These Chinese restaurants in Hong Kong whip up amazing flavours that will please your palate and take you on a tour of all the wonderful culinary styles of the country.
With an abundance of restaurants in the buzzing 852, whether it’s yum cha, hot pot, or traditional tea houses, the competition has always been fierce when it comes to Chinese cuisine. From sophisticated Shanghainese fare to Cantonese dim sum delights, we’ve rounded up our fave Chinese restaurants in Hong Kong that best represent the diversity and deliciousness that China has to offer.
Top Chinese restaurants in Hong Kong
1. Twelve Flavors
If you like your food spicy, a trip to Twelve Flavours will be perfect for you. This affordable Sichuan restaurant is hard to miss with its striking exterior decorated with handwritten Chinese couplets, red lanterns, and traditional window frames. The interior is equally charming with hanging birdcages and cartoon panda illustrations, while the menu is not for the faint-hearted.
Along with fresh and spicy hot pot chock-full of pork balls, bean curd skin, and rice cakes, hot dishes like Boiled Fish with Rattan Pepper leave your lips burning. At Twelve Flavours, the many savoury and spicy dishes will tempt your taste buds and tease your sense of smell. However, if the dishes prove to be a little too spicy, cool your cheeks with the Sichuan-style jelly dessert that will freshen up your palate in no time.
Twelve Flavours has locations across Hong Kong.
2. Fook Lam Moon
This Chinese restaurant in Hong Kong is an icon in the culinary scene. Since opening in Wan Chai in 1948, Fook Lam Moon has been bringing elevated home-style Cantonese dishes to gourmands across the city. Employing traditional cooking techniques, Fook Lam Moon guarantees you an authentic dining experience. In particular, the Eight Treasure Duck; Hua Diao Drunken Chicken; and Rice in Lotus Leaf are unmissable choices. Whether you’re gathering for a celebration or simply catching up with friends or family over dinner, Fook Lam Moon is an ideal place to dine.
Fook Lam Moon has locations in Wan Chai and Kowloon Bay.
3. Sun Moon Place
Serving elevated Peking cuisine, Sun Moon Place is quickly becoming one of our fave Chinese restaurants in Hong Kong. Located along Ship Street in Wan Chai, this is an ideal place for group dining. During our visit, we loved the Mock Goose, where sauteed carrots, shiitake mushrooms, and celery were wrapped in a crispy layer of bean curd. Another highlight of our meal was the Whole Barbecued Peking Duck. Prepared table-side, the tender and flavourful duck meat paired exceptionally well with warm, thin pancakes – not to mention the skin was roasted to a perfect crisp! Finally, we recommend trying the Caramelised Apple for dessert. This stunning creation will definitely impress you, even if you don’t have a sweet tooth!
Sun Moon Place, Shop 1, G/F-1/F, Pao Yip Building, 1-7 Ship Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, p. 2893 9686
4. China Tang
Founded by famous gourmand Dr Peter Lam Kin-ngok and the late Sir David Tang Wing-Cheung, China Tang never disappoints with its refined Cantonese cuisine and fine dining surroundings. Sporting gorgeously detailed interiors, the restaurant features an array of traditional Chinese artworks, including embroidered tapestries and precious manuscripts.
Led by Executive Chef Menex Cheung, the culinary team at China Tang creates classic Cantonese dishes with influences from Sichuan and Beijing. With dishes plated to appeal to all five senses, the a la carte menu highlights creations like Crispy Marbled Beef Ribs with Housemade Gooseberry Sauce; Crispy Chicken with Sichuan Chilli; Braised Whole Suckling Pig with Preserved Pickles served in an iron pan; and more. Be sure to pay the restaurant a visit during memorable occasions for China Tang’s seasonal special menus.
China Tang, Shop 411-413, 4/F, Landmark Atrium, 15 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2522 2148
5. Ho Lee Fook
Combining old school Hong Kong dai pai dong food with the spirit of late-night Chinatown hangouts in 1960s New York, Ho Lee Fook (meaning good fortune for the mouth) quickly became one of the most well known Chinese restaurants in Hong Kong since its opening in 2014. From hip-hop and rock ‘n’ roll beats to underground vibes, this charming restaurant – albeit having a constant chatter – is the perfect fuss-free eatery for a night out with friends. Highlights include the Steamed Live Razor Clams; Smoked Crispy Skin Three Yellow Chicken with Sand Ginger and Spring Onion Sauce; and Whole Fish in Chef’s Choice of Preparation.
Ho Lee Fook, G/F, 3-5 Elgin Street, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2810 0860
6. Ship Kee
Have visitors coming into Hong Kong? Take them to Ship Kee for a feast. This Chinese restaurant in Hong Kong scored a spot on the Michelin’s Bib Gourmand list in 2024 – a testament to its exceptional quality and wallet-friendly prices. This certainly explains why locals and tourists alike love coming here! Even after relocating from its original address on Ship Street to Hopewell Centre in Wan Chai in mid-2024, the restaurant continues to whip up delectable Cantonese seafood dishes. While you can’t go wrong with pretty much anything on the menu, we think the Honey Glazed Barbecue Pork, Shunde-style Braised Goose with Taro, and the seasonal Chicken Oil and Pigeon Claypot Rice are must-tries.
