Food And Dining

A lot of people come to Cheung Chau specifically for the food, and there are indeed a range of traditional and modern choices. As a historic fishing village it is of course very related to seafood, fish and marine products.  Here you will find a full range of seafood dishes, but also traditional Hong Kong Cafe fare, Cantonese Dim Sum and international choices as well. 

Fishballs

Fishballs are a popular snack everywhere in Hong Kong, either steamed, boiled in stock, or served with curry sauce. And not just made of fish but of a variety of seafoods including squid, and of course with various meatballs as well.  Eaten on a stick from a street vendor, while leaning forward and taking care to not drip sauce on ones shoes, this is a truly Hong Kong experience and on Cheung Chau some of the best known fishballs in all of Hong Kong can be found.

Gan Yongtai fishball shop (pictured) was previously the best known on the island, located in the large square in front of the ferry pier underneath the large tree. Unfortunately, this famous shop has now closed. However, visitors need not worry as many other excellent fishball stands and snack vendors remain throughout the island, each with their own unique style and recipes. You can still find quality fishballs at various street food stalls around the ferry pier area, along Praya Street, and near Pak Tai Temple - so do try several different vendors for a true taste of Cheung Chau!

As you can see some of the "balls" are in fact triangles, and these are made of bean curd which is set, sliced into shape, and then fried. Served in various combinations on long skewers they are a popular snack for locals to the island as well as visitors.

Current Fishball and Snack Options (2025)

While the famous Gan Yongtai may have closed, Cheung Chau remains a paradise for street food lovers. Here are some current options for enjoying fishballs and local snacks:

• Ferry Pier Area: Several street food stalls operate near the ferry terminal, offering fresh fishballs, curry fish balls, and mixed seafood balls
• Praya Street Vendors: Traditional cart vendors along the main street serve various fried snacks including fishballs, squid balls, and bean curd (open late in the evening, after 9pm)
• Near Pak Tai Temple: Local snack shops and stalls offer both traditional and modern variations of fishballs and other bite-sized treats
• Weekend Markets: Temporary food stalls during weekends and holidays provide additional options for trying different styles of fishballs and local snacks

Many vendors now offer both traditional Cantonese-style fishballs as well as modern fusion varieties. Don't hesitate to try different stalls - each has their own special recipe and preparation method!

Seafood Restaurants

Catering to the large number of visitors who are coming to Cheung Chau for a seafood lunch or dinner there is a stretch of seafront with many seafood restaurants. Each one has tables by the sea as well as some indoor seating. Focusing on providing food for visitors it concentrates on rustic and traditional Cantonese presentations of seafood. Try a steamed fish with ginger and spring onion, stir fried little clams with chili, crispy deep fried squid or steamed garlic prawns.  Typical accompaniments such as plain or fried rice, beef and broccoli stir fry and sweet and sour pork make for a complete meal and cater to those who do not like seafood.

Like many seafood restaurants those on Cheung Chau allow you to bring your own fish which has been purchased nearby either directly from live seafood shops nearby, or from the wet market.  In that case only a "cooking fee" is charged when you specify how you would like your fresh seafood prepared.

To reach the seafood restaurant street turn left after you leave the ferry pier and walk towards Pak Tai Temple, it is signposted, until you see a cluster of restaurants.  While the last in the row, called the New Baccarat Restaurant, is particularly well known each of the restaurants including Hong Kee and So Bor Kee can provide a good meal. Each restaurant along this famous stretch offers its own unique character and specialties while maintaining the traditional charm of this historic fishing village.

Detailed Restaurant Information

New Baccarat Seafood Restaurant stands out as the crown jewel at the end of the restaurant strip. Located at 9A G/F Pak She Praya Road, this establishment has earned its reputation through years of serving exceptional seafood with breathtaking harbor views. The restaurant's distinctive yellow tablecloths have become an iconic sight along the waterfront, welcoming guests daily from 10:30 AM to 10:30 PM. For reservations, call +852 2981 0606. Their signature dishes include salt-and-pepper squid that melts in your mouth, fresh steamed shrimp bursting with ocean flavor, and garlic scallops with glass noodles that perfectly capture the essence of Cantonese seafood cuisine. The outdoor seating provides an unforgettable dining experience where you can watch the fishing boats return with their daily catch while savoring your meal.

Hong Kee Restaurant (康記菜館) offers a more intimate, family-style dining experience at 11A Pak She Praya Road. Open daily from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM, this beloved establishment can be reached at +852 2981 9916. Known for its authentic Guangdong-style preparations, Hong Kee specializes in traditional Cantonese seafood dishes and masterful stir-fry creations that have been perfected over generations. The restaurant's homemade approach ensures that every dish carries the warmth and authenticity that local families have cherished for decades. Their chefs take pride in using time-honored techniques that bring out the natural flavors of the freshest ingredients.

So Bor Kee Restaurant brings culinary diversity to the waterfront at 11C Pak She Praya Road. This versatile restaurant, reachable at +852 2981 0998, offers an exciting fusion of three distinctive Chinese regional cuisines: Cantonese, Hunan, and Sichuan styles. This unique combination allows diners to explore different flavor profiles within a single meal, from the delicate, fresh tastes of Cantonese seafood to the bold, spicy kick of Sichuan preparations and the aromatic complexity of Hunan dishes. With an average price range of HK$51-100 per person, So Bor Kee provides excellent value while delivering an authentic taste journey through China's diverse culinary landscape.

To reach the wet market and buy live or fresh slaughtered seafood turn right after leaving the ferry pier and walk along the waterfront until you see the large multi level municipal services building. The seafood vendors are upstairs.

There are many other seafood restaurants on Cheung Chau, you will have passed a large one on the way to the market, and conversely while walking towards Pak Tai from the ferry pier one of the first things you will see is the Long Island Restaurant which serves a full menu, including Dim Sum.

Dim Sum

Cantonese Dim Sum is served by several restaurants on the island from the Bayview Chinese Restaurant in the Warwick Hotel overlooking the beach to the Long Island Restaurant near the ferry pier, and several smaller restaurants inside the village.

Hong Kong Cafe

As a residential district Cheung Chau has no shortage of small cafes that keep up the traditions of the Hong Kong Style Cafe, mixing western and Asian dishes with local ingredients and always a Hong Kong flair.  Try the King's Cafe which overlooks the harbour about 100m north from the ferry pier and try their famous Giant Fresh Orange and Lemon Juice, or towards the south of the island in a square beyond the public market building is Coffee or Tea which serves both Cafe and Cantonese dishes in a delightful alfresco environment.

International Choices

Morocco's Bar - Serving both Pub Grub, traditional Indian Curry and Thai dishes this well established watering hole overlooks the sea from a location just next to the ferry pier. Try one of the international choices of beer to go with a Chicken Tika or Rogan Josh, and pair it with a Thai fried rice for some variety!

For comprehensive dining information, explore our complete authentic seafood and local food guide featuring traditional recipes, restaurant recommendations, and culinary heritage details.