Get the lowdown on Hong Kong's newest and most exciting F&B hotspot with our comprehensive guide to this revitalised market

Left derelict and in a state of serious disrepair for 18 years, Central Market has finally reopened after a three-year-long, HK$740 million rebuilding process to provide a "playground for all" in the heart of Central. Along with cultural events, public performances, and abundant shopping, arguably the Grade III historic building's biggest attraction are its food and drink offerings, which open a new gastronomic chapter in its long history with food: from what began as a market selling meat, seafood, vegetables and spices to the masses, to what is today a destination to dine and imbibe on culinary creations both local and global.

While concerns have been raised about the risk of gentrification from the likes of the Central and Western Concern Group, there is nonetheless palpable excitement from the public around a bevy of new F&B brands that are making their debut at Central Market, including a total of nine fledgling concepts from operator Chinachem Group alone.

Keep reading for your definitive guide to dining and drinking at Central Market.

Related: The Tatler Guide To Tai Kwun: Where To Eat, Drink And Shop

Dining Ground

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Above Cold starters at Lottajoy (Photo: Central Market)
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Above Citta's charcoal grilled Australian lamb rack (Photo: Central Market)

Central Market's main food hall, named the Dining Ground, is located on the ground floor and accessed via Jubilee Street or Queen Victoria Street. Here, the market's largest food concepts—including bars, eateries, izakayas and sushi bars—intermingle, while first-come first-serve seating means that diners have to be quick with scoping out free tables. When the weather is cool, the central courtyard offers a pleasant semi-alfresco area to chow down on your food.

WHAT TO EAT

Cittá

This straightforward Italian osteria serves up a menu of pasta and grilled meat and seafood items inspired by the cuisine of Genoa. From aperitivo selections and Genovese beef cheek ragu (HK$98), to charcoal-grilled Australian lamb rack (HK$188) and grilled whole Italian sea bass (HK388), it's hard to go wrong with the hearty fare on offer here.

Shop G18, G/F, Central Market, 80 Des Voeux Road Central and 93 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong

Lottajoy 一喜

Racks of glistening siu mei and mahjong-inspired tiling mark this outlet as a purveyor of good ol' Cantonese comfort food. Tuck into childhood favourites like whole roast goose (HK$550), deep-fried prawn in salted egg yolk (HK$188), and stewed beef short rib in red wine sauce (HK$128), or tame your craving for other regional Chinese cuisines with dishes like abalone in Chinese yellow wine (HK$108), green pepper and preserved egg in vinegar (HK$48), and spiced shrimp toast (HK$68).

Shop G11, G/F, Central Market, 80 Des Voeux Road Central and 93 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong

Wako Sake Central

This two-part concept is your go-to at Central Market for Japanese cuisine. Wako Sake Izakaya is a no-frills counter where donburi, set meals and yakitori can be washed down with draft sake. Meanwhile, Wako Sake Sushi & Tap offers a more refined sushi experience. The itamae-style format seats guests around the sushi bar where the chefs ply their craft, serving a menu of sushi, sashimi, seafood donburi and omakase. Takeaway donburi are also available for those in a hurry. Common to both counters is the KeyKeg tap system, which serves namazake, or unpasteurised sake, straight from the tap as fresh as can be. The system allows a rotating selection of sake sourced from different distilleries across Japan like Fukunishiki Shuzo, Chikusen, and Rairaku, making for a continuously changing drinking experience.

Shops G10 & G12, G/F, Central Market, 80 Des Voeux Road Central and 93 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong

Pulau 蒲羅

Get your fix of Peranakan grub at this Singaporean eatery. Covering a selection of classic dishes from the city-state, the menu features appetisers like fish skin with salted egg yolk (HK$56) and street chicken skewers (HK$62), alongside mains such as Hainan chicken rice (HK$52), Singaporean laksa noodles (HK$68), Penang prawn mee (HK$68), and rendang beef with coconut rice and sotong (HK$62).

