12 must-try Hong Kong eateries under S$10 per pax

If you’re like me and haven’t travelled to Hong Kong in nearly a decade, you may feel a bit out of touch and clueless on where to drop by for meals on your next shopping or sightseeing adventure.

Not to worry! With Google Maps activated on my mobile phone, I travelled around ‘fragrant harbour’ by MTR, hunting for and exploring various eateries that won’t burn a hole in your pocket. While a couple of these spots may be mainstream or touristy, most were filled with only locals. Ahh… that’s when you know the food’s good!

The exchange rate is S$1 = HKD5.75 (at time of writing), and I’ve added the prices in SGD as well for your convenience. Rate fluctuations may affect what you actually spend.

And with that, here is my curated list of 12 must-try Hong Kong cheap eats under S$10 per pax. I even included the nearest MTR station for each spot to make your life easier (you’re very welcome!).

Of course, I’ve barely scratched the surface of the various culinary gems Hong Kong has to offer. To discover more dining deals and experiences, visit the Hong Kong Tourism Board.

1. Bing Kee Cha Dong 炳記茶檔

Nearest MTR: Tin Hau Station exit B (Island Line)

Located at 5 Shepherd Street in the vicinity of Tai Hang, Bing Kee Cha Dong 炳記茶檔 is a quaint, outdoor food stall popular with the young and old alike. This place closes by 3.30pm and mainly serves the breakfast and late lunch crowd.

The menu has various choices of bee hoon or instant noodles with a range of ingredients such as lup cheong, luncheon meat, egg, just to name a few. It costs HKD26/S$4.50 for two toppings and HKD32/ S$5.60 for three. There’s also sandwiches, toast and beverages available.

3 of us ordered Chicken Wings (HKD36/S$6.30), Pork Chop Noodles (HKD32/S$5.60), Toast (HKD14/S$2.40), and Pork Chop Sandwich (HKD28/S$4.90).

We weren’t asked what fillings we wanted for the Toast, so it seems that the default combination over there is peanut butter with condensed milk. Though simple, the perfectly-grilled bread was nutty, sweet and oh-so-satisfying.

The Chicken Wings arrived with 4 pieces of mid-wings, and were braised with a soy-based gravy. The meat was tender, but after a few bites, we found it slightly too savoury to enjoy on its own. However, it would pair perfectly with rice or noodles.

The Pork Chop Sandwich was rather pedestrian and didn’t leave a lasting imprint on our palates. The Pork Chop Noodles, however, featured springy noodles and tender pork pieces. The soup was slightly peppery and savoury, yet light enough to hit the sweet spot.

Skip the Iced Coffee (HKD22/S$3.80) and go for the Iced Yuan Yang (HKD22/S$3.80) instead, which is more balanced in taste.

5 Shepherd Street, Tai Hang, Hong Kong
+852 2577 3117
Tue to Sun: 7am – 3.30pm
Closed on Sun
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2. Hashtag B

Nearest MTR: Causeway Bay Station exit F1 (Island Line)

According to my gen-z colleague, Hashtag B is a bakery that’s popular on social media and she was excited to check out their tarts and pastries. There are 2 locations in total: Tsim Sha Tsui and Causeway Bay. We headed to the latter and were greeted with a decent assortment of bread and tarts.

A little birdy told us that pistachio is all the rage in Hong Kong, and when we spotted the Pistachio Tart (HKD30/S$5.20), we grabbed it immediately. We also bought the Irish Cream Tart (HKD24/S$4.20), Passion Fruit Pineapple Brioche (HKD18/S$3.10), Pandan Flat Croissant (HKD26/S$4.50) and Raspberry Pastry (HKD26/S$4.50).

Similar to a Portuguese egg tart, the Irish Cream Tart had an added infusion of Baileys Irish Cream in its custard, making it decadent with a faint alcoholic coffee kick. The Pistachio Tart was unique and had a robust earthy flavour, which tasted like matcha initially. But the characteristics of pistachio swiftly came into play after a few more bites.

For something tangy and sweet, the Passion Fruit Pineapple Brioche is an ideal choice. The brioche portion was soft and buttery while the passionfruit cream tasted like a lemon meringue pie. The chewy pineapple bits on top were icing on the cake.

