The 7 best spots for cheap eats in Central, Hong Kong
While Central is notorious for its pricey F&B scene, we've rounded up some affordable options to check out in the neighborhood.
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Hong Kong is known as one of Asia's top culinary capitals for good reason. The variety in the city is incredible, ranging from fine dining and Michelin-starred restaurants to local street food spots and – any Hong Konger’s favorite – cheap eats. During the day, office workers swarm out in search of affordable bites, and in the evening, the city is a playground for those seeking delicious, budget-friendly dinners. While Central is notorious for its pricey F&B scene, we've rounded up some affordable options to check out in the neighborhood. From Bib Gourmand dim sum to delicious Thai feasts, Central’s got it all – affordable, delish and convenient spots to dig in.
The Pizza Project
If you’re in Central and craving fantastic pizza without splurging, check out The Pizza Project, Pirata Group’s newest hit. This spot on Peel Street serves up a one-page menu of handmade pizzas with generous toppings. You can get a panini or pizza plus insalata for just HK$138, along with sides like fries or aTPP salad, and a dessert or drink of your choice. Their top picks include the Burrata or Porchetta Tonnata for starters and the ‘Nduja Spicy Salami or Margherita pizza. Crafted by Italian chefs Andrea Viglione and Davide Borin in an open kitchen, every pizza is an authentic treat. Plus, there’s no service charge, making it an even sweeter deal.
Quick facts
- Where – G/F, 26 Peel Street, Central
- When – Sunday to Thursday, noon - 10 p.m.; Friday to Saturday, noon - 11 p.m.
- Price – $$ - $$$
- Phone – +852 2311 1815
- Menu
- Website
Shugetsu
Shugetsu, a Michelin Bib Gourmand favorite, is famous for its homemade noodles and incredible tsukemen. The best part? You get to customize your perfect bowl –choose between cold or hot noodles, original or light flavor and noodle weights from 100g to 300g. With ramen prices ranging from HK$105 to HK$139 and tsukemen from HK$111 to HK$139, it’s a great deal. The lines start forming early, with fans eager to dive into their signature tsukemen ramen or the special soup ramen, so be sure to plan ahead. The noodles are made in-house, and the secret to their delicious broth is a sauce that’s fermented for 18 months in a 100-year-old wooden basket, adding an unbeatable richness and depth.
Quick facts
- Where – G/F, 5 Gough Street, Central
- When – Sunday to Thursday, 11:30 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.; Friday to Saturday, 11:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.
- Price – $$ - $$$
- Phone – +852 2850 6009
- Menu
- Website
VEDA
Soak in the calm vibes of Veda through their floor-to-ceiling windows – it's the perfect spot for a lunch that'll rejuvenate your soul. Their Tiffin boxes (HK$188) are a treat straight out of India’s history, letting you pile up on hearty, homemade dishes. Start with the Himalayan Momo or Truffled Polenta, then pick your main course from comforting options like Aloo Gobi, Corn Khichdi or Wild Mushroom Curry, all accompanied by a Cashew Naan Pizza. Each set also comes with a soba noodle salad, pani puri for a burst of flavor and cheesecake to round off your meal. Chef Hetty McKinnon, known from Brooklyn's Arthur Street Kitchen, brings her creative touch to every dish, showing that vegetarian cuisine is anything but boring.
Quick facts
- Where – G/F, Ovolo Central, 2 Arbuthnot Road, Central
- When – Sunday to Monday, 7 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Tuesday to Saturday, 7 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.
- Prices – $$ - $$$
- Phone – +852 3755 3067
- Menu
- Website
TREEHOUSE
When you're craving a healthy lunch fix, Treehouse in Central is where to go for plant-based goodness with an eco-friendly twist. Located in H Code, this eatery offers a range of options made from ethically sourced, unprocessed whole foods. Sink your teeth into their star dish, the Musella flatbread (HK$78), loaded with spiced tofu, long beans, roasted mushrooms, pickled cucumbers and miso sauce. If flatbreads aren't your vibe, their Tundra Burger (HK$118) offers a vegan sourdough alternative that won't leave you feeling overstuffed. Don't miss their Juniper value set for only HK$70, where you can get a regular "kane & romaine" salad bowl or flatbread topped generously with seasonal greens and coriander. It’s a wholesome, cozy meal that’s perfect for a lunch break in Central.
Quick facts
- Where – H Code, G/F, 45 Pottinger Street, Central
- When – Monday to Sunday, 10:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
- Price – $$ - $$$
- Phone – +852 6022 3262
- Menu
- Website
Kau Kee
Nestled on bustling Gough Street for over nine decades, Kau Kee is a culinary institution that knows its stuff! Prepare yourself for a scene – you might find a line snaking down the street, but it's worth the wait for a bowl of their legendary Beef Brisket Noodles. The service might not be five-star, and you'll likely be sharing a table, but that's all part of the charm of this local gem. What really shines here are the steaming bowls of comfort: tender beef brisket swimming in flavorful broth or spicy sauce paired perfectly with your choice of noodles. And don't forget to order their iconic milk tea, which is the perfect companion to complete your Hong Kong dining experience at Kau Kee.
Quick facts
- Where – G/F, 21 Gough Street, Central
- When – Monday to Saturday, 12:30 - 10:30 p.m.; Closed on Sunday
- Price – $$ - $$$
- Phone – +852 2850 5967
- Menu
Wang Fu
Tucked away on Wellington Street, Wang Fu packs a punch with its authentic northern Chinese flavors. Don't be fooled by its modest exterior; Wang Fu has proudly earned its Bib Gourmand status in the Michelin Guide. Their dumplings are the celebrities here, with around nine varieties that are all completely homemade. Try savory delights like Pork and Chive, or maybe be adventurous and opt for the daily special flavor. Prices are wallet-friendly, too, starting at just HK$75 for 10 pieces. If you're in a rush or feeling cozy at home, Wang Fu's got you covered with delivery options via Deliveroo. Pro tip: pair your dumplings with their classic Tianjin Gou Bu Li Bun for a taste of northern China right here in Central.
Quick facts
- Where – G/F, 65 Wellington Street, Central
- When – Sunday to Friday, 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. - 10 p.m.
- Price – $$ - $$$
- Phone – +852 2121 8006
- Menu
Tsim Chai Kee
Tsim Chai Kee is a gem that's been dishing out satisfaction since '98, earning its well-deserved Michelin Bib Gourmand badge along the way. The menu isn't fancy, but it's a curated collection of comfort food classics that pair perfectly with their famous chili sauce. Go straight for their signature dish: the King Prawn Wonton Noodle (HK$34), with juicy prawn wontons floating in a flavorful broth alongside springy noodles. If you're feeling extra hungry, dive into the Three Treasures Lo Mein (HK$44) for a mix of wontons, fish balls and tender beef.
Tip from the regulars: avoid the lunch rush if you can; lines can get wild. What really sets Tsim Chai Kee apart are their toppings: those big fish balls and chunky beef strips add layers of goodness to every bite. And don't skip the fresh choi sum with oyster sauce – it's the perfect complement to complete your meal.
Quick facts
- Where – G/F, Jade Centre, 98 Wellington Street, Central
- When – Monday to Sunday, 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
- Prices – $$
- Phone – +852 2850 6471
- Menu
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