Eating in Hong Kong as a Solo Traveler: Budget-Friendly and Authentic Local Finds

hong kong going out to eat ventana travel

Hong Kong is a paradise for food lovers, but eating out can add up quickly—especially if you stick to malls or tourist-heavy areas. As a solo female traveler, I wanted to experience the city’s incredible food scene without breaking the bank. My biggest discovery? 兩餸飯 (two-dish rice)—Hong Kong’s no-frills, home-style meal that’s cheap, filling, and incredibly satisfying.

The Beauty of Two-Dish Rice

If you’ve ever wished for a local version of Panda Express, two-dish rice shops are your answer. These unassuming takeout spots offer a selection of classic Cantonese dishes—think soy sauce chicken, stir-fried vegetables, sweet and sour pork—served over a bed of steaming white rice. Prices vary, but in more residential areas, you can grab a meal for as little as HK$36. Portions depend on location; in pricier districts like Central, expect slightly smaller servings for the same price.

Avoid the Malls, Head to the Cooked Food Centers

While shopping mall food courts may seem convenient, they’re often overpriced and lack authenticity. Instead, I found a goldmine in cooked food centers—hidden gems located above government-run wet markets. The Kennedy Town and Wan Chai locations were standouts, offering dirt-cheap yet delicious meals, including dim sum at unbeatable prices. If you’re looking for authentic flavors with a side of local atmosphere, this is the way to go.

Roast Pork Over Rice: A Simple but Perfect Meal

If I had to pick a dish to eat every day, it would be char siu (roast pork) over rice. These BBQ shops are all over the city, with some of the best finds in Quarry Bay and Mong Kok. The balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors is unbeatable, and at around HK$36-50 per plate, it’s an affordable indulgence. However, fair warning—once you start eating this daily, you’ll need to balance it with some lighter meals!

Quick and Cheap Eats: No-Frills Eateries & Convenience Stores

For solo travelers, hole-in-the-wall eateries are a game changer. No long waits, quick service, and generous portions—what’s not to love? When I needed a late-night meal, even Circle K’s microwave meals were a surprisingly decent option. Hong Kong convenience stores stock everything from dumplings to curry fish balls, perfect for a budget-friendly bite on the go.

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Final Thoughts Eating well in Hong Kong as a solo traveler doesn’t have to be expensive. By embracing no-frills two-dish rice spots, seeking out cooked food centers, and indulging in classic BBQ meals, you can enjoy the city’s food culture without blowing your budget. So next time you’re in Hong Kong, skip the malls, follow the locals, and dive into the best cheap eats the city has to offer!

How-To of Hong Kong

how to travel hong kong and vic peak

The City: Hong Kong is absolutely beautiful, a vibrant blend of modern skyscrapers and traditional markets. There are so many stunning sights to see, but the streets can be a bit confusing. Google Maps and Citymapper were my go-to apps for navigating, but I still found myself lost during the first few days. Thankfully, the MTR, trams, and buses made getting around much easier, saving my legs from exhaustion.

The People: My experience with the locals was mixed. As a solo female traveler, I hoped to make some connections, but I found that people seemed more absorbed in their phones than interested in talking. Despite that, when I needed directions, most people I asked were helpful—7 out of 10 times, I’d say. A few were incredibly polite and went out of their way to assist me. Language was sometimes a barrier, as many locals didn’t speak English, or if they did, the accent made communication tricky.

The Food: Exploring Hong Kong’s culinary scene was a delight, with new flavors around every corner. I had no trouble finding delicious food, although vegetarians might find it challenging to locate purely vegetarian options. Some of my favorite meals were at Din Tai Fung and Lin Heung Kui, where the dim sum was to die for. Ordering at smaller, local restaurants could be a bit of an adventure due to the language barrier, but the effort was always worth it.

Where to Stay: For mid-priced lodging, I found comfort and convenience at The Fleming, a boutique hotel in Wan Chai that combines retro charm with modern amenities. Another good option is Butterfly on Prat in Tsim Sha Tsui, which offers easy access to shopping and dining.

Disneyland and Ocean Park: I might have an unpopular opinion, but I enjoyed Disneyland more than Ocean Park. Yes, Disneyland was crowded, but it had a lot more to explore, making it one of the highlights of my trip. Ocean Park is also a great destination, especially for its animal attractions, but I found the rides rather average. If you’re considering a priority pass, I’d recommend it for Disneyland over Ocean Park, where it wasn’t as necessary.

Ngong Ping, Sky 100, and Victoria Peak: These iconic spots are must-visits for any traveler. Ngong Ping’s giant Buddha and the breathtaking views from Sky 100 and Victoria Peak were unforgettable experiences.

Avenue of Stars: A perfect place for a relaxing evening walk. I visited on a cloudy, windy night, which added to the dramatic atmosphere. The view of Victoria Harbour against the lit-up skyline was stunning.

Lan Kwai Fong (LKF): I found LKF smaller than I expected and a bit on the pricey side, but it’s still worth a visit, especially for a pub crawl to meet new friends. A little hiccup: I was briefly questioned by the police while sitting idle, but they just asked a few questions and moved on. Nothing serious, just part of the adventure!

Walking Recommendations: Hong Kong is best explored on foot. The Central-Mid-Levels Escalator is a unique way to see the city, and walking around the street markets is a sensory delight. Just wear comfortable shoes because you’ll be doing a lot of walking!

Spa Recommendations: After a day of exploring, treat yourself at The Ritz-Carlton Spa or The Peninsula Spa. Both offer luxurious treatments and stunning views, perfect for unwinding.

Shopping Recommendations: For shopping, Hong Kong offers everything from high-end boutiques in Causeway Bay to traditional markets like the Ladies’ Market in Mong Kok. I found unique souvenirs and fashionable items that made great memories of my trip.

A Car Enthusiast’s Paradise: As a car enthusiast, Hong Kong was a dream come true. The city is full of sports and luxury cars. My camera roll is now filled with over 100 photos of beautiful cars spotted on the streets. Name any luxury car, and you’ll likely see it zooming around Hong Kong.

Overall Experience: I’d rate my Hong Kong trip a solid 9/10. The only minor downside was the amount of walking required in some places, but that’s a small price to pay for such an enriching experience. I would love to return if I get the chance.

Comparing to My Bangkok Trip: My experience in Hong Kong was quite different from my time in Bangkok. While both cities are vibrant and full of life, Hong Kong’s efficiency and skyline set it apart. Bangkok, on the other hand, offered a more relaxed vibe with its street food culture and floating markets. For more insights on my Bangkok adventures, check out my article here. Each city has its unique charm, and I’m glad I had the opportunity to explore both!