From hole-in-the-wall gems to upscale restaurants, here’s where you can indulge in the best Filipino food in Hong Kong – curated by your in-house Filipino foodie writer!
In a city spoiled for choice when it comes to trendy tapas, burger joints, and upscale steakhouses, the pleasures of Filipino cuisine have often been overlooked. But as Hong Kong diners grow ever more adventurous in their appetite for flavours from around the globe, there has been an awakening of interest in this vibrant cuisine. From home-style classics to regional and street food specialties, a new generation of restaurateurs are shining a spotlight on Filipino delicacies. If you’re looking to explore the best of Filipino food in Hong Kong, here are the top spots to get started.
A taste of the islands: 10 restaurants with the best Filipino food in Hong Kong
1. Dara
For an authentic taste of the Philippines’ culinary capital, head to Dara. Named after the Kapampangan word for “aunt”, this family-run spot pays homage to the flavours of Pampanga. Led by Chef Imelda Bunoan, this space makes you feel like you’re dining in Grandma’s kitchen, with touches that elevate homestyle dishes. Be sure to order the kare-kare, a creamy peanut-based Kapampangan stew that showcases the complex flavours that define the region’s cuisine. And don’t sleep on Dara’s take on bibingka, a sweet coconut rice cake usually sold as street food in the Philippines. Additionally, Dara’s affordable lunch sets are a delightful way to sample quintessential Filipino brunch flavours.
Dara, Shop 3, 5-6, G/F, Soho 189, 189 Queen’s Road West, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong, p. 5107 4474
2. Barkada
A good introduction to Filipino cuisine, Barkada is a welcoming experience for those unfamiliar with Filipino food in Hong Kong. Created by foodie influencer and cookbook author Jen Balisi of Indulgent Eats in collaboration with Singular Concepts, the menu offers familiar comfort food with a creative angle. Staples like Lumpia and Sizzling Sisig are on the menu, though it’s the inventive Spicy Funky Coconut Noodles and Adobo Popcorn Chicken that catch our eye. The drinks menu, crafted by Gagan Gurung, the co-founder of Singular Concepts (and the man behind the bar at the famed Tell Camellia and Barcode), are equally as imaginative. The cocktails celebrate Southeast Asian flavours, using pandan gin and featuring calamansi-infused concoctions. And for those eager to sample the full range of Filipino flavours, Barkada’s brunch menu is perfect for a flavoursome start to your weekend.
For more delicious Saturdays and Sundays, head over to our guide to Hong Kong’s best brunches!
Barkada, UG/F, 46-48 Cochrane Street, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2663 0238
3. Bedana’s Filipino Restaurant & Bar
A staple in the Hong Kong Filipino community, Bedana’s Filipino Restaurant & Bar is a cherished spot for authentic cuisine from the Philippines. The restaurant offers an immersive boodle fight experience – a traditional, communal feast originating from the military where food is served on banana leaves and eaten with bare hands. Don’t miss out as Bedana’s offers the full spread, where a variety of Filipino dishes are presented, inviting you to try this uniquely Filipino, shared dining experience.
Bedana’s Filipino Restaurant & Bar, G/F, 113 Woosung Street, Jordan, Hong Kong, p. 2542 3088
4. Cinta-J
Sing the night away at Cinta-J, another go-to for the Filipino community in Hong Kong, particularly for those who’ve grown up in the city. Tucked along Jaffe Road in Wan Chai, this lively establishment is a combination of hearty Filipino fare and soulful music. From the Lechon Kawali with its indulgent gravy sauce to the hearty Tapsilog, Menudo Rice, Pancit Canton, and Bihon, the culinary offerings here are as authentic as they come. But it’s not just about the food; Cinta-J is where the tunes of talented Filipino musicians set the rhythm for an unforgettable party.
Head over to the hottest live music venues in Hong Kong to sing and dance the night away.
Cinta-J, Shop G4, G/F, Malaysia Building, 69 Jaffe Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, p. 2529 6622
5. Junels Restobar
Singing and dining unite at Junels Restobar, one of Hong Kong’s oldest Filipino restaurants. This OG eatery is where you can revel in a lively karaoke bar experience alongside a range of beloved Filipino dishes. Embracing a community feel, Junels is a hub for Hong Kong’s Filipino community, drawing families to celebrate and socialise over classic Filipino comfort foods. The open karaoke set-up adds to the fun, welcoming guests to sing along and bond with fellow diners. Junels truly reflects the inherent love for singing, a treasured part of Filipino culture. It’s time to pass the mic, Honeys!
