Vicky Lau’s guide to Hong Kong

Chef Vicky Lau and the Hong Kong cityscape.

Hong Kong photo credit: Manson Yim on Unsplash

Vicky Lau’s guide to Hong Kong

Get tips for the best restaurants and bars in Hong Kong from local, Michelin-starred chef Vicky Lau, as well as things to do. Only on Fine Dining Lovers.

BYFine Dining Lovers,

Editorial Staff

27 March, 2023

Are you heading to Hong Kong? Who better to give you expert advice on where to eat and drink in the city than Hong Kong native Vicky Lau, the chef behind two-Michelin-starred Tate Dining Room, and Mora?

Here, Lau, who is also a Grand Juror at the forthcoming S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition 2022-23 Grand Finale, where she will help crown the best young chef in the world, shares her tips for the best restaurants and bars in Hong Kong, as well as other things to do, like strolling Sheung Wan.

“Sheung Wan is an area of Hong Kong steeped with history, a mash-up of old and new,” she says. “I like walking along the antique stores on Hollywood Road to Man Mo Temple, one of Hong Kong's oldest temples that was established in the mid-18^th century. Upper Lascar Row nearby is also dear to my heart: it’s where we decided to open Mora.”

She also recommends visiting the Chi Lin Nunnery – “one of the most beautiful and tranquil places in the city" – and hiking the Dragon’s Back trail, when you’re not indulging in the city’s world-class food scene of course.

Here is Vicky Lau’s guide to where to eat and drink in Hong Kong.

Luk Yu Tea House for dim sum

Luk Yu Tea House is one of the longest-running Chinese restaurants in Hong Kong and is where I like to go for a spot of dim sum. Just a few minutes walk away you’ll also find Gage Street wet market, which houses many beloved traditional food shops that have stood the test of time. You’ll find products like pickled mustard tuber, noodles, dried fruit and tofu. The market is close to my restaurants, so I enjoy meandering through the bustling stalls and seeing the fresh produce on offer.

Lantana Beach Club for relaxed vibes

One of the best things about living in Hong Kong is the diversity of activities that the city offers. I would recommend jumping on a 30-minute ferry to Lamma Island, doing a short hike down to the beach and indulging in fresh local seafood. Lantana Beach Club is a popular family haunt for beach club classics like pizzas, pastas and salads.

The Diplomat for cocktails

The cheeseburger at The Diplomat bar in Hong Kong.

For a good time, head to The Diplomat for cocktails. The all-American speakeasy bar stocks some of the rarest whiskey collections in Hong Kong. Don’t miss the bar food, as the cheeseburger is one of the most talked-about in the city.

Coa for late night cocktails

Cocktails served at Coa bar in Hong Kong.

Later at night, take up a front row seat at the bar of Coa to watch Jay Khan whip up some of his award-winning agave cocktails that landed the bar its number one spot on the Asia’s 50 Best Bars list.

Yardbird for a late-night snack

Skewers at Yardbird restaurant in Hong Kong.

Echo

Probably the trendiest Japanese yakitori and izakaya in Hong Kong, Yardbird is usually jam-packed on any given night. Yardbird’s menu has remained largely unchanged despite its popularity, and their signature grilled chicken skewers are a must try. Go here for a late-night snack.

The Chairman for Cantonese food

A dish at The Chairman restaurant in Hong Kong.

Chairman Group

The Chairman is full of off-menu gems, like its famous thick-cut char siu and steamed fish head with fermented chillies. Remember to pre-order their limited menu items in advance, which tend to get sold out very quickly.

Mosu Hong Kong for innovative Korean cuisine

For a sophisticated and innovative dining experience in a unique space, I would recommend Mosu Hong Kong. The restaurant is the first offshoot of three-Michelin-starred Mosu in Seoul, and located within the trendy M+ museum.

Louise for French bistro fare

I am a fan of French bistro fare, and Louise nails the classy yet laid back atmosphere perfectly. The whole roasted three-yellow chicken with Niigata rice is a sensation.

Chaat for Indian food

Chaat is one of the most buzzing dining destinations in Hong Kong, and it’s definitely worth a stop if you’re a fan of Indian food. Located within the beautiful Rosewood hotel, chef Manav Tuli offers an enjoyable new perspective on the cuisine.