Hong Kong is one of the most expensive cities in the world to live, eat and enjoy. But, that shouldn’t stop you from visiting when you’re touring other countries to find the best places to retire cheap. As a digital nomad, I'm all about the balance. Living in a cool country that is relatively low cost, and then splurging for a fun 3 day vacation somewhere more pricey.
With one of the best airports in the world, and a direct link to the city by Airport express, Hong Kong is a perfect stop for a few days.
While Hong Kong is expensive, it’s a great place for a mini vacation.
If you’re a foodie? Visit this city!
Here’s some great things to eat in Hong Kong.
Korean BBQ
All you can eat Korean BBQ for $35 including unlimited beer will fill up the beef craving you might have after a year in South East Asia.
Egg tarts! Straight from the oven, these are under a $1 and the crispy pastry and warm egg are the best in the world. There’s no need to give you a location for this, as you’ll find little bakeries all over! Warning super high in calories! But delicious. PS you might have tried these before in Canada. I guarantee, those are not as good as the ones straight from the oven in Hong Kong.
Daikiya Japanese Buffet
I love buffets and this is the best Japanese buffet I’ve ever gone to. It’s all you can eat, and fast. At $45 per person, it isn’t cheap, but it includes sake and beer at that price. Tip, start with the sweet shrimp!
There are several locations for this restaurant chain. (Google is going to be your friend here.) Also, make a reservation. All those people in the giant line behind me? They all had reservations. Bonus tip: book your reservation for 530 pm to get 15% off.
Boat Congee
A traditional congee made for fisherman, this is a great cure for hangovers or just a nice healthy breakfast at $5 per person.
It’s rice porridge with tasty seafood inside! Look for little shops all around serving this. Warning: A lot of these places will not have a menu in English. It’s one of the rare exceptions to the "English is everywhere" rule. Just show them my picture of the boat congee! They’ll know what you want.
BBQ Duck and Crispy Pork Belly
Hung in windows and sold from shops, this is a great meal for when you want something at home. A whole duck, pork belly and vegetables will cost you about $50. This will feed at least 4 people. If you don’t want a whole duck, you can always ask them to just sell you a little bit.
Xiao Long Bau, aka small cage buns, or soup dumplings. These are one of my favorite foods in the world. These little handmade dumplings are filled with hot soup broth and minced pork. Prices will vary in Hong Kong. My favorite ones? At $12 for 8, they are expensive at Modern China restaurant in Olympic mall. But in my opinion, these are the best soup dumplings in all of Hong Kong. And if it’s the best in Hong Kong? It means by most standards these are in the top 3 anywhere in the world.
The best way to order these is 2 baskets at a time. Even though you might be super hungry, don’t order more. The little dumplings are amazing when hot but get cold quick. You’ll want to eat them all quickly. I’m only suggesting 2 baskets at a time if you are a fast eater! If you’re slow? 1 basket. Tip: The hot soup inside the soup is scalding hot, like McDonalds lawsuit hot, be careful as you bite into them.
PS: Don’t get anything else there. Just eat dumplings.
Sweet and Sour Pork
Hong Kong loves sweet and sour pork. You probably have had this wherever you live, bt believe me the difference is night and day.
The dough on the outside is super crunchy and the pork inside succulent. One bite and you'll be in pork heaven. Drool. $20 will get you a meal with this.
A lot of the really good places that make this are little garage type places. You'll know if you’ve found it, because you’ll hear large groups of old Chinese grandfathers swearing, drinking beer and being rowdy.
Hope my article has given you a reason to visit Hong Kong! I love food! And I hope you all get a chance to explore this food city!
Hong Kong Island
