Tuen Mun, often perceived as one of Hong Kong’s most geographically isolated districts, is rapidly dismantling its reputation as a culinary backwater. The area, spanning local hubs like Tuen Mun San Hui, Tuen Mun Town Centre, Hung Kiu, and Lung Mun Oasis (a popular late-night spot), conceals a vibrant, diverse food scene defined by high quality and remarkable affordability. From specialized noodle houses and street eats to authentic international cuisine and artisanal cafes, the northwestern New Territories district is becoming a destination for savvy food enthusiasts in 2024.
The evolving dining landscape in Tuen Mun showcases a blend of time-honored local favorites and modern culinary concepts. We compiled a guide to over a dozen must-try spots, covering michelines, classic noodles, Western dining, desserts, and the area’s burgeoning café culture.
Noodles and Street Food Champions
The local appreciation for street snacks and hearty noodles fuels some of Tuen Mun’s most popular venues. Yun Chuen, with its six local branches, has earned a devoted following among michelines (rice vermicelli) aficionados. The eatery is lauded for its intense, full-bodied broths, particularly the savory fish and pork bone options, and generous portions of toppings like spicy chilled pork belly and fragrant spiced beef brisket.
For quintessential Hong Kong street food, the area boasts several strong contenders. Very Brisk HK, famous for its deep-fried chicken drumsticks, reportedly sells up to 200 pieces daily. These drumsticks, notably large and coated in a crispy shell, retain succulent, juicy meat inside—a perfect late-night fix, operating until 2 a.m. nearby.
Across town in Lung Mun Oasis, Yuet Loi Lao Chu Snacks stands as a local icon, revered for its handmade siu mai (fish and pork dumplings). Passed down from the late owner, “Lao Chu,” the dumplings blend three parts fish meat with two parts pork shoulder, resulting in a luscious, flavorful bite. They are so popular that they often sell out by 11 a.m. For Japanese street flavor, Takoyaki Master in Eldo Centre offers consistently substantial takoyaki balls in five variations, including the popular mentaiko and wasabi toppings.
Meanwhile, “Man’s Dog” Rice Pin Noodles specializes in comfort food, selling 200 bowls of its MSG-free Gau Jai Fan (rice pin noodles) nightly. Its rich, milky broth, simmered for over six hours with pork bones, dried shrimp, and shiitake mushrooms, is complemented by their signature crispy house-made pork lard.
International Flair and Hidden Gems
Tuen Mun’s dining scene extends well beyond local staples, featuring unexpected culinary pockets like the Vietnamese eatery Tuen Mun Baguettes. Operated by Vietnamese natives, this store delivers authentic bánh mì with choices like lemongrass pork or beef, enhanced by a savory house-made pâté. It also offers classic Vietnamese noodle dishes and rice plates.
For modern European dining, Dineland offers a surprisingly high-value experience. With its relaxed, European-inspired decor and outdoor garden seating, the restaurant provides an oasis far from the urban bustle. Dinner sets, priced around HKD 200 per person, include appetizers, soup, and sophisticated mains like crab and lobster risotto with grilled Japanese squid, or fresh shaved black truffle ravioli.
Dessert Destinations and Café Culture
The Hung Kiu area is emerging as a sweet tooth paradise. Sugar Ma Ma, or “Sweetheart Goodies,” became renowned for offering pay-what-you-want molten lava cakes (lava cakes) during challenging times, cementing its place in the community. Their lava cakes are highly praised for their intense flow and wide range of flavors, including pistachio, Durian D24, and Earl Grey.
Another must-visit dessert spot, Tan Dessert, excels at inventive waffle and ice-cream combinations. The Caramel Crunch Peanut Butter Waffle with Fresh Cream and Ice Cream is a signature, while their Caramel Biscuit Popcorn Shaved Ice is a refreshing choice for warmer weather.
Tuen Mun’s low-density architecture has earned it the nickname “Little Japan” among local explorers, attracting chic cafes. Böugel Cafè features baked goods crafted by a Cordon Bleu-trained chef, including innovative cruffins and mochi scones. Further out in Lam Tei, Thre3 Concept is a popular pet-friendly spot celebrated for its whimsical 3D floating lattes and hot chocolate art, featuring marshmallow creations shaped like Shiba Inu and Corgi butts.
Tuen Mun’s burgeoning status as a foodie destination confirms that distance does not diminish quality. Visitors planning a culinary adventure in 2024 should check the operating hours of these localized hotspots, as many operate on community-driven schedules or close once ingredients sell out, particularly the coveted hand-made siu mai at Yuet Loi Lao Chu.