Ship Kee, 6/F, Hopewell Centre, 183 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, p. 2893 9688
7. Tim Ho Wan
Winning the hearts of critics and gourmands around the world, Tim Ho Wan boasts the honour of being one of the cheapest Michelin-recommended dim sum joints in town. With a no-reservation policy, a trip to the “dim sum specialists” requires patience, but don’t fret, it’ll be well worth the wait. Grab a number from the counter and select your dim sum delights from the checklist paper menu. Here, you’ll find everything from the classic shrimp and minced pork siu mai, to taro spring rolls and the famous char siu bao. Still got room for dessert? Then the signature steamed egg cake will leave you suitably satisfied. To get your fix of Tim Ho Wan dim sum without getting hangry, we recommend you arrive early and avoid busy lunch and dinner times.
Tim Ho Wan has locations across Hong Kong.
8. Jiangsu Club
As evident from its name, Jiangsu Club delivers rich and authentic dishes from China’s Jiangsu Province. The elegant, lively atmosphere and tasteful modern decor makes it fit for any group dining with friends or family. Signature dishes include the labour-intensive Jiangsu Eight Treasures Duck; Hangzhou Beggar’s Chicken; and Braised Sea Cucumber. Traditional Su cuisine is the star here, with the flavourful food extensively prepared and thoughtfully presented.
Jiangsu Club, 2/F, Alliance Building, 133 Connaught Road Central, Sheung Wan Hong Kong, p. 6230 8973
9. Hong Kong Cuisine 1983
Local Hong Kong dishes are in the spotlight at Hong Kong Cuisine 1983, with traditional food being presented by Chef Silas Li with innovative and modern twists. The dim sum is a big draw here, but the other Cantonese dishes are just as noteworthy. Our favourites include Steamed Black Truffle, Foie Gras, and Prawn Dumpling; Crispy Mashed Taro Puffs with Hokkaido Scallop; and, from the dinner tasting menu, the delicate “layers of steamed egg white, fresh crab meat with huadiao wine sauce, lily flower root foam, served in eggshell.”
Hong Kong Cuisine 1983, 1/F, Elegance Court, 2-4 Tsoi Tak Street, Happy Valley, Hong Kong, p. 2893 3788
10. Lao Shang Hai
Known for its family-style dining and scrumptious Shanghainese cuisine, Lao Shang Hai has long been a local favourite Chinese restaurant in Hong Kong. The food is both hearty and delicious, including the classic xiao long bao, steamed pork buns, and of course, plain flour noodles in chicken soup – simple yet quintessentially Shanghainese. Pay extra attention when the hairy crab season begins, as Lao Shang Hai imports some of the freshest and most succulent crustaceans from Taihu in the Jiangsu province. Though the décor is old school and the restaurant is understated, Lao Shang Hai has garnered a popular reputation over the past 20 years and counting – showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
Lao Shang Hai, Shop 101-104, 1/F, Emperor Group Centre, 288 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, p. 2827 9339
11. Qi – House of Sichuan
Helmed by one of Hong Kong’s top Sichuan chefs Wong Chun Fai, Qi – House of Sichuan offers a menu that reflects “the seven flavours of Sichuan” with a contemporary twist. Stepping into the sleek and sultry restaurant, you’ll be treated to an array of explosive and mouth-watering flavours – expect spicy, aromatic, sweet, bitter, sour, peppery, and salty dishes! To make things easier for you, symbols denoting numbing, hot, and fiery dishes classify the dishes on the menu. Whether it be the Chilli Oil Wontons, Mala Chicken, or Sizzling Lamb, Qi will definitely stimulate your senses. And should you wish to sweat out the spice in Hong Kong’s heat, the restaurant’s al fresco terrace lends the perfect sp
Qi House of Sichuan has locations in Wan Chai and Quarry Bay.
12. Duddell’s
Michelin-starred Duddell’s offers innovative twists on Cantonese cuisine. In addition to its famous dim sum menu, the tasting menu at Duddell’s is always a treat. In particular, the appetiser selection and Crispy Local Beef Brisket never fail to impress. Located in the heart of Central, you can also find one of the best executive lunch deals in town for when you want to impress for a business lunch in Hong Kong. With a great appreciation for the arts, as seen through the stylish interiors, Duddell’s is a great place to relax and connect over quality food.
Duddell’s, L3, 1 Duddell Street, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2525 9191
13. Man Ho Chinese Restaurant
Needing no introductions to experienced gourmands in Hong Kong. With exquisite homemade dim sum, live seafood, and classic Chinese dishes all prepared with high quality ingredients, Man Ho’s reputation in Hong Kong’s dining scene is rock-solid. Along with an extensive range of thoughtfully selected wines, a locally sourced tea list is also available to enjoy alongside your meal. Try the Baked Crab Claw, Deep-fried Crispy Chicken, and Sichuan Dan Dan Noodles. Additionally, if you’re celebrating a special occasion, you can order in advance a Whole Roasted Suckling Pig!
Man Ho, L3, JW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Hong Kong, p. 2810 8366
14. Mott 32
For a lavish affair, head over to Mott 32. Boasting an opulent dining room that combines regal fixtures with a raw, industrial interior, this Chinese restaurant in Hong Kong offers a unique experience. The menu spotlights Cantonese cuisine infused with culinary influences from Beijing and Sichuan. What’s more, all dishes are crafted with quality ingredients and locally grown produce to ensure the freshest quality. Psst – we think Mott 32 serves the best Peking duck in the 852! The bird is prepared over a 42-day period and roasted with apple wood in a custom oven. On the other hand, its seasonal dishes and delicate desserts are worth a try, too.
Mott 32, Basement, Standard Chartered Bank Building, 4-4A Des Voeux Road Central, Central, Hong Kong, p, 2885 8688
[This article was originally published in February 2020 and updated in 2024 by Celia Lee.]
