Disclaimer: These meals were sponsored by the Hong Kong Tourism Board. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are entirely our own.

Hong Kong combines rich Chinese tradition with modern cosmopolitanism making it a city with a rich and diverse culinary scene. From bao buns to Michelin-starred dim sum, Bourdain’s favorite noodle joint to sizzling Hong Kong hot spots, Hong Kong is a city that creates modern twists on traditional Cantonese cuisine.

Ho Lee Fook: Definitely one of our favorite overall meals, Ho Lee Fook is a Hong Kong hot spot for Hong Kongites. While many trendy restaurants in Hong Kong burn hot and fade quickly, Ho Lee Fook has solidified itself as an epicurean staple that is here to stay. Inspired by the “spirit of late-night Chinatown hangouts in 1960’s New York and old school Hong Kong cha chaan tengs. We recommend ordering the dumplings and the Wok-fried cheong fun.

ho lee fook
Hilton Hotels

Little Bao: Now this is what I’m talking “a Bao…” The restaurant that is so good that we had to visit three times, Little Bao wins the prize for our favorite overall restaurant in Hong Kong. Unpretentious and unique, this restaurant created by Chef May Chow, combines the open kitchen of an American Diner with classic comfort foods. Little Bao is known for their Bao Buns, a modern take on a traditional Cantonese bun. However, Chef May cuts the bao bun in half to create bao burgers stuffed with foods like fried chicken and barbeque pork. We also recommend the lamb tartar, eggplant appetizer, and a mini bao bun ice cream dessert.

little-bao

Tim Ho Wan: As the world’s cheapest Michelin-starred restaurant, Tim Ho Wan specializes in one thing: dim sum. Located in the traditionally Cantonese area of Mong Kok, Tim Ho Wan was awarded the coveted Michelin-star and has kept it for over 6 years. We highly recommend the barbeque pork buns or Cha Siu Bao. The outside of the pork bun has a unique crunchy and sweet outside with juicy and delicious barbeque pork on the inside.

tim-ho-wan

Happy Paradise: The latest creation of Hong Kong chef sensation, May Chow, Happy Paradise creates a modern twist on traditional Cantonese delicacies. The restaurant is designed like a retro diner with neon lights covering the ceiling, 80’s music permeating the sound system, and brightly colored tables splashed around the eatery. The food includes contemporary updates on Cantonese cuisine such as pigeon and chicken feet.

happy-paradise

Mak’s Noodle: When Anthony Bourdain sings the praises of a restaurant; your stomach must answer the call of the culinary higher power. Located in Central, Mak’s Noodles is the premier wonton noodle establishment in the city.

Photo from CNN Travel