Why you need to add Hong Kong to your travel list

The Asian destination is often overlooked by Aussies, with Bali and Japan higher up on the must-visit list, but if it’s amazing food you’re after, this city is a no-brainer.

Wild way famous $8 noddle dish is made

If there is one city you need to add to your travel list, it’s Hong Kong.

The vibrant destination is often overlooked by Aussies, with the likes of Bali, Japan and Vietnam higher up on the must-visit list when it comes to Asian hotspots.

But if it’s amazing food you’re after then Hong Kong is the place to be with its reputation as an unparalleled “foodie paradise” living up to the hype.

Whether it’s Michelin-star food or cheap and tasty bites (such as the amazing $4 pineapple buns) then get ready, because this city has you covered.

Good Hope Noodle

When walking the streets of Mong Kok, an area in Kowloon characterised by a mixture of old and new multi-story buildings, you’re greeted with plenty of shopping and restaurants.

But there’s one eatery that stands out a bit more than the others for a simple reason — its cheap Michelin-quality food.

Good Hope Noodle in Hong Kong makes more than 1000 wontons a day.

Good Hope Noodle may look ordinary on the outside but there’s something extraordinary happening on the inside.

The chefs are working hard to produce more than 1000 wontons a day for their signature Noodle with Cantonese Wonton in soup that will set you back just $8.

The 1971 establishment, known for its bamboo-kneaded duck egg noodles, was awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2013, 2016 and 2021.

It’s famous for its $8 Noodle with Cantonese Wonton in soup.

Third-generation owner Wing Kwok outside the restaurant in Central Hong Kong.

While it’s not quite a star, according to the Michelin Guide, it’s most definitely not a consolation prize.

“The Bib Gourmand – named after Bibendum, the friendly Michelin Man and the official company mascot for the Michelin Group – is a just-as-esteemed rating that recognises friendly establishments that serve good food at moderate prices,” according to the Guide’s site.

The criteria for a Bib Gourmand is that diners should be able to enjoy a three-course meal excluding drinks for a maximum price of HK$400 ($75) in Hong Kong and MOP400 ($75) in Macau.

Its duck-egg noodles are made fresh daily with dough kneaded with a bamboo pole for extra bouncy texture.

The restaurant was awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2013, 2016 and 2021 – and here’s a proud Wing after being recognised for their bamboo noodles.

Good Hope Noodle also recently won three awards in the 2024 Golden Horse Awards of China Cultural Tourism, including the Famous Chinese Cuisine award for its Wonton Bamboo Noodles.

They make their noodles differently, by sitting on bamboo poles to roll them for some extra weight and bounce. The very traditional method has customers flocking to the popular eatery with chefs making more than 200 of their famous $8 soup a day (there’s five wontons in each).

The noodles ad wontons really do live up to the hype – it’s no wonder why they sell more than 200 of these bowls a day.

“Regulars flock here for the duck-egg noodles – made fresh daily with dough kneaded with a bamboo pole for extra bouncy texture, to be topped with prawn-and-pork wontons, zhajiang sauce or braised pork trotter,” inspectors of Bib Gourmand said about the restaurant.

“Congee and snacks are also recommended. You can also witness how the noodles are made in the show kitchen by the entrance.”

Wing Kwok, third-generation owner of the eatery, told news.com.au the other popular dishes are beef brisket soup and pig’s leg soup, each costing $A9.

It commands lengthy queues on the regular but the food lives up to the hype with the taste of the freshly made noodles and wontons unlike anything you’ve ever had before – it’s packed full of flavour.

The tiled brightly lit room is adorned with circular glass topped tables along with booths and you’ll feel the buzz the moment you walk in.

Arcane

If it’s full fine-dining you’re after and want to try something with familiar flavours then head to Arcane in Central Hong Kong.

Acclaimed Aussie chef Shane Osborn at the helm and he happens to be the first Australian chef to achieve one and two Michelin stars at Pied-a-Terre in London.

