With around 50 food outlets before and after security, HKIA is a foodie’s paradise. It doesn’t just offer the usual homogeneous airport outlets (although Starbucks, Pret, Burger King are all on the campus): it’s home to gourmet, international and local flavours that have helped cement Hong Kong’s well-earned reputation as a food destination.
Among these are some culinary big-hitters. Duddell’s has brought its Michelin-starred take on dim sum and Cantonese flavours from downtown Central to the main airside food court. Open 24 hours, it serves everything from har gau dumplings to two-day marinated goose roasted to crispy perfection on site.
Other relatively new openings close by include Bari-Uma Ramen and Sushi & Sake Bar Taka , sister brand of Sushi Saito , the triple-Michelin-starred Tokyo restaurant with a double-starred Hong Kong outlet at the Four Seasons Hotel, led by legendary chef Takashi Saito. Getting a table in town can be something of a challenge, but now a ticket and a boarding pass mean you can sample the signature Edomae sushi, sashimi, rolls and tempura dishes, made with ingredients flown in daily from Tokyo – all without the three-month wait.
There is a strong international contingent with celebrity Gordon Ramsay’s Plane Food to Go offering everything from a full English breakfast or a bacon butty in the morning to burgers, salads and pasta with drinks later in the day, plus to-go options.
Increasing the celebrity chef count is Wolfgang Puck Kitchen , the US super-chef’s first Hong Kong opening. It takes its cues from his Californian-casual repertoire, perfected at Spago in LA’s Beverly Hills, combined with all-day fine-dining – as well as a grab-and-go counter if you’re in a rush to get into town through the arrivals hall.
Credit: Moses Ng
For Hongkongers eager to savour a last taste of home – or visitors who can’t wait to sink their teeth into classic local flavours – Tai Hing branches (one landside and one airside) serve up the best in barbecued meats, while Maxim’s Jade Garden offers authentic Cantonese dim sum for the perfect yum cha welcome to the airport prior to security.
Other local flavours are provided by fellow Hong Kong restaurant Yung Kee (known for its char siu and roast goose), and the more Shanghai stylings of Jardin de Jade , while you can find egg tarts in both local and Macanese styles at King Bakery , all in the restricted area after security.
Credit: Moses Ng
Overlooking the tarmac after security, Beef & Liberty is a homegrown burger favourite that serves its full menu – including the vegetarian-friendly Impossible burger – and stocks local craft brews from Moonzen . For a sweet finish, it’s a short walk to the patisserie delights of Lady M , a New York import.