Hong Kong is one of my favourite places to visit, and the food is a big reason I keep coming back. It’s also the country I’ve visited more times than my photographer. The city’s food scene is full of variety, from hidden street stalls to top restaurants. Each trip brings new flavours, and I’ve never been disappointed by anything I’ve tried. I enjoy finding new places to eat and drink, whether I discover them online, get tips from locals, or just wander around and see what catches my eye. When I travel slowly, I often take breaks while exploring, so I like to keep a list of good coffee spots handy in case I need a rest, or my photographer needs a caffeine boost (which is quite often).
I put together a list of vegetarian-friendly places to eat and coffee shops. Most of them are just a short walk from MRT or Ding Ding stops. There are some fully vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Hong Kong, but I found them very expensive when I was planning my trip. Generally, coffee prices range from $35-55 HKD (about £3-5), and basic meals or snacks at non-vegetarian-friendly spots run from $50-120 HKD (around £5-12), while full vegetarian restaurants can cost upwards of $150 HKD (about £15) per meal. I hope this helps you plan your visit and avoid any surprises!
Coffee
On the Hill, Tai Kwun
This modern café is tucked away inside Tai Kwun, the impressive old police headquarters and prison. To find it, enter Tai Kwun from the main entrance on Hollywood Road, in the shadows of Central’s incredible skyscrapers, and follow the signs towards Block 03 (just past the central courtyard). There’s usually no need to make a reservation, but weekends can get busy, so going early helps. I thought the idea was really fun. Since I travel with someone who loves coffee, I’m always searching for interesting coffee spots. Some of you might remember when I played a little prank on my photographer here as payback for not bringing snacks. You can sit outside in the old prison yard, but I decided to sit inside and enjoy coffee in a prison cell for something different.
The drinks menu is small but reasonably priced. I chose to have an apple juice to rehydrate myself after a morning in the hot sunshine.
Halfway Coffee, Mong Kok
Halfway Coffee has several shops throughout Hong Kong, but my favourite will always be the one on Soy Street. I love this small oasis of calm hidden behind Mong Kok’s crowded streets. The perfect time to visit Mong Kok is on a rainy morning, as the wet markets are bustling and the neon signs reflect in the puddles. My photographer enjoys visiting to live out their cyberpunk dreams.
This charming cafe serves its drinks in delicate fine china cups, a touch of old-world elegance amid the urban buzz. With no wifi and a tranquil atmosphere, it feels like a hidden oasis that most of Mong Kok’s crowds seem to miss. As the world becomes more dependent on computers and phones, I find myself appreciating the internet-free cafes more and more. I always feel recharged and content upon leaving, feeling ready to plunge back into the bustling life of Mong Kok and the surrounding streets. For the best experience, I recommend visiting in the morning or just after lunch, when the cafe is usually quieter. The drinks are slightly more expensive, but I enjoy the experience which comes with the coffee here.
N.O.T Coffee, Hysan Place, Causeway Bay
The real attraction at N.O.T Coffee is not only the coffee but also the breathtaking views that can be seen from Hysan Place’s soaring four-storey escalators, especially because the city lights illuminate the cityscape in the evening. Hysan Place is a major shopping mall located in Causeway Bay, a lively commercial district easily accessible via the MTR Island Line. Even if you are not interested in coffee or shopping, visiting Hysan Place simply to ride its escalators and take in the urban landscape is highly recommended. N.O.T Coffee, which has gained popularity on social media for its unique setting, is situated on the ninth floor, just behind a cosy bookshop. The panoramic views from this location are difficult to capture in words and are an experience that first-time visitors to Hong Kong should not miss.
As for the coffee itself, it’s both reasonably priced and delicious, making my visit all the more worthwhile. I visited in the afternoon when it was very busy, and I struggled to find a seat. However, I returned in the evening and managed to get a window seat, where I watched the skyline twinkle as I drank a cappuccino.
Pacific Coffee
Pacific Coffee is my go-to stop for coffee when I am on the go or want to people-watch in a busy area. Often, when I visit Sheung Wan (for an egg tart), I drop into Pacific Coffee to enjoy watching the busy streets and Ding Ding zooming past.
Pacific Coffee is Hong Kong’s answer to Starbucks, but arguably cheaper. They are located throughout the city, which I love because I know I can stop in whenever I need to.
Tai Wo Tang Cafe
During my adventure through the New Territories, I chose to visit Tai Wo Tang Cafe, a quirky spot styled like an old Chinese medicine shop. My quick stop turned into a leisurely coffee-and-croissant break, fueling me for my next adventure. This is a cafe which is well loved by locals; I found it through a friend who lives in the city.
Located in Kowloon City, not far from the B2 exit of Sung Wong Toi MTR station. I did initially plan my visit here with a trip into Kowloon Walled City Park, but the weather had other ideas.
%Arabica – 2 locations: Kennedy Town and Avenue of Stars
Having the opportunity to watch boats is my favourite activity ever, and my photographer enjoys drinking coffee. When we found out we could combine these activities, we were overjoyed. The takeaway cube at K11 Musea is the perfect spot to grab a coffee and enjoy the views of Victoria Harbour. There is never a bad time to visit Victoria Harbour as the view changes throughout the day, peaking with the 8pm light show.
In Kennedy Town, % Arabica is a coffee shop best known for its modern aesthetic and panoramic harbour views. The interior was humming with people trying to snap the perfect Instagram shot, thanks to its enviable vantage point over Lantau Island, Tsing Yi, and Kowloon. With a takeaway cup in hand, I walked along to Cadogan Street Promenade, letting the salty air and distant skyline set the mood. Kennedy Town is an eclectic place to visit, with many flat promenades providing flat paths and incredible views. It is my favourite location to enjoy a slow adventure in Hong Kong.
