Where and what to eat in Wan Chai: 8 must-try cuisines in this vibrant district

Wan Chai is famed for its captivating blend of the old and the new, a culinary crossroads where time-honoured Cantonese traditions mingle with modern, global influences. In this vibrant district, you can travel the world through your taste buds, with an extraordinary variety of cuisines at your fingertips, from Japanese to Spanish, British, and beyond.

Whether you’re a savvy local or a curious visitor, this guide to Wan Chai’s best restaurants is your new best friend. It’s time to explore and indulge to your heart’s content. Let’s cut to the chase—your next great meal is waiting to be discovered. Here are some of my favourite spots to get you started.

See also: Hong Kong’s newest restaurants and bars to visit right now

Vietnamese

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Bánh Mì Nếm

This Vietnamese sandwich takeaway shop, opened by Vietnamese YouTube sensation Kiki Phung, brings the vibrant flavours of Saigon to Wan Chai. Each day, the shop crafts a limited batch of 100 bánh mì, featuring an array of enticing fillings such as the traditional cold cut or grilled chicken. The succulent minced pork skewer, however, is a standout. These sandwiches creations have quickly gained a loyal following, often selling out in no time. Excitingly, the shop will soon be expanding its menu to include mixed vermicelli bowls, promising more vibrant Vietnamese flavours.

Bánh Mì NếmAddress: 247-249 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong

French

Duck à l’orange

Jean May

Led by chef Tiffany Lo, this restaurant is a true gem in Wan Chai. Its unassuming exterior gives way to a charming interior, where a cheerful moss green palette and eclectic art collection create a relaxed, French country home atmosphere. The menu celebrates simplicity with offerings like steak tartare and duck à l’orange, perfectly paired with a modest yet curated selection of natural wines, including rare by-the-glass options. Jean May masterfully blends elegance with informality, making it a top destination for those seeking a relaxed yet refined culinary experience.

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El Taquero

With its 45 seats and vibrant atmosphere, El Taquero is an ode to the taco vendor, as its name suggests. The restaurant serves up Mexican comfort food that hits all the right notes, from stellar tacos and nachos to killer margaritas. The real showstopper here is the al pastor. Picture this: marinated pork, slow-cooked on a trompo, with pineapple and onions. The citrus juices and pineapple aroma infuse the meat, keeping it tender and flavourful. By day, it’s a charming lunch spot; by night, it morphs into a lively post-work hangout.

El TaqueroAddress: Shops B-F G/F Yan King Court, 119 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong

Cantonese

Dim sum at One Harbour Road

One Harbour Road

This traditional Chinese restaurant has long been a favourite among the city’s well-heeled families, and it’s easy to see why. Offering authentic Cantonese fare, five-star service, and stunning city views, it’s a winning combination. The signature Australian Wagyu and foie gras fried rice with Yunnan termite mushroom sauce is a sublime, elevated take on a comforting classic, and the delicate yet flavourful dim sum never fails to impress.

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Deng G

Nestled over two floors in Wan Chai, this restaurant is more than just a spot for spice lovers—though it certainly delivers on that front. Chef Deng Hua-dong masterfully showcases the diverse and complex flavours of Sichuan, proving it’s not all about numbing heat. The menu is a journey through the region’s culinary landscape, featuring delights such as the aromatic yuxiang, meaning fish fragrant, and the distinctively peppery wula, standing in contrast to the fiery mala.

The spread at The Baker & The Bottleman

The Baker & The Bottleman

Transforming from a humble bakery by day into a cosy, inviting neighbourhood restaurant by night, The Baker & The Bottleman offers an intimate dining retreat where an ingredients-driven a la carte menu takes the spotlight, paired with an impressive array of natural wines. The menu features dishes like the ever-popular fish burger with tartare sauce and pickles, and the Iberico pork chop with cider and sage cabbages, Joselito chorizo and apple sauce.

The Baker & The BottlemanAddress: Shop Nos. G14-15, G/F, F15A, 1/F, Lee Tung Avenue, 200 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong

Korean

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Jeonpo Meat Shop

This Korean barbecue restaurant transports you straight to Seoul with its industrial, stripped-back interior and metal tables, setting the stage for a no-frills dining experience. Now boasting seven locations across the city, including Wan Chai, it’s clear they’ve struck a chord with Korean BBQ enthusiasts. The star attractions are the succulent beef short ribs and perfectly grilled pork belly, but it’s the lively, convivial atmosphere that truly hooks you. The cold noodles and fluffy steamed egg are great too.

Jeonpo Meat Shop Wan ChaiAddress: Shop E, G/F, 28-34 Johnston Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong

Japanese

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Jan Jan Kushikatsu

An offshoot of the beloved Osaka and Tokyo spots, Jan Jan brings the art of deep-fried skewers to Wan Chai. Highlights from the menu include the skewered prawn with a touch of sansho pepper and the irresistibly deep-fried half-cooked egg. While the restaurant occasionally features seasonal menus like crab, it’s the crispy kushikatsu that you’ve come for, and they deliver in spades.

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