The 6 Best Restaurants for Food Under $60 in Hong Kong
Are all those $150 SoHo set lunches adding up? Believe it or not, affordable food does exist in Hong Kong. Yannie Chan hunts down the SAR’s best chow for under $60.
Sate Your Craving
The title of best-value meat skewers in town goes to Indonesian Sate House (76D Shau Kei Wan Main St. East, Shau Kei Wan, 2886-5796), where you’ll find beef and chicken skewers starting at $8 a stick! Mr. Tsui, owner and chef of the takeaway joint, is a Chinese Indonesian who came to Hong Kong in the 80s. At first, he said people did not like his satay skewers, so he came up with a secret sauce, adding soybean to make it sweeter. Tsui also boasts of a special foolproof technique to grill soft, tender meat. Everything on the menu—from lamb skewers to nasi goreng—is under $50. Don’t miss out on the special “Boss Nasi Goreng” by Mrs. Tsui, who’s also from Indonesia.
The damage: Two lamb skewers ($9 each) + one beef skewer ($8) + one chicken skewer ($8) and fried cabbage
($25) = $60 total.
The Right Slice
When it comes to pizza that doesn’t break the bank, it’s hard to beat everyone’s late-night favorite Paisano’s (various outlets including 23 Hollywood Rd., Central). We recommend the pepperoni, the signature “Paisano’s” (sausage, pepperoni, mushroom, black olives, onions) and “The Godfather” (ham, Italian sausage, pepperoni, onions). The pizzeria also serves excellent calzone and lasagna in case you’re keen to branch out.
Hak Attack
A small restaurant hidden down a Sheung Wan street, Ho Hak Shan Dong (17 Burd St., Sheung Wan) offers some of the most authentic dumplings in town. Channeling authentic Shandong dumplings, known for thin skin and generous filling, these flavorful homemade bites are filled with pockets of rich meat and broth. We love the Shandong beef and celery dumplings ($45/10 pieces), as well as the sour and spicy soup ($18). But do beware of boiling-hot broth!
The damage: Shandong beef and celery dumplings = $45.
Time for a Cheung
A neighborhood favorite for its spot-on noodles and fried pork chops, Kam Cheung Shanghai Noodles (316C Des Voeux Rd. West, Sai Ying Pun, 2857-6738) has been serving affordable and tasty noodles for over 30 years. Look forward to just-right al dente noodles served in a light, flavorful soup. Craving something heartier? The signature pork chop is crispy, tender and beautifully marinated. Other popular dishes include the juicy wontons and satisfying pan-fried dumplings ($25). While there is no English menu, the owner will happily explain everything.