Hong Kong’s vibrant dining landscape has once again captured the attention of mainland China’s influential Dianping platform, with more than three dozen local restaurants earning the coveted “Must-Eat” title in the latest edition.
The prestigious list, which highlights exceptional eateries across mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and select international cities, awarded the distinguished designation to 39 Hong Kong establishments this year – a testament to the city’s culinary diversity and excellence.
“Hong Kong’s cuisine uniquely blends traditional Chinese flavors with international influences, offering a rich variety of food,” said Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Kevin Yeung Yun-hung during the awards ceremony held at the Shangri-La Hotel in Admiralty.
Yeung emphasized that the recognition underscores the strength of Hong Kong’s catering industry, presenting a prime opportunity to further promote the city’s culinary heritage on the global stage.
Of the 39 Hong Kong restaurants selected, over 20 percent are neighborhood food stalls, showcasing the breadth of the city’s dining landscape. The list also includes dim sum shops, traditional roasted goose establishments, Hong Kong-style cafes, and a diverse array of Asian and Western offerings.
Suen Chi-keung, owner of the dim sum shop Let’s Yum Cha, expressed hope that the platform’s endorsement would bring more mainland tourists to his Prince Edward branch, which operates from 7am to 11pm, offering freshly made dishes.
“We are grateful to be recognized and will continue providing high-quality dishes to maintain our competitiveness,” Suen said, acknowledging the impact of locals dining and shopping in the mainland on his business.
Waso Cafe, a Hong Kong-style cafe, also celebrated its return to the list, with founder Chiu Lai-shuen noting a significant boost in customer numbers after last year’s selection. Chiu said mainland tourists now make up over 80 percent of the clientele at her Tsim Sha Tsui branch.
The Hong Kong Tourism Board has announced plans to enhance its collaboration with Dianping, aiming to provide comprehensive and current information on the city’s culinary offerings, restaurant guides, and dining tips to draw more visitors to the unique flavors of Hong Kong.
As the city continues to captivate the palates of diners from near and far, the recognition from Dianping’s “Must-Eat List” serves as a resounding endorsement of Hong Kong’s status as a premier culinary destination.