Shop G19, G/F, Central Market, 80 Des Voeux Road Central and 93 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong

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Photo taken with Focos
Above Mixing up drinks at Perfume Trees Gin (Photo: Central Market)

WHAT TO DRINK

Perfume Trees Gin 白蘭樹下

Hong Kong's homegrown gin label Perfume Trees Gin has set up shop with a cocktail bar focused on concoctions that make good use of their spirit's distinctly floral character. Pull up a bar stool to savour classic cocktails like the Martinez and the Hanky Panky (both HK$148), or signature cocktails that pull inspiration from Central Market's past vendors, like Herbalist Lo (gin, jasmine tea, white chamomile, elderflower, stevia, CBD) and Greengrocer Lin (gin, cucumber, celery, green apple, lime, basil, shiso bitters).

Shop G15A, G/F, Central Market, 80 Des Voeux Road Central and 93 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong

Mak's Beer 麥子

Another Hong Kong-born and bred brand, Mak's Beer has been brewing beer in Tsuen Wan since 2014, and in its short tenure has created some beers that pay homage to the city's history—such as a beer that was inspired by Hong Kong's last remaining salt pan; and another that uses sugarcane juice sourced from 73-year-old Central fixture, Kung Lee Herbal Tea. These beers and more can be drunk at the brewery's first branded bar, along with special beer-based cocktails exclusive to Central Market. To taste several of the brewery's creations in one go, opt for the six-glass tasting flight (HK258).

Shop G13, G/F, Central Market, 80 Des Voeux Road Central and 93 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong

Winelog

Oenophiles can find refuge in this wine bar, created in consultation with the Hong Kong Wine Judges Association and featuring award-winning labels sourced from Old World and New World. Apart from an extensive selection of wines by the glass, this 15-seat venue also offers wine-based cocktails, tasting flights, custom tasting sessions, as well as the opportunity to purchase your favourite bottles to bring home with you.

Shops G14, G/F, Central Market, 80 Des Voeux Road Central and 93 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong

Fruitalks 果言

Get your dose of liquid nutrition at this grab-and-go tea and juice bar. Featuring fresh and cold-pressed juices using the season's best fruits and vegetables, Fruitalks is a welcome alternative to the other alcoholic drink options available at Dining Ground. Those looking for a little less sugar aren't left out either: cold brew teas and fruit-based teas can also be had to quench your thirst.

Shop G16, G/F, Central Market, 80 Des Voeux Road Central and 93 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong

Coffee

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Above Irish Coffees being topped up at Chart Coffee (Photo: Handout)

I-O-N Cafe Bistro

Taking up nearly a quarter of the space on the first floor, I-O-N is an open-plan cafe, restaurant and patisserie that is designed to take you from the early morning to the late evening. At the 360-degree coffee counter, even the most pernickety of caffeine drinkers are catered to with a three-step menu, while artisanal teas and coffee-based cocktails keep guests hydrated into the night. The full-service kitchen doles out salads, pastas, grilled meat and seafood, as well as shareable items like typhoon shelter stir-fried fish and chips (HK$88), mussels in Mei Kuei Lu rose liqueur (HK$108), and fresh seafood platters (HK$738). Sweet tooths will gravitate to the pastry counter featuring creations from Nina Patisserie, like the pillowy Lombardy slow-cooked cheesecake (HK$40) and mango napoleon (HK$45).

Shop 124 & 125, 1/F, Central Market, 80 Des Voeux Road Central and 93 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong

Chart Coffee

Newly-opened Chart Coffee features approachable bar seating around a coffee counter that encourages interactions with the award-winning barista team. On offer are terroir and sustainability-focused coffees served using a choice of siphon, cold brew or hand-drip brewing methods. Chart also gets creative with drinks like the Spanish latte, Nutella latte, and Muscovado cappuccino (all HK$45). In the future, the cafe plans to host workshops in coffee education.

