Review of the Michelin Guide to Hong Kong and Macau

Much improved since its first edition, the Michelin Guide Hong Kong and Macau is not only a reliable guide to the city’s best upmarket restaurants but has been adapted specifically for the Hong Kong market to include less pretentious restaurants that still serve some of the city’s best food. There is even a dedicated symbol covering Hong Kong’s best street food. See the full list of Hong Kong restaurants with Michelin Stars

First released back in 2008, the Michelin Guide Hong Kong and Macau was born into a firestorm of criticism. Its focus on high end European restaurants in a city that prides itself as the home of Cantonese cuisine and the inclusion of just two Chinese reviewers on a board of twelve attracted the ire of local food critics, restaurateurs and just about every Hong Konger who claimed the book just didn’t get Chinese cooking. In a city where the best food is not necessarily matched by the highest prices and finest surroundings, Michelin’s fixation on pricey menus in five star hotels and by celebrity chefs also attracted derision.

We’re glad to say things have improved. Clearly taking on board much of the criticism aimed at their first guide, Michelin has expanded to include many smaller, family run restaurants found far away from the swanky streets of Central. They’ve even included a dedicated symbol to mark out Hong Kong’s unique street food stalls, balancing up the pricey eateries with more modest and downright cheap food. Many of the world’s cheapest Michelin stars are found in Hong Kong, including Dim Sum at Tim Ho Wan for less than HK$50. Reflecting a better understanding of Cantonese cuisine, the balance of European and Chinese restaurants has also been addressed.

There will always be debate about how many stars individual restaurants should get but there is general agreement amongst local foodies that Michelin has managed to include the best places to eat in Hong Kong.

The book manages to eat its way through more than 250 eateries, including Macau, awarding a total of 66 stars, compared with 96 in Paris and 56 in New York. Not a bad haul. There are also 45 Bib Gourmands where you are guaranteed a complete menu for less than HK$300.

Buy Hong Kong Michelin Guide