For many locals in Hong Kong, the classic stir-fried beef noodles unequivocally remain unbeaten: just Look around, and you’ll find countless version of this dish across the city. Here, we have gathered some of the best places that serve stir-fried beef noodles, from the most opulent options and street-budget friendly ones.
When it comes to a popular dish like stir-fried beef noodles (乾炒牛河), everyone has a sworn favourite of their own. It might be a local stall they grew up visiting or a family-run shop in their neighbourhood they’ve become friendly with. The humble dish of a few ingredients is a difficult one to get wrong. It’s a mix of flat rice noodles, or ho fun (河粉), beef, bean sprouts and spring onion. Unless you were to talk technicality and style—that’s how they differ.
Originating from Guangdong, the noodles have become a standard order on menus of cha chaan tengs, congee and noodle shops. Sometimes even dai pai dongs. It all comes down to whoever can toss the noodles the driest—without being oily—to master a crisp, slightly charred edge. At the same time, still maintains a silky soft bite. Then, comes the challenge to balance the flavour of light and dark soy sauce. Finally, the true test of “wok hei” or “breath of a wok” demonstrates a chef’s skill in drawing out the distinct aromatic smokiness. It can be achieved only from intense high heat and the quick manoeuvring of the wok. Simple, but not quite. We’ve singled out some venues in Hong Kong that have perfected the holy trinity of the dish. See our top picks of the best stir-fried noodles in Hong Kong.
These places have the best stir-fried beef noodles in Hong Kong
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There are only two reasons you’d endure endless queues at Sun King Yuen. First, the famous curry pork chop. Second, an if-you-know-you-know favourite, the stir-fried beef noodles. The humble cha chaan teng is a widely known Wan Chai institution that’s been around for three decades. The noodles here are always a deliciously decadent serve of generous portioned noodles, tossed in the wok just long enough for the distinct “wok” aroma.
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You can expect Mott 32’s take to be a little more indulgent than the usual cha chaan teng order. Following the exquisite dining room’s contemporary Chinese brief, the stir-fried beef noodles here toss together familiar ingredients. These include bean sprouts and flat noodles with AAA Canadian beef for a fully satisfying bite. They even have an alternate, plant-based version. But be rest assured, the classic savoury, unctuous flavours are all the same.
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At JIA Group’s beautifully decorated, fine-dining Cantonese venue, Duddell’s, the humble dish of stir-fried beef noodles takes on a similarly elegant character. Thick ribbons of flat rice noodles are generously coated in the deep-brown soy and wok-tossed over a roaring fire for the smokey, “wok hei” aromatics. Woven in between are thick strips of Angus beef, lightly coated with a drizzle of X.O. sauce for an appropriate, flavoursome heat. There’s also a branch at the airport if you need to try it one last time.
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Ho Hung Kee is better known for a steaming bowl of wonton noodles. That’s what puts them on the Michelin Star map anyway. But many stop by for their stir-fried beef noodles, too, touted by local food critics as one of the city’s best. The Cantonese staple here is as classic as can be. Complete with a balanced mix of beef rump, bean sprouts and spring onions vigorously tossed in a wok, the flat rice noodles are finished off in a searing hot oil for extra dry and glistening—never oily—strands.
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The stir-fried beef noodles at Luen Wah Cafe live up to the humble dish’s easily affordable, gloriously indulgent name. It comes with generous chunks of tender beef and noodles and only costs an easy 50-something. It is made with the usual helping of fresh leeks, and spring onions, along with crunchy bean sprouts, all sautéed in the wok for a satisfying smokiness. It’s saucier than usual, but no complaints at all—just makes slurping down a full plate that much more enjoyable.
6 /8
For a five-star serving of stir-fried beef noodles, look no further than Mandarin Oriental. Of course, the price is on the higher end but what you get is that delicious wok-fried beef noodle. Complete with soya sauce and crunchy flat noodles, you can either have it as an a la carte at Cafe Causette or let it fuel you for the day at Clipper Lounge, available during the breakfast buffet. Or better yet, enjoy it in the comfort of your home via delivery, prepared fresh by the culinary team.
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Visitors swear by the warm hospitality and affordable food at this humble restaurant. Eastern Delights, also known as Mr. Wong’s, is also frequented by exchange students and expats looking to have a local dining experience. It’s not surprising given the range of local dishes available here. It can be a rather ‘love it or hate it’ affair but the genuine experience makes it a standout. And while there’s plenty on offer, the stir-fried beef noodles are perfect for sharing. Dining at Eastern Delights is better with a large group—the more, the merrier. Chew down the beef noodles with some beer while you’re at it.
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As you can guess from this restaurant’s name, congee and wonton noodles are the signatures. However, this dim sum place also offers a wide variety of dishes. Stir-fried beef noodles are a classic and won’t disappoint unless the flat noodles run out and they use the thin type. So, make sure you come early for the truly authentic dish. The ifc mall location is also very convenient for those looking to eat before heading to the airport or are in town for a quick layover. Otherwise, there are plenty of branches all over Hong Kong.
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publishing.
All images credit: charis_lucky/Sun King Yuen
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