Kowloon City

Kowloon

Where Cultures Cook

Kowloon City is a neighbourhood shaped by generations of immigrants and their culinary traditions. From Thai grocers nestled beside Cantonese noodle shops to family-run eateries specialising in freshwater fish, the district is a vibrant blend of evolving flavours and cultures.

The area’s food story began decades ago, when immigrants settled here and opened kitchens built on memories. Families from Chiu Chow, Shunde and southern China prepared familiar dishes like oyster omelettes, clear broths and wok-fried fish, adapting them in their new surroundings. Thai immigrants added another layer, with Thai restaurants and import shops flourishing around Nga Tsin Wai Road. This fostered a unique pocket of Southeast Asian culture within the district.

Kowloon City maintains a lot of lower-rise buildings, thanks in part to height restrictions from the former Kai Tak Airport. This preserves a village-like atmosphere where family-run restaurants could thrive and recipes passed down through generations.

Kowloon City

What do I enjoy about this job? It’s because when I see customers happy during their meals, I become even happier.

Lee Hon-wah

Executive Chef, Shunde Cuisine
Lee Hon-wah
Kowloon City

Chefs like Lee Hon-wah, Executive Chef of Shunde Cuisine, and Chan Kei-ying, Executive Chef of Shun De Kung Seafood Restaurant, champion the district’s values. They combine deep roots in traditional cuisine with open, innovative minds to keep flavours honest and evolving. Whether it’s Thai-style grilled pork skewers at Thonglor, slow-simmered pork bone soup, or signature beef patties at Islam Food, every bite captures a piece of someone’s journey. Kowloon City is also home to comforting, nostalgic Chiu Chow classics at Lok Hau Fook Restaurant, where bold flavours and familiar favourites keep locals returning to a neighbourhood staple.

Today, Kowloon City remains a living culinary mosaic, reflecting the layered history of the neighbourhood. The new MTR connection makes this cultural crossroads more accessible without sacrificing its character, offering visitors and locals alike the chance to experience Hong Kong’s rich culinary heritage in one vibrant district.

Seeing my father starting to age motivated me to advance further in culinary arts, to research new dishes in more depth and to ensure every dish meets a certain standard – nothing can be done carelessly.

Chan Kei-ying

Executive Chef, Shun De Kung Seafood Restaurant
Chan Kei-ying

Explore More Neighbourhoods

View All Neighbourhoods
Disclaimer:

This guide has been produced by South China Morning Post Publishers Limited (South China Morning Post) and published by the Hong Kong Tourism Board. Chef and restaurant suggestions have been provided by the Chinese Culinary Institute. 

 

The information contained in this guide, including details on restaurants, goods and services, is for general reference only and is current as of December 2025. 

 

While compiled with reasonable care, the Hong Kong Tourism Board, South China Morning Post and the Chinese Culinary Institute make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, regarding the commercial applicability, accuracy, adequacy, reliability or timeliness of any information contained in this guide. 

 

Readers are advised to verify any details directly with the relevant service providers. Neither the Hong Kong Tourism Board, South China Morning Post, nor the Chinese Culinary Institute shall be liable for any loss, injury or damage (whether direct or indirect) arising from the use of, or reliance on, this guide, including but not limited to any errors, omissions or outdated information. 

 

The inclusion of any chefs, restaurants or service providers in this guide does not constitute an endorsement or guarantee of any kind, including but not limited to their quality, professionalism or safety, by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, South China Morning Post or the Chinese Culinary Institute.


The Food Business Licence for these restaurants is not a General Restaurant Licence. Certain limitations may apply. We recommend checking directly with the restaurant regarding any restrictions before your visit.

Copyright © 2026 Hong Kong Tourism Board. All rights reserved.

Discover Hong Kong

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website, to understand your interests and provide personalized content to you as further set out in our Cookie Policy here. If you accept the use of cookies on our website, please indicate your acceptance by clicking the “I accept” button.