When you think of Hong Kong dining, you probably also think of the city’s swathe of both premium-quality Eastern and Western cuisines. Cantonese, Thai, Vietnamese, and Japanese cuisine dominate the scene, whilst Italian, French, Spanish, and American cuisines equally wow diners.
However, a few restaurants in Hong Kong do justice to cuisines that have never gained a foothold in the city. Take a look at our guide to spice up your meals with something very new.
Rare cuisines to explore in Hong Kong
My Kitchen – Tibetan
If you’ve never thought about Tibetan food, now’s your chance to head to Jordan and cast your eyes over My Kitchen’s authentic menu of traditional dishes. Try their balep bread, dum aloo potato curry, shabhalep meat pies, beef thukpa noodle soup, and, of course, fried or boiled chicken, beef, or vegetable momos. Seating is sparse, so make plans accordingly for your quick bite.
My Kitchen, 2H Saigon Street, Jordan, WhatsApp 9845 9097
Tian Shan Dining Room – Xinjiang
One of two Xinjiang restaurants in Hong Kong, specialising in the northwestern Chinese cuisine known for its ground spices, lamb, and lots of carbs, Tian Shan Dining Room scores high for an enriching cultural exploration in Tin Hau. Hand-pulled noodles, lamb rack, Xinjiang salad, and lamb dumplings are suitable dishes for exploring this umami-rich cuisine.
Tian Shan Dining Room, Shop A, G/F, Hoi Sun Building, 12 Mercury Street, Tin Hau, 2805 6130
Chesa – Swiss
Chesa is a Hong Kong restaurant both rare in its cuisine offering – only four Swiss restaurants operate here – and its historical age; the restaurant has been serving Alpine-style fondue and Swiss specialities for nearly 60 years. If you’re not familiar with Swiss food, we recommend trying the Swiss cervelat sausage salad, sliced veal with mushrooms in cream sauce, oxtail raviolo, and one of three creamy cheese fondues. For dessert, the La Chalet Suisse, a chocolate-shaped chalet served with vanilla ice cream and hot chocolate sauce, is a showstopper.
Chesa, 1/F, The Peninsula Hong Kong, Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2696 6769, book here
Ivan the Kozak – Ukrainian
With a menu full of salty Eastern European treats, Ivan the Kozak stands as Hong Kong’s prime destination for rich carbs, meats, and salivatory Ukrainian sauces. Chicken Kiev, herring salad, borscht, potato and mushroom pierogi, and blini pancakes are must-orders. Ivan the Kozak has operated in Hong Kong since 2001, a testament to diners’ urge for something new.
Ivan the Kozak, 1/F, Parekh House, 63 Wyndham Street, Central, 2851 1193, book here
Ghana Locals – Ghanaian
Ghana Locals is perched on the ground floor of Chungking Mansions, serving Hong Kong’s small African community and adventurous diners wishing to explore the unique recipes of Ghana. Jollof rice with chicken, deep-fried plantain with stewed black-eyed peas, dried fish soup, and semolina with meat and bitter leaf soup are a few dishes that best represent the African cuisine in Hong Kong.
Ghana Locals, Shop 102 & 105, G/F, Chungking Mansions, 36–44 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, 5624 8809
BRAZA Churrascaria – Brazilian
This Brazilian steakhouse is Hong Kong’s sole restaurant serving churrascaria-style meats. Available during lunch, brunch, and dinner, grilled-to-order and spits of meat are offered at BRAZA, alongside garlic rice, feijoada, and more. Be sure to ask for plenty of servings of their juicy beef picanha, BBQ pork ribs, chorizo, marinated lamb chops, and lemon pepper chicken breast.
BRAZA Churrascaria, 3/F, Grand Progress Building, 15–16 Lan Kwai Fong, Lan Kwai Fong Central, 2890 9268, book here
Grand Cafe Julia – Dutch
Grand Cafe Julia is a new addition to the Central dining scene, tempting Hong Kongers to savour the customary dishes popular in the Netherlands. The Dutch plates focus on potatoes, homemade bread, meat, and fried bites. Pair your glass of cold Heineken with bitterballen (fried meatballs), frikandellen (minced-meat sausage), kroketten (meat croquettes), and ossenworst (raw beef sausage).
Grand Cafe Julia, G/F, 28 Hollywood Road, Central, 9709 4543
Balady Lounge – Egyptian
Opening for dinner and late-night drinks, Balady Lounge is Lan Kwai Fong’s very own Egyptian dining venue, accommodating guests with hearty and meat-heavy plates straight from the Middle East. On the menu, we recommend ordering the falafel with tahini sauce, hummus, chicken tagine, muhammara walnut and red pepper dip, and baklava for dessert.
Balady Lounge, Shop H, G/F, Block A, Winner Building, 15 Wing Wah Lane, Lan Kwai Fong, Central, 6809 2178, book here
