Sheung Wan, Hong Kong—The heart of Hong Kong’s Sheung Wan district has cemented its status as a premier culinary destination, offering an extraordinary breadth of dining experiences that cater to every palate and budget. From century-old dim sum houses resurrected for a new generation to Michelin-recognized street food concepts and cutting-edge global fusion spots, the neighborhood provides a microcosm of Hong Kong’s diverse food culture. This vibrant mix ensures that both busy professionals and discerning food tourists discover exceptional options for lunch and dinner, highlighting the district’s unique ability to honor history while embracing international trends.
A Tapestry of Global Flavors
The current dining ecosystem in Sheung Wan is characterized by high-quality foreign cuisine interspersed with deeply rooted local institutions. The standout offerings often include the seamless integration of authenticity and novelty.
Samsen: A Taste of Northern Thailand
Among the most highly recommended dining establishments is Samsen, celebrated for bringing authentic northern Thai street food to Hong Kong. The restaurant’s charming, cozy interior mimics the vibrant atmosphere of a Thai marketplace. Signature dishes include the rich, six-hour braised Wagyu Boat Noodles and the flavorful Crab Meat and Spring Onion Omelette. Samsen’s dedication to genuine Thai flavors has secured its place as a favorite among enthusiasts, though prospective diners should anticipate possible waiting times due to the establishment’s immense popularity.
Pecorino: Korean-Italian Fusion
Adding a unique global twist is Pecorino, an Italian restaurant helmed by a Korean ‘Oppa’ (friendly Korean gentleman). Located on Bonham Strand East, this spot features a minimalist design with high ceilings and expansive windows, creating a spacious and relaxed ambiance. Pecorino specializes in handmade pasta and Neapolitan-style pizzas, baked in a Stefano Ferrara oven for a perfectly crisp crust. Must-try dishes include the Bottarga Linguine featuring Italian cured fish roe, establishing Pecorino as a rapidly rising star in the local Italian dining scene.
Preserving Local Heritage
While new concepts flourish, Sheung Wan remains fiercely proud of its heritage, epitomized by its classic Hong Kong establishments.
Lin Heung Tea House (蓮香樓)
A true icon, Lin Heung Tea House represents the soul of traditional Hong Kong dim sum. This century-old establishment, renowned for its classic pushcart dim sum service, reopened in 2024 at its original location, drawing crowds eager to experience the authentic 1960s tea house atmosphere. Its hand-crafted items, such as the Pork Offal Siu Mai and Lotus Seed Paste Buns, continue to attract both local regulars and international visitors seeking a genuine taste of old Hong Kong.
Rui Kee Coffee (瑞記咖啡)
A cornerstone of local cha chaan teng culture, the 60-year-old Rui Kee Coffee is located within the Sheung Wan Municipal Services Building Cooked Food Centre. Famous for simple, comforting fare, Rui Kee’s signature dishes include the golden-crisp French Toast topped with condensed milk and the classic Beef and Egg Sandwich, always paired with their smooth, bottled iced milk tea. It provides an efficient and beloved breakfast experience for neighborhood workers.
Innovative and Casual Delights
Sheung Wan’s dynamism is also reflected in its array of casual, innovative eateries catering to quick lunches and trendy snacking.
Chicken Egg Boy has quickly become a social media sensation with its creative take on the classic Gai Daan Jai (egg waffles). Their signature Pineapple Bun Egg Waffle, featuring a crispy bolo bao crust wrapped around the soft waffle, is a textural delight. Other popular spots include Gyo Dim, specializing in pan-fried dumplings with flavorful, handmade fillings, and Lau Hing Kee, known for its juicy Shanghai Pan-Fried Pork Buns (sheng jian bao).
For sweet cravings, The Ice Cream & Cookie Co. offers Singaporean-style ice cream sandwiches featuring low-sugar, natural coconut flower sugar bases in inventive flavors like Earl Grey Lemon and Pandan Coconut. Meanwhile, An Choi provides a vibrant, street-style Vietnamese experience, specializing in authentic Bánh Mì and Vietnam’s famous egg coffee.
Sheung Wan’s evolving food scene is a testament to Hong Kong’s culinary resilience, marrying deep Cantonese traditions with high-quality international influences. The district continues to present exciting opportunities for gastronomic exploration, ensuring its retention of top-tier dining status for the foreseeable future. Visitors are encouraged to move beyond the well-trodden paths to uncover the true diversity offered by its side streets and hidden corners.