67 Lee Garden Road, Po Wing Building, Shop F, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
+852 6396 7417
Mon to Fri: 7.30am – 9pm
Sat & Sun: 8.30am – 9pm
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3. New Hong Kee 康記粥店

Nearest MTR: Tin Hau Station exit B (Island Line)

Located just a few units away from spot #1, New Hong Kee 康記粥店 is a cosy eatery with only 4 tables, accommodating around a dozen diners at a time. The menu showcases about 38 kinds of congee and 11 types of chee cheong fun.

The majority of nearby residents here do takeouts, and were required to wait outside till their food was ready. After being spoiled for choice, we got the Congee with Preserved Egg & Pork Slices (HKD37/S$6.40), Rice Roll with Pork Liver (HKD23/S$4), a medium Chinese Doughnut in Rice Roll (HKD15/S$2.60), and Fried Ox Tongue Pastry (HKD10/S$1.80).

The porridge was amazingly silky and thick, making it the perfect base for the tender pork slices and creamy century egg pieces. The Chinese Doughnut in Rice Roll had a luscious outer layer with a delightfully-crispy you tiao inside. A simple dash of light soya sauce was the perfect finishing touch.

I loved how perfectly-cooked the pieces of pork liver were— still chewy with a medium-done centre. I’ve never had liver paired with chee cheong fun before, but it’s now my new obsession.

Don’t worry, no oxen were harmed in the making of the Fried Ox Tongue Pastry. It was shaped to look like its tongue, and turned out to be a sweet version of our local ham chim peng— perfect for dunking in congee or eating it on its own.

9 King Street, Tai Hang, Hong Kong
+852 5402 3598
Wed to Mon: 7am – 9pm
Closed on Tue

4. Duen Kee Chinese Restaurant 端記茶樓

Nearest MTR: Tsuen Wan Station (Tseun Wan Line)

Though the nearest MTR station is at Tseun Wan, you would still need to book a taxi or private hire to get to Duen Kee Chinese Restaurant 端記茶樓. Located uphill at the foot of Tai Mo Shan (Hong Kong’s highest peak), this handmade dim sum restaurant is popular with nearby hikers.

If you’re bad at speaking Cantonese, you need not worry much as you’ll have minimal interaction with the staff. Why? That’s because almost everything here is self-service, including grabbing the dim sum, choosing the tea leaves for your pot, scooping the homemade tau fu fah (tau huay), and selecting the fried items.

Oh, and if you want to act more like a local, disinfect your tea cups, utensils and bowls with a small bucket of hot water. I can’t remember when was the last time I did this in public.

The only dish you’ll need to order is the Boiled Watercress with Furu & Soy Sauce (HKD50/S$8.70), which is freshly grown and harvested from a field just in the backyard.

Choose from popular favourites like Char Siew Bao (HKD18/S$3.10), Chee Cheong Fun (HKD18/S$3.10), Black Bean Pork Ribs (HKD18/S$3.10), Spring Water Tau Fu Fah (HKD18/S$3.10), Siew Mai (HKD20/S$3.50), Fried Prawn Dumplings (HKD28/S$4.90), amongst others.

You can even help yourself to a pot of Tea (HKD5/S$0.90) exploring options like Pu’er and Jasmine.

57-58 Chuen Lung Estate, Route Twisk, Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong
+852 2490 5246
Tue to Sun: 6am – 2pm
Closed on Mon

5. Kai Kai Dessert 佳佳甜品

Nearest MTR: Jordan Station exit A (Tsuen Wan Line)

Besides being listed in the MICHELIN Guide multiple times, Kai Kai Dessert on Ning Po Street also stays open till 1am daily. So nightbirds, you’re in for a treat! When you arrive, simply walk towards the touch screen and indicate your party size to receive a ticket. Though you need to be mentally prepared to queue, the good news is that it clears pretty quickly.

Do note that there’s a minimum spending of HKD20/S$3.50 per person. You can choose from a lineup of 24 hot and cold desserts, each one detailed with cute illustrations.

We ended up with the hot Black Sesame & Almond Paste (HKD30/S$5.30), hot Tang Yuan in Honey Ginger Broth (HKD27/S$4.70), cold Egg Custard (HKD29/S$5.10) and a cold Red Bean Yam Paste with Sago (HKD27/S$4.70).

The common favourite dessert at the table was the Red Bean Yam Paste with Sago. The union of orh nee and red bean was truly special. It also contained lotus seeds and mini pops of sago.

