Since opening (in 2012) Cafe Malacca has developed a reputation for being the ultimate choice for authentic Singaporean and Malaysian cuisine in Hong Kong. The menu is extensive, with Hainanese chicken rice, beef rendang, Penang Assam laksa and flame-grilled satay among some of the most popular dishes. There are also hard-to-find, or unique (to the restaurant) dishes, including ikan pari bakar, a stingray coated with spice paste, wrapped in banana leaf and grilled over fire.

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Pie tee is a delicious one-bite Nyonya snack, consisting of a crispy rice flour cup filled with yam beans and carrot and topped with prawn and chilli sauce, and the oh-so-addictive popiah, fresh spring rolls filled with vegetables and seafood and topped with fried shallots and coriander. Leave room for the sinfully good kaya toast or the signature durian pudding.

Level 2, Hotel Jen Hong Kong, 508 Queen’s Road West, 2213 6613

2. Cobo House

Cobo House has a casual-elegant ambience that is immediately welcoming and is one of the “fancier” restaurants in the neighbourhood. The menu mostly features Italian classics with Korean influences, or twists that marry seamlessly.

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New to the menu is the stunning, Insta-worthy butter blossom lettuce salad with a variety of ingredients including radish, cherry tomato, black olive, capsicum and edible flowers. Other must-try dishes are the beauty & beef flatbread, made in-house and topped with tomato paste, bulgogi, rocket, ricotta and seaweed; and the Hokkaido uni and Korean chilli linguine. Do not be put off by the cream on top; once mixed in it creates a fabulous, almost bisque-like sauce. Pair these with one of the signature cocktails or a sommelier-recommended glass of wine.

8 South Lane, Shek Tong Tsui, 2656 3088

3. No Milkshake No Life

Serving delicious and sometimes messy comfort food and boozy milkshakes is No Milkshake No Life – a quirky, cosy restaurant, with high ceilings and a small standing outdoor area that has a continual stream of customers all day. Its colourful menu is displayed on the window and includes all-day breakfast, burgers, sandwiches and pancakes with deep-fried and grilled cheese options.

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While the burgers are extremely popular, we opted for the signature Crazy Cheers cheese sandwich: two thick pieces of toasted beetroot bread, which are spread with a home-made pesto, doing their best to contain the melted mixed-cheese filling. Other drinks include coffee, organic teas, non-alcoholic milkshakes and stylised hot chocolate.

Shop A, 31 Hill Road, Shek Tong Tsui, 6471 3339

4. Lifetastic

Lifetastic is best known for its Insta-hit strawberry watermelon cake, which pays homage to Australia’s Black Star Pastry’s cake of the same name and appearance. Featuring layers of almond, rose-infused fresh cream and watermelon, topped with strawberries, dried rose and pistachio, it is rather fabulous to eat.

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Other delicious (gluten-free) layer cakes on offer include mango passion fruit, banana chocolate and durian cheesecake. Beyond cake, there is a visually appealing selection of pastas such as Thai tom yum prawn spaghetti and salads such as crabmeat, avocado and roe with a yuzu vinaigrette. There is also an interesting range of coffees, such as the matcha and espresso fusion.

Shop B, 31 Hill Road, Shek Tong Tsui, 2420 8851

5. Zhen Restaurant Contemporary Dim Sum

This is contemporary dim sum at its best, especially the cute animal-shaped ones, such as fried taro duck, piggy barbecued pork bun and panda eggy yolk lava bun. Thankfully, the appearance is backed up by skill and taste. During our visit the delicious steamed goldfish dumplings, a stylised har gow with roe, were filled with perfectly steamed chunks of shrimp.

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Also good were the steamed vegetable dumplings full of Chinese greens and shiitake mushroom. More unusual items are deep-fried stuffed aubergine and shrimp and cheese dumplings. There are signature steamed pot rice dishes, including steamed pot rice with pork belly and preserved mustard greens. G/F, Nam Cheong Building, 48 Hill Road, Shek Tong Tsui, 2811 2568

6. Brew Bros

It is all about minimalism at Brew Bros, from the interior decor – cement floors, white walls and wood accents – to the compact menu, which focuses on breakfast/brunch style dishes. It appeals to both hipsters who care as much about plating as taste, and neighbourhood residents looking for strong coffee.

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The stand-out during our visit was the visually enticing poached eggs, mashed avocado on sourdough and bacon served with salad greens and a variety of tomatoes. Smoked salmon, scrambled eggs, tomato, sourdough; matcha oat milk bircher muesli, rolled oats, chia seeds, seasonal fruits, bee pollen; and the brekkie plate (matcha muesli and avocado toast) are some of the other options. There is also a daily chef’s special.

53 Hill Road (corner of Po Tuck St), Shek Tong Tsui, 2803 2323

7. Artisan Garden Cafe

Artisan Garden Cafe is almost the antithesis of Brew Bros’ minimalism. Its walls are completely covered in decorative objects, from blues and jazz album covers and posters to Anchor Hocking coffee mugs. There is a certain 1970s feel to the space, with its mismatched plates and tableware, while the menu features simple cafe fare.

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The set menu changes twice a week, and includes dishes such as pasta carbonara, fish burger, grilled ham and cheese sandwich, steak and eggs, steak and avocado salad, and the popular all-day waffle breakfast. There is also an all-day menu (waffles, toasties, salads, pasta and risotto and desserts), set breakfast, tea set and weekend brunch menus.

23 Po Tuck Street, Shek Tong Tsui, 2548 3261

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