Shop 218, 2/F, Central Market, 80 Des Voeux Road Central and 93 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong

Holly Brown

Holly Brown serves coffee, sure, but a wide range of sweet treats steals the limelight here. Indulge in the gelato selection, with flavours ranging from wildberry and milk, to mint and blue vanilla. If a single scoop just doesn't do it for you, pick instead from a selection of house creations with names like Berry Overload and Eenie Meenie that mix and match different gelato with abundant toppings, all served atop an ice cream waffle bowl.

Shop 110, 1/F, Central Market, 80 Des Voeux Road Central and 93 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong

Lucullus Cacao

Cake brand Lucullus expands its foray into cafes with the opening of Lucullus Cacao's second location at Central Market. Along with your usual coffee selection, Cacao also offers S.O.C., an indulgent blend of single-origin Madagascar chocolate and milk served hot or iced. The food menu is predictably chocolate-centric, and includes options like cruffin ice cream sandwiches, croffles, and croissants dipped in dark chocolate, ruby chocolate, pistachio chocolate and more.

Shop 217, 2/F, Central Market, 80 Des Voeux Road Central and 93 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong

See also: All The New Cafes And Brunch Spots To Visit This August 2021

Street Food

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Above Mammy Pancake is a local street food institution (Photo: Handout)

Found lining the second-floor walkway linking the Hang Seng Bank head office building with the Mid-Levels escalator, the Street Food Central section features a mix of grab-and-go food and drink booths for office workers looking for a quick and convenient meal on the way to work. Expect a mix of Western, Japanese, and local Hong Kong flavours on offer.

Ichijuissai

Meaning a simple, well-balanced meal in Japanese, this counter offers combos of Western and Japanese soups with curry rice and hearty traditional side dishes.

Shop 243, 2/F, 93 Queen's Road Central and 80 Des Voeux Road Central, Central, Hong Kong

Yu Kee 如記

Nostalgic Hong Kong snacks are the name of the game at this convenience store. Whether it's Baby Star snack noodles, Jack 'n' Jill beef-flavoured crunchies, or all manner of gummy sweets, you'll find it here along with a healthy dose of yearning for simpler times.

Shop 247, 2/F, 93 Queen's Road Central and 80 Des Voeux Road Central, Central, Hong Kong

Figaroppe

A portmanteau of Figaro and coppe-pan (a Japanese-style bread), this Japanese food counter specialises in hot dogs with fillings like Hiroshima oyster confit, beef keema curry sausage, foie gras pâté with apple confiture and more.

Shop 244, 2/F, 93 Queen's Road Central and 80 Des Voeux Road Central, Central, Hong Kong

Souper Authentic 球哥燉湯

Both nostalgic and nourishing, Chinese soups are the specialty at Souper Authentic. Pick from stews like ginseng and chicken soup, or braised soup with apple, pear, phytin tremella fungus and pork ribs. There's also the option of adding a side dish with rice to make it a meal.

Shop 245, 2/F, 93 Queen's Road Central and 80 Des Voeux Road Central, Central, Hong Kong

So Coco

Ward off the summer heat with So Coco's made-in-Hong-Kong vegan soft serves, with signature flavours like coconut, chocolate and sesame.

Shop 241, 2/F, 93 Queen's Road Central and 80 Des Voeux Road Central, Central, Hong Kong

Caring Tea 善茶

Whet your thirst with a wide variety of traditional Hong Kong milk teas at this beverage stand, which offers everything from silk stocking milk tea and milk tea with boba pearls, to more modern concoctions with the addition of salted caramel and hazelnut.

Shop 248, 2/F, 93 Queen's Road Central and 80 Des Voeux Road Central, Central, Hong Kong

Mammy Pancake

This street food institution offers iconic egg waffles in a medley of flavours, from earl grey and banana chocolate chip to waffles with peanut butter or condensed milk spreads, and even the option of a dollop of ice cream.

Shop 242B, 2/F, 93 Queen's Road Central and 80 Des Voeux Road Central, Central, Hong Kong

On Lee Dai Pai Dong 安利大排檔

A humble neighbourhood institution in Shau Kei Wan, On Lee Dai Pai Dong has hopped across the breadth of Hong Kong Island to bring its dependably delicious soup noodles and lo mein, topped with the best beef brisket and fish balls, to the heart of Central.

