Team Sassy’s Favourite Meals This Year: The Best Things We Ate In 2025

In a city that eats as vibrantly as it buzzes, picking the year’s top meals feels like choosing a favourite child. Yet from the hundreds of dishes we savoured across Hong Kong in 2025, Team Sassy zeros in the ones worth queuing for or splurging on.

The year might have flown by, but great bites linger. That first perfect mouthful, the shared dish that sparked a memory, the dessert that somehow stole the spotlight — these are the flavours we’re still talking about. As 2025 wraps up, we dish out the plates that defined our year — from timeless favourites to the new kids shaking up Hong Kong’s culinary block.

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Bourke’s — Chicken liver parfait toast

While the closing of Shady Acres marked the end of a beloved Hong Kong chapter, Bourke’s has more than risen to the occasion — elevating the city’s bar scene with stellar cocktails and exceptional bar bites to boot. Our Managing Director, Haley, even prefers the new direction, singling out the chef’s signature chicken liver parfait toast with blueberry as a standout. “I love foie gras or anything similar,” she says. “The liver parfait is beautifully whipped into a light mousse — I order it every time.”

Bourke’s, 46 Peel St, Central, Hong Kong, Instagram: @bourkes.hk

Read More: New Bars & Best Drinks Menus In Hong Kong This December

Jus — Mushroom Dan Dan Noodles

Managing Editor Stef queued 40 minutes in the height of Hong Kong’s summer heat for one of the city’s buzziest new openings — and would do it again in a heartbeat.  The team agree that every bowl is a winner at Jus, but the real surprise? “The vegetarian option,” she says. “Swapping minced beef for baked mushrooms delivers the same nutty, spicy, saucy richness that clings to those thick, chewy noodles perfectly.” It’s an aromatic flavour bomb we’re already plotting a return for.

Jus, G/F, 60 Staunton Street, Central, Instagram: @jus.hk.beef

Read More: Sassy’s Guide To The Real Hits, Misses & Must-Try Bites In Hong Kong

Thonglor — Crab Fried Rice

Raved about to the point of apology, Editor Jess has only praise for Thonglor, led by Chef Henry of Chachawan fame. Her favourite dish is the crab fried rice (followed in close second by the pork neck), a masterclass in homestyle comfort elevated with finesse. She’ll go as far as to say it’s the most authentic Thai spot in the city. Unfussy and fragrant, she’s still dreaming about the fluffy grains, sweet chunks of fresh crab and the perfect hint of wok‑kissed smokiness.

Thonglor, G/F, 19 Lung Kong Road, Kowloon City, Hong Kong, 2382 4855, Instagram: @jus.hk.beef

Read More: The Best Thai Restaurants In Hong Kong: Where To Eat Thai Food

Carbone Hong Kong — Spicy Vodka Rigatoni

Rich, fiery and flawlessly nostalgic, Carbone’s spicy vodka rigatoni remains iconic for all the right reasons. We’ve tried several versions around town and nothing quite measures up to the OG. The sauce clings perfectly to each tube of pasta, balancing creamy tomato heat with that signature New York swagger. A comfort classic elevated with theatrical flair: comforting yet bold, and still one of the most droolworthy dishes in Hong Kong.

Carbone Hong Kong, 9/F, 33 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2593 2593

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Peking Garden — Peking Duck

Crispy skin, juicy meat and that flawless swipe of hoisin. Peking Garden’s Peking Duck is a Hong Kong staple at its tastiest. Served with ceremony and old‑school flair (the tableside carving, rich aroma and shared hush before the first bite), it turns any meal into an occasion. While newer, glossier contenders try to reinvent the classic, no modern twist can outshine the rival the crisp skin, tender meat and timeless mastery found here.

Peking Garden, various locations across Hong Kong, 2526 6456, www.pekinggarden.com.hk

Read More: The Best Peking Duck In Hong Kong

La Terrace by Louise — Steak

If there’s one thing our Managing Director Haley knows, it’s a good steak. Discerning by nature, she was pleasantly surprised by the quality at La Terrace by Louise — particularly given its fair price point. Each cut arrives perfectly seared with a deep, savoury crust, yielding to an impressively tender centre. While service took a moment to find its rhythm when the new lunch menu launched in September, she admits it’s tough to choose a favourite — every dish is understated yet impeccably executed.

La Terrace by Louise, PMQ, 35 Aberdeen Street, Central, Hong Kong, 5722 3269, Instagram @louise.hkg

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Ging Sun Ho King of Bun — Pan-Fried Buns

Few bites capture Hong Kong’s soul — or Editor Jessica’s heart — quite like the pan‑fried buns at Ging Sun Ho King of Bun. Golden, blistered bottoms give way to fluffy tops and juicy, steaming centres that burst with rich, porky goodness.  “I could eat a whole plate of these,” she admits. “The dough is perfectly thin, and each bun bursts with flavour and soup — a dish I can’t stop thinking about.” These crispy yet pillowy babies marry mind-blowing texture and flavour in every mouthful.

Ging Sun Ho King of Bun, Various locations, Instagram:@gingsunho, www.gingsunho.com

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Fiata Pizza — Diavolaaaa

Our in‑house pizza connoisseur — and CEO — Emilie has sampled more than a dozen of Hong Kong’s top spots, yet still crowns Fiata Pizza her undisputed favourite, calling the Diavolaaaa “perfect.” Recently ranked the #3 pizzeria in Asia‑Pacific by the 50 Top Pizza guide, it delivers everything a great pizza should: a blistered, leopard‑spotted crust, molten mozzarella, and just the right kick from spicy spianata. Unapologetically moreish, this slice will make you forget all the others you’ve had this year.

Fiata Pizza, 2 Staunton Street, Central, Hong Kong, 6032 6626, Instagram:@, www.fiatapizza.com

Nom Nom Dumplings — Chongzing Pork Wonton

Since discovering the Chongzing pork wontons from Nom Nom Dumplings in September, Editorial Coordinator Veena has ordered them at least eight times since. Each delicate parcel swims in a slick of chilli oil that somehow balances heat, tang and umami. She prefers the ‘hot’ version (FYI she can handle spice!) often pairing it with the black fungus salad in spicy‑sour sauce or liangpi — cold skin noodles drenched in yet more heat. She says, “I have no idea what kind of crack they’re putting in these wontons or the soup, but it’s amazing and entirely addictive. The prices are also astounding at $44 for 12 pieces and $54 for 18! I usually split an 18-piece bowl into two to three meals because they’re quite filling.” The bowl feels like a trip to Sichuan — no passport required.

Nom Nom Dumplings, Various locations, www.nomnomdumpling.shop

Read More: The Best Chinese Restaurants In Hong Kong: Cantonese, Sichuan, Vegetarian & More

Heartwarming Sesame – Ice Cream

Prepare for the queues — they’re long for a reason. The Michelin‑recommended black sesame specialties at Heartwarming Sesame more than live up to the hype, says Sassy CEO Emilie. “It’s nutty and creamy without being overly sweet. The cone itself — sesame‑flavoured too — is divine, but the real star is the black sesame coulis on top, pure indulgence from start to finish.” Ground fresh daily, the deep, roasted sesame flavour feels both comforting and refined. A sweet way to wrap up the year!

Heartwarming Sesame Flagship, 23 Yu Chau Street, Prince Edward, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 3795 6565
Heartwarming Sesame Tsuen Wan, 6 Wun Tung Street, Lo Tak Court, Tsuen Wan, New Territories, Hong Kong, 5191 8098
Heartwarming Sesame Tin Hau, 13-41 Electric Road, Tin Hau, 6503 1680, Instagram: @heartwarming_sesame