We’re always on the lookout for a bargain, and lunchtime is no exception. Whether you live or work in Sai Ying, there are plenty of cheap eats to be had. With everything on offer from burgers, Korean fried chicken, dumplings and more, there’s sure to be something to satisfy those cravings. And the best bit? It won’t break the bank, with all options coming in at under $100.
If you’re feeling like treating yourself come lunchtime, but don’t want to go all out, then C+ Burger is for you. From 11am to 2pm daily, the shop offers up a range off burgers for as little as $42, and you can even add on fries and a drink for only an extra $18. You can’t go wrong with a Classic Beef Burger ($42), but truffle fans will want to try the Truffle Cheese Burger ($46).
When: Set available daily, from 11am to 2pm
Where: Shop 6, Water Street, G/F 168-170 Third Street, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong
How much: Burgers range between $42 and $68, additional $18 to add fries and a drink
www.facebook.com/c.burgerhk
Another indulgent lunch offering (at the right price!) can be found at Craft Brew & Co. Head here on weekdays and treat yourself to the likes of the House Bacon Cheese Burger ($68), Chili Cheese Quesadillas ($78), Spaghetti Carbonara ($88) and more, and enjoy a drink included with your order. For an additional $18 you can also add on a starter to your meal, with the choice of a mixed green salad or daily soup.
When: Set lunch available Monday to Friday, from 12pm to 2:30pm
Where: 6 High Street Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong
How much: Set lunch priced between $68 and $88 (includes main and a drink, add $18 for a starter)
Sassy tip: Head here on Sundays and enjoy all you can eat Craft Wings for $99 from 6pm!
www.craftbrew.com.hk
Read more: Craft Beer in Hong Kong: The Best Brews in the City
Sometimes, only avocado toast will hit the spot when hunger sets in. At Detour Coffee in Sai Ying Pun, it’s all day food menu includes a range of sandwiches all for well under $100, along with Avocado on Sourdough with Zataar ($55), and plenty of coffee to wash it all down with.
When: Open daily, from 7:30am to 6pm
Where: G/F, 35-37 First Street, Hong Kong
How much: Sandwiches range between $55 and $66, avocado toast priced at $55
www.facebook.com/detour.coffee.wine
Craving some good Chinese eats? If you’re in the SYP area, head to Hometown Dumpling for a selection of authentic noodle, rice and stir-fried dishes, along with plenty of cheap and delicious homemade dumplings! There’s no need for a lunch set here, as for around $50 you can get 10 dumplings – we recommend trying the pork and leek variety ($43 for 10), or the Shandong fresh fish ($55 for 10).
When: Open daily from 11am to 9:30pm
Where: G/F, 418, 416 Queen’s Road West, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong
How much: $43 to $55 for 10 dumplings, other hot dishes start from $44
When cold weather hits, or if you’re in need of a little comforting, nothing hits the spot quite like Vietnamese pho. During lunchtimes at North Viet Pho, you can get your hands on a bowl of the steaming noodle soup for as little as $48, and the menu also includes dishes such as cold rice vermicelli, curry beef brisket and Hainanese chicken rice.
When: Set lunch available Monday to Friday, 11:30am to 2pm
Where: Tung Hai Court, 73 Bulkeley Street, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong
How much: Dishes range between $48 and $62 in the lunch set
Another great Vietnamese spot that’s perfect for a cheap lunch is Soo Viet. The pho here packs a punch when it comes to flavour, and is paired with equally attractive prices. Head here between 11:30am and 5:30pm and enjoy the lunch special, which is priced between $33 and $39, and includes dishes such as lemongrass chicken wings with rice, raw beef rice noodle soup and more.
When: Lunch set is available daily, from 11:30am and 5:30pm
Where: 247 Des Voeux West, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong
How much: Lunch set priced between $33 and $39
Read more: Where to Find The Best Pho in Hong Kong
If you’re looking for cheap vegetarian eats, and don’t want to miss out on dim sum and other classic Canto dishes, then Po Lin Yuen is where to go in Sai Ying Pun. Everything on the menu is priced between $61 and $99, with dishes including sweet and sour vegetarian “pork” rice, fried noodle with eggplant and bean curd in chili sauce, bean curd in black bean sauce and more.
