Go through the nondescript entrance near Times Square, walk up the steps past the nail bar and you will find an unpretentious space with equally unpretentious food. This second floor restaurant is popular with the lunchtime crowd, who are drawn in by its set lunch menu (example: mutton curry, two perfectly cooked naan bread and a lemon ice tea for HK$48) and efficient, friendly staff. Other tasty treats: chicken madras and chicken tikka. Washing meals down with a mango lassi goes without saying.

2/F, 60 Russell Street, Causeway Bay. Tel: 2808 0250

Ma’s Restaurant

This gem in Sham Shui Po (there’s also a main branch in Prince Edward) serves great chicken, beef and mutton curries.  And don’t forget the restaurant’s signature beef pancakes. If you want to fire things up, then order the Sichuan chicken. Staff are friendly, although take note: it can be a tad noisy if  you sit near the kitchen entrance.

G/F,  21-25 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Sham Shui Po. Tel: 2398 8019

Wai Kee

If you’re looking for a quiet lunch then this cooked food market is not for you. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a place with cheap and tasty fare and don't mind the bustle, then weave your way past the crowded tables and buckets of dishes for washing and tuck into two of Wai Kee’s most popular dishes: the lamb that’s been slowly simmered in a spicy curry sauce  (have it with white rice and ask them to throw in some roast potatoes). The roast duck with its crispy skin is also worth checking out.

Shop 5, 1/F, 2/F Bowrington Road Market, 21 Bowrington Road, Wan Chai. Tel: 2476 7885

Shaffi's Indian Restaurant

Shaffi’s, with its  simple décor and bustling vibe, has been dishing up a great range of meat and vegetarian dishes for years. Get ready to get cosy: the tables are tightly packed, but once settled the big menu will impress.  Try the baigan masala - roasted aubergine cooked with onion and tomato. The chicken pakoras also hit the spot. And round up the troops – this place is ideal for large groups.

14 Fau Tsoi Street, Yuen Long. Tel: 2476 7885

Islamic Centre Canteen

You might get lost, but when you do find your way to this brightly lit restaurant (it’s inside one of the city’s five mosques so dress appropriately) then feast on the pork-free halal dim sum. That’s pretty much what the Islamic Centre Canteen is famous for (it’s the only place in Hong Kong serving halal Cantonese cuisine). The steamed shrimp dumplings are a must too. Take note: dim sum is only available during lunch hours, but other Cantonese dishes are available at dinnertime.

5/F, Masjid Ammar And Osman Ramju Sadick Islamic Centre, 40 Oi Kwan Road, Wan Chai. Tel: 2834 8211