Hong Kong is brimming with amazing, affordable meals. Here are just a few of our favourite cheap eats – some of them even Michelin-endorsed. (The Michelin Guide awarded 65 restaurants with a Bib Gourmand in Hong Kong this year!) These restaurants all offer three courses, not including drinks, for a maximum price of $400. And if you prefer to eat at home, most do takeaways, too!
The Butchers Club
Enjoying a good quality burger in Hong Kong doesn’t need to break the bank. The Butchers Club can be found in Wan Chai, TST and Taikoo Place, with burgers starting from around HK$120.
Din Tai Fung
Got a dumpling craving? Head straight to Din Tai Fung and order some Michelin-endorsed xiao long bao. There are branches at Causeway Bay, Canton Road TST, Nathan Road TST and Shatin.
Tim Ho Wan
These dim sum restaurants are famous in Hong Kong and beyond as one of the cheapest Michelin-starred experiences in the world. Despite the Michelin star, it’s very affordable, with dishes from around HK$50. There are branches across the city.
Lucky Indonesia
If you’re looking for real Indonesian satay, head to Lucky Indonesia in Kwun Tong. This little restaurant has been serving authentic Indonesian fare at a great price for decades and has been awarded a Bib Gourmand.
46 Tung Ming Street, Kwun Tong
Kwan Kee Clay Pot Rice
Head to Queen’s Road West in Sai Ying Pun for an authentic Hong Kong food experience – clay pot rice. Kwan Kee Clay Pot Rice has been awarded the Michelin tick of approval with a Bib Gourmand in the 2020 guide.
263 Queen’s Road West, Sai Ying Pun
Thai Chiu
This Sham Shui Po restaurant is another that has been given the nod by the experts at Michelin. It offers authentic Thai favourites created by Thai culinary talent. Sure, it’s a no-frills experience, but your taste buds will thank you.
Mammy Pancake
Loved by kids and adults alike, Mammy Pancake egg puffs are addictive and much loved by locals and tourists. These are a must-do when you’re entertaining guests from out of town. Find branches in Causeway Bay, TST, Sheung Wan, Hung Hom and more around the city.
Shugetsu Ramen
Another Bib Gourmand winner, this time for delicious, freshly made Japanese noodles in a salty broth, Shugetsu has branches on Gough Street in Central, in Causeway Bay and in Quarry Bay.
Franks
There are two levels at Franks on Wyndham Street, and for a cheap eat we recommended sticking to the ground floor. Here, you can sit down for a quick Italian lunch at around HK$100.
Cornerstone
This Australian café by famed Australian chef Shane Osborn (who is behind one-starred Arcane) is another to have been awarded a Bib Gourmand. Cornerstone delivers an affordable but impressive meal on Hollywood Road in SOHO. It only takes walk-ins, so it’s best to get there early. facebook.com/cornerstonerestauranthk
Like this? See more in our Wine & Dine section:
Where to find your favourite grocery brands
Dining districts: where to eat in Hong Kong
This article first appeared in the Spring 2020 issue of Expat Living magazine. Subscribe now so you never miss an issue.