When: Open daily, from 7:45am to 9pm
Where: G/F, 308 Queen’s Road West, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong
How much: Dishes range between $61 and $99
www.facebook.com/Po-Lin-Yuen-Vegetarian-Restaurant
Whether it’s tacos, burritos, quesadillas, or nachos that you’re after, it can all be found at this Mexican Taqueria in Sai Ying Pun! The tasty and fresh tacos at Taco Chaca always receive high praise, and prices are all kept to below $100.
When: Open daily 12pm to 10pm
Where: G/F, 119 Second Street, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong
How much: Quesadilla’s range between $72 and $78; Tacos range between $52 and $68 (for two, 6-inch flour tortillas); Burritos range between $74 and $82; Burrito Bowls range between $80 and $88
www.facebook.com/tacochaca
Okay, this one is ever-so-slightly over the $100 mark, but for a three-course lunch in a gorgeous setting, we think it’s worth it. We love The Winery for its cosy and chic décor, complete with comfy couches, print wallpaper and an open seating area where furry friends are allowed. On weekdays, the set lunch is priced at $128 for three-courses, and although the menu changes weekly, diners can expect dishes such as Crab Linguini, Grilled Teriyaki Salmon and Rib Eye Steak and Chips, with tempting starters and desserts included, too!
When: Set lunch available Monday to Friday, from 12pm to 3pm
Where: Shops 8 & 9, Kwan Yick Building Phase 3, 158a Connaught Road West, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong
How much: Three-course set lunch priced at $128
Sassy tip: The happy hour here is also one of our favourites in the city. On Fridays, from 5pm until 8pm, you can enjoy free-flow beers, wines, spirits and snacks for $200 per person; or from Monday to Thursdays (and on weekends!), you can enjoy cocktails and spirits at $50 and wines at $40.
www.thewinery.hk
Craving some authentic Korean Fried Chicken? Uncle Padak is the place to go when in Sai Yin Pun. Its menu is sure to satisfy everyone, with the likes of crispy pieces of deliciously moist chicken, spicy sauces, rice balls, and grilled corn with cheese, along with its signature “Spring Onion Chicken” all on offer. At lunch, diners can choose either the Uncle Padak’s Lunch Combo ($88), Beef Bibimbap ($88), or Kimchi Fried Rice with Chicken ($78), which all come with soup.
When: Set lunch available Monday to Friday
Where: Shop D, G/F, 59 High Street, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong
How much: Set lunch priced between $68 and $88
www.unclepadak.com
If your budget can stretch to above $100, or you’re looking for a dinner spot in Sai Ying Pun, we recommend:
Potato Head
Get a taste of Bali at this chic Indonesian restaurant, serving up authentic fare. Make sure to check out its weekend brunch and Sundown hour.
Potato Head, 100 Third Street, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong, www.ptthead.com/hong-kong
Blacksalt
Blacksalt has us coming back time and time again for its eclectic mix of dishes from Nepal, India, Sri Lanka and Bhutan. We love its cosy al fresco dining area and range of sharing plates. Although it’s not open for lunch on weekdays, it’s a must-try for dinner or weekend brunch.
Blacksalt, 14 Fuk Sau Ln, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong, www.blacksalt.com.hk
Krua Walaiphan
A Sai Ying Pun Thai restaurant serving up delicious, homemade and MSG-free dishes. Don’t leave without tucking into an order of Niew Ma-muang (traditional Mango Sticky Rice)
Krua Walaiphan, G/F, Ko Wang Court, 29 High Street, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong, www.facebook.com/kruawalaiphan
La Paloma
Vibrant, colourful and fun, La Paloma offers up a laid-back vibe along with a range of Spanish favourites.
La Paloma, 189 Queen’s Road West, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong, www.lapaloma.hk
Thai On High
Another favourite for Thai food in SYP. Recommended dishes include pad Thai, green papaya salad, chicken laab and more.
Thai On High, G/F, Kam Lun Mansion, 39-41 High Street, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong, www.facebook.com/ThaiOnHigh
Locofama
Locofama offers up delicious and organic bites, with simple food that is unique and packed with flavour.
Locofama, 11 Fuk Sau Lane, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong, www.locofama.com