Team Sassy’s Favourite Hole-In-The-Wall Restaurants

Take a break from the Michelin Guide and discover the best tried and tested hidden gems, secret spots and mom-and-pop restaurants in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong is perhaps the only city in the world where people enjoy queuing up for their food. We get it — it’s confidence-inducing to see so many people take the time to do so! But sometimes, waiting half an hour for a single egg tart simply isn’t worth it (we’re looking at you, Bakehouse), and with nearly 18,000 Hong Kong restaurants to choose from, there really are endless options beyond the usual Michelin recs. Keep reading to discover our full list of eateries that often fall under the radar, from lesser-known breakfast nooks to hole-in-the-wall dinner venues.

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Priyo Shaad — Small & authentic Bangladeshi cuisine in Central

Craving a flavourful, healthy and casual meal without breaking the bank? This neighbourhood Bangladeshi restaurant is the perfect spot for workers on-the-go. Its convenient, albeit slightly hidden, location down from PMQ makes it an easy option for Central-based office goers, while a $100 lunch set offers an affordable, nourishing pick-me-up. Don’t let the hearty curries fool you — the owner is a certified Health Coach, so the chefs don’t use butter, cream or sugar, AKA no post-meal afternoon slump! Plus, Priyo Shaad exclusively uses family recipes, and you can taste the difference. Our favourite dishes include the Kala Bhuan, five-hour slow-cooked beef in a spiced gravy, the uber tender Beef & Vegetable Curry and the eggplant-filled Veggie Curry, which is impossibly light yet rich in flavour.

Priyo Shaad, 29 Aberdeen Street, Central, 6737 4607, Instagram: @priyoshaad

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Yummy Sushi — Hidden gem in Wan Chai with affordable sushi & donburi sets

With only four counter seats and a totally nondescript exterior, Yummy Sushi is an easily missed gem. But don’t be fooled by the humble aesthetics — this sushi spot boasts some of the best quality-for-money fish in Wan Chai. We love the Trio Sashimi Rice Donburi lunch set (just $68!), which comes with three thick slices of salmon, hamachi and scallop on a heap of Japanese rice, along with a side salad and miso soup (for $30 more, the Seafood Rice Donburi, pictured above, is slightly more generous). 

Yummy Sushi, 1 Tak Yan Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, 2574 9263

Read More: The Best Japanese Restaurants For Sushi In Hong Kong

The Soy House (合和荳品) — Handmade soy products, dessert & dim sum in Causeway Bay

The Soy House in Causeway Bay is a beloved local spot specialising in handmade, organic soy-based delicacies like tofu pudding, soy milk and marinated tofu. Alongside its signature soy offerings, the menu features vegetarian dumplings (we love the $54 spicy vegetable dumplings in soup!), rice bowls and classic Hong Kong snacks, all for affordable prices.

The Soy House (合和荳品),  4 Sharp Street East, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, 3483 5788, www.facebook.com/TheSoyHouse

Read More: Your Guide To Lesser-Known Desserts In Hong Kong

Kozy — Japanese izakaya-style okonomiyaki and teppanyaki restaurant

With only 20 seats available, you should definitely secure a reservation before hitting up this authentic Japanese spot in Causeway Bay. Open daily until 2am, this hidden gem brings a little bit of Tokyo to Hong Kong, serving everything from delicious teppanyaki and traditional Oden to noodles, seafood and rice dishes.

Kozy Okonomi-yaki Teppan-yaki, 9/F, Circle Plaza, 499 Hennessy Road, Causeway Bay, 2591 1281, www.facebook.com/Kozy-Okonomi-yaki-Teppan-yaki

Read More: Your Neighbourhood Guide To Causeway Bay

Deer Horn Restaurant & Bar — Secluded casual Nepalese spot in Mui Wo

There is nothing quite like returning from a long hike, bouldering or beach day in Lantau and tucking into some authentic momos. This remote Nepalese restaurant is situated in the scenic town of Mui Wo, across from the Lantau ferry pier, and offers some of the best homey (and affordable!) dumplings and curries in Hong Kong (we also highly recommend the pani puri). The best part? There’s also a separate menu for Western cuisine and plenty of plant-based options.

Deer Horn Restaurant & Bar, Shop 11, G/F, Mui Wo Centre, 3 Ngan Wan Road, Mui Wo, Lantau, Hong Kong, 3484 3095, www.facebook.com/Deer-Horn-Restaurant-and-Bar

Read More: Mui Wo Guide: Restaurants, Beaches, Hikes & More

烙記粉麵 — Local noodle & wonton shop in To Kwa Wan

This hidden gem has replaced So Kee noodle — one of the most famous in Hong Kong — in its exact location. While many were sad to see the original go, Lok Kee is equally delicious, offering up perfectly cooked shrimp wontons (best dipped in the homemade chilli oil!), pork liver and dried noodles with ginger and scallion. If you miss the old-school taste of So Kee, head here!

烙記粉麵, 9A Lok Shan Road, To Kwa Wan, Kowloon, Hong Kong

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Yuki House Ramen — Hidden ramen spot in Wan Chai with limited seating

Tucked away in an alleyway in Wan Chai, this Japanese ramen restaurant is one of the best places in Hong Kong for a hearty meal. The menu is fairly customisable but still comes with all of your classic and seasonal options, serving up fresh pork soup bases along with plant-based options. There are also plenty of toppings to choose from (egg, pork belly, seaweed, corn, BBQ pork and more!) along with complimentary pickles and condiments.

Yuki House Ramen, Wai Cheong Building, 5-9A Gresson Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, 2868 3091

Read More: Wan Chai Guide: Restaurants, Bars, Cafes & More

Krua Walaiphan — Sai Ying Pun Thai restaurant with cute decor and a big menu

Sick of queuing up at Samsen every time you want to have some Thai food? We’ve got you. Located near the escalators in Sai Ying Pun, Krua Walaiphan is a treasure trove of all your favourite dishes (all MSG free!), from pad thai and boat noodles to pomelo salads, spring rolls and satay skewers. There’s also a great drinks and dessert menu, including, of course, a delicious mango sticky rice.

Krua Walaiphan, G/F, 64 High Street, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong, 2804 1555, www.kruawalaiphan.com

Read More: Your Neighbourhood Guide to Sai Ying Pun

Thai Khaow Hom — Authentic, affordable Thai food in Kennedy Town with generous portions

This hole-in-the-wall Thai restaurant is buried in Kennedy Town and offers a whole host of dishes for under $100. There are restaurants with better ambiance, but you can’t beat the prices and the portions at this spot!

Thai Khaow Hom, 6-18 Hau Wo Street, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong, 8482 9189, www.facebook.com/ThaiKhaoHom

Read More: Your Neighbourhood Guide to Kennedy Town