Okay, so you’re on a night out and you’re either wondering what to do for dinner, or you’ve had one too many and need a snack. You probably have your usual haunts for these occasions, but where do locals go? What do they eat? Trusting my innate local intuition, I hit SoHo to seek out the best Hong Kong Chinese comfort foods…

1) Lan Fong Yuen
This is a very typical Hong Kong “cha chaan teng” (tea restaurant), where the purpose is to be in and out in a flash. If you’re looking to have a long leisurely meal, this may not be the place for you, but if you’re looking to experience local culture, head on in. If you’re only after a snack, you can’t go wrong with the signature pork in a bun and milk tea.

2)  Corner Noodles
This is basically a noodle buffet, only you don’t even have to get up to assemble your meal yourself! Just tick off boxes from their menu to create your own noodle combination, or choose from among their existing selection. Whether you prefer your noodles in a soup or fried, you’ll be able to find it or create it at Corner Noodles.

3) Chongqing Szechuan Restaurant
There is a sign next to the door that reads “This restaurant does not serve non-spicy food”, which just says it all really! Eating at Chongqing Szechuan isn’t just a meal, it’s an experience that will leave a tingly reminder on your tongue even after you’ve stepped out of the restaurant. For those healthy vegetarian bunnies out there, fear not, Chongqing Szechuan caters to your needs too!

4)  Tsui Wah Restaurant
The food is good, the service is fast, and the menu is as authentically Hong Kong as you get. If you’re new to the whole cha chaan teng business, fish balls or beef on thick egg noodles in broth will ease you into this part of Hong Kong culture nicely. As for a drink to go with your meal, give the local mixture of coffee and milk tea, the cold “ying yern’ a try!

5) Wang Fu Dumpling
No one else makes dumplings quite like Wang Fu Dumpling. Their selection covers everything from meat-based to vegetarian dumplings that are well prepared. Here there are no soggy dumpling that fall apart when you try to pick them up (or stab them) with your chopsticks! Instead, all you’ll find are juicy, succulent dumplings that delight with every bite.