Hkia Food

5/27/2014 Local Expert Jessy De Borja for Hong Kong on PlanetEye
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Hong Kong
Jessy De Borja
Local Expert
Jessy De Borja
Full Article
Hong Kong International Airport: Foodie's
Paradise
Review
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
If Tom Hanks, as seen in the movie "Terminal", had been stuck at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) or
Chek Lap Kok as the locals know it, he may have never wanted to leave. I, personally, think it's the finest
airport in the world, Singapore or Amsterdam, notwithstanding.

Incredible shopping aside, it has the widest range and largest number of eating establishments in one place, I've
ever seen. In trying to organize this article, I was flummoxed. Should I do it by type of restaurant, by cuisine, by
price or by location? I finally decided alphabetical by location would be the most convenient differentiator and
so that you can follow along I've provided a link to an interactive map of the airport with dining choices one of
the interactive options.

There are two terminals at HKIA. Terminal One is by far the busiest. Terminal Two has the advantage of
allowing passengers to eat in uncrowded conditions. They are both within easy walking distance of one another
so you are free to choose no matter what Terminal you checked in at. The boarding gates serve both terminals
so if you, like me, do not want to delay going through immigration or you are a Transfer passenger, you can still
get a fine meal in the departure area, even out on the Gate Concourses.

I, obviously, have not eaten at all of the restaurants, I will be listing and evaluating. In some cases, I have been at
their in-town facilities and will offer my opinion of the quality of the food based on that experience. If I've heard
good or bad things about a place I'll add that information, too.

Terminal One, Unrestricted, Departure Check-in Area, Levels 7 and 8.

A Hereford Beefstouw Steak House
A very good, though pricey, steak and seafood restaurant on the mezzanine (level 8) just before immigration.
The service was adequate but not great the one time I was there. Good wine list. Owned and operated by
Grappa's, the well known Hong Kong Italian restaurant chain.

Ben & Jerry's
Great ice cream but be prepared to gulp when you see the prices. Same as in town but - wow! There are very
few places to sit down. You might want to wait until you go through immigration where there is another outlet
and lots of seating.

Caffe Ritazza
Located below the mezzanine. Since I prefer Pacific Coffee, I've never tried this place. Not much seating.
Offers coffees, teas, iced drinks, sandwiches and pastries.

Energetic Juice Bar
Located below the mezzanine. More a grab and go place with very little seating. Since you have to drink
everything before the security area, I suggest you wait to slake your thirst until after Immigration and Security.

Fairwood
Located below the mezzanine. Just as many Chinese restaurants in the West prepare their dishes for Western
tastes so do Fairwood and others like it prepare Western food for Chinese tastes. Even the cafeteria style
Chinese food is blah. Its most redeeming feature is that it's cheap. There are so many good Asian restaurants; it
would be a shame to waste your time here.

Grappa's Bar & Italian Restaurant
An excellent Northern Italian Restaurant located on the Mezzanine (level 8). While I've never eaten at this
location, I can unreservedly recommend the restaurant based on years of patronage at their in-town locations.
They have a good wine list. In the evenings, a small trio plays live music.

Hang Heung's Kitchen
A quite good Chinese restaurant with dishes from many of China's provinces. Sit-down service on the
mezzanine (level 8). A bit pricey for a Chinese restaurant but worth it.

Maxim's Chinese Restaurant
A Hong Kong institution. This facility is located on the mezzanine (level 8). Excellent Cantonese cuisine. Very
good Dim Sum. Sit-down service.

Lost City of Snacks
Located below the mezzanine. With only six stools, this place can become crowded - the reason being it's the
best bargain in the airport. Want get rid of your Hong Kong coins? Buy a BBQ pork bun or a dish of noodles.
If you missed going to a dai pai dong (street noodle bar) while running around Hong Kong, this food is what you
missed. How they can afford the rent with their prices is beyond my understanding.

Pacific Coffee
Located before the check-in counters on the left. Hong Kong's Pacific Coffee shops are my favorites as
opposed to Starbucks and a few others. Thry've been around longer than anyone else and generally have better
pastries and sandwiches. This venue also provides Wi-Fi access not available in other parts of the airport. A
good spot for some of those last minute e-mails.

Popeye's Chicken & Biscuits
This is one of two outlets and is located below the mezzanine. Eating fast food fried chicken is not my idea of the
best way to prepare for a long flight. I've had Popeye's chicken in other airports and have never been that
impressed. I doubt if I'll try it here.

Terminal Two, Unrestricted, Departure Check-in Area, Levels 5 and 6 (sometimes called Sky Plaza)

Caveat Emptor: While I am familiar with some of these restaurants, I have never actually eaten in Terminal Two.
I almost always check in at the Airport Express and go through immigration and Security immediately after
arrival at HKIA.

