Hong Kong Guide for Best Places to Eat, Stay and Explore

Where to eat in Hong Kong during Art Basel and beyond

Hong Kong’s food scene is world-class, blending classic Cantonese cuisine with international influences.

Entrepreneurs and art collectors Alan Lo of JIA Group, and Kevin Poon have helped shape Hong Kong’s dining and design scene, merging food, art and culture into unique experiences.

Hidden food spots in Hong Kong loved by locals

Some of the best meals in Hong Kong come from places that don’t need the spotlight—small, family-run spots that locals swear by. These are the places that have stood the test of time and continue to serve some of the most comforting, nostalgic flavors in the city.

Cheung Hing Coffee Shop: a local staple for pastries and tea

This hole-in-the-wall coffee shop is one of my favorite places to stop and get the freshest pastries, like egg tarts or pineapple buns. For more than 40 years, it’s been a popular local favorite of the Happy Valley district, and a go-to for celebrities and everyday pastry connoisseurs alike.

Mammy Pancake: Michelin-recognized street food

How many street food shops consistently earn Michelin Guide recognition? Even our CEO Dominic Ng—who’s also from Hong Kong—counts this as a personal favorite. Known for its crispy-on-the-outside, airy-on-the-inside egg puffs, Mammy Pancake is authentic street food at its best.

Elegant hotels in Hong Kong with the best views

Looking to stay in the center of art, culture and food? Here are my top hotel recommendations.

Regent Hong Kong: Iconic harbor views and Michelin-starred dining

This exquisite waterfront luxury hotel, well-known for its fantastic view of Victoria Harbour, is home to two Michelin-starred restaurants: Lai Ching Heen, one of the best Cantonese restaurants in Hong Kong, offers an exceptional tea pairing experience that elevates traditional Cantonese cuisine; and world-renowned Japanese-Peruvian fusion at Nobu Hong Kong. Art enthusiasts will love the visionary design by Chi Wing Lo, Liu Li glass art, sculptural art by Ran Hwang, and bespoke illustration by Saddo. Although the Regent Hong Kong is now a global destination, its owner, Goodwin Gaw, began his development journey with our support in Los Angeles during the 1990s. Read Gaw Capital: L.A. Stories of New Beginnings.

Rosewood Hong Kong: A hotel that doubles as an art gallery

Named the “Best Hotel in Asia” in 2023, by the World’s 50 Best Hotels, Rosewood Hong Kong is as much an art destination as it is a luxury hotel. The hotel’s art collection features works by renowned artists including Damien Hirst, Lynn Chadwick and Wilson Shieh, while its Michelin-starred restaurants The Legacy House, featuring elevated Cantonese cuisine from Guangdong province, and Chaat, offering exceptional Indian cuisine, make it a favorite among food lovers. During your stay, you can also visit the K11 MUSEA, conveniently located just a few steps away.

Best places to experience art in Hong Kong in addition to Art Basel

Make the most of Hong Kong’s contemporary year-round art scene while you’re in town for Art Basel. Here are the must-visit art museums and galleries.

M+: Asia's global museum of contemporary visual culture in Hong Kong

This museum is one of my favorite cultural destinations. Often compared to MoMA in New York, M+ is a world-class museum with an interdisciplinary, transnational collection of 20th- and 21st-century visual culture, encompassing design, architecture, moving image, visual art, and the thematic area of Hong Kong visual culture. The Roof Garden offers a stunning view of Victoria Harbour—a perfect post-exhibition viewing moment.

Para Site: Artist-centric contemporary art center

I love this grassroots art space that was started by seven artists and has grown into a very well-respected contemporary art center. Para Site is one of the oldest and most active independent art institutions in Asia. Go see their exhibits and programs, which showcase local and international culture and society.

Top art galleries in Hong Kong for collectors and enthusiasts

Kiang Malingue: A rising star in the art world

This contemporary art gallery housed in a beautiful, modern minimalist designed space supports emerging artists creating bold, original art. It will soon be expanding to New York, too! I can’t wait to see what they they’ll curate in the United States!

Perrotin: A global contemporary art powerhouse

I featured Perrotin in my Paris guide, and its Hong Kong space is also one of my favorites. With locations in Paris, New York, Tokyo, Seoul, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Los Angeles, and London, Perrotin in Hong Kong has long-standing relationships representing many notable artists, including the acclaimed Japanese artist Takashi Murakami for more than 30 years, Daniel Arsham for over 20 years, and Izumi Kato for 10 years. This March 25 – May 17, go see British-American artist Emma Webster's solo debut in Hong Kong. The subject is deeply personal: a Los Angeles resident, Webster painted the ethereal Vapors series during the LA fires in January 2025. Webster’s painting Hunter’s Garden will be featured at Perrotin booth 1D25 during Art Basel Hong Kong.

Art Intelligence Global: Expert art advisory services

If you’re looking for world-class expertise to guide you through the global art market, look no further than Art Intelligence Global (AIG), founded by Amy Cappellazzo and Yuki Terase. With dual headquarters in New York and Hong Kong, AIG provides bespoke art advisory services to collectors around the world at every stage of their collecting journeys. Don't miss their upcoming exhibition, Modern Dreamers: Iconic Art, Architecture and Design, opening on March 25 in Hong Kong.

Where to shop in Hong Kong for crafts, fashion, jewelry and more

Crafts on Peel: Reinterpreting traditional crafts through a contemporary lens

I love this charitable organization that preserves Chinese cultural heritage by reviving, interpreting and perpetuating traditional crafts. Its Craft Fellowship Program supports and incubates craftworks co-created by masters and contemporary artisans across various regions and generations. Crafts on Peel is also a cultural hub and creative venue, featuring thematic exhibitions, workshops and Artisan-in-Residence Program.

Sogo Hong Kong: Local finds and international designer brands in one place

This Japanese-style mall is a shopping destination with many global fashion brands including European designer stores. It’s a shopper’s delight of East meets West.

Don’t miss ComplexCon Hong Kong — a music & culture festival

Before Art Basel, immerse yourself in Hong Kong’s major music and culture festival, ComplexCon, which runs from March 21 to March 23. Experience musical performances from over 40+ artists, explore 150+ of the most trendsetting brands at Complex Marketplace, and dive into thought-provoking panels at ComplexCon(versations). This year, they’re leveling up with the first-ever ESPORTS Zone, blending gaming and culture, and curating an elevated dining experience through the Family Style Food Festival with 20+ international and local food brands.