Summary
Hong Kong’s street food is one of the city’s unique experiences. Identifying individual Dai Pai Dongs is nigh on impossible, as they often have no name, move locations and many kitchens frequently meld into one. Instead, below you’ll find a list of the best areas to find some good quality Dai Pai Dongs – from traditional shacks serving up lunch to the masses to the street side stalls hawking waffles.
01. Graham Street (in Central)
Address: Graham St, Central, Hong Kong
A collection of Dai Pai Dongs right in the heart of Central. The quality of food is decent if not renowned; however, you may find at least a couple of owners who have a smattering of English (although hand pointing will remain the lingua franca). Be warned: this place gets swamped by office workers during lunch hours 12:30 – 2:00 pm, and it’s hence best to avoid those times. Graham Street, Central. Daily 6:30 am – 8:00 pm.
02. Fa Yuen Street (in Mongkok)
Address: 174 Fa Yuen St, Mong Kok, Hong Kong
Phone: +852 2833 5618
Brave this shady-looking street to discover some of Hong Kong’s most celebrated Dai Pai Dongs. The streets come alive in the evening when the various Mongkok night markets swing into action. For something sweet, try one of Hong Kong’s famous waffles. The chocolate chip stuffed versions at Modos are said to be among the best in the city.
03. Li Kung Street (Ap Lei Chau)
Address: 219 Ki Lung St, Sham Shui Po, Hong Kong
For a truly local experience, head to Sham Shui Po and join the market workers and fabric salesmen at the wooden tables set up each lunchtime. The stand-out option is Keung Kee, a traditional Dai Pai Dong located inside a metal shack, where you’ll find pots of steaming chicken claws and boiling vats of delicious chicken stew. It’s a friendly place where the chefs know their customers by name. Li Kung Street, Sham Shui Po. Daily 7:30 am – 9 pm.
04. Temple Street (In Yau Ma Tei)
Address: Temple St, Yau Ma Tei, Hong Kong
This collection of Dai Pai Dongs is attached to the Temple Street Markets and is considered among the best in town. Just like the market, they are most vibrant at night when you’ll find locals enjoying excellent seafood and Tsing Tao beers. The wide streets and outdoor seating offer a great view of life around you. Note that English is unlikely to be spoken here. Temple Street, Yau Ma Tei. Daily 7 – 11 pm.
05. Haiphong Street (in Tsim Sha Tsui)
Address: Haiphong Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
A fairly compact collection of Dai Pai Dongs selling a mixture of Cantonese and Seafood specialties. Located near Kowloon Park, it will be busy with office workers during the 12:30 – 2:00 pm rush. Haiphong Road, Kowloon Park, Tsim Sha Tsui. Open Daily 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm.
06. Hau Fook Street (in Tsim Sha Tsui)
Address: Hau Fook St, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
A good selection of Dai Pai Dongs with a variety of food options that are often hard to find elsewhere. Both Shanghainese and Beijingese cuisine can be discovered here, in addition to the usual Cantonese fare. English may not be spoken. Hau Fook Street, Tsim Sha Tsui. Daily 7 am – 7 pm.
07. Causeway Bay (in Causeway Bay)
Although there is no dedicated area containing Dai Pai Dongs, there are several individual shacks and stalls scattered throughout the Causeway Bay shopping area. Due to the limited space, seating is often at a premium; however, English is likely to be better understood here. Causeway Bay. Various Opening Hours.
