Hong Kong’s culinary scene is a lively mosaic celebrated for its diversity and quality, offering experiences across all price points. There are many flavourful dining choices, from bustling cha chaan tengs to high-end restaurants. For those who aim to enjoy greater culinary flexibility, preparing meals at home offers creative control over ingredients and flavours. By being smart with your dining options and consulting resources like local foodie guides, you can enjoy Hong Kong’s exquisite food scene.
Hong Kong’s dining scene offers something for everyone, making it easy for you to enjoy a wide variety of local flavours and international dishes. Local favourites such as “Cart noodles”, “Rice with two sides” or quick meals of fast-food chain restaurants typically cost between HK$25 to HK$50 (~US$3 to US$6), offering an affordable variety. While a typical set meal at a cha chaan teng costs between HK$50 and HK$80 (~US$6 to US$10), it provides a balance of convenience and value. For Chinese dining, dim sum restaurants are worth visiting — for an average cost between HK$100 to HK$150 (~US$13 to US$20), you can enjoy a selection of bite-sized dishes.
Beyond local cuisine, you'll find Japanese restaurants ranging from ramen shops, from HK$80 to HK$150 (~US$10 to US$20) to chef-driven omakase experiences, lunch from HK$500 (~US$60) and dinner from HK$1,000 (~US$130). Korean barbecue restaurants, from HK$200 to HK$400 (~US$30 to US$50) and Western cafés, from HK$80 to HK$140 (~US$10 to US$20), are popular citywide too. Meanwhile, Thai, Vietnamese, and Indian eateries also flourish across Hong Kong, while the prices are similar to those of the eastern foods introduced above.
Premium dining experiences are accessible all year round. High-end, award-winning restaurants serve exquisite culinary creations at approximately HK$2,000 (~US$300) per meal. Renowned dining guides highlight both these premium venues and affordable local delicacies, allowing you to explore Hong Kong's full range of dining options.
Home cooking in Hong Kong is remarkably convenient and offers plentiful options. Wet markets and fresh food sections in supermarkets are scattered throughout the city, making quality ingredients easily accessible. These venues offer an impressive range of fresh produce, meats and seafood, enabling you to discover both local and international cuisines from the comfort of your home. For more details about the prices of other daily necessities in Hong Kong, please visit the Online Price Watch of the Consumer Council. Many residents enjoy the balance of dining out and preparing meals at home, appreciating the flexibility this culinary combination offers in this vibrant city.
For comprehensive guidance on other essential aspects of life in Hong Kong, including accommodation, food, and transportation, check out other guides like Cost of Living in Hong Kong: Accommodation, Food, and Transportation and Amenities & Cost of Living.
The information provided is for reference only and is subject to periodic updates. For the latest information, please visit the relevant website.