Weekend trip ideas: 10 super affordable Michelin-starred eats in Hong Kong

Opening during the pandemic is tough but Ship Kee managed to rise to the challenge. Its honey-glazed barbecue pork is all the rage among its selection of juicy, succulent roasts. Other than that, this Bib Gourmand-recognised restaurant offers Cantonese comfort food including dim sum—whipped up by a master chef with more than 30 years of experience.

With a history of over 90 years, you know the food has been tried and tested at Kau Kee. And because of this, it’s not a surprise to see a crowd waiting in line for their next meal. Kau Kee serves a range of local food but it’s most well-known for its beef brisket noodles. Oh, the tender and soft beef that’s stewed to perfection—perfect any time of the day.

Kwan Kee is one of the latest remaining places that still make its noodles the traditional, old-fashioned way. Despite being time-consuming, the restaurant takes pride in kneading the dough with large bamboo poles. Not only does it continue the traditional method but also Kwan Kee’s legacy. There’s a lot to order here but the Noodles in Oyster Sauce and Roe is a must. You can’t go wrong with the shrimp wonton too. Everything is handmade so you know you’re getting the very best.

No list of Michelin-starred cheap eats is complete with Samsen. Calling this a crowd favourite is an understatement. Get ready for a long waiting game (regardless of the branch) because it takes some time to be seated. Still, it’s worth it. This humble Thai shop serves classic Thai food, and the experience is even more authentic with its street-style decors. There’s a lot to order but the houseboat noodles and mango sticky rice are a must.

Not to be confused with Kwan Kee Noodles, this Bib Gourmand-recognised restaurant is known for its claypot rice. The crowd starts to gather at night, and you know it’s for the famed dish that’s only served at night due its lengthy preparation time. That said, it’s served piping hot—the best way to enjoy clay pot rice. With its chewy texture and aromatic fragrance, we don’t blame anyone who wants a second serving.

Plenty of affordable Michelin-starred restaurants in Hong Kong serve local food. So, if you’re looking for something different then Lucky Indonesia is the place to be. This tiny gem has among the best and most authentic Javanese cuisine. Expect aromatic grilled satay, flavourful beef rendang, and delicious mee goreng on the menu.

It’s a no-brainer that Japanese food is delicious, and Hong Kong has no shortage of Japanese restaurants. But an affordable one? Enter Takeya. This intimate, unassuming family-style joint in Hung Hom serves delicious yakitori. Add the cosy, inviting, and warm ambience to the list and you have a memorable dining experience. The place may be small, but the skewers bursts with tantalising blends of flavours. You’ll keep coming back for another piece.

Kam’s Roast Goose boasts a coveted one-Michelin star. Despite this, it remains an affordable option. Kam’s has their roasted goose nailed down to a tee—for three generations in fact. Perfect is perhaps the best way to describe the roast goose here. With every bite, expect tender and moist meat. While there are other roasted dishes to try, the goose is simply a must.

If Kam’s Roast Goose is too busy, Yat Lok is an alternative and is just as good. It too, has a coveted one-Michelin star after all and has 60 years of experience under its name. You will be spoiled for choice with the selection of barbecued dishes here. But the blockbuster dish is the roasted duck and rightfully so! Apparently, there are more than 20 different steps to take before the duck hits the grill. That’s taking meticulous to a whole new level. If the duck runs out, the roasted barbecue pork is a worthy alternative.

Ăn Chơi is a new entry in HK’s Bib Gourmand list. This Sheung Wan joint is run by chef-owner Lewis Dai and his Saigonese wife Kay with the aim to showcase the true flavours of Vietnamese cuisine, specifically its comfort food. The eatery pays homage to the vibrant street food scene in Vietnam beyond its menu. Its interior is decked with colourful plastic stools and faded yellow walls. The delightful bánh mì sandwiches come in a range of fillings and there are different versions of phở. Don’t forget the egg coffee in the end.