While Cantonese cuisine rightly retains its crown in Hong Kong, the city’s dynamic culinary scene is witnessing a vibrant expansion of Chinese regional flavors, offering discerning diners everything from nostalgic “British Chinese” favorites to aggressively spicy Sichuan delights and refined Peking duck traditions. This shift showcases Hong Kong’s sophistication as a global food hub, providing exceptional experiences that honor Chinese culinary heritage while embracing modern interpretations. We journeyed through Sheung Wan, Central, Wan Chai, and Soho to uncover the standout establishments successfully elevating these diverse regional tastes.
Nostalgia Meets Innovation: British Chinese and Peking
1908 BC: A Taste of Britain in Hong Kong
Located in Sheung Wan, 1908 BC offers a distinctly nostalgic experience, dedicated to the unique “British Chinese” style, paying homage to the first Chinese restaurant established in London in 1908. This establishment effectively merges classic takeaway tropes with elevated execution.
The menu is a celebration of Anglo-Sino favorites, masterfully prepared. Standout appetizers include crisp sesame butterfly prawn toast and tender barbecued honey pork ribs. The true centerpiece, however, is the crispy aromatic shredded duck, served with perfectly steamed, light pancakes and house-made hoisin sauce—a dish universally recognized as a world-class offering. Main courses, designed for sharing, showcase flawless dishes such as sweet and sour pork and perfectly balanced crispy shredded beef. 1908 BC succeeds by expertly executing comfortable, familiar favorites, making it a valuable and wonderfully unique addition to Hong Kong’s dining landscape.
- Location: 5/F, The Pemberton, 22-26 Bonham Strand, Sheung Wan
- Specialty: Elevated British Chinese Cuisine
Sun Moon Place: Honoring Peking Duck Tradition
For fans of Northern Chinese traditions, Sun Moon Place in Wan Chai has emerged as the definitive destination for Peking-style cuisine following the closure of a local institution. The restaurant’s bright, inviting atmosphere complements a menu rich in savory flavors.
The classic barbecued Peking duck is undeniably the star, professionally carved tableside and renowned for its crispy skin and succulent meat, served alongside traditional accompaniments. Beyond the duck, Sun Moon Place impresses with dishes like flavorful mutton and scallion pie, and shredded pork in Peking soya sauce. This location maintains the integrity of traditional northern Chinese flavors, ensuring a consistent and satisfying dining experience for those seeking authentic Pekingese specialties.
- Location: G/F & 1/F Pao Yip Building, 1-7 Ship Street, Wan Chai
- Specialty: Classic Peking Duck and Northern Chinese dishes
The Heat of Sichuan: Grandeur and Fire
Hong Kong has warmly embraced the bold, numbing (Ma) and spicy (La) complexity of Sichuan cuisine, with two central establishments defining the category.
Grand Majestic Sichuan: Decadence in Central
Grand Majestic Sichuan in Central exudes old-world glamour reminiscent of 1930s high society, complete with plush velvet seating and ornate decor. This venue transforms Sichuan dining into a celebratory, luxurious experience.
The menu features refined interpretations of regional staples. Notable dishes include the tender grassfed beef tenderloin uniquely accented with ten-year-aged tangerine peel, adding a citrusy zest. The Sichuan sweet and sour Kurobuta pork stands out, praised for its intense flavor, sticky texture, and remarkable balance. Expertly prepared dry-fried green beans with Kurobuta pork and aromatic fried rice further showcase the depth of flavor achieved by top chefs. Grand Majestic Sichuan provides impeccable service and a dazzling environment, making it ideal for significant occasions.
- Location: 3/F, Alexandra House, 18 Chater Road, Central
- Specialty: Upscale, Refined Sichuan Cuisine
Chilli Fagara: Flavor Intensity in Soho
Chilli Fagara in Central Soho is devoted to the elemental forces of Sichuan flavor: Ma (numbing), La (burning), and Tang (neutral). The knowledgeable staff encourages diners to calibrate the heat level to their preference, ensuring genuine personalization.
The menu carefully balances the three flavor concepts. The shredded chicken salad with peanut sauce offers a soothing contrast to the powerful main dishes. A true showstopper is the caramelized beef—crispy, sticky shards of beef balanced with garlic, ginger, and a subtle tang of vinegar, delivering an exquisite combination of sweet, sour, and spicy notes. Chilli Fagara successfully demystifies complex Sichuan flavors, offering an immersive, tailored journey into the regional cuisine’s fiery heart.
- Location: G/F, 7 Old Bailey Street, Central
- Specialty: Customizable, Fiery Sichuan dishes focusing on Ma and La elements
Modern Cantonese: A Local Icon Reenergized
Ho Lee Fook: Bold Cantonese Reboot
Located in Soho, Ho Lee Fook (meaning “good fortune for your mouth”) is a visually playful, dynamic celebration of Cantonese identity, combining vintage Hong Kong aesthetics with a modern, high-energy dining concept.
The establishment excels at taking classic Cantonese dishes and elevating them with contemporary flair. The Kurobuta pork char siu is a must-try, charcoal-grilled to achieve perfect charring and coated in a decadent honey glaze—a supreme rendition of the beloved Hong Kong staple. Other highlights include plump pork jowl and cabbage dumplings, and the numbing and zesty Chongqing chicken wings. Ho Lee Fook offers a loud, proud, and expertly executed modern vision of Cantonese food that honors tradition while injecting excitement and technical precision.
- Location: 3-5 Elgin Street, Central
- Specialty: Modernized, High-Energy Cantonese Cuisine
Hong Kong’s restaurant diversification showcases its position as a global culinary powerhouse. These establishments demonstrate that while Cantonese cuisine remains paramount, the city provides an extraordinary platform for all of China’s distinct regional flavors, beckoning food lovers to continuously explore beyond the familiar.