Are you dying to try authentic Cantonese food but don’t know how (or where) to start? Keep reading to discover our favourite dai pai dongs, dishes and more…
Literally meaning “big lisence stalls”, dai pai dongs are the smoky, wok-heated soul of Hong Kong’s street food scene. These no-frills, open-air eateries have been around since before World War II, originally operating as illegal food stalls serving affordable meals. Later, the government provided the largely war-widow owners with licenses so they could make a living — and as dai pai dongs proliferated, they become a staple of Hong Kong culture. While the government has cracked down on licensing over the years, a few of these iconic eateries still stand, offering authentic flavours in a setting that’s as chaotic as it is charming. Think sizzling woks and stools that feel like they might collapse, but perhaps some of the best Cantonese food in the city, separate from your typical yum cha!
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What To Know Before Going
Our Favourite Dai Pai Dongs
What To Know Before Eating At A Dai Pai Dong
Walking past that large group of uncles kiking at your local dai pai dong might be a little intimidating, but don’t worry — here’s how to blend in (or at least not stick out too much):
- Cash only: Dai pai dongs don’t take credit cards or digital payment, so make sure you have cash. Small bills are your best friend.
- Dress for the occasion: Forget your fancy outfits and open-toed sandals. Splashes of sauce and smoky air are inevitable!
- Travel light: Leave your massive tote bag at home — there’s hardly enough space for your plate, let alone your bag.
- BYOB (ish): Locals often bring their own beer, but if you’re new, just order there. Extra points if you drink it the OG way — in a bowl.
- Finish your plate: No takeaway culture here, so best to finish your plate!
- Have the right expectations: This isn’t fine dining — it’s messy, loud and imperfect, in the best way.
- Not accessible: Note that if you have any kind of physical disability, the hard plastic stools at dai pai dongs are small, backless and uncomfortable.
- Water is for washing: If they give you a bowl of hot water, it’s for washing utensils and dishes, not drinking.
- Don’t expect English menus: Tag along with a local a friend or get used to Google Translate!
- Smoking is allowed: Dai pai dongs are open-air, after all. Bonus or dealbreaker? You decide.
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Our Favourite Dai Pai Dongs & Dishes
Sing Kee
This Central gem is a Michelin-recommended classic dai pai dong experience. Order the clams in bean sauce (under $100!), a pescatarian-friendly choice, or the sizzling claypot eggplant, which is gloriously oily and satisfying.
Sing Kee, 63 Stanley Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2541 5678
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Bing Kee
If you’re after some flavoursome pork noodle soup, head to Bing Kee. The best-selling dish is only $35, and it comes with juicy, peppery pork, greens, noodles and a piping hot broth!
Bing Kee, 5 Shepherd Street, Tai Hang, Hong Kong, 2577 3117
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Man Fat Seafood Restaurant
This place is a seafood lover’s paradise! Must-try dishes include the black pepper honey beef cubes with potatoes (sweet, crispy, and tender), the deep-fried Bombay duck fish with spicy salt, and the classic salt and pepper tofu.
Man Fat Seafood Restaurant, 55 Fuk Wa Street, Sham Shui Po, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2386 6118
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Tin Cheung Restaurant
Oi Man Sang
Oi Man Sang in Sham Shui Po is as authentic a Hong Kong dining experience as you can get! Witness the Chef’s lightning-fast cooking — he uses jet fuel for maximum wok hei, which you’ll only find here as the government no longer provides licenses for it.
Oi Man Sang, B-C, G/F, 1 Shek Kip Mei Street, Sham Shui Po, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2393 9315
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Sing Heung Yuen
Recognisable for its queues that snake down Gough Street at lunchtime, Sing Heung Yuen is known for its simple, home-style Hong Kong dishes. It’s obvious what to order here — the signature noodles in tomato soup, plus a side of crispy buns (topped with either butter, condensed milk, peanut butter or lemon jam!).
Sing Heung Yuen, 2 Mee Lun Street, (at Gough Street intersection), Central, Hong Kong, 2544 8368
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