10 New & Underrated Hong Kong Eats To Take Your Out-of-Towner

Have a friend visiting from out of town who’s already gone to Hong Kong’s most famous eateries? Take them to these new and underrated restaurants & bars!

So your friend has been to Hong Kong before. They’ve had Anglo-Indian food at The Peak, stuffed themselves at Tim Ho Wan and gorged on street food at Temple Street. Now what? Instead of recycling the same old itinerary, take them to these newly opened spots and classic gems — spots that locals love but often fly under visitors’ radars, or that weren’t around last time your out-of-towner visited! From secret hole-in-the-walls to killer Thai food and five-star dim sum, here’s your guide to showing off Hong Kong’s drink and dining scene like a pro.

Read More: Team Sassy’s Tourist Trap Alternatives

Mak Kee Food — North Point Xiao Long Bao Done Right

Skip the long lines at Din Tai Fung — this Michelin Cheap Eats recommendation is where you’re likely to find the locals! Tucked away in North Point, you’ll be hard-pressed to find more affordable xiao long bao than here (and definitely not as drippingly delicious!).

Mak Kee, May Ka Mansion, 21-23 Fort Street, North Point, Hong Kong, 5711 3599, Instagram: makkeeyummyfood

Read More: The Best Xiao Long Bao In Hong Kong

Kinsman — A Peel Street Bar That’s Actually About the Drinks

Ping Pong is a classic Hong Kong speakeasy, but chances are, your friend has been before. Kinsman on Peel Street is where you go for serious cocktails with equally aesthetic charm. Using Chinese spirits, this neighbourhood bar is the type of spot that could only exist in Hong Kong.

Kinsman, 65 Peel Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2865 5011, www.singularconcepts.com/kinsman

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

Peking Garden — Hong Kong Duck Without The View Tax

Hutong’s flaming duck is legendary, but so is the bill! Peking Garden serves up equally stellar Peking duck in an old-school, white-tablecloth setting that feels like a throwback to old Hong Kong. With locations all across Hong Kong, tableside carving and an 8pm noodle show, it’s a must-see for those visiting Hong Kong!

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

Read More: The Best Peking Duck In Hong Kong

Hashtag B — Hong Kongers’ New Fave Egg Tart Bakery

Bakehouse may be our city’s reigning viral egg tart spot, but if you’re looking for a new take on the classic street food, take your friend to Hashtag B! The Napoleon egg tart features a delicate, flower-shaped puff pastry shell that’s impossibly light, flaky and airy, but the bakery also serves up unexpected flavours like peach and pistachio.

Hashtag B, various locations across Hong Kong, www.hashtagb.com

Read More: Our Favourite Egg Tarts In Hong Kong

Thai Pai Dong – No-Frills, All-Flavour Thai In Jordan & Central

Samsen gets all the hype, but if it’s ex-chef now works at this unassuming spot in Jordan, serving up the same authentic Thai cuisine without the two-hour queue. The Wagyu beef boat noodles, Pad See Ew, chicken skewers and mango sticky rice are must-orders — and if your out-of-towner would prefer to stay island-side, a new branch just opened on Staunton Street!

Thai Pai Dong, G/F, 24 Man Yuen Street, Jordan, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 6648 0179

Read More: Where To Get Authentic Thai Food In Hong Kong

Snack Baby — Hollywood Road Gelato With Unique Flavours

Move over, Messina — Snack Baby in Central whips up inventive flavours like Comté & Quince, made with spiced quince jam and toasted hazelnuts, and Ube Lavender Cheesecake in a tiny, Instagram-worthy shop. The seasonal specials are always a hit, and there are also alcoholic options!

Snack Baby, G/F, 93-95, Hollywood Road, Central, Instagram: snackbabygelato

Read More: Our Favourite Ice Cream & Gelato Spots In Hong Kong

Shui Kee Coffee (瑞記咖啡) — Authentic Milk Tea & Local Breakfast

If your out-of-towner has already tried out Australia Dairy Company, this local hole-in-the-wall is a great alternative! Nestled inside Sheung Wan’s Cooked Food Market, Shui Kee Coffee started out as a Dai Pai Dong 60 years ago, and loyal customers still to this day come back regularly for its famous HK-style milk teas and French toast.

Shui Kee Coffee, Shop 17, 2/F, Sheung Wan Cooked Food Centre, 345 Queen’s Road Central, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, 2850 8643

Read More: Where To Eat Like A Local — Central & Sheung Wan

Jean Pierre — French Bistro Vibes In Central

If Carbone’s red sauce isn’t calling your name, try this cosy French bistro in Central. Think classic dishes like Steak Tartare, Soupe à l’Oignon, Boeuf Bourguignon and more — without the Carbone crowds. There’s also a standout bar with unique cocktails such as the Cornichon Martini, a Sassy favourite!

Jean Pierre, 9 Bridges Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2154 6101, www.jean-pierre.com.hk

Read More: The Best French Restaurants In Hong Kong

Banh Mi Bakery — Kowloon City Vietnamese Cuisine

Kowloon City may be known for its Thai Food, but this banh mi spot is a true gem. Banh Mi Bakery offers a different kind of charm than the ever-viral Banh Mi Nem (although we love this spot too!). From unique pics like avocado and deep-fried soft-shell crab banh mi to hearty, authentic pho, this Vietnamese restaurant has plenty of delicious picks.

Banh Mi Bakery, 49 Lung Kong Road, Kowloon City, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2360 2883

Read More: Our Favourite Vietnamese Restaurants In Hong Kong

Lau Haa Hot Pot – Retro Hot Pot In Causeway Bay

We love Haidilao as much as the next girl, but this neon-lit Causeway Bay eatery is equally beloved. The hot pot joint spans two floors, is decked with dai pai dong tables and chairs and you can expect over 20 choices of soup bases!

Lau Haa Hot Pot, Shop A, B/F & G/F, Block A, Lockhart House, 441 Lockhart Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, 2214 9388, www.openrice.com/lau-haa-hot-pot

Read More: Gweilos’ Guide To Dai Pai Dongs In Hong Kong