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 represent the best of the diversity and deliciousness that China has to offer.
Top Chinese restaurants in Hong Kong
1. Hutong
Famed for its award-winning Northern Chinese cuisine, traditional décor, and jaw-dropping, floor-to-ceiling harbour views, Hutong has certainly got the wow factor. Its design builds on the charm of a traditional hutong – a Chinese neighbourhood made up of classic courtyard houses – with elegant Sino-chic interiors, red paper lanterns, carved dark lacquer woods, and intricate details.
Those who enjoy fiery Sichuan and Shandong flavours, Hutong’s signature Red Lantern featuring crispy soft-shell crab packs a punch with Sichuan dried chilli; whereas the mala spicy prawns and aromatic Peking duck are sure to whet your appetite.
Besides the stunning restaurant area, there is also the Moon Gate Bar where you can sit back and enjoy a classic or Chinese-inspired cocktails. Hutong is simply unbeatable when it comes to sophistication, authenticity, and drop-dead gorgeous views. Definitely one of the must-visit Chinese restaurants in Hong Kong.
Read our full review of Hutong.
Hutong, 18/F, H Zentre, 15 Middle Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, p. 3428 8342
2. The Chairman
If you’re looking for authentic Cantonese cuisine made with the finest ingredients, you really can’t beat The Chairman. Using locally sourced ingredients, products from local stores and seafood from local fishermen, it’s no surprise the restaurant has remained as one of the most influential Chinese restaurants in Hong Kong since its opening, which was back in 2009.
Aiming to blend traditional and original flavours, the culinary team at The Chairman believes that even the simplest dishes should be made with finesse. For example, the razor clams steamed with aged lemon and mixed herbs are garnished with lemons aged over ten years, while the stir-fried wild clams with chilli jam and basil are made with slow-cooked oxtail, featuring herbs that are more expensive than the meat! A trip to The Chairman, however, is not complete without an order of steamed flower crab in aged hua diao wine and chicken oil – the restaurant’s most famous dish.
On a separate note, as The Chairman has just been announced as the top 10 among The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2021, booking a table here is going to be even more difficult than before. So, good luck!
The Chairman, 18 Kau U Fong, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2555 2202
3. Above & Beyond
Located on the 28/F of Hotel Icon in Tsim Sha Tsui, Above and Beyond offers unrivalled views of the Hong Kong skyline and some of the city’s most admired Cantonese cuisine. Helmed by Executive Chinese Chef Chi Ki Wong, the menu presents a selection of classic and contemporary dishes as well as an impressive wine list of vintages from around the world.
Signature dishes include wok-fried lobster with egg white and black truffle; and crispy chicken and wok-fried diced whole abalone with lily bulbs and asparagus in XO sauce. Featuring pan-fried pork dumplings with spring onion, crispy shrimp rice rolls, the weekend dim sum lunch is a popular choice. If you’re looking for fancier Chinese restaurants in Hong Kong, Above & Beyond delivers with sky-high views and sky-high quality dishes.
Read our full review of Above & Beyond.
Above & Beyond, 28/F, Hotel Icon, 17 Science Museum Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, p. 3400 1318
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. An array of traditional Chinese artworks are dotted around the restaurant, including embroidered tapestries and precious manuscripts, as well as gorgeously detailed interiors.
The culinary team at China Tang is led by Executive Chef Menex Cheung, creating classic Cantonese dishes while also being inspired by recipes from Sichuan and Beijing. Since September 2021, China Tang has been serving its “Savour” lunch and dinner tasting menu which showcases a series of refashioned Cantonese signatures. The feast begins with a selection of starters: Marinated White Bitter Melon with Tangy Lemon Sauce; Tang’s Honey Roasted Barbecued Pork; Fresh Black Tomato Tossed in Kewpie Sesame Sauce; and Marinated Sea Cucumber with Sichuan Chilli Sauce – an experience that truly whets your appetite. Our favourites include the Comprador Seafood Soup that followed, as well as the Crispy Marbled Beef Ribs with House-made Gooseberry Sauce.
In addition, there are plenty other a la carte dishes worth trying at China Tang as well. So, be sure to pay the restaurant a visit and enjoy the exclusive gastronomic journey for yourself.
