Dining and restaurant phrases for Cantonese practice
March 29, 2024
Causeway Bay’s famous pedestrian crossing which faces SOGO shopping centre
Most locals in Hong Kong have a Cantonese background, which means that their cuisine is influenced by flavours from the province of “Guangdong” in southern China.
Most people from Guangdong speak Cantonese. If you listen closely, their accent is different to those of a Hong Kong local’s!
Although Hong Kong cuisine is majorly influenced by Cantonese cuisine from Guangdong, there are many dishes that are unique. Hong Kong has historically been more occupied by international immigrants, and this is shown in unique “western / eastern” renditions of traditional dishes.
Take French Toast for example. While this was not invented in Hong Kong, their version is a blissful, buttery, indulgent experience. Or Macaroni Soup – this is a classic “cha caan teng” (Hong Kong diner) breakfast dish consisting of macaroni, light chicken soup, and slices of ham (or luncheon meat).
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List of restaurants I visited in Hong Kong
Sister Wah Beef Brisket
13 Electric Rd, Causeway Bay
This is arguably one of the best noodle restaurants I have been to in Hong Kong. Sister Wah is legendary in Causeway Bay and surrounds. The Beef Brisket Noodle Soup is a must-order, I drank the broth as hungrily as I slurped down the egg noodles. If you like, you can add tendon and tripe too.
Despite being featured in the Michelin Guide for multiple years, Sister Wah retains a traditional Hong Kong, no-frills service. The focus is on serving good food efficiently. Expect that you might sit at a table with random strangers.
See the Google Map link to “Sister Wah Beef Brisket” in Causeway Bay here.
香港手打魚蛋牛丸專門店
148 Sai Yeung Choi St S, Mong Kok
Ok I know that a few of their Google reviews are critical. On my visit however (in February 2024), the fish ball noodle soup was flavourful and hit the spot. I also liked their menu which was clearly illustrated with pictures and English writing. It’s foreigner-friendly.
See the Google Map link to the “香港手打魚蛋牛丸專門店” in Mong Kok here.
Holly Restaurant
20 San Shan Rd, Ma Tau Chung
A casual restaurant that serves yum cha. You can order classic “dim sum” dishes including “har gow” prawn dumplings, “char siu” bao (steamed buns stuffed with pork), rice noodle rolls, and congee.
I visited during dinner. Like many Cantonese restaurants, the dinner menu is remarkably different and includes seafood and more meaty dishes. The Peking Duck Pancakes and E-Fu Lobster Noodles were an absolute highlight for me!
See the Google Map link to “Holly Restaurant” in Ma Tau Chung here. It’s a very local part of Kowloon Island, you’ll definitely be off the beaten tourist path!
Kwan Kee Claypot Rice
263 Queen’s Rd W, Sai Ying Pun
Lots of locals and foreigners visit this buzzing restaurant in Sai Ying Pun. They want to try Kwan Kee’s famous selection of claypot rice bowls! A few will have visited because they saw 2024’s Michelin Guide.
In the top right hand corner, you’ll see the claypot bowl with frog legs. If you’d like to start with a more “beginner” claypot, go for the one with chicken and Chinese sausages. Otherwise known as “Bo Zai Farn” in Cantonese, these rice bowls are a classic dish in Hong Kong dining.
See the Google Map link to “Kwan Kee Claypot Rice” here.
Peninsula Cuisine / Ah Yung Hot Pot
Level 6 of “KOLOUR shopping centre” on Chung On St, Tsuen Wan
Tsuen Wan is a town in the western New Territories of Hong Kong. It’s an area packed with shopping malls! If you want to buy trendy clothes, I can recommend “The Mills” on Pak Tin Par St (Google Map here).
On the top floor of KOLOUR shopping centre, Peninsula Cuisine serves banquet-style dining.
If you have a group larger than 8 people to entertain, get seated at one of the big round tables. Ask the staff for group dinner packages – these will feature different courses where you can sample produce from the sea and land. Peninsula Cuisine also offers private dining rooms (pictured) which are great to entertain even bigger groups.
See the Google Map link “Peninsula Cuisine Tsuen Wan” here.
Tao Heung Tea House
Nan Fung Plaza, 8 Pui Shing Rd, Tseung Kwan O
“Tao Heung” is a restaurant chain that has branches around Hong Kong. They are known for serving local dishes in a well-presented but affordable style.
If you haven’t tried Hong Kong’s signature roast goose, you can order it at Tao Heung. It’s like duck, but more fatty and indulgent. Try saying “Siu Ngor”, which is Cantonese for roast goose, to a local. This dish is well regarded in Hong Kong cuisine, you can’t find it with the same quality in another country.
I visited the branch in Nan Fung Plaza next to Hang Hau MTR Station.
See the Google Map link “Tao Heung Tea House” here.
Pici Central
24 – 26 Aberdeen Street at Kingearn Building, Central
Pici restaurants are known for their hand-made pasta and home-style Italian dishes. Pici Central is located on a slope in Mid-Levels, an area that’s known for buzzing, international eateries and nightlife.
I relished all the pastas here, and can recommend the Tagliolini Truffle and Pappardelle Beef Cheek. The portion sizes aren’t big, but the authentic flavour is remarkable.
