We don’t tend to hear much F&B buzz about Yuen Long, a district situated in northwestern New Territories close to the border with Shenzhen that’s more well known for its gorgeous natural landscapes and strong sense of heritage – but that’s all about to change now that you have your eyes on this Foodie guide.
Here’s our round-up of the best of dining in Yuen Long, which tends to be more laid-back than Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, but – just like the rest of the city with its penchant for all things edible from the Land of the Rising Sun – a dominant Japanese influence.
The best restaurants in Yuen Long
1. The Central
This chilled Western bistro minutes from Long Ping MTR station receives top marks for its high-quality food and professional service. The greatest hits of The Central’s à-la-carte menu include the stuffed chicken wings (HKD58), steak and fries (HKD248) featuring New Zealand rib-eye and peppercorn sauce, and soft-shell crab burger (HKD128). The creative cocktails (HKD99 each) here also come highly recommended, with the eatery staying open till 2AM on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and offering a late-night snack menu.
The Central, Shop 12, G/F, Fu Loy Garden, 7 Ma Wang Road, Yuen Long, WhatsApp 6921 7230, book here
2. Big Boils Club
This hotpot restaurant themed around the Qing Dynasty allows patrons to dine in a palace-like atmosphere in Yuen Long, mimicking royal meals from more than 200 years ago. At Big Boils Club, the chicken and fish maw soup (HKD238) and clam soup (HKD238) are the broth standouts. Don’t miss out on the beef marinated in huadiao (HKD138), handmade meatballs (HKD72/HKD118), and homemade deep-fried fish skin (HKD78) for dipping.
Big Boils Club, Shop G4–G5, G/F, Block 1, Ho Shun Lee Building, 9 Fung Yau Street South, Yuen Long, 3618 4885, WhatsApp 9288 7758, book here
3. Kyoboku
Kyoboku’s zen, minimalist Japanese decor and ambience and beautifully plated food make this restaurant a prime choice for date nights in Yuen Long. The ingredients used here are impeccably fresh, utilised in sets that include a trio of appetisers, miso soup, chawanmushi, rice, salad, pickles, and dessert. The most popular sets of the bunch are the grilled thick-cut beef tongue (HKD198) and grilled three-soy-sauce salmon (HKD198).
Kyoboku, Shop 63–64, G/F, Yee Fung Garden, 38 Ma Tin Road, Yuen Long, WhatsApp 6030 3123
4. Ada’s Not Here
With a quirky name like Ada’s Not Here, this restaurant stands out from the Yuen Long pack. The small, tastefully decorated spot’s focus is on well-executed Western cuisine – particularly Italian – at an affordable price point. Pasta and risotto reign supreme at lunchtime, from the spaghetti with crabmeat and salted egg yolk (HKD128) to the truffle risotto (HKD128). The dinner set (HKD188 pp) is even more wallet friendly, coming with a starter, soup of the day, and main course. Whether or not Ada is there, there’s a lot of care put into each dish.
Ada’s Not Here, Shop 4, G/F, Phase 2, Leung Choy Building, 17 Ma Wang Road, Yuen Long, 6975 0789
5. Yakiniku Kakura
One of four Hong Kong branches of this yakiniku chain originating in Saga Prefecture, the YOHO MIX branch of Yakiniku Kakura is equally adored for its top-of-the-line Japanese A5 black Wagyu imported directly from Kyushu. The Wagyu set (HKD898 for 2; HKD1,296 for 3) is the most premium of all and will definitely leave you with the meat sweats. Those looking for some spice to their BBQ should instead opt for the spicy platter (HKD598 for 2), loaded up with a variety of fiery beef, pork, chicken, and seafood cuts for grilling.
Yakiniku Kakura, Shop B155, 1/F, YOHO MIX, 1 Long Lok Road, Yuen Long, 2686 1891, book here
6. Gin Teppanyaki & Sake
Yet another Japanese contender in Yuen Long, Gin turns its attention to the art of teppanyaki. This stylish restaurant is truly a hidden gem, sitting on a neighbourhood street surrounded by garages and hardware shops. It features a long chef’s counter from which to watch all the sizzling Wagyu beef and Kagoshima pork action, so there’s a bit of theatrics to your meal here too. The omakase menus are priced at HKD780 for lunch and HKD1,480 for dinner, making Gin a splurge-worthy dining option in Yuen Long.
Gin Teppanyaki & Sake, G/F, 4 On Hing Street, Yuen Long, 9884 9802, book here
7. MASAM Burger
Those craving a quality burger in Yuen Long should make a beeline for MASAM. In addition to the juicy, flavourful classic Angus beefburger (HKD57) and double Angus beef cheeseburger (HKD92), MASAM dishes out some off-piste patty options that also receive rave reviews – the foie gras Angus beefburger (HKD113) in particular. Pork, crispy chicken, seafood, and egg and portobello are additional burger choices catering to one and all. Delicious hot dogs (from HKD39) and a wide range of snacks are on board too.
MASAM Burger, Shop D, G/F, Lee Fat House, 5 Yan Lok Square, Yuen Long, WhatsApp 9207 4982
8. Sushi Musou
Now it’s time for some sushi! When you’re in Yuen Long, hit up Sushi Musou for a stellar sushi fix to rival Michelin-starred spots in Central. The sushi chef here is friendly, attentive, and clearly passionate about his craft. This sushiya’s price tags are on the high side, but offer quite a bit of bang for your buck; the sushi lunch course costs from HKD298 for 10 pieces of fresh, expertly crafted nigiri, whilst the dinner course is priced at HKD1,380 – an omakase steal.
Sushi Musou, Shop 9, G/F, Chee King Garden, 35–55 Kin Tak Street, Yuen Long, 3565 0346, WhatsApp 9203 0998, book here
9. FATTYBOI
Takeaway-only FATTYBOI’s handmade thin-crust sourdough pizza is utterly addictive, and its burgers are none too shabby either. The Supreme (HKD123) pizza, topped with pepperoni, sausage, ham, wild mushroom, onion, black olive, chilli paste, jalapeño, and basil, is a favourite on the pizza front. When it comes to the burgers, go for The Company Burger (HKD85), a satisfying medley of Wagyu and Cheddar gilded with mushroom, bacon, and an onion ring. FATTYBOI seems to be taking its cue from another popular sourdough pizza chain in Hong Kong, offering freshly made filled doughnuts (HKD25 each) for afters.
FATTYBOI, Shop 14A, G/F, Ho Sing Building, 28 Kam Fai Path, Yuen Long, WhatsApp 8481 3294
