A Guide to Eating Seafood in Hong Kong
Hong Kong is a food lover's paradise, especially for seafood enthusiasts. The city boasts an incredible variety of fresh seafood served in traditional Cantonese dishes, as well as innovative fusion options. Whether you're seeking live seafood, street snacks, or a fine dining experience, Hong Kong has something for every seafood lover. Here's a guide to some of the best places to eat seafood in Hong Kong:
1. Sai Kung (Seafood Capital)
Why visit: Known as the "Seafood Capital" of Hong Kong, Sai Kung offers the freshest seafood available. It’s a must-visit for anyone seeking authentic, local seafood.
What to expect: Stalls and seafood restaurants along the waterfront serve live seafood picked straight from tanks. You can choose your seafood, from lobsters and crabs to abalone and fish, and have it cooked in various styles (steamed, fried, or grilled).
Recommended spots:
Chuen Kee Seafood Restaurant: Famous for its fresh crab dishes and other seafood specialties.
The Seafood Shack: A casual spot offering excellent seafood platters and grilled options.
2. Lei Yue Mun Seafood Village
Why visit: This quaint seaside village is one of Hong Kong’s oldest seafood markets and a popular destination for seafood lovers. You can pick your seafood directly from the market and have it cooked at one of the local restaurants.
What to expect: Freshly caught seafood, including lobsters, prawns, squid, and shellfish, served in Cantonese styles. The village is known for its laid-back vibe and local charm.
Recommended spots:
Lei Yue Mun Seafood Restaurant: Enjoy seafood dishes while overlooking the waterfront.
Tung Shing Seafood Restaurant: Known for their steamed fish and unique clam dishes.
3. Causeway Bay (Island East)
Why visit: Causeway Bay is not only a shopping hub but also home to a variety of high-quality seafood restaurants. Here, you’ll find both traditional Cantonese dishes and modern interpretations.
What to expect: From fresh seafood platters to delicacies like fish maw soup and steamed crab, Causeway Bay offers a wide array of options. Some restaurants offer panoramic views of the harbor, enhancing the dining experience.
Recommended spots:
The Salted Pig: Known for its seafood fusion dishes and unique twists on classic Cantonese seafood.
Lobster Bar and Grill (Four Seasons Hotel): Upscale dining with a focus on premium lobster dishes and fresh seafood.
4. Sheung Wan and Central (Western District)
Why visit: These districts are home to some of Hong Kong's best seafood restaurants, ranging from casual eateries to Michelin-starred establishments. Sheung Wan’s seafood markets and the Central area’s fine dining options offer an exciting mix of seafood experiences.
What to expect: Seafood here includes everything from fresh oysters and scallops to exotic ingredients like sea cucumber and shark fin. Many restaurants in the area are known for their meticulous preparation and traditional Cantonese flavors.
Recommended spots:
Lai Sun Seafood Restaurant (Central): Known for their delicate preparation of abalone, lobster, and other premium seafood.
Maxim’s Palace (Sheung Wan): A classic dim sum and seafood restaurant where you can enjoy traditional Cantonese seafood dishes in a grand setting.
5. Hong Kong’s Seafood Buffets
Why visit: For seafood lovers who want to indulge in an all-you-can-eat experience, several hotels in Hong Kong offer luxurious seafood buffets. These buffets feature a selection of fresh seafood, including oysters, crab legs, prawns, and sushi.
What to expect: High-end buffets in five-star hotels often include freshly shucked oysters, king crab legs, and sushi rolls made with premium ingredients. Most buffets also offer cooked dishes like grilled fish and clam chowder.
Recommended spots:
The Café at the Hyatt Centric Victoria Harbour: Known for its exquisite seafood buffet, including freshly prepared sushi and seafood on ice.
The Market at the Hotel Icon: Offers a renowned buffet with fresh seafood and international dishes, including a raw bar.
