Hong Kong offers a diverse culinary scene with Chinese, Thai, Italian, French, Japanese, Mediterranean, Indian, and Scandinavian restaurants to choose from.
It's important to note that some restaurants may have a dress code, and a 10% service charge is typically included in the bill.
One highly recommended dining experience in Hong Kong is at fish restaurants and cafes located in Hoi Pon Square in the Sai Kung district. Instead of traditional menus, these restaurants showcase their offerings through glass aquariums filled with a variety of live fish. One of the most famous establishments of this kind is "Jumbo," which can only be reached by ferry. It boasts a dazzling display of lights, exotic ambiance, a wide range of cuisines, and various dining floors with unique interiors.
Some of the exquisite dishes you can savor in Hong Kong include golden lobster soup with black caviar, abalone (a protein-rich clam), and bird's nest for dessert, which is priced at 370 HKD per nest.
However, it's essential to be aware of local dining etiquette in Hong Kong. It's considered uncultured to finish every last bite of your food. Instead, ordering several dishes and eating a maximum of half of each is the customary practice.
If you're looking for more affordable dining options, you can explore inexpensive restaurants specializing in Asian and exotic cuisines in areas like Causeway Bay, Lan Kwai Fong, and Tsim Sha Tsui. Lunch prices typically range from 620 to 1200 HKD.
Din Tai Fung restaurant offers a variety of dishes including drunken chicken, shark fin soup, and dumplings. If you're looking for the best dim sum, Tim Ho Wan is highly recommended. Additionally, cafe TOO offers a buffet option where you can enjoy a full meal for 80 HKD.
It's worth noting that in many restaurants, the food is not prepared in the kitchen but directly on the table using a special oven. The typical order of the meal involves starting with soup, which is placed on the stove and boiled. Then, they bring your choice of second courses, all of which are steamed in the soup right before your eyes. The cost of such a lunch is around 190 HKD.
For a budget-friendly meal at an inexpensive café in Hong Kong, you can expect to pay between 230 and 300 HKD. If you're looking for a light snack at a street café, items like chicken and pineapple might cost around 30 HKD.