Shop 246D, 2/F, 93 Queen's Road Central and 80 Des Voeux Road Central, Central, Hong Kong

Handbag

Whether it's healthy salads, filling mains like lobster mac 'n' cheese or triple cheese stewed rice with crayfish, or guilt-inducing treats like deep-fried calamari with Sriracha mayo and buffalo chicken fingers, this versatile food stand has it all.

Shop 242C, 2/F, 93 Queen's Road Central and 80 Des Voeux Road Central, Central, Hong Kong

1966 Baking Alliance

As a pioneer in adapting Western-style pastries to local palates 55 years ago, Maria’s Bakery—named after founder Maria Tseng, a.k.a. the “Queen of Cakes''—is now launching the 1966 Baking Alliance. Long-standing favourites include the egg tart, coconut tart and the signature Pastel De Nata are now thinner, crispier and more flakey with the new recipe. In addition, on-trend flavours, both sweet and savoury, have also made it onto the menu, including lava matcha, purple sweet potato, and broccoli, cheese and ham. 

Shop 246B, 2/F, 93 Queen's Road Central and 80 Des Voeux Road Central, Central, Hong Kong

Hang Heong Un

No meal is complete with a bowl of Chinese dessert soup, as Macanese dessert shop Hang Heong Un knows. Utilising a secret cooking method that was developed 70 years ago, it's safe to say their signatures, namely almond soup with egg yolk, coconut juice with almond and walnut soup, and Zhaoqing dumplings, are the best in the business.

Shop 246C, 2/F, 93 Queen's Road Central and 80 Des Voeux Road Central, Central, Hong Kong

Pastries

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Above Nina Patisserie's palmiers come in Central Market-inspired packaging exclusive to its Central Market location (Photo: Nina Patisserie)

Imperial Patisserie

Bridging Chinese heritage with creative pastries, Imperial Patisserie is the brainchild of chef Yip Wing-wah and long-time apprentice Lai Wing-koon, who have carved out a niche by creating sweet treats like Michelin palmiers, egg rolls, Chinese-style cookies and their famous Imperial lava mooncakes, which won the prestigious Grand Gold prize in Monde Selection 2019.

Shop 103, 1/F, 93 Queen's Road Central and 80 Des Voeux Road Central, Central, Hong Kong

Shan Shau Jok 山手作

Founded in 2016, this homegrown brand uses a low-temperature baking method to create treats like nougat candy, dried seafood snacks, and Chinese cookies that best preserve the flavour of their natural ingredients.

Shop 105, 1/F, 93 Queen's Road Central and 80 Des Voeux Road Central, Central, Hong Kong

Nina Patisserie

The patisserie arm of Nina Hospitality brings a refined take on popular European pastries. Their shop in Central Market features signatures like palmiers and whole Napoleon cakes, although more fanciful creations like the pillowy chestnut vanilla mousse and emerald-green matcha yuzu opera cake will delight sweet tooths and Instagram belles alike.

Shop 112, 1/F, 93 Queen's Road Central and 80 Des Voeux Road Central, Central, Hong Kong

Eggroll Queen 蛋卷皇后

Founded by a husband-and-wife duo in the 1970s, Eggroll Queen is a major player today thanks to delectable egg rolls that have stood the test of time. At their Central Market store, the brand offers alluring flavours like seaweed and pork floss, coconut, and even cheese and black truffle.

Shop 114, 1/F, 93 Queen's Road Central and 80 Des Voeux Road Central, Central, Hong Kong

Lucullus

In addition to its Lucullus Cacao cafe, patisserie chain Lucullus operates a retail space by the second-floor entrance to Central Market that sells their mainline collection of cakes. Expect creations like the Royal 1976 60% dark chocolate truffle cake (HK$418), mango mille-feuille (HK$458), and Sweet Gravity chestnut mango cake (HK$398).

Shop 234, 2/F, 93 Queen's Road Central and 80 Des Voeux Road Central, Central, Hong Kong

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