A complete guide to dai pai dongs in Hong Kong

As a quintessential part of Hong Kong’s vibrant food culture, dai pai dongs have left an indelible mark on the city’s collective memory. From the bustling street stalls of the 1950s and ‘60s to today’s few remaining licensed establishments, these open-air eateries continue to embody the communal spirit of our home city and keep the tradition alive. Here are eight of the best dai pai dongs in Hong Kong.

Tung Po Kitchen

People flock here for squid ink pasta, deep-fried Bombay duck with spicy salt, beer-brined chicken wings and, most of all, the unique, lively atmosphere. The original North Point iteration of this beloved joint attracted the likes of the late celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain and film star Benedict Cumberbatch. Opening beer bottles with chopsticks, tongue-in-cheek performances by manager Robby Cheung – hard to miss in his “shark boots” – and beer served in bowls are still some of the wild things that live on at Tung Po's current location.​     ​

2/F, Konnect, 303 Jaffe Road, Wan Chai

Oi Man Sang

Operating since 1956, Oi Man Sang is one of the oldest among the city’s fewer than 20 licensed dai pai dongs, featuring a traditional semi-open kitchen. A kerosene stove is still in use at this unpretentious den, where dishes are cooked over high heat to preserve the wok hei (“wok’s breath”). The menu is packed with hearty Cantonese fare like stir-fried beef with potatoes in black pepper sauce, baked prawns with salted egg yolk, stir-fried clams with black bean sauce and an assortment of casserole dishes. 

​​​Shop B-C, G/F, 1 Shek Kip Mei Street, Sham Shui Po

Sing Kee  

This 70-year-old greasy spoon on Stanley Street is another one of the last remaining dai pai dongs in town. Its nostalgic setting – complete with green canvas covers, tin roof, and plastic tables and chairs, has been immortalised in numerous films. The fiery wok and fast delivery are hallmarks, making it perfect for commuters and night owls. Tuck into comfort food, such as stir-fried beef with spicy salt, stir-fried cashew nuts with chicken liver, steamed scallops with garlic, sizzling chicken in a clay pot and sweet and sour pork ribs.

​​​G/F, 82 Stanley Street, Central

Mui Kee Cookfood Stall 

Mui Kee operates spacious and air-conditioned branches in Mong Kok and Tsim Sha Tsui. Though some might lament its modernisation, Mui Kee remains true to the art of aromatic wok cooking, drawing foodies in until late into the night with its creative dishes. Favourites include deep-fried flour dough stuffed with shrimp paste, stir-fried pork jowl with green pepper, spring rolls filled with scrambled egg white, deep-fried pork knuckle and double-boiled pumpkin soup.

​​​Shop B, 2/F, Witty Commercial Building, 1A-1L Tung Choi Street, Mong Kok

Chan Kun Kee

Established 40 years ago at the Wo Che Estate cooked food market, Chan Kun Kee relocated to its current location in Shek Mun in 2018, and opened a branch in Australia in 2023. Chan Kun Kee feeds hundreds every night with classic Cantonese fare like deep-fried tofu, deep-fried squid tentacles with spicy salt and braised eggplant with minced pork and salted fish, alongside modern dishes such as corn cheese and deep-fried oysters with mustard.  

​​​Shop G05, G/F, Kings Wing Plaza 2, 1 On Kwan Street, Shek Mun, Sha Tin

ChorLand Cookfood Stall 

ChorLand Cookfood Stall is a greasy spoon with spacious branches in To Kwa Wan and Tsuen Wan. Ideal for friends and family get-togethers, the restaurant stands out with a modern take on traditional Cantonese cuisine – think stir-fried typhoon shelter squid, pork patty with lotus root and truffle, and deep-fried shrimp with oatmeal and salted egg yolk. Casserole dishes, such as sizzling Chinese lettuce and braised seafood with mixed vegetables and vermicelli, are all prepared with fresh ingredients and brimming with nuanced flavours. 

​​​Shop C & D, G/F Po Kwong Building, 2C Ma Hang Chung Road, To Kwa Wan 

Ladies Street Sik Faan Co.

Decked out in images of old Hong Kong, neon lights and vintage knick-knacks, Ladies Street Sik Faan Co. on Tung Choi Street, Mong Kok, channels the nostalgic charm of dai pai dongs from the ‘80s and ‘90s. Locals and foreign visitors come here for the immersive experience, complete with installations for viral selfies. Despite the hyperbolic displays, the restaurant serves up excellent local delicacies, including beef brisket, pan-fried shrimp toast, fried cuttlefish patty, and stir-fried diced beef with potatoes and honey sauce. Look out for their Tsim Sha Tsui branch.  

​​​Shop B, 1/F, Witty Commercial Building, 1A-1L Tung Choi Street, Mong Kok

Pun Kee

For over 40 years, this humble cafeteria – without even proper air-conditioning – has been drawing locals and social media influencers alike with fresh yet affordable seafood sourced from the nearby fish market. Pun Kee is especially busy during lunchtime, when foodies dig into its no-frills buffet and viral seafood sets. 

Tung Yuen Street Cooked Food Market, 10 Tung Yuen Street, Yau Tong