Craving a steaming bowl of noods? Read on for our guide to the best instant ramen finds in the 852, hand-picked for their tastiness, authenticity, and value-for-money.
Today is International Instant Ramen Day, and I can’t think of a better time to share my favourite spots in the capital of gong zai meen. Here in Hong Kong, this humble, versatile ingredient can be found at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Nestled in a fragrant broth or stir-fried with all kinds of aromatic ingredients, there are endless ways to enjoy instant ramen in this city, and you can’t go wrong with this tried and tested list!
Where to find the best instant ramen noodles in Hong Kong
1. Cheung Hing Coffee Shop: Soupy instant ramen with spam and egg
This neighborhood cha chaan teng has been a local treasure since 1951! With rustic wooden fixtures and retro decor, Cheung Hing is a buzzing diner that serves Cantonese classics in a nostalgic setting.
While they’re famous for their silky egg tarts and fluffy pineapple buns, regulars come here for a comforting bowl of spam and egg instant ramen. The simple broth lends a creaminess from the egg, perfectly complementing the bold saltiness of the spam. And, of course, you can’t leave without trying their iconic milk tea!
Price: $50 – 100 per head
Opening hours: 7am – 5pm
Location: 9 Yik Yam Street, Happy Valley, Hong Kong
2. Wing Kee: Rich satay beef instant ramen
Beef slices in rich satay sauce on instant ramen is a Hong Kong classic, and Wing Kee takes it to the next level. Located in Tsz Wan Shan, this hidden gem is famous for its rendition served in a sizzling claypot, complete with beef rump slices drenched in a decadent satay sauce made by a local factory.
Also, using quality beef instead of the usual frozen options, the satay beef noodles burst with deep, nutty flavours with every bite. It’s a heavy dish that’s worth the calories, and the trek to the restaurant definitely help burn some off!
Price: $50 – 100 per head
Opening hours: 6:30am – 9:30pm
Location: Shop A & B, G/F, 12 Yuk Wah Crescent, Tsz Wan Shan, Hong Kong
3. Star Cafe: “Vomit” tomato and egg instant ramen
After relocating from the iconic Champagne Court, the 59-year-old Star Cafe now operates at a new spot on Galleon Way, much to the delight of its multi-generational regulars.
The new digs are cosier than the previous location, featuring a semi-open kitchen where you can catch the fourth-generation owner, Mr. Lam, juggling tasks like frying eggs, toasting bread, and brewing milk tea—all at once! Unquestionably, they’re most known for a signature instant ramen jokingly known as “vomit noodles”. Although this steamy bowl of deliciousness may not look appetising at first glance, but everyone converts after a sip of the broth. Bursting with the brightness and sweetness of fresh tomatoes, he thick broth is made with a generous amount of the red fruit. First, Mr. Lam chops the tomatoes and slowly simmers them into a puree before adding eggs and seasonings. Trust me, a first apprehensive bite will quickly turn into greedy slurping!
Price: $40 – 50 per head
Opening hours: 8am – 9:30pm
Location: G/F, 58 Granville Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
4. Lan Fong Yuen: Dry instant ramen with scallion chicken fillet
Lan Fong Yuen needs no introduction—it’s a must-visit cha chaan teng for every foodie in Hong Kong! Locals and tourists alike flock here for a taste of classic flavours and a sip of its iconic silk-stocking milk tea.
The instant ramen I come for is served dry and topped with a signature scallion chicken fillet. Pan-fried to perfection, the tender fillet pairs beautifully with the noodles that stay springy without being submerged in soup. In particular, what I love most about this dish is the generous topping of savoury soy-based sauce with an incredibly aromatic scallion-ginger oil. This plate alone is well worth the long lines.
Price: $50 – $100 per head
Opening hours: Central 7:30am – 6pm, Tsim Sha Tsui 10:30am – 6pm
Location: Flagship store, 2 Gage Street, Central, Hong Kong
Kowloon store, Shop S09, B/F, Heath, Chungking Mansions, 36 – 44 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
5. Hon Fat Noodle Shop: Pork liver instant ramen
Founded in 1973, Hon Fat Noodle delights diners with a diverse array of noodle dishes. Originally an outdoor dai pai dong, the restaurant made the move indoors in 2011, where a vibrant mural pays homage to its roots as a roadside food stall.
Everyday you’ll find lines out their door with hungry customers waiting to get a taste of their famed thick-cut pork liver, so generous in serving they completely cover the instant ramen tucked underneath in a light but complex homemade broth. However, if you’re not a fan of innards, you can opt for other toppings like fried eggs, luncheon meat, spicy diced pork, and pan-fried pork chops.
Price: $50 – $100 per head
Opening hours: Varies between locations
Location: Multiple locations across Hong Kong
6. Sun Kee Cafe: Triple cheese instant ramen
With 20 years in the game, you’d expect Sun Kee Café to serve instant ramen in nostalgic and classic ways. But this popular neighborhood diner has made a name for itself with a decadent triple cheese version. Using a blend of cheddar, Parmesan, and mozzarella, the gooey triple cheese sauce is paired with pork neck and a fried egg over instant noodles.
While the sauce is the star of the dish, the pork neck plays an award-winning supporting role. The sweet and savory marinade is made with coconut sugar, evaporated milk, and dark soy sauce. Moreover, the perfectly grilled meat brings a unique smokiness, with a crispy exterior and juicy insides. To experience the full glory of this innovative creation, you can consider combining every element in the dish in each bite.
Price: Below $50 per head
Opening hours: 8am – 10pm every day
Location: Shop D, G/F, Tsuen King Building, 83 – 93 Hoi Pa Street, Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong
Did I miss your favourite? DM @honeycombershk on Instagram or drop me an email at natasha.li@thehoneycombers.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between an instant ramen spot and a traditional ramen restaurant?
An instant ramen spot focuses on offering a highly customisable and quick experience. Unlike a traditional ramen restaurant where the broth is slow-cooked and the noodles are fresh, these spots use high-quality instant noodles as the base. The main appeal lies in the extensive variety of instant ramen brands and the wide range of toppings you can add to create your own unique bowl.
Can I choose my own instant ramen and toppings, or are there set menus?
Customisation is the main feature of these spots. You typically choose your preferred instant ramen packet from a large selection, and then you're free to add from a huge variety of toppings. Common toppings include luncheon meat, a soft-boiled egg, fresh vegetables, seafood, and different types of sauces to personalise your meal.
Are these places good for a quick meal, and what is the typical price range?
Yes, instant ramen spots are designed for a quick and casual dining experience. They are perfect for a solo meal or a fast lunch with friends. The typical price for a bowl is generally more affordable than a traditional ramen restaurant, with the final cost depending on how many toppings you add to your base noodles.
