8 Best Restaurants in Yau Ma Tei, Hong Kong

It might look like any other tiny, storefront noodle joint, but its humble appearance belies its culinary prowess. The restaurant serves authentic Shaanxi snacks, which can be best described as some of the heartiest and delicious chow that China has to offer.

Hidden away near the old Jordan pier, this little sit-down restaurant has excellent dim sum without the insane queues that plague its more famous competitors. That’s not to say that it doesn’t get packed during mealtimes; thankfully, the venue stays open until 1 am, so you can sneak in for a late-night dinner when the crowds have dissipated. While it does all the classics, it’s the newfangled house creations that are really worth trying. We love the crispy shrimp rice-flour rolls drizzled with soy sauce. The chefs also do black-truffle crab dumplings and golden pastries filled with a combination of apples and cha siu pork.

Located on a boisterous stretch of Temple Street, this crowded, open-air eatery is the perfect spot to soak in the local atmosphere. The food isn’t amazing, but it’s cheap and offers a wide range of choices. Stick to the wok-tossed stir-fries laced with pungent black-bean sauce or spicy chili salt. Hing Kee is also known for its clay-pot dishes, which are especially comforting during the colder winter months.

Just beyond the northern boundary of Tsim Sha Tsui, on a side street off Nathan Road near the Jordan MTR station, this humble place is popular among locals seeking a quick bowl of noodles or a simple, tasty Shanghainese dish. Try a dish of Shanghainese rice with vegetables, topped with your choice of meat, or the fried noodles, soup noodles, and sweet spareribs.

For a dose of Indian and Nepalese food, head to Manakamana. The restaurant serves the essentials, like brightly colored curries and meat-filled steamed momo dumplings, as well as plenty of vegetarian options. There's also a decent selection of South Asian beers. Nepalese music completes the atmosphere.

This old-school cha chaan teng (local café) has plenty of charm, since the decor hasn’t changed much since the ’60s. Although prices have gone up somewhat over time, the food still draws plenty of loyal fans. Try the famous baked-pork-chop rice or enjoy a slice of crispy French toast with a cup of milk tea.

Chinese herbal teas are served by the bowlful at this Temple Street institution. Some of the bittersweet beverages may not be to everyone’s taste, but most of them—such as the five-flower tea—are said to have beneficial medicinal properties and are especially refreshing on a hot day.

Expect to wait in line if you want to try the famed milk desserts from Yee Shun Milk Company. The velvety-smooth, double-boiled milk pudding is rich and comforting. The ginger-flavored milk pudding has a nice spicy kick, making it the perfect stomach warmer—a must-try if you’re visiting Hong Kong in the wintertime. Chocolate and coffee puddings are also available.