Craving a hearty bowl of noodles? Cure your fix by following our guide to the best cart noodles in Hong Kong, where rich broths and fresh ingredients make these spots a must-try.
If you’re craving Cantonese comforting food, then a steamy bowl of Hong Kong’s iconic cart noodles should be at the top of your foodie bucket list. Born on bustling streets in the 1950s, where they were served from actual moving carts, cart noodles (che jai mein) have since made their way into becoming a staple in cha chaan tengs, dai pai dongs, and yum cha joints. The major attraction of cart noodles is that we can always construct our dream bowl by picking our favourite noodles and broth, before loading up on delicious toppings. The options are endless when it comes to crafting your ideal combo, so get ready to order away to your heart’s content!
Create your own bowl at the best cart noodle spots in Hong Kong
1. Man Kee Cart Noodle
Vying for the title of Hong Kong’s best cart noodles is the iconic Man Kee. What began as a humble shop in Sham Shui Po has now flourished into a local legend, with an impressive four outposts occupying a single block. Yes, Fuk Wing Street has essentially become Man Kee’s domain, all thanks to the city’s appetite for its noodle creations! For first-timers at Man Kee, the wall shows the 10 most popular toppings, serving as a handy guide for you to navigate the options. As for the loyal regulars, the Chinese chive dumplings and Swiss chicken wings are a sure-fire hit.
Man Kee Cart Noodle has multiple locations in Sham Shui Po.
2. Block Sixteen Cart Noodle
If you’re in the mood for a nostalgic journey that takes you straight back to the 60s, look no further than Block Sixteen. This establishment embraces the vintage public housing aesthetic, from its retro light switches to the overall charming ambiance. While the prices may be a tad higher than other cart noodle joints, it’s clear why locals flock to Block Sixteen. With a selection of over 30 toppings to choose from, you can indulge in inventive noodle creations, like the beetroot and shrimp roe option, served in a homemade pork and chicken broth. To fully immerse yourself in the old-school vibe, the four-item noodle bowl is a must-try. This star-studded lineup features juicy chicken wings, fish cakes, pork liver, and fresh choy sum, all coming together for a taste of the past.
Block Sixteen Cart Noodle has locations in Prince Edward and Mong Kok.
3. Car Noodle’s Family
When the lunch rush hits, you’ll see the queue extending far beyond Car Noodle’s Family, as everyone clamours for a taste of what many consider the best cart noodles in the city. Located in Wan Chai, this hole-in-the-wall spot is loved for its top-notch noodle craft, wide array of toppings, and broths that keep you coming back time and time again – all at wallet-friendly prices. And let us tell you: the hype is well-deserved. Staking your claim in that line is a must, as the spicy satay soup base and curried squid toppings truly justify the hustle!
Car Noodle’s Family, Shop A, G/F, 1 Anton Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, p. 2529 6313
4. Wing Kee Noodle
As one of the OG players on Hong Kong’s cart noodle scene, Wing Kee stands as a beloved institution in Causeway Bay. For over two decades, this spot has been dishing out noodle bowls that have earned it legendary status amongst locals, particularly for its signature soy sauce chicken wing tips. From its humble origins as a street hawker, Wing Kee has evolved into a no-frills hotspot, always bustling with people eager to customise their perfect bowl. Whether you’re craving radish slices, pig intestines, or that irresistible crispy pig skin to pair with the restaurant’s perfectly al dente noodles, this veteran has you covered.
Wing Kee Noodle, G/F, 27A Sugar Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, p. 2808 2877
5. Min Jun
In the heart of Hong Kong, the uber-hip Min Jun is transforming the old-school cart noodle experience with a modern twist. Step into this neon-lit haven, where traditional flavours meet a contemporary vibe. As the lunchtime rush hits, be prepared to join the queue of eager office workers. With a choice of eight noodle types and over 30 toppings, the customisation possibilities are almost endless! For those who want to sample the fan favourites, Min Jun’s pre-designed bowls feature irresistible offerings like curry fish balls, pig intestines, and the utterly indulgent pork blood.
Min Jun, Shop 5, G/F, V Point, 18 Tang Lung Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, p. 2326 3062
6. Chin Sik
When the sun sets over Hong Kong, one cart noodle joint emerges as the go-to destination for night owls: Chin Sik. This late-night staple invites you to craft your dream noodle bowl, with an extensive array of tempting toppings at your fingertips – from juicy dumplings and bouncy fish balls to offal and even chicken feet. After scouring the city’s cart noodle scene, we can confidently say that Chin Sik’s offerings stand out for its flavour and freshness. Though located a bit further out in Tsuen Wan, it’s well worth making the journey there, especially considering its impressive Michelin recommendation, earned back in 2019.
Chin Sik, G/F, 49 Shiu Wo Street, Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong, p. 2492 2831
7. Kau Kee Offal Noodles
For adventurous foodies in search of an authentic Hong Kong experience, a visit to Kau Kee Offal Noodles is a no-brainer. This beloved eatery in Wan Chai specialises in cart noodles with the spotlight on a whole assortment of offal toppings, including pork rind, pig blood curd, and pig intestines. But, don’t worry if you’re not up for the challenge – there are plenty of other options, like wontons and fish balls. Just choose your noodles, select your toppings, and get ready to dig in.
Kau Kee Offal Noodles, Shop 8, Bowrington Road Cooked Food Centre, 1/F, Bowrington Road Market, 21 Bowrington Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, p. 2988 8960