Skip the Egg Custard, which had a strong, off-putting eggy flavour similar to overcooked yolk. Instead, go for the Tang Yuan in Honey Ginger Broth, which had 8 fun-sized sesame-filled rice balls served in a spiced ginger broth.

29 Ning Po Street, Jordan, Hong Kong
+852 2384 3862
Daily: 12pm – 1am
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6. Lau Sum Kee 劉森記麵家

Nearest MTR: Sham Shui Po Station exit D1 (Tsuen Wan Line)

Lau Sum Kee is a heritage Cantonese eatery that was established back in 1956. It’s currently overseen by 3rd-gen Chef Lau. The second outlet at Fuk Wing Street has earned itself a Michelin Bib Gourmand. But if you’re interested in visiting the OG outlet, it’s just a minute’s walk away from Kweilin Street.

Forget about factory-made nonsense, the noodles here are made from scratch. In case you’re wondering, the dough is not kneaded by hand but with a large bamboo pole; even the wantons here are made on the spot.

When you are here, follow what the locals do and order yourself a bowl of Fresh Prawn Wanton Noodles (HKD42/S$7.30). It was just a simple bowl of noodles with pieces of wanton and choy sum submerged in a translucent golden broth topped with chopped leek.

The wantons here are a knockout. The silky, paper-thin skin encases a burst of chewy fresh prawns, followed by a subtle hint of minced pork. To have a different kind of experience, try pairing the wantons with the vinegar on the table.

For something more interesting, try the Shrimp Roe Dry Noodles (HKD48/S$8.40). It’s a plate bursting with an intense umami punch.

80 Fuk Wing Street, Sham Shui Po, Hong Kong
+852 2386 3583
Daily: 12am – 10pm
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7. Wish You Well Congee 粥君好

Nearest MTR: Kennedy Town Station exit B (Island Line)

With no social media presence, Wish You Well Congee 粥君好 is an under-the-radar local eating spot at Kennedy Town where congee is the main star. The menu features a whopping 75 varieties, ranging from HKD13/S$2.30 to HKD46/S$8.

This place has a homely vibe and is manned by a trio of elderly ladies who make you feel as if you’re dropping by their house for a meal.

We ordered the Sliced Fish and Beef Congee (HKD41/S$7.13) and Squid Ball & Handcrafted Meatball Congee (HKD44/S$7.70). Just like spot #3, there’s just something about congee in Hong Kong that hits differently.

The slices of fish, which we later found out were glass carp (wan yu in Cantonese), were fresh and tasted similar to Singapore’s batang fish. The beef was just as good; tender and succulent.

The texture of the squid ball was bouncy, though my only gripe was that it tasted a bit too fishy for my liking. The meatball, however, was superb and had a good texture. The congee tasted good on its own, but be sure to drizzle some soya sauce on it— trust me, it was a life-changing decision!

If congee isn’t your cup of tea, no sweat! There’s also other light snacks such as You Tiao (HKD10/S$1.80), Homemade Carrot Cake (HKD15/S$2.60) and Beef Chee Cheong Fun (HKD25/S$4.40) available.

Oh, before I forget— if you’re feeling parched, try the Homemade Soya Milk (HKD11/S$1.90). I swear by it!

32A Belcher’s Street,  Kennedy Town, Sai Wan,  Hong Kong
+852 2642 3338
Daily: 6am – 11pm

8. Tung Tat 通達食店

Nearest MTR: Yau Ma Tei Station exit A2 (Tsuen Wan Line)

Feeling peckish but don’t wish to ruin your appetite for lunch or dinner? Then swing by Tung Tat 通達食店 at 44 Pitt Street for some light bites. There’s a small sit-down area inside, but since most of the food is served on skewers, it’s more fun if you stand outside the shop and snack away.

You’ll spot a big pot of yummy fish balls drenched in curry, and just behind it are delectable pieces of siew mai in the steamer.

We had the Fragrant & Smooth Chang Fen (HKD20/S$3.50 for 4 rolls) which was drizzled with soya sauce, sweet sauce, peanut sauce and sprinkled with sesame seeds. We couldn’t resist the enticing Fish Balls on display, and decided to get a stick of 6 for HKD13/S$2.30.

We sent our colleague, who was the most fluent in Cantonese, to order, and he returned with both snacks placed together in the same disposable bowl. Call it an accident or pure genius, but the chee cheong fun actually tasted awesome with the curry from the Fish Balls.