6. Aberdeen (Floating Seafood Restaurants)
Why visit: For a truly unique dining experience, head to Aberdeen, where you can enjoy seafood aboard floating restaurants. The calm waters of the harbor set the scene for an unforgettable meal.
What to expect: Floating restaurants offer a variety of seafood dishes in a maritime setting, with fresh seafood served in Cantonese or regional styles. Many restaurants have been in operation for decades and have built a reputation for top-quality seafood.
Recommended spots:
Jumbo Kingdom: A Hong Kong institution, this iconic floating restaurant serves a variety of seafood dishes, from fresh crab to steamed fish.
Tung Po Seafood Restaurant: Located on a boat, this eatery serves traditional seafood dishes, including wok-fried clams and salted egg yolk prawns.
7. Stanley (Coastal Seafood Dining)
Why visit: Stanley, located on the southern coast of Hong Kong Island, offers a more relaxed vibe compared to other districts while still providing excellent seafood dining with beautiful views of the harbor.
What to expect: The restaurants along Stanley’s waterfront specialize in fresh seafood, often with a local twist. Enjoy the pleasant sea breeze while savoring dishes like fried squid, seafood hotpot, and grilled fish.
Recommended spots:
The Lobster Shack: Known for its variety of lobster dishes and outdoor seating with a view of the sea.
Café Deco: Located on the rooftop of the Stanley Plaza, this upscale restaurant offers a seafood-centric menu and stunning views of the harbor.
8. Tsim Sha Tsui (Harborfront Seafood Dining)
Why visit: Tsim Sha Tsui is another key area for seafood lovers, with many harborfront restaurants offering spectacular views of Victoria Harbour. You’ll find both traditional Cantonese seafood and international seafood options.
What to expect: Fresh seafood like crab, prawns, clams, and oysters, served in a variety of styles. Many restaurants offer outdoor seating with views of the skyline, providing a scenic dining experience.
Recommended spots:
Aqua (One Peking): An upscale restaurant offering a variety of fresh seafood with stunning views of the harbor.
The Ocean Seafood Restaurant: Famous for its fresh seafood offerings and Cantonese-style cooking.
9. Wan Chai (Cantonese Seafood)
Why visit: Wan Chai is known for its vibrant food scene, where traditional Cantonese seafood restaurants stand side by side with trendy eateries. The area is home to both affordable, family-style seafood places and luxurious, fine-dining restaurants.
What to expect: A mix of classic Cantonese seafood dishes, such as steamed fish, stir-fried prawns, and seafood clay pot rice.
Recommended spots:
Seafood Room: A sleek, modern venue with a large variety of seafood, including lobsters, oysters, and sashimi.
Chan Kan Kee (Wan Chai): A well-known local spot for seafood connoisseurs, serving expertly cooked, fresh fish and shellfish.
10. Kowloon City (Local Seafood Markets)
Why visit: Kowloon City offers a more local, authentic experience of Hong Kong’s seafood scene. There are multiple markets where you can pick out fresh seafood and take it to one of the surrounding restaurants to have it cooked.
What to expect: Fresh, locally sourced seafood like crabs, clams, and fish, prepared in traditional Cantonese styles.
Recommended spots:
Kowloon City Seafood Market: A market with a wide variety of fresh seafood, where you can hand-pick your ingredients and have them cooked by nearby restaurants.
Tips for Enjoying Seafood in Hong Kong:
Freshness matters: Always choose the freshest seafood available, especially if you’re at a market or ordering from a live tank.
Don’t miss the condiments: Cantonese seafood often comes with a variety of sauces and dips, including soy sauce, chili sauce, and garlic oil.
Ask for recommendations: Hong Kong locals and restaurant staff can guide you on the best in-season catches, ensuring a superior dining experience.
From bustling seafood markets to sophisticated waterfront dining, Hong Kong offers an endless array of seafood options. Whether you prefer casual dining or an upscale experience, there’s a place for every seafood lover in this vibrant city. Explore Hong Kong's culinary gems and indulge in some of the freshest, most delicious seafood in the world!