China Tang, Shop 411-413, 4/F, Landmark Atrium, 15 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2522 2148
5. Chao Hui Guan
When it comes to Chinese restaurants in Hong Kong, the city has got you covered with everything from Shanghainese and Cantonese, and now we come to Chiu Chow, which lies in the Chaoshan region in China’s Guangdong Province. Also known as Teochew cuisine, Chiu Chow food is renowned for its seafood and vegetarian dishes, using flavouring that is much less heavy-handed than most other Chinese cuisine. They also put an emphasis on poaching, braising, steaming, and stir frying.
Start your meal at Chao Hui Guan with an oolong tea before tucking into the popular steamed flower crab, clay pot duck with taro, or fresh oysters cooked with eggs and starch (resulting in a delicious omelette drizzled with fish sauce). Though if you’re feeling especially adventurous, we’ve heard on the grapevine that the crispy goose intestines are a must-try.
Chao Hui Guan, Federal Mansion, 544-554 Fuk Wing Street, Cheung Sha Wan, Hong Kong, p. 2682 9118
6. Twelve Flavours
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.
Signature Sichuan dishes include boiled fish with pickled cabbage and WuLong hot pepper chicken. These savoury and spicy dishes will tempt your taste buds and tease your sense of smell. And if the dishes prove to be a little too spicy, don’t miss the Sichuan-style jelly dessert that will freshen up your palate in no time.
Twelve Flavours has multiple branches across Hong Kong.
7. Lao Shang Hai
Known for its family-style dining and scrumptious Shanghainese cuisine, Lao Shang Hai has long been one of locals’ favourite Chinese restaurants in Hong Kong. Their 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. When the hairy crab season begins, Lao Shang Hai imports some of the freshest and succulent crustaceans from Taihu in the Jiangsu province.
Though the décor is old school and the restaurant is super understated, Lao Shang Hai has garnered a popular reputation over the past 20 years and counting – and is showing no signs of stopping anytime soon.
Lao Shang Hai, Shop 101-104, 1/F, Emperor Group Centre, 288 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, p. 2827 9339
8. Tim Ho Wan
Winning the hearts of critics and gourmands around the world, Tim Ho Wan tops the list as the cheapest Michelin-starred dim sum 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, offering everything from the classic shrimp and minced pork siu mai to taro spring rolls and the famous char siu bao (baked BBQ pork buns). If you’ve got room left for dessert, the signature steamed egg cake is a popular choice that will leave you feeling suitably satisfied.
To get your fix of Tim Ho Wan dim sum without getting hangry, we recommend that you arrive early and avoid busy lunch and dinner times.
Tim Ho Wan has multiple locations across Hong Kong.
9. Qi – House of Sichuan
Helmed by Chef Wong Chun Fai, one of Hong Kong’s top Sichuan chefs, Qi – House of Sichuan had been the proud owner of one Michelin star between 2016 and 2019. The menu reflects authentic dishes representing ‘the seven flavours of Sichuan’ – spicy, aromatic, sweet, bitter, sour, peppery and salty – with a contemporary twist.
Stepping into the sleek and sultry restaurant, guests should prepare to experience an array of explosive and mouth-watering flavours that are certainly not for the faint-hearted. Should you wish to sweat out the chilli in the Hong Kong heat, the terrace lends the perfect spot.
To make it easy for guests to choose, the menu is classified using symbols that distinguish numbing dishes from hot to fiery, as well as vegetarian dishes and those recommended by the chef. From chilli oil wontons and mala chicken to sizzling lamb, Qi House of Sichuan will definitely stimulate your senses.
Qi House of Sichuan, Shop 12, 2/F, J Senses, 60 Johnston Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, p. 2527 7117
10. 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 a classic example of local cha chaan tengs (fuss-free eateries) and is perfect 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
11. The Legacy House
A prestigious dining room with killer harbour views, The Legacy House is helmed by Chef Li. The restaurant specialises in refined Cantonese cuisine with a focus on dishes from the Shunde region of Guangdong. The dim sim menu features classic delicacies like sea cucumber, juicy and savoury dumplings, and more. If you want the best of the best, be sure to choose some of the Chef’s recommendations: Minced Fish Soup, Steamed Crab Claw, Pan-fried Dace Fish, and Wok-fried Lobster among others. A little bonus, try out one of their cocktails, some are presented in a glass that has bamboo patterns and pandas – it’s all in the small details!
