The name Mong Kok in Cantonese means busy corner, it has most congested shopping and famous for popular markets, such as the Ladies’ Market. Another thing you may want to do is doing a food tour in Mongkok.
Below is a reference guide for you if you happen to visit Hong Kong, Mongkok.
1. Sham Tseng Chan Kee Roasted Goose 深井陳記燒鵝
Hong Kong is famous for its roast goose and one of the top restaurant to visit is Sham Tseng Chan Kee. The restaurant is about 5 mins walk from Mong Kok MTR. In Cantonese, it is called “Siu Ngoh”. A good “Siu Ngoh” possess crispy skin with a flavourful layer of fat beneath and tender meat that isn’t too gamey. Best serve with a final touch of the traditional plum sauce, slightly sour and sweet.
Address: 427-427A Reclamation Street, Mong Kok
2. Kam Wah Cafe & Bakery 金華冰廳
Kam Wah Cafe & Bakery is actually a Hong Kong style of Cha Chaan Teng. What is a Cha Chaan Teng? It has a casual setting serves local comfort food at a very reasonable price. A trip to Hong Kong is not complete without eating at Cha Chaan Teng. Some of the top food you may want to try out in Kam Wah Cha Chaan Teng are Pineapple bun 菠蘿包, Hot Dog Bun, Satay Beef Bun, Beef chow fun. The signature is still Pineapple bun or called in Cantonese “Bo Lo Bao”, the bun does not contain any pineapple but inside the bun, there is a thick butter hidden, which is also the surprise when you bite on it. When you visit Cha Chaan Teng, best to order Hong Kong Milk Tea, as each Cha Chaan Teng has their own version of specially brewed tea.
Address: 45-47號 Bute St, Mong Kok, Hong Kong
3. Taste Of Shanghai 滬小館
This place offers dim sum with affordable price and fast service. Try their signature of Shanghai Xiaolongbao!
4. Mongkok Wet Market
Hong Kong people only love to eat their seafood live so when you visit Mong Kok wet market, you will see plenty of sea creatures that are still alive and swimming in the small containers. I have friends who are from America and they usually don’t want to see the whole fish with the head and eyes staring back at them when served on the dining table.
Location: Canton Road, Mongkok
Closest MTR: Mongkok station exit c4
Besides fresh seafood, there are also cheap and affordable “siu mei” – roast meat, pork, and chicken. The Mongkok Wet Market caters for local but you do see some tourists come here to have a peek at what the local eats.
5. Aberdeen Fishball & Noodles Restaurant 香港仔鱼蛋粉 旺角
The fish ball here tastes different from the fish ball sold on the street. A bowl of fish ball comes with noodle of different kind. Affordable price and there are also other local dishes beside fish ball noodle.
6. Lok Tea Union (Drinks)
The shop signatures are Lok Mongo Cheese (HKD35 or SGD 6.10 or USD 4.50) & Brown Sugar Pearl Milk. Bubble tea is still very popular in Hong Kong and originally it comes from Taiwan. You can find bubble tea shops open in every corner in Hong Kong. Just pop in anyone and experience the bubble tea in Hong Kong.
7. McDonald’s is not the same in Hong Kong
Another thing you may want to try out is Mcdonalds, it may sound boring but it is actually the cheapest food you can get. Mcdonald in Hong Kong has its special menu (they even have pork burgers on their menu). I ordered Bourbon strawberry sundae cone, look super cute right.
This bridge connects Mong Kok MTR and East Rail Station
8. Mong Kok Gold Fish Market
Hong Kong housing is very small so goldfish make a great pet for Hong Kong people. Another reason is you don’t have to take a goldfish on walks. I am quite amazed to see so many people looking a the goldfishes in Mong Kok. The price is inexpensive too. I am sure goldfish is a great de-stressor for busy Hong Kong folks here.
These goldfishes have very bright colors, they look fake color to me. What do you think?
9. Strolling in Mong Kok Alley
Strolling in the small alley Mongkok can be very fun. You may discover some hidden gem. Even if you don’t, a small alley is still a great spot for photography.