See the Google Map link to “Pici Central” here. It’s perfect for a romantic date.
Marbo Seafood Restaurant
3rd floor of Winfield Commercial Building in Tsim Sha Tsui
This older style Cantonese restaurant is in Tsim Sha Tsui, a famous district on Kowloon Island. Tourists will inevitably hear about Tsim Sha Tsui, it faces Victoria Harbour and features a very pedestrian-friendly promenade with spectacular skyline views.
Tsim Sha Tsui is popular for cultural and shopping activities. I’d recommend checking out “Harbour City” (Map link), 1881 Heritage (Map link), or K11 Art Mall (Map link). Each shopping centre has its own identity. The architecture for K11 Art Mall in particular is stunning!
See the Google Map link to “Marbo Seafood Restaurant” here. It’s located upstairs.
深仔記 Sham Tsai Kee
65 Portland St, Mong Kok
You must try the wontons if you come to this small but mighty restaurant in Mong Kok. The shrimp wonton is particularly delicious. The dumpling is just succulently packed.
There is also a variety of other noodle dishes, many of which come with a rich and flavourful soup. The pictured dish features dry noodles with beef brisket.
Sham Tsai Kee is open until late, I visited at 12am one night.
See the Google Map link to “深仔記 Sham Tsai Kee” here.
Sushiro (Tsim Sha Tsui)
2-6 Granville Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui
I had experienced the amazing value and food variety of Sushiro restaurants in Japan (check-out our TikTok video here). I was happy to discover that it’s no different in Hong Kong. Sushiro is truly an experience like no other – if you like sushi and Japanese food, you will be in wonder land.
The only downside is that, especially if you go during peak lunch and dinner hours, the wait will be super long. I waited for nearly 50 minutes for my private compartment. When you are seated, you will also have a maximum dining time.
See the Google Map link to “Sushiro Tsim Sha Tsui” here.
Hang Heung Bakery Cafe
247 Des Voeux Rd Central, Sheung Wan
A short walk from Sheung Wan MTR, Hang Heung is in the central business district of Hong Kong. It’s a neat and tidy “cha caan teng” (Hong Kong style diner) which also serves a range of pastries.
Definitely try the egg tarts (pictured). These have custard cupped in flaky pastry. I also ordered the tomato macaroni soup with ham and butter toast.
See the Google Map link to “Hang Heung Bakery Cafe” here. It’s a lovely restaurant for afternoon tea.
Saizeriya (Sham Shui Po)
Level 4, Dragon Centre, 37K Yen Chow St, Sham Shui Po
The Japanese word “yoshoku” describes a style of Japanese food that has been influenced by Western cooking. A classic example is curry rice.
Saizeriya is a Japanese chain of family-oriented, Italian yoshoku restaurants. There are restaurants everywhere in Japan. I visited ones in Fukuoka and Sapporo.
The Saizeriya restaurant in Sham Shui Po featured the same style of menu and attractively portioned dishes. Each plate is affordable and mini in size, allowing a hungry diner to sample many.
See the Google Map link to “Saizeriya” Sham Shui Po here.
錦尚甜 (銅鑼灣店)
2 Tsing Fung St, Causeway Bay
Hong Kong style desserts often come in the flavour of sweet, cold soups. In this little dessert shop on the border of Tin Hau and Causeway Bay, I tried many of my childhood favourites.
Fruity, icy, and jelly-like, dessert bowls served here can be customised to your pleasure. I’d recommend the “Sago with Pomelo and Mango”, or the “Glutinous Rice Balls with Grass Jelly and Coconut Milk” for beginners.
If you’re unsure of what to try, remember to message us on Instagram. Your travel consultant is here to help.
See the Google Map link to “錦尚甜 (銅鑼灣店)” here. Sister Wah Beef Brisket (mentioned above) is a short walk away 😉 You could visit either one, after the other.
肥仔記麵家
6b Carnarvon Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui
The menu pictures plastered on the wall outside 肥仔記麵家 convinced me to go in. There were a few tourists there too. I made the right choice. Woohoo!
I ordered the “Beef Tendon and Shrimp Wonton Noodle Soup”, which featured rich broth and delightfully chewy egg noodles. The restaurant had lovely chilli oil in their classic tin containers, which I greedily loaded on.
For a special style of dumpling, I recommend ordering the “Fish Skin Wontons”. The texture and flavour is appetisingly different.
See the Google Map link to “肥仔記麵家” here. I’m happy to recommend this place for its local-style Hong Kong food.
Cafe de Coral
Branches all over Hong Kong
Almost every Hong Konger will know this restaurant chain. Multiple generations have grown up with it. Cafe de Coral began in 1968 and is actually listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. There are over 550 restaurants in Hong Kong and Mainland China.
Everytime I go to Hong Kong, I go to a Cafe de Coral. It’s like meeting with an old friend who has known me all my life. I am a fan of their addictingly customisable set menus, variety of breakfast / lunch / dinner choices, and promptness of service!
If you visit for the first time, I’d recommend the quintessential Hong Kong rice bowl: Crispy Pork Belly (“Siu Yuk”) and Glazed BBQ Pork (“Char Siu”) rice. Order it in a set and enjoy classic Hong Kong Iced Milk Tea.
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