The Legacy House, 5/F, Rosewood Hong Kong, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, p. 389 18732
12. Ming Court
Located inside Cordis Hotel, Michelin-starred Ming Court not only focuses on delivering an exciting culinary experience, the restaurant also has an extensive collection of world-class wines. We recommend trying the degustation menu; our favourites from the eight-course set include the stuffed crab shell, fish maw soup, and the lobster that comes with a striking presentation. Pair that with your preferred wine and be amazed by the attention to detail in the techniques, taste, and textures of each dish.
Ming Court, 555 Shanghai Street, Mong Kok, Hong Kong, p. 3552 3388
13. 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 gathering of friends or family. Signature dishes include the labour-intensive Jiangsu Eight Treasures Duck; Jiangsu Fortune Chicken – which takes days to prepare; 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
14. Hong Kong Cuisine
Local Hong Kong dishes are in the spotlight at Hong Kong Cuisine, 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, 1/F, Elegance Court, 2-4 Tsoi Tak Street, Happy Valley, Hong Kong, p. 2893 3788
Pure Veggie House (closed)
This oldie but a goodie is one of our favourite vegan restaurants in Hong Kong. The Buddhist vegan restaurant serves top quality traditional cuisine using organic vegetables in a simple but serene ambience, while the décor pays homage to its Buddhist roots with bamboo details and intricate ornaments scattered around the restaurant.
We love the easy-to-use English menus and especially recommend ordering the shredded taro and mushroom spring rolls, matsutake mushroom pouch with black truffle sauce, and the crispy deep-fried enoki mushroom sprinkled with spiced salt. At lunch, they also serve some of the best vegetarian dumplings in Hong Kong. Plus, they offer the most indulgent vegan hot pot during winter time – and it’s all-you-can-eat – definitely one of the best Chinese restaurants in Hong Kong for veggie eaters!
Read our full review of Pure Veggie House.
Pure Veggie House, 1/F, Ka Wing Building, 27 Granville Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, 尖沙咀加連威老道27號嘉榮大廈1樓心齋
Spring Deer (closed)
A popular choice among both locals and tourists, Spring Deer is famous for both its perfectly bronzed authentic Peking duck and the restaurant’s boisterous buzz. With little to no décor, guests are seated at large circular tables before preparing to feast on a selection of Northern Chinese specialities. Here, your duck will be carved for you table-side and served with steamed pancakes. If you fancy something different, however, the roast lamb is an all-time favourite. As you get stuck into your pancake-making fun, you’ll soon forget about the hectic and loud service and who knows, perhaps you’ll even agree with us when we say it only adds to the experience!
Spring Deer, 2/F, 42 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, p. 2366 4012, 尖沙咀麼地道42號1樓鹿鳴春飯店
Old Bailey (closed)
Housed within Tai Kwun, Old Bailey brings an authentic offering of food and tradition from the Jiangnan region. This covers a variety of cities including Shanghai, Nanjing, Yangzhou, Hangzhou, and more lying south of the river.
The menu offers a balance of cuisine including a Shanghainese dim sum programme that includes (cue drum roll) not only one but three takes on the most-loved xiao long bao. In addition to offering special vegan and vegetarian menus, much effort has been taken to avoid preservatives and additives. Over 80 percent of vegetables used are organic, meats are diligently sourced, and its in-house pickles and fermented condiments all form part of the impressive menu.
From the Teakha Menu, featuring a variety of high quality teas and home-style Asian cakes, to the all-you-can-eat xiao long bao and dim sum, to the Bao Brunch, we love the variety on offer at Old Bailey. And for those much-needed after work drinks, the two-for-one happy hours offered daily from 4.30 to 8.30pm is just what the doctor ordered.
Old Bailey, 2/F, JC Contemporary, Tai Kwun, Old Bailey Street, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2877 8711, 中環荷李活道10號大館賽馬會藝方2樓奧卑利