10. Shoe Repair in Mong Kok
Shoe Repair is a common scene in Mong Kok, can be found usually near the MTR.
Final thoughts:
Mongkok is one of the busiest districts in Hong Kong, full of eateries and markets and shopping. You may like to join the food tour with Klook Mongkok Food Tour. You get to taste 7 delicious local delicacies including goose, snake soup, and Dim Sum.
27 comments
I have actually been to Mongkok during my first trip to Hong Kong, without even realising it. I remember vividly the Wet Market and also the goldfish market. It was an interesting part of the town, not so glam as HK Island, but so much more interesting because of all the locals.
Dear Joanna,
You are right. Mongkok is a busy district in Hong Kong, it reflected so much Hong Kong people lifestyle.
I’ve always wanted to visit Hong Kong. I love the posts you share about the city. It’s so amazing.
Dear Stacie,
Mongkok is one of the busy district to visit in Hong Kong and to pay a visit to Mongkok is one of the must do.
So many things to try! I would start with the bubble tea and roasted goose. The food tour sounds like an awesome idea.
It’s really a beautiful and busy place. Never been to Hong Kong but I enjoy reading about it.
Dear Norma,
Hong Kong roasted goose is one of the top cuisines to try out, the skin is crispy and the meat is juicy with the final touch of plum sauce.
Great job of making the crowded corner of Hong Kong not look too bad. And those poor fish. I don’t even want to know what they do to them to create those colours. Wonderful photo tour.
Dear Rhonda,
I too share the similar feeling when I saw these little goldfishes are packed in such a small plastic bag. I too hope those colors are original but I doubt so.
Thanks for sharing this nice tour guide on things to do in Mongkok. I love visiting the crowded local markets to get the essence of the place.
Dear Kalyan,
Thanks for your comment. Visiting the local market is one of the best things for travelers, you get to see what the local eats and it is interesting to see the food culture here.
The local market is always the best place to go to first. Food tour is always a must for tourists. I would definitely try their roasted goose.
Dear Surekha,
You are right. I love visiting local markets and Hong Kong has one of the best roasted goose on earth.
Looks so interesting! I would so love to visit this place for myself one day. Hong Kong looks like a dream to me
Dear Lyosha,
There are other interesting theme parks such as Hong Kong Disneyland and Ocean Park which may interests you too.
I have never been to Monkok before but I love markets but not so much crowded ones due to my toddler it would be too much for us.
You are right, visiting Mongkok with a toddler can be a bit hassle as there are not many stroller friendly path too.
I have been to Mong Kok only once even though I live in this city I am not a tea fan but hubby loves bubble tea, HK spl cold milk tea and yes, pork bun!
Dear Ana,
Hong Kong loves bubble tea and their special brew tea in the local Cha Chaan Teng restaurant and yes, serve with the bun, be it pork bun or pineapple bun “Polo Bun” bread.
hmm the fish are very concrning. it doesn’t look good
Dear Jasmine,
That was my first thought when I look at these pity fishes. But I am sure they get a bigger place to swim when they reach their new home.
Never been to this place but that place looks very vibrant to relax and unwind. Looks like you had a great time there!
Dear Amy,
Mongkok is very busy and lots of crowds. You can find food as many restaurants and wet market here. The gold fish market is another highlight here.
You found so many cool places to explore. I love bubble tea, and would love to try it in Hong Kong. Those colorful fist are so cool too!
Dear Katie,
Thanks for your comment. I guess Hong Kong people would rather keep fishes as a pet due to their tiny home since most housing in Hong Kong is very small. I don’t think they can afford to have a big dog.
One of my goals has always been to visit the McDonalds in Paris, London, South Africa, and Japan. Now I have to add Mongkok to this list. I’ve always heard that McDonalds overseas were not like anything American have ever experienced.
Dear Kisha,
The Mcdonalds in Hong Kong is one of the cheapest meals to have and they also serve different stuff. Do check it out!