How can one say no to a comforting bowl of cart noodles? Offering a wide selection of delicious soup broths and ingredients for diners to choose from, these are the best restaurants to enjoy this quintessentially Hong Kong dish
Much like dim sum and siu mei (aka Cantonese-style barbecued meats), cart noodles are an iconic Hong Kong food staple that universally loved by foreigners and locals alike. Originated in the 1950s, this unique dish, known affectionately as "ce zai meen" in Cantonese, was initially sold in mobile wooden carts by street food vendors, with diners welcomed to customise everything in their bowls, including noodles, soup bases and toppings for a filling, inexpensive fast takeaway meal.
Although cart noodle street vendors are becoming a rare sight in Hong Kong’s dining scene nowadays, this delicacy still remains popular with Hongkongers, who now visit small eateries to satisfy their noodle cravings.
If you’re on the hunt for places to enjoy a hearty, scrumptious bowl of noodles in Hong Kong, we’ve got you covered with a list of reputed restaurants that are guaranteed to please every palate. Whether you’re after Cantonese classics such as fish balls and chicken wings, or something more indulgent such as pig's blood curds and beef briskets, there’s something for everyone on this list.
Lam Kee Cart Noodles
Nestled inside Tai On Building in Sai Wan Ho—a 1960s-style residential block packed with a variety of food stalls serving up delectable local and Asian delicacies—Lam Kee Cart Noodles is a regular haunt for many Hong Kong island residents.
Here, you will be spoilt for choice with an extensive menu featuring a variety of fresh ingredients, sauces and rich broths. Aside from offering alternative noodle options, such as sweet potato noodles and e-fu noodles, Lam Kee also prides itself on its high-quality homemade topping choices made with unique recipes, including shrimp wontons, grilled pork neck and chive dumplings.
The place tends to be crowded with no air conditioning, but that’s all part of the charm—a must-visit spot for a nostalgic Hong Kong dai pai dong experience.
Lam Kee Cart Noodles, Shop A12, G/F, Tai On Building, 57-87 Sau Kei Wan Road, Sai Wan Ho, Hong Kong; +852 2535 8829
See also: Neighbourhood Guide: What To Eat, Drink And Do In Sai Wan Ho