He opened his luxe Arcane restaurant back in 2014 and it’s been buzzing since with locals and tourists alike keen to tantalise their tastebuds with modern European cuisine using produce from Japan, France and the UK.

If you take a quick look at his Instagram profile, you’ll see exactly the quality food you’re going to get.

He’s been living in Hong Kong with his family since 2012 where he joined celebrity restaurateur Alan Yau’s St. Betty for two years before launching Arcane.

In 2018 it was inducted into the 10th Anniversary edition of the Michelin Guide Hong Kong with one star.

VEA

Another restaurant rising in the ranks is VEA, known for its Chinese-French tasting menu that’s doesn’t disappoint.

VEA is a one Michelin-starred restaurant and also ranked 16 in Asia's 50 Best Restaurants 2021.

It’s quality food meets theatrics with dishes that will have you questioning ‘how’ purely by their mind-blowing taste.

It’s run by chef Vicky Chen who you may have recognised as a special guest on MasterChef Australia during the show’s Hong Kong week.

He’s worked with some of the world’s most famous chefs, including Jason Bangerter of Auberge du Pommier and Daniel Boulud of Restaurant Daniel in New York, before marking his place as one of Hong Kong’s leading gastronomic innovators with his restaurant VEA.

VEA has one Michelin star.

Mandarin Oriental – Man Wah

Michelin-starred Man Wah has been delighting guests with its exquisite Cantonese fare since 1968.

That’s what you call food with a view.

If you’re staying at Mandarin Oriental be sure to check out Man Wah. If not, set some time and cash because you’re going to want to add it to your list.

It’s home to Man Wah, a one Michelin star restaurant that’s perfect for a traditional dim sum lunch all while taking in the views from the hotel’s 25th floor.

It’s been serving customers since 1968 and has retained its Michelin-starred status for the past 11 years. Its dumplings are next level and melt-in-your-mouth, with some even featuring a chic metallic edging.

Pineapple bun

This is an absolute must in Hong Kong.

Now, it wouldn’t be the ultimate Hong Kong experience without trying the famous pineapple bun.

In this case, it’s not as the name suggests – there’s actually no pineapple or any fruit for that matter. It’s just a regular bun prepared with eggs, flour and yeast.

But be warned, it’s unlike anything you’ve tasted. It has a golden-yellow, crispy, caramelised top, which happens to crack open like the cratered surface of an actual pineapple – and it’s that slab of butter that’s meant to resemble the fruit.

It’s called a pineapple bun – but it’s got no pineapple in it at all. It’s a milk bun filled with butter – and it’s amazing.

I’m told Sai Kung Cafe & Bakery is the OG of the pineapple buns.

Either way, it works a treat (pun intended) and you’ll find yourself hovering down more than just one given the affordable price tag of just $4 (depending on where you go).

You can find it at most places but one of the OGs is Sai Kung Cafe & Bakery. I’m told they make it the best and given they’re selling around 200 a day, it’s a good sign.

Be sure to check out Sai Kung Seafood Street and stroll along the waterfront promenade – you won’t be disappointed.

Their Portuguese egg tarts are also a must – it goes perfectly with Hong Kong-style milk tea. It’s located at Sai Kung, New Territories.

While you’re into that area, you should definitely check out Sai Kung Seafood Street and

Waterfront Promenade.

It’s next to the bakery and has restaurants that feature tanks brimming with fish, crabs, shrimps, shellfish and probably a few mystery creatures you have never seen before.

The food scene in Hong Kon is unlike anything else – every turn you’re greeted with something truly unique.

Fishermen are seen hawking their catches directly from their boats that float close by adding to the lively atmosphere.

Also, if Michelin-star food isn’t your thing there’s plenty of other affordable eateries including Chuen Kee Seafood Restaurant (also found along the Waterfront Promenade).

This year marks 75 years since Qantas first started operations to Hong Kong.

Today, the airline flies daily from Hong Kong to Sydney and Melbourne with Airbus A330 aircraft.

This writer visited Hong Kong as a guest of Qantas