Meituan, has released its annual Black Pearl Restaurant Guide for 2025 – and Hong Kong nabbed a whopping 37 spots on the list! This year, the guide is comprised of 370 restaurants from 34 cities around the world, and destinations such as Changzhou, Quanzhou, Wenzhou, and Sanya made their first appearance on the list. For those who aren’t aware, restaurants named in the Black Pearl Restaurant Guide are categorised into three diamond tiers – similar to Michelin star ratings. For the 2025 ranking, our city gained six more venues compared to last year’s total of 31 venues. Most notably, refined Cantonese restaurant The Chairman gained an additional diamond, making it one of two restaurants in the city to earn the prestigious ranking of three diamonds. Find the complete list of Black Pearl Restaurant Guide-recognised restaurants below: Three diamonds (Two venues)The Chairman Howard’s Gourmet Two diamonds (11 venues)8 ½ Otto e Mezzo BombanaAmberCapriceL’Atelier del Joël RobuchonTa VieVEA RestaurantSeventh Son RestaurantLai Ching HeenLung King HeenT’ang CourtSushi ShikonOne diamond (24 venues)AndōArborChaatEstro (new entry)Hansik GooL’Envol (new entry)Sep (new entry)Tate Dining Room The Chinese LibraryBo InnovationHong Zhou RestaurantSpring MoonMing CourtRùn (new entry)Mott 32Chinesology (new entry)Tin Lung Heen The Legacy House (new entry)Celestial Court Chinese RestaurantXin Rong JiStellar House (new entry)WingYong Fu Recommended reading

This January, McDonald’s is celebrating its 50th anniversary in Hong Kong by holding plenty of honorary events and happenings. To kick things off, the fast food chain invites all Hongkongers to cruise between Tsim Sha Tsui and Central on a McDonald's-themed Star Ferry. On the day, passengers can hop aboard a ferry decked out with vibrant banners featuring characters like Birdie, the Hamburglar, and Grimace; vintage photos of a giant Big Mac sailing across Victoria Harbour on a sampan boat; and an old-school Ronald McDonald bench. Photograph: Courtesy McDonald's Additionally, the fast food chain will display nostalgic Ronald McDonald benches across 50 locations in Hong Kong such as The Peak, Ocean Terminal at Harbour City, and selected McDonald’s branches from now until February 5, so be sure to snap photos with the mascot and bring out your inner kid. Each bench also has a special QR code that corresponds to a unique e-stamp. Scan and collect stamps for a chance to win exclusive prizes – the first 50 individuals to collect all 50 stamps can win a year’s supply of free Big Mac burgers! Photograph: Courtesy McDonald's | Find the complete list of Ronald McDonald bench locations above Lastly, McDonald’s is rolling out daily discounts on crowd-favourite fast food items from now until January 8. Visit McDonald’s mobile app for more information about their 50th anniversary events and deals.  Recommended stories: Japanese hamburger steak restaurant Hikiniku to Come opens secon

It’s no surprise that Hong Kong is packed to the brim with endless food options. From roadside street food vendors and dim sum eateries to upscale fine dining restaurants, our city is never short of irresistible fare that tantalises the taste buds for both locals and tourists. But does the rest of the world agree?  Online travel guide platform Tasteatlas has released its list of the World’s 100 Best Food Cities for 2024/2025 – compiled from an average of over 470,000 food ratings from 17,073 global cities. Among the top 100 cities, Hong Kong ranked 53rd on the list and earned a 4.5 rating out of five points. Popular must-try dishes recommended by Tasteatlas’ users included wonton noodles from Mak’s Noodle, egg tarts from Tai Cheong Bakery, siu mei (roasted meats) from Yat Lok Restaurant, and cheung fun (steamed rice rolls) from Hop Yik Tai, among others. Additionally, eateries like Wang Fu, Lung King Heen, Shang Palace, Summer Palace, Man Wah, Spring Moon, and The Chairman were all named as must-visit restaurants for traditional Cantonese fare.  So, who is the best in the world? The highest-ranking city went to Naples, which earned a 5 out of 5 rating, followed by fellow Italian cities like Milan at 4.96, Bologna at 4.94, and Florence at 4.83. As for Asian destinations, Mumbai nabbed fifth place and received a 4.81 rating, Osaka came in 10th place at 4.74, Jakarta in 16th place and Kyoto in 17th place both with a rating of 4.69, and Singapore in 22nd place at 4.63. Recommend

