In a city as packed to the brim with restaurants as Hong Kong, it can be hard to wade through the sheer number of dining options in the city, separating the mediocre eats from the truly spectacular meals. Few people are better informed of the hidden gems of the city’s dining landscape than the very people who work in it. So, we turned to our range of food experts for a list of their favourite, must-try local eateries in Hong Kong. From early morning eats to budget-friendly, late-night bites, warming bowls of soup noodles to the city’s best dim sum and more – these tried-and-tested eateries are worth making a special trip for.

ArChan Chan, Ho Lee Fook

Ah Lung Pakistan Halal Food in Jordan is my all-time favourite curry place in Hong Kong; I’ve been visiting it since I was young, and it always hits the spot. Chiuchownese Noodle Shop on Centre Street in Sai Ying Pun is hands-down one of the best Chiu Chow noodles, but be aware of the long queue! One of my favourite things to eat is chicken claypot, and I return time and again to The Great Restaurant (various locations); they add soup to the claypot and turn it into a hot pot — something we Hong Kongers love!

Whenever I find myself in Kowloon City, Islam Food Since 1950 is always a necessary stop for their super delicious and juicy pan-fried beef bao. For one of the classic staples of Cantonese food, beef brisket noodles, I like to frequent Eight Treasures on Electric Road in Tin Hau. It has one of the best bowls in the city, with many choices of beef cuts. And finally, for Hong Kong-style BBQ meat, don’t miss a visit to Sun Kwai Heung BBQ Food for their succulent char siu.

Palash Mitra, New Punjab Club

My favourite snack is dim sum, specifically siu mai. With plump pork and shrimp stuffed simply inside a thin yellow wrapper, this dish is a classic. While there are many excellent places to grab siu mai, whenever I am in the area, I always go to Dim Sum Here in Jordan.

I like to visit Wu Kong Shanghai restaurant in Causeway Bay for hairy crabs; it’s an old classic, slightly expensive but well worth it. Hot Star chicken for their fried chicken cartilage: it’s not a cheap snack but so texturally satisfying. And Sadiq Halal Mess in Tsim Sha Tsui for their karai meat and dal with naan. It’s a bit of an underground operation so getting in can be a bit tricky these days.

I have an insatiable sweet tooth and I find myself at Honeymoon Desserts almost every week. I love their baked milk pudding with mango and jelly or their vanilla soup with glutinous rice balls, jelly, sago pearls and mango ice cream!

John Nguyen, Head of Vietnamese Cuisine

The clay pots at Kwan Kee Clay Pot are so amazingly delicious. At first, I couldn’t figure out how to order, but I’ve visited so much that the servers remember me and always help me order! Over the years, I’ve taken a lot of friends and dates here.

Ju Xing Home is a place where all of the chefs in Hong Kong hang out. I finally got a chance to go and the food is unbelievable. Everything is fresh and tastes amazing – Cantonese food at its best!

Gisela Alesbrook (Gizzy), Hotal Colombo

Good Champion on Peel Street has the best flat noodle stir-fry I have had — cheap, fast and filling. Butao Ramen on Wellington Street; it’s pretty small and very simple but really good old-fashioned ramen with a cold beer. I always go for the red king.

Bafang Dumplings in Shek Tong Tsui is pretty small, but with a lot of branches around Hong Kong. I got hooked on this place last year; my favourite is the leek and pork pot stickers and the beef noodle soup. On Li Yuen Street, I’ll visit Good BBQ about twice a month, I can’t get enough of their delicious char siu and roast pork belly.

Logan Hester, Chôm Chôm

Being an early open by Hong Kong standards at 7:30am, the corned beef egg bun at Cafe Seasons is my ideal recovery… for both an early morning workout or for one too many from the night before. Tack on an iced lemon tea, and it’s the fastest way I’ve found to feel alive in the mornings for under $50 bucks.

Finding myself in the Gage Street market every day to pick up fresh steamed rice noodles and vegetables for the restaurant, Lan Fong Yuen’s pork shop and steamed rice always leaves me filled. With the Hong Kong rain, their yuenyeung can make any gloomy day a little brighter for me. While well-worn and definitely dated, the hum of dim fluorescents and soft smell of steam makes me feel like I’m stepping into an old film, where even the Hong Kong hustle is (temporarily) put on hold.

Billy Otis, Taqueria Super Macho

For weekend yum cha, I’m a big fan of Maxim’s Palace, located inside City Hall. There’s usually a queue for a reason – the dim sum is always fresh and well-made, and they still push the steamer baskets around on carts the traditional way, making for a fun experience. Sitting outside at one of the local dai pai dongs for a meal with friends is always a good time. It’s one of those quintessential Hong Kong experiences that makes the city’s food scene so vibrant and one-of-a-kind. If you find yourself in Aberdeen, I’d recommend going to the seafood market; it has one of the best selections in the city and the cooked foods area upstairs is another one of my favourite places to try local Chinese food.

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Craving more? Read about “Our Chefs’ Favourite Spots Back Home” here.

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