Team Sassy’s Favourite Hole-In-The-Wall Restaurants

Take a break from the Michelin Guide and discover the best tried and tested hidden gems, secret spots and mom-and-pop restaurants in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong is perhaps the only city in the world where people enjoy queuing up for their food. We get it — it’s confidence inducing to see so many people take the time to do so! But sometimes, waiting half an hour for a single egg tart simply isn’t worth it (we’re looking at you, Bakehouse), and with nearly 18,000 restaurants to choose from, there really are endless options. Keep reading to discover our full list of food spots that often fall under the radar, from lesser-known breakfast nooks to hole-in-the-wall dinner venues.

Read More: New Menus & Dining Deals This Month

Deer Horn Restaurant & Bar — Secluded casual Nepalese spot in Mui Wo

There is nothing quite like returning from a long hike, bouldering or beach day in Lantau and tucking in to some authentic momos. This remote Nepalese restaurant is situated in the scenic town of Mui Wo, across from the Lantau ferry pier, and offers some of the best homey (and affordable!) dumplings and curries in Hong Kong (we also highly recommend the pani puri). The best part? There’s also a full Western menu and plenty of plant-based options, so there’s truly something for everyone.

Deer Horn Restaurant & Bar, Shop 11, G/F, Mui Wo Centre, 3 Ngan Wan Road, Mui Wo, Lantau, Hong Kong, 3484 3095, www.facebook.com/Deer-Horn-Restaurant-and-Bar

Read More: Mui Wo Guide: Restaurants, Beaches, Hikes & More

Krua Walaiphan — MSG-Free Thai restaurant with cute decor and a big menu

Sick of queuing up at Samsen every time you want to have some Thai food? We’ve got you. Located near the escalators in Sai Ying Pun, Krua Walaiphan is a treasure trove of all your favourite dishes, from pad thai and boat noodles to pomelo salads, spring rolls and satay skewers. There’s also a great drinks and dessert menu, including, of course, a delicious mango sticky rice.

Krua Walaiphan, G/F, 64 High Street, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong, 2804 1555, www.kruawalaiphan.com

Read More: Your Neighbourhood Guide to Sai Ying Pun

Yuki House Ramen — Hidden ramen spot with limited seating

Tucked away in an alleyway in Wan Chai, this Japanese ramen restaurant is one of the best places in Hong Kong for a hearty meal. The menu is fairly customisable but still comes with all of your classic and seasonal options, serving up fresh pork soup bases along with plant-based options. There are also plenty of toppings to choose from, and even additional pickles and condiments provided on each table (of which there are not many!).

Yuki House Ramen, Wai Cheong Building, 5-9A Gresson Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, 2868 3091

Read More: Wan Chai Guide: Restaurants, Bars, Cafes & More

Kozy — Japanese izakaya-style okonomiyaki and teppanyaki restaurant

With only 20 seats available, you should definitely secure a reservation before hitting up this authentic Japanese spot in Causeway Bay. Open daily until 2am, this hidden gem brings a little bit of Tokyo to Hong Kong, serving everything from delicious teppanyaki and traditional Oden to noodles, seafood and rice dishes.

Kozy Okonomi-yaki Teppan-yaki, 9/F, Circle Plaza, 499 Hennessy Road, Causeway Bay, 2591 1281, www.facebook.com/Kozy-Okonomi-yaki-Teppan-yaki

Read More: Your Neighbourhood Guide To Causeway Bay

Thai Khaow Hom — Authentic, affordable Thai food with generous portions

This hole-in-the-wall Thai restaurant is buried in Kennedy Town and offers a whole host of dishes for under $100. There are restaurants with better ambiance, but you can’t beat the prices and the portions at this spot!

Thai Khaow Hom, 6-18 Hau Wo Street, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong, 8482 9189, www.facebook.com/ThaiKhaoHom

Read More: Your Neighbourhood Guide to Kennedy Town