For the most authentic Hong Kong experience, I highly recommend the Yau Tsim Mong district, which includes the three neighborhoods of Yau Ma Tei, Tsim Sha Tsui, and Mong Kok. The bustling streets, retro Hong Kong-style neon signs, ubiquitous street markets, and strong sense of local life perfectly capture the essence of old Hong Kong that I remember. Yau Ma Tei is also a gathering place for fans of Hong Kong dramas.
🙋Today, I’m recommending two super local Citywalk routes:
🟠Local-recommended route: Katona Sourdough Bakery – Tung Tat Food Shop – Yau Ma Tei Theatre – Red Brick House – Yau Ma Tei Fruit Market (Yau Ma Tei Fruit Wholesale Market)
🟠Classic Citywalk route: Yau Ma Tei Theatre – Red Brick House (Grade I Historic Building) – Yau Ma Tei Fruit Market – Broadway Cinematheque – Yau Ma Tei Police Station (filming location for “The Negotiator”, “Lives of Omission”, etc.) – Tin Hau Temple – Temple Street – Woosung Street Temporary Cooked Food Hawker Bazaar
I spent the past two days eating, drinking, and strolling around Yau Ma Tei. In this article, I’ll share some of my hidden gem food shops in Yau Ma Tei and a fantastic city hotel I discovered with a great location and an average price of just over $200 per person! Remember to bring cash, as some shops only accept cash.
📍Yau Ma Tei Fruit Market
The Yau Ma Tei Fruit Market has a history of 110 years and is a Grade II historic building in Hong Kong. Many locals come here to purchase fresh fruits, and it’s always very lively. In the evening, wholesale prices apply. Remember to bring cash, as some stalls only accept cash!
Although the cost of living in Hong Kong is high, some imported fruits at the market are even cheaper than in mainland China. It’s currently the perfect season for durian, and you can smell the strong aroma of durian even before reaching the market. Indulge in sweet and soft Golden Pillow durian, Musang King durian with an ice cream texture, and giant Golden Pineapples even larger than durian.
📍Katona Sourdough Bakery
The pudding bun is a must-try! It’s available starting at 4:30 pm every day, and people start lining up outside the store well in advance. However, the supply lasts for quite a while. The basic version is 15 HKD each, while the red bean and matcha version is 20 HKD each. They accept cash and Octopus cards. I prefer the basic version, which has a generous filling and a strong milk flavor, and the skin is very chewy. I highly recommend the cream puffs, toast, and bagels too. I ate here for two consecutive days and even brought some bread back home.
📍Tung Tat Food Shop
Located next to Katona, this shop offers authentic Hong Kong-style flavors. The must-order dish is the Golden Bowl Fish Maw, which is their signature dish. The Golden Bowl Fish Maw is fresh, sweet, and smooth, with a very authentic taste! Pair it with a portion of fish ball and rice noodle roll combo, and the portion size is just right. Make sure to coat each piece with the sauce before eating, as it’s both spicy and chewy!
📍Chuan Shao Da Wang
Unlike the fried skewers I’ve had before, the satay sauce is the soul of this dish. The sauce has a slightly sweet flavor, and the medium spiciness I ordered was perfectly fine. The vegetables are even better than the meat, and the tofu and eggplant are must-orders! The shop opens at 6 pm, and remember to bring cash. They accept WeChat Pay, but at a 1:1 exchange rate.
📍Hong Cha Bing Shi
For snacks, I recommend the Iced Pineapple Bun, which is delicious when freshly baked. The Red Bean Pineapple Bun is only 8 HKD and has a generous red bean filling. For dinner, I suggest the Dry-Fried Beef River and Curry Pork Chop.
📍Zheng Jiu Qing Tang Nan
This is a hidden gem! The signature Clear Soup Beef Brisket Noodle may have “clear soup” in its name, but the flavor is quite rich, thanks to the clear and sweet beef bone broth. The beef is vibrant in color and plump, with a chewy and smooth texture. For an additional 8 HKD, you can upgrade to the Hang Sha Brisket, which is soft but not mushy, with an excellent meat texture!
Hang Nan refers to the meat near the ribs, which has a good balance of fat and lean and includes tendons. Shang Nan is the meat below the beef belly, which has a crispy texture. Hang Sha Nan is the diaphragm of the cow, with a perfect fat-to-lean ratio and limited production. It’s also my favorite cut! Many small eateries have low ratings, but this shop’s 4.8 rating shows that both the service and flavor are up to par.
Whenever I visit Hong Kong, my favorite areas to stay in are Mong Kok and Yau Ma Tei. Here, you can indulge in Michelin-recommended dishes for just a dozen or so dollars, and there are countless authentic local eateries, tea restaurants, dessert shops, cooked food markets, and open-air food stalls to choose from.
Mong Kok and Yau Ma Tei are also a shopper’s paradise, with an abundance of stores catering to anime fans, 3C digital enthusiasts, and beauty and wellness seekers. You’ll find everything you need here, from the latest gadgets to the most sought-after cosmetics and skincare products.
For those interested in experiencing Hong Kong’s iconic film culture, this area is a must-visit. You can explore the classic movie scenes that have been featured in countless Hong Kong films, immersing yourself in the city’s rich cinematic history.
One of the most authentic experiences in Mong Kok and Yau Ma Tei is visiting the local markets. These bustling street markets are filled with the sights, sounds, and smells that define Hong Kong’s unique character. From fresh produce to handcrafted goods, there’s something for everyone here.
Whether you’re a foodie looking to sample the best of Hong Kong’s culinary scene, a shopping enthusiast in search of the latest trends, or a film buff eager to explore the city’s cinematic landmarks, Mong Kok and Yau Ma Tei have it all. These vibrant neighborhoods offer an authentic taste of Hong Kong life that you won’t find anywhere else in the city.
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