Hong Kong’s dai pai dong culture is not as widespread as it used to be, but there are still a number of classic spots remaining for adventurous diners.
Whether you’re a seafood fanatic, planning a food-fueled group gathering, looking for a unique and memorable local experience, or just dining solo.
Experiencing the lively, busting, hawker-style open-air dining setting is a must if you haven’t already. Expert lively chatter, the unmistakable wok hei aromas, and street-side kitchen performances alongside your meal.
These eateries bring together flavorful dishes and the atmosphere of the city’s traditional food scene.
Sing Kee
Must-try: Salt and pepper squid, stir-fried clams with black bean sauce, crab, chicken claypot, sweet and sour pork
Location: 63 Stanley Street, Central
Price: HK$60-80 per dish
Reservation policy: No reservations
Oi Man Sing
Must-try: Razor clams, clams in black bean sauce, fish/chicken pots, beef cubes with black pepper and potatoes, salted egg yolk prawns, green beans
Location: Sham Shui Po Building, 1A-1C Shek Kip Mei Street, Sham Shui Po
Price: HK$50-80 per dish
Reservation policy: Bookings available via the Gulu app
Sing Heung Yuen
Must-try: Tomato and beef macaroni (other noodle options available), condensed milk toast/crispy buns with lemon honey or condensed milk and peanut butter, milk tea
Location: 2 Mei Lun Street, Central
Price: HK$20-50 per dish
Reservation policy: No reservations
Bing Kee
Must-try: Swiss chicken wings with noodles, pork chop noodles/rice
Location: 5 Shepherd Street, Tai Hang
Price: HK$20-50 per dish
Reservation policy: No reservation
Tung Po
Must-try: Crispy salt and pepper tofu, crispy squid, typhoon shelter crab, crispy chicken, claypots, fried rice, their popular beers in bowls
Location: 2/F, KONNECT, 303 Jaffe Road, Wan Chai
Price: HK$100-400 per dish, seafood dishes are subject to change (depending on size, weight etc)
Reservation policy: Recommended for large groups, weekends, and peak hours
Things to note:
- Bring cash as most traditional dai pai dongs may not accept credit cards or other forms of mobile payments
- Go with friends so you can share and try more dishes
- Don’t worry about the menus as these spots generally offer menus in both Chinese and English (with photos) for easy ordering
