Hong Kong — If there is another city in this world that boasts a more eclectic — and dramatic — dining scene we would be hard pressed to name it. Indeed it is a gourmet paradise and considered to be the culinary capital of Asia. And with over 11,000 eateries, foodies can choose from food stalls (try the curry fishballs), tea houses, dumpling dives or fine dining venues for east-meets-west fusion dishes and nearly every international cuisine imaginable, including fine Buddhist vegetarian dishes.

Bo Innovation
One of Hong Kong’s hottest dining spots is rock-star Chef Alvin Leung’s Bo Innovation. Bo Innovation’s edgy, reinterpreted Chinese delights have won Chef Leung a number of awards including two Michelin stars. The restaurant’s space is quite Zen-like and diners absolutely rave about dishes like suckling pig with Sichuan vanilla, apple, and peas; and cod with saffron miso. Reservations are a must.
location:
Shop 13, 2/F, J Residence, 60 Johnston Road
Wan Chai, Hong Kong
+ 852.2850.8371

Hutong
Cuisines from all China’s major geographic regions can be sampled and enjoyed in restaurants and food stalls throughout Hong Kong. If you’re looking for a taste of Northern Chinese cuisine, be sure to include Hutong on your restaurant shortlist. Dramatically perched on the 28th floor of a high-rise, the restaurant’s setting and décor includes scarlet red lanterns and bird cages. Here Northern Chinese dishes like drunken raw crab and deboned lamb ribs are savored as much as the lovely ambiance itself.
location:
28/F, One Peking Road
Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
+852.3428.8342

Lin Heung Kui
Hong Kong is the epicenter of dim sum. These delectable filled little purses steamed in bamboo baskets, or the half-moon shaped jiaozi, are a must for breakfast or lunch. For an authentic, old-school experience (that’s reasonably priced), try Lin Heung Kui for the traditional shumai (pork dumplings) and cheung fan (steamed rice noodle rolls filled with shrimp, pork, beef, vegetables or other ingredients), and ancient specialties like shumai topped with whole quail eggs, all served with strong tea.
location:
2-3/F, 46-50 Des Voeux Road West, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
+852.2156.9328

Pierre
A number of world-renowned celebrity chefs, including the likes of Pierre Gagnaire, have had ongoing love affairs with Hong Kong, providing foodies with a long tradition of fine dining in the city’s hotels. It’s for that very reason you’ll want to consider experiencing Pierre. The restaurant is on the 25th floor of the iconic Mandarin Oriental Hotel and is acclaimed for its Michelin starred modern French cuisine and its spectacular views of Victoria Harbor. Chef Gagnaire’s protégé, Nicolas Boujéma, heads up the culinary team and does his boss proud.
location:
5 Connaught Road, Central Hong Kong
+852.2522.0111

The Peninsula Hotel
Hong Kong
We can’t leave the subject of dining in Hong Kong without mention of the Peninsula Hotel. Why? This grand dame is a Hong Kong landmark and has a collection of notable restaurants (Gaddi’s, The Verandah, Chesa, and Felix to name a few), but we love it for the English-style afternoon tea served daily in its magnificent lobby. A historical nod goes to the hotel and its bygone colonial era.
location:
Salisbury Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong
+852.2920.2888

Man Wah
Yes, the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Hong Kong is just so incredibly gorgeous that it really does merit a second visit. If you can make time, plan to return for an exquisite dim sum brunch complete with panoramic cityscapes at its Man Wah restaurant. Chef Man-Sing Lee has well earned his Michelin star, creating an authentic Cantonese menu with local favorites. When you go, keep your fingers crossed and hope that his chicken and abalone roll with Yunnan ham is on the menu.
location:
5 Connaught Road, Central Hong Kong
+852.2522.0111

The Chairman
Arguably the world’s best Cantonese cuisine can be found in Hong Kong, a truly magical city. And The Chairman Restaurant, with its modern take and focus on local, sustainable ingredients, is among the best-of-the best. In elegant surrounding, patrons dine on specialties like Steamed Fresh Flowery Crab with Aged ShaoXing Wine & Fragrant Chicken Oil, and Smoked Baby Pigeon with Longjing Tea & Chrysanthemum.
location:
18 Kau U Fong, Central Hong Kong
+852.2555.2202

About Connie Walsh: Connie is Vice President of Business Development at Tour de Forks — a boutique culinary travel company — offering uncommon epicurean adventures, tours, packages and bespoke travel. To learn more please contact your travel agent.