Check out our round-up of karaoke bars in Hong Kong for more singalong spots.
Junels Restobar has several locations across Hong Kong.
6. Chi-Khan Inasal
Founded by Bilal Aamir Roxas Khan, a Hong Konger of Filipino-Pakistani descent, Chi-Khan Inasal is bringing the popular Filipino dish of inasal (roast chicken) to the heart of Hong Kong. Housed inside Sobremesa Tapas Bar & Restaurant, it’s a godsend for those craving the smoky perfection of this crave-worthy classic. But Khan had a vision to make inasal accessible to all, which is why the chicken served here is halal – opening up this Filipino favourite to the city’s Muslim community as well. And the best part is that it comes served with a heaping portion of fluffy rice, making it a seriously satisfying (and wallet-friendly) meal.
Chi-Khan Inasal, G/F, 9 Elgin Street, Soho, Central, Hong Kong, p. 9522 7751
7. Siony’s Lutong Bahay
For over three decades, this catering powerhouse has been dishing out the best Filipino food in Hong Kong. Whether you’re craving the crispy, porky bliss of lechon kawali or seeking stew-like dishes like the rich, coconut-tinged Bicol express, Chef Siony has you covered. And get this – this Filipino restaurant is one of the only spots in the city that serves up an entire suckling pig, perfect for special occasions or just satisfying that serious lechon craving. Of course, no order is complete without the signature silog breakfast plates, which pair garlic fried rice with your choice of cured meat or egg.
Planning for an event on the horizon? Scout out even more catering options in our round-up of the best junk catering in Hong Kong.
Find out more about Siony’s Lutong Bahay.
8. Holy Gaw
Offering Filipino-inspired fusion fare, Holy Gaw is the neighbourhood cafe that’s shaking up Hong Kong’s food scene. It’s started by Chef Marvin Gaw, a Philippines native who incorporates Chinese cooking techniques with Pinoy flavours. The results are showstoppers like the carbonara, which gets a twist with the addition of crunchy chicharon (pork skin crackling) bits; and the kare-kare, reimagined with cauliflower rice. But, we think the real star here might be the ube ice cream sandwich, made with Filipino bread, pandesal. It’s the perfect sweet ending to a meal that celebrates the best of both Chinese and Filipino cuisines!
Holy Gaw, Shop 4, G/F, 15 Swatow Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, p. 2782 3988
9. Brut
At Brut, one of Hong Kong’s top wine-focused restaurants, Filipino chef CJ Jalandoni is elevating the flavours of his heritage to new heights. With an impressive resume that includes stints under the legendary chef Alain Ducasse, Jalandoni is putting his personal spin on Filipino fare. He aims to incorporate ingredients into a menu designed to appeal to local palettes while evoking nostalgic memories for those familiar with the cuisine. For instance, take the hamachi “kilawin” carpaccio, a ceviche featuring bright calamansi vinegar and creamy coconut oil. Alternatively, the braised short rib nods to the classic kare-kare stew with its peanut sauce and shrimp paste-spiked flavours. It’s amazing to see a Filipino chef in Hong Kong reimagining the dishes of his heritage, delivering refined presentations that still capture the essence of the cuisine.
Brut, Shop C, G/F, 1 Second Street, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong, p. 3460 5863
10. Jollibee
When discussing the best Filipino food in Hong Kong, one can’t ignore Jollibee, even though it’s a fast food chain! This sensation has become a cultural institution, with fans lining up for its signature Chickenjoy – aka some of the most finger-lickingly delicious fried chicken you’ll ever taste. And don’t ignore the Jolly Spaghetti, a sweet and saucy delight that may raise some eyebrows, but is an absolute must-try, especially for the kids. Of course, you’ll also want to order the classic Yum Burger (a childhood favourite), a twist on the double cheeseburger that’s a menu staple.
After indulging in Jollibee’s crispy chicken, be sure to also check out our picks for the best fried chicken in Hong Kong.
Jollibee has multiple locations across Hong Kong.