APT.
Times Square is a great spot for people-watching on a busy afternoon. It is a kiosk on the 4th floor which overlooks the busy central area. I enjoyed sitting here whilst my photographer did a spot of shopping. My favourite part of APT is the fruit sodas; they have innovative flavours, and they aren’t too expensive ($45).
My favourite was the passionfruit soda, but the lime soda was also really refreshing for the hot summer weather.
Street Food
Pufflife
Egg Puffs Pufflife (蛋仔記雞蛋仔) had become something of an Instagram sensation, and after seeing it recommended countless times, I was excited to try it myself. When my egg puff arrived, I was stunned by its size: golden and crisp on the outside, with a soft, pillowy interior reminiscent of a freshly baked sponge cake but with a subtler sweetness. Street food usually makes me hesitate, but the line for this bakery stretched down the street—a sure sign it would be worth the leap.
There are so many different fillings available, many of which are vegetarian-friendly. My favourites are the plain and the red bean-filled ones. They cost around $20-30 HKD (£2-3), which is absolutely perfect if you are travelling on a budget.
Queen Sophie
Queen Sophie’s bakery is a gem hidden away on a quiet street—so small, you might miss it if you don’t know where to look. After finally finding it (on my second visit!), I snagged a warm, flaky egg tart and made my way up Ladder Street to Man Mo Temple. Sitting in the sunshine, savouring the pastry’s buttery crust, I took in the temple’s beautiful details. There is another shop in Kowloon City, though I have never quite managed to find it.
A-1 Bakery
We all know how much of a fan I am of a picnic. It is the perfect way to enjoy a day of slow travel. I often visit this bakery under the K-11 Musea because it has the best selection of breads and lunchtime foods. There is a huge selection of vegetarian options (though they are in the same drawer as non-vegetarian foods). Sitting in a shady spot next to Victoria Harbour is one of my favourite picnic spots because I simply love watching the boats pass by.
The bakery is located on B2 in the MTR corridor, which leads from the insanely huge Tsuen Wan Line – Tsim Sha Tsui Station towards Exit J or K for K11 Musea. There are also bakeries located in other parts of Hong Kong. However, I really enjoy the challenge of finding this one.
Lunch stops
The Bakehouse
There are numerous locations of The Bakehouse in Hong Kong. My personal favourite is the one in Causeway Bay, although there is often a huge queue outside because the egg tarts are delicious.
The Bakehouse has now taken over the spot of Pacific Coffee at the Peak. It has a dine-in option, where you can sit with what I believe is the best view of Hong Kong. I love sitting in the window because you get the best view of the Peak Tram coming up and down the track.
Dinner
Man Mo Dim Sum
A small restaurant in the streets of Sheung Wan, which I found purely by accident. The restaurant is small and innovative, combining modern French dining with traditional Cantonese cuisine. The menu is small but has an innovative vegetarian section. Dim Sum is created with famous French dishes such as ratatouille, tomato and mozzarella, and shakshouka.
I treated myself to dinner at Man Mo Dim Sum, savouring the innovative dim sum after a day immersed in Sheung Wan’s unique combination of old and new. The restaurant provides tables which look out onto the street; I enjoyed watching the buzz of the surrounding streets as I dined. It does get very busy and has limited weekend opening hours, so I would recommend booking in advance.
JaJa
The most pink and plush dinner restaurant, which serves many vegetarian dishes. It is located in the Hong Kong Art Centre in Wan Chai. I really enjoyed the fun, arty theme of the restaurant and was pleasantly surprised to find the food was as delicious as it looked.
Update – unfortunately, this restaurant has now closed. I hope the people behind this incredible restaurant return to Hong Kong one day. Eating dinner next to a giant pink teddy bear is possibly my new favourite activity (even my photographer agrees with this).
Din Tai Fung
Where there is Dim Sum, there will always be a dinosaur. I really enjoy the opportunity to try many different dishes (and steal my photographer’s food). Din Tai Fung is a Taiwanese restaurant with branches around the world. I have tried many throughout Asia and have never been disappointed. My love of this restaurant comes from the opportunity to order as few or many different dim sum as you wish, and being able to combine them with multiple other dishes.
My favourite dish is the vegan dumplings because they contain a delicious combination of bean curd, baby bok choy, shiitake mushrooms, wood ear mushrooms, glass noodles, and jicama. Some of the food in Din Tai Fung can be really spicy, but as a dinosaur, I prefer to go with the milder dishes.
Orka restaurant
Orka Restaurant in Central is opposite the stripey Fringe Club building, not too far from the Peak Tram. My Photographer was wishing to eat something Western because it is a real treat when living in Asia. The Chipotle Pumpkin Burger was bursting with flavour, and I couldn’t resist sneaking a few of my photographer’s fries. For anyone visiting, I’d also recommend the tangy lemon tart; it’s a must for dessert lovers.
If you’re after something cold on a humid day, Elephant Grounds nearby is a charming spot for coffee and indulgent ice cream sandwiches.
Feather & Bone
I found this in Causeway Bay and was pleasantly surprised by the dinner options available to vegetarians. I had walked past many times without considering dining here on previous visits because it looked like a steak restaurant from the front. There were some great vegetarian options on the menu; I really enjoyed the pumpkin risotto. The standout item was the roasted portobello mushrooms, perfectly cooked in a delicious combination of lemon, thyme and garlic.
Have you visited Hong Kong? If so, where are your favourite places to eat?
If you enjoyed this post, you might like:
Central Hong Kong: Beautiful Gardens, Hidden Heritage & Unique Cafés
A Slow Traveller’s Guide to Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
