Guide to the Best Areas in Hong Kong for Seafood
Hong Kong, a coastal city with a deep-rooted fishing culture, is renowned for its fresh and diverse seafood offerings. From bustling wet markets to waterfront restaurants, here’s a guide to the best areas in Hong Kong for enjoying seafood, based on freshness, variety, and dining experiences.
1. Sai Kung
Why it’s great: Known as Hong Kong’s "seafood paradise," Sai Kung is a fishing village with a vibrant seafood scene. Its waterfront is lined with restaurants offering freshly caught seafood from local fishermen.
Highlights:
Seafood Street: Along the Sai Kung promenade, restaurants display tanks filled with live seafood like razor clams, lobsters, and grouper. You can pick your catch, and chefs will prepare it to your preference (e.g., steamed, stir-fried, or black pepper sauce).
Sampan Dining: For a unique experience, take a sampan boat to nearby floating restaurants or fish farms, where you can select seafood directly from the water.
Must-try: Steamed scallops with garlic and vermicelli, salt-and-pepper squid, and typhoon shelter crab.
Top spots: Chuen Kee Seafood Restaurant, Hung Kee Seafood Restaurant.
Pro tip: Visit early in the day for the freshest catch, and don’t miss the nearby wet market for a glimpse of local seafood trade.
2. Lamma Island
Why it’s great: This laid-back island, a short ferry ride from Central, is famous for its seafood restaurants in Sok Kwu Wan, offering a rustic dining experience with ocean views.
Highlights:
Sok Kwu Wan: The main seafood hub, where open-air restaurants serve dishes like steamed garoupa, chili crab, and abalone. The seafood is sourced from local fish farms.
Relaxed vibe: Perfect for a weekend getaway, combining a hike or beach visit with a seafood feast.
Must-try: Deep-fried cuttlefish, razor clams with black bean sauce, and fresh prawns.
Top spots: Rainbow Seafood Restaurant (offers free ferry service from Central), Lamma Hilton Seafood Restaurant.
Pro tip: Book a table in advance for waterfront seating, especially during weekends.
3. Lei Yue Mun
Why it’s great: A traditional fishing village in East Kowloon, Lei Yue Mun is a go-to spot for an authentic seafood market experience paired with affordable dining.
Highlights:
Seafood Market: Stroll through the narrow lanes of the wet market, where vendors sell live seafood. Pick your fish, shrimp, or clams, and nearby restaurants will cook them for a small fee.
Cultural experience: The lively market atmosphere and harbor views make it a unique dining destination.
Must-try: Steamed fish with ginger and scallions, typhoon shelter prawns, and baked lobster with cheese.
Top spots: Lung Kong Seafood Restaurant, Sea King Garden Restaurant.
Pro tip: Bargain at the market for better prices, and check the cooking fees at restaurants beforehand.
4. Causeway Bay
Why it’s great: This bustling urban district offers a mix of high-end and casual seafood dining, with easy access to fresh catches from nearby markets.
Highlights:
Diverse options: From dai pai dongs (open-air food stalls) to upscale restaurants, Causeway Bay caters to all budgets.
Nightlife pairing: Combine seafood dining with the area’s vibrant nightlife.
Must-try: Steamed razor clams, garlic butter prawns, and Cantonese-style crab.
Top spots: Under Bridge Spicy Crab (famous for its typhoon shelter crab), Forum Restaurant.
Pro tip: Visit during dinner hours for the liveliest atmosphere, but expect crowds.
5. Aberdeen
Why it’s great: Once a major fishing hub, Aberdeen offers a blend of traditional and modern seafood dining, often with stunning views of its famous harbor.
Highlights:
Jumbo Kingdom: The iconic Jumbo Floating Restaurant (reopened in a new format) serves luxurious seafood dishes like lobster sashimi and steamed abalone.
Local flavor: Smaller restaurants along the waterfront offer authentic Cantonese seafood at lower prices.
Must-try: Steamed fish with soy sauce, salt-crusted baked prawns.
Top spots: Jumbo Kingdom, Aberdeen 1773.
Pro tip: Take a sampan ride around the harbor before dining for a full Aberdeen experience.
Tips for Enjoying Seafood in Hong Kong
Freshness is key: Always check that the seafood is live or freshly caught, especially in markets or tank-based restaurants.
Seasonal specialties: Ask about seasonal catches like hairy crab (autumn) or mantis shrimp for the best flavors.
Cooking styles: Popular preparations include steaming (to preserve freshness), stir-frying with black bean sauce, or typhoon shelter style (spicy and aromatic).
Budget range: Prices vary widely—market-to-table dining in Lei Yue Mun or Sai Kung can be budget-friendly, while upscale spots in Causeway Bay or Aberdeen are pricier.
Accessibility: Most areas are reachable by MTR, bus, or ferry. Sai Kung and Lamma Island are great for a day trip, while Causeway Bay and Aberdeen are more central.
Hong Kong’s seafood scene is a delicious mix of tradition, freshness, and variety. Whether you’re exploring the markets of Lei Yue Mun or dining by the water in Sai Kung, you’re in for a treat!
