Sheung Wan has a 60-year-old cha chaan teng, a yakitori restaurant that earned a Michelin star, and a Cantonese fine-dining room that is among the hardest tables to book in Hong Kong. This neighbourhood proves that great food is not confined to Central or Tsim Sha Tsui. Travelers who come for the antiques and skip the eating are leaving out half the point of the visit.
#1 Yardbird
Yardbird is a Japanese-style izakaya that takes local free-range chicken and grills it over binchotan charcoal in more than 20 ways — from liver and heart through to rarer cuts like the thyroid. It earned a Michelin star in 2021 and has appeared on the 50 Best Restaurants in Asia list. Walk-ins are accepted but expect a queue outside if you haven't booked online.
- Book via Tock at least 2 to 3 weeks ahead
- Order the full omakase chicken course if you don't want to decide cut by cut
- Open Tuesday through Saturday only — closed Sunday and Monday
#2 For Kee Restaurant
For Kee is a cha chaan teng — a Hong Kong-style diner that blends Chinese and Western food at everyday prices — that has been a favourite of local workers and food lovers in the neighbourhood for decades. The standout dishes are minced pork rice and Lan Fong Yuen-style milk tea brewed the traditional 'stocking' way. Prices are low and the atmosphere is warm and unpretentious in a way that is increasingly rare in tourist areas.
- Go between 7:00 am and 10:00 am for the most authentic local atmosphere
- Order the breakfast set — milk tea plus buttered toast — for around 40 to 60 HKD
- The space is small with few seats; sharing a table with strangers is common
#3 Shui Kee Coffee
Shui Kee Coffee started as a dai pai dong — an open-air street stall — more than 60 years ago and now occupies the second floor of Sheung Wan's wet market. It is known for its signature cold milk tea served in glass bottles, Hong Kong-style French toast, and a market-hall atmosphere that preserves the character of an older Hong Kong.
- Cold milk tea in a glass bottle is the signature order — don't skip it
- You must walk through the wet market on the ground floor and take the stairs to the second floor
- Closes in the afternoon; morning until noon only
#4 An Choi
An Choi is a Vietnamese street-food restaurant that has drawn some of the strongest reviews of any place in Hong Kong. The bright yellow exterior opens into a space filled with the scent of deep, long-simmered broth. The standout dishes are bun bo Hue — spiced central Vietnamese noodle soup — and fresh-baked banh mi. The flavours are faithful enough that diners genuinely forget they are in Hong Kong.
- Bun bo Hue is a must-order: well-spiced and rich
- Fresh-baked banh mi is made in limited quantities daily and often runs out by midday
- The space is small; expect a short wait at peak times
#5 Mora
Mora is the restaurant that turned tofu into fine dining at the highest level. The chefs take soy beans and transform them using French and Chinese techniques into a tasting menu that holds both a Michelin Green Star and a Michelin star. The dining room is elegant with a strong emphasis on sustainability and seasonal produce. It is the right choice for a meal you want to remember.
- Book through the website at least 3 to 4 weeks in advance
- There is a single tasting menu priced at around 1,200 to 1,500 HKD per person
- Declare any dietary restrictions or allergies at the time of booking
#6 Chachawan
Chachawan is a Thai Isaan restaurant widely regarded as one of the most authentic Thai kitchens in Hong Kong. The focus is on northeastern Thai food: green papaya salad, larb, grilled chicken, and waterfall beef, all made with herbs and seasonings imported from Thailand. Travelers who know the flavour from the source say it holds up to the real thing.
- Green papaya salad and beef larb are the two essential orders
- The restaurant is popular and lively; a reservation is strongly recommended
- Spice level can be adjusted on request
Where to stay in Sheung Wan for this trip
A well-located hotel means less commuting and more sightseeing. Here are real, top-rated stays in Sheung Wan — compare Agoda · Booking · Trip.com in one click.
Motto by Hilton Hong Kong SoHo
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Details
the Figo
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Details
Y Hotel Hong Kong
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Details
99 Bonham
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Details
Tours, tickets & activities in Sheung Wan
Day tours, attraction tickets and travel essentials for Sheung Wan — book ahead on Klook with mobile e-tickets.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Before You Pack
Sheung Wan covers every level and appetite — from a neighbourhood breakfast to a serious special-occasion dinner. If you are planning to eat at any of the Michelin restaurants, book at least 2 to 4 weeks ahead because seats go fast.