In May 2024, Japanese hamburger steak specialist Hikiniku to Come opened its first location in Hong Kong at ifc and immediately sent the city’s foodies into a frenzy. If you couldn’t get enough of their juicy grilled steaks, you’ll be over the moon to know that the hamburger steak specialist has crossed the harbour and opened a second location in Hong Kong in Tsim Sha Tsui! Here’s all the important info you need to know. Where is Hikiniku to Come located in Tsim Sha Tsui? The Japanese hamburger steak eatery is located in Shop 3203-3204A, 3/F, Gateway Arcade, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui.  Can I book a table for Hikiniku to Come in Tsim Sha Tsui? Hikiniku to Come follows a ticket-based reservation system, so diners are required to queue up at the restaurant for a ticket before they can dine during lunch or dinner services. However, the Tsim Sha Tsui branch also allows a limited number of Kabu Pass gold tier members to reserve seats for Hikiniku to Come via Kabu Pass’ mobile app. Visit Hikiniku to Come’s Instagram for more information.  What’ll be on the menu at Hikiniku to Come in Tsim Sha Tsui?  Similar to its Central branch, the Tsim Sha Tsui location offers the Hikiniku to Come set meal ($138), which consists of three freshly grilled 90g beef patties, unlimited refills of steamed rice, miso soup, and raw egg. Customers can also pair their hamburger patties with assorted condiments such as soy sauce, salted lemon with green chilli, Japanese pepper sauce, pickled cabbage in pl

That's right, the McGriddles are back. Having sent Hongkongers into a frenzy earlier this year (a million McGriddles were sold within just a few days and was listed as one of the most Googled topics in Hong Kong in 2024), McDonald’s is bringing it back to their breakfast menu for a limited time this December. So, if you didn't get to try one the first time around, now's your chance.   When and where can I buy McGriddles in Hong Kong?  Customers will be able to purchase the McGriddles burgers on the McDonald’s app or order in branches across the city (except for outlets within Hong Kong International Airport) from December 17 onwards, 4am to 11am. How much is the McGriddles set in Hong Kong?  Just like last time, Hong Kong’s McDonald’s outlets will sell two versions of this hotcake burger: the original McGriddle and the egg McGriddle. The original costs $35, whereas the egg McGriddle costs $36.50 – both of which can be enjoyed in a set meal with a beverage of your choice and a crispy hash brown.  Photograph: Ann Chiu What does McGriddles taste like?  When McGriddles first arrived in town, many Hongkongers (ourselves included) got up at the crack of dawn and ran to the nearest McDonald’s to get their hands on the popular breakfast bap. If you ask us, we weren’t a fan. It tasted like an overly sweet and syrupy alternative to the classic McMuffin. Over on the World Wide Web, those who had tried the Japanese version felt that the Hong Kong McGriddles needed to be sweeter, some t

Hongkongers will have to bid farewell to Hung Wan Cafe, an iconic cha chaan teng located in Prince Edward, by the end of the year. The cafe recently announced via a farewell notice posted on its front entrance that it will be closing on December 25 due to its rental contract expiring. News of Hung Wan Cafe’s closure spread when a local film appreciation group shared a collage on Facebook featuring stills from movies shot at the restaurant. Photograph: Billy Chan However, the eatery wrapped their farewell notice on a positive note by thanking its customers for the last 50 years of support and stated, “We welcome everyone to come in for a cup of tea and enjoy an egg tart during our last month to happily wrap the year up”.   Photograph: Billy Chan Since opening in the 1970s, Hung Wan Cafe has been renowned for its classic baked goods like flaky egg tarts and pineapple buns, and they’re one of the few cha chaan tengs in the city with a mezzanine floor. Additionally, this eatery was used as a filming location for several iconic Hong Kong movies such as Stephen Chow’s 1998 comedy The Lucky Guy and Johnnie To’s 2006 crime thriller Election 2. Recommended reading: Early-bird tickets and lineup for Creamfields Hong Kong 2025 have been announced Hongkongers can now rent Korean hanbok to wear around town The RedBall project officially kicks off in Hong Kong Follow us on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, or subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news and updates on wh

This December, Mastercard APAC’s First Concept Restaurant at 1881 Heritage, LUMA, welcomes Yuda Bustara – protégé of renowned celebrity chef Alvin Leung of venues like Bo Innovation and Cafe Bau – as its latest guest chef taking over the restaurant. After joining Netflix’s latest culinary reality series, The Maverick Academy, the Indonesian-native chef battled it out against seven talented chefs from across Asia and emerged as the show’s first winner. Following his victory, he earned the exclusive opportunity to have a three-month residency at LUMA in 1881 Heritage, where he’ll be working closely with chef Kasey Chan – executive chef of LUMA and Café Bau – to learn the ropes of running a successful restaurant’s kitchen. Photograph: Courtesy Mastercard As the winner of the programme and chef Leung’s protégé, Bustara also partnered with his mentor to co-create a tasting menu that shows his culinary expertise and creativity, exclusively available at LUMA. Diners can expect to savour a wide array of modern takes on beloved dishes from Asian countries such as the Philippines, India, Thailand, Indonesia, and Hong Kong. Photograph: Courtesy Mastercard Begin with light appetisers such as smoked quail egg wu gok topped with caviar, foie gras samosa thoke, and tom yum king crab mochi, among others. Then, the menu carries on with entrées such as flounder and scallop ballotine wrapped in seaweed, Wagyu beef tongue with Java peppers, as well as Hung Wang Farm Ping Yuen chicken serve