However, we found the fish balls to be pretty basic and didn’t really blow us away.

44 Pitt Street, 號地下, Yau Ma Tei, Hong Kong
Daily: 7am – 9pm

9. Danish Bakery

Nearest MTR: Causeway Bay Station exit F1 (Island Line)

Danish Bakery at 106 Leighton Road is a heritage bakery with an aged look, preserving its state since it was opened for business back in 1958. As you enter, it feels as if time has stopped moving as the interior reminds you of the olden days. The staff working there are seniors who are all over 70 years of age.

You’ll be greeted by crowd favourites like egg tarts and polo buns for sale within the glass display on the left.

We decided to get the Hot Dog (HKD15/S$2.60) and Fried Pork Chop Bun (HKD22/S$3.90). Although it wasn’t mind blowing, the Hot Dog bun was nicely grilled with a no-frills sausage and drizzled with sweet mayo.

The Fried Pork Chop Bun was nicely breaded and paired well with a duo of sauces: tomato sauce and mayonnaise. The Bun was also grilled to a crisp, making it an ideal quick fix if you’re hungry on the road.

106 Leighton Road, G/F, Leishun Court, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
+852 2576 7353
Daily: 6.30am – 7pm

10. Australia Dairy Company 澳洲牛奶公司

Nearest MTR: Jordan Station exit C2 (Tsuen Wan Line)

Before heading to Hong Kong for the second time, I heard many things about the Australia Dairy Company 澳洲牛奶公司. This place is probably the most touristy spot amongst the rest. Here, the staff are dressed like lab assistants on top, paired with jeans.

The 3 of us were led to a rather cramped but private booth, with us sitting side-by-side.

The Butter Toast (HKD18/S$3.10) was indulgent and was topped with a slice of melted butter. You can even help yourself to the little jar of maple syrup on the table. For something more savoury, order the Scrambled Egg Toast (HKD28/S$4.90).

If you’re seeking something comforting, try the Macaroni with Char Siew (HKD38/S$6.60). It came topped with a fried egg, and the broth was hearty.

Got extra stomach space? Then get a hot or cold bowl of Egg White Milk Custard (HKD35 /S$6.10). You must also savour the Iced Yuen Yeung (HKD28/S$4.90), which we consider to be one of the best in Hong Kong.

47 Parkes Street, Jordan, Hong Kong
+852 2730 1356
Fri to Wed: 7.30am – 10pm
Closed on Thu
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11. Kam Wah Cafe

Nearest MTR: Yau Ma Tei Station exit A2 (Tsuen Wan Line)

Kam Wah Cafe is your usual cha chaan teng that’s been operating since 1973, serving up popular staples like Polo Bun (HKD13/S$2.30) and Butter French Toast (HKD22/S$3.90).

Since several people online were raving about the Polo Bun, we decided to give it a go. Though the golden-brown crust was crumbly and slightly sweet, but the amount of butter inside was measly and quite sparse— I really wished they’d shoved in more.

We were also recommended the Cheesy Curry Pork Chop Instant Noodles (HKD55/S$9.60). All the elements in it surprisingly worked: smoky curry, rich sliced cheese and springy instant noodles— it was comfort food at its best!

45-47 Bute Street, Mong Kok, Hong Kong
+852 2392 6830
Daily: 6.30am – 9pm

12. Sun Hing Restaurant

Nearest MTR: Kennedy Town Station exit A (Island Line)

Of course, what better way to end this list than by introducing yet another dim sum joint? If you’re an early riser or seeking to have supper at 3am, then Sun Hing Restaurant at Sai Wan is the place for you.

You can find affordable options like Fried Sesame Balls, Steamed Beef Balls w/ Mangosteen and Big Chicken Bun (HKD23/S$4 for all).

The Eight Chun Glutinous Rice (HKD27/S$4.70) contained meats like roast pork and chicken meat, and the rice was really tasty. The unique Preserved Sausage Rolls (HKD23/S$4) had a piece of lap cheong within the hot, steaming bun; something rarely seen in Singapore.

The Radish Cakes w/ Cured Meat (HKD23/S$4) was silky smooth and paired really well with the chopped lap cheong on top.

Smithfield, 8號, Markfield Building, 地下, Sai Wan, Hong Kong
+852 2816 0616
Daily: 3am – 4pm

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