Interestingly, it has more restaurants than the departure area in Terminal One.

Barbecue Plus
Shop 097: This is cafeteria style fast food Chinese BBQ. Not to be confused with Western BBQ. Seating is
shared with other restaurants but is ample.

Burger King
Shop 096: What, no McDonald's? If you've had a Burger King hamburger anywhere, this location will provide
no surprises. Seating is shared with other restaurants but is ample.

Chao Inn
Shop 033: A Hong Kong style coffee shop, Chao Inn offers a complete menu of Cantonese dishes, coffees and
teas as well as juices and other liquid concoctions. I've not tried this outlet but I always enjoy visiting these type
of places because of the hubbub and people watching opportunities. Since the Chao Inn is in the airport, it may
not provide the same kind of ambiance. Plenty of "sit-down and be served" tables.

Double Star Cafe & Restaurant
Shop 093: As I said in an earlier review, "Just as many Chinese restaurants prepare their dishes for Western
tastes so do Fairwood and others like it prepare Western food for Chinese tastes." This is one of the others. Its
prices are reasonable and you can sit down and order.

Famous Famiglia
Shop 096: Shared with Burger King. Fast food New York style pizza served by the slice. Evidently there are
other outlets in U.S. airports, though I've never seen one. Might be worth a try. Seating is shared with other
restaurants but is ample.

Green Cottage Vietnamese Restaurant
Shop 032: I have eaten at The Green Cottage in town and the food was good if not spectacular. I do enjoy
"Asian food with French Characteristics" to paraphrase Deng Xiao Peng and therefore do recommend that you
give this place a try, especially if you've never eaten Vietnamese food before.

Habibi Cafe
Shop 171 on Level 5: I suspect this place may be a little hard to find nestled away on a different floor but it is the
only venue available for anyone who requires Halal food. The menu looks quite good and, as with much
Middle-Eastern food, will allow you to board your plane without feeling stuffed.

Hang Fa Lau
Shop 025 on Level 5: Another level 5 eatery that serves good Cantonese food, at a sit-down venue.

Heineken Bar
Shop 032: There is always time for a beer and this may be a good place to enjoy draft Heineken and other
potables. It is also the only bar in the airport that does not serve food.

Honolulu Cafe
Shop 037A: This outlet offers the famous Hong Kong Egg Tarts, which are a delight to eat. You can watch the
bakers produce them, also. Honolulu Caf also offers all kinds of baked goods as well as light snacks and
sandwiches. Lots of seating available.

Itamae Sushi
Shop 037B: If you want your sushi delivered on a conveyer belt, this is the place to go. You can also watch the
chefs make the sushi in the middle of the sushi parade. I have no evidence of problems but, personally, I avoid
eating uncooked seafood that isn't made to order.

Krispy Kreme
Shop 015: Krispy Kreme recently closed six of its Hong Kong stores but kept the two airport locations
operating. I love the taste of Krispy Kreme doughnuts even while realizing they aren't good for me. To
exacerbate matters, it appears that Krispy Kreme doughnuts in Hong Kong contain lots of trans-fats which are
not present in the U.S. products - "Fast Food Colonialism"? On a positive note they offer 15 varieties with less
sugar to appeal to Asian tastes.

Macao Harbour Restaurant
Shop 028: Macanese food, a blend of Portuguese and Cantonese cooking, has until recently only been available
in Macao. Now, it's at HKIA. I suggest you try the Portuguese Chicken, and some of the seafood dishes. This
is a sit-down restaurant with internet access.

Pret A Manger
Shop 118 on Level 5: if you want a quick, but well-prepared, sandwich or salad, it would be worth your while
to go down to Level 5 and visit this outlet. My wife, Pam, and I regularly patronize our neighborhood Pret A
Manger because its prices are reasonable and the food is fresh and healthy. There is plenty of seating at this
location.

Qian Shao Bai Wei
Shop 118, Level 3: One of the few shops at this level, this outlet, owned and operated by Maxim's Group,
offers Chinese barbecue meat (Siu Mei) a number of different ways as well as other Chinese fast food choices.
By and large, Maxim restaurants are a good value and their food is above average.

QQ Rice
Shop 115, Level 3: Another Level 3 choice, QQ Rice offers "grab and go" rice cakes as well as other packaged
rice products. They have very limited seating. QQ Rice is owned and operated by the West Dragon Group
whose other restaurants I've patronized and enjoyed.

Saint Honore Cake Shop
Shop 117 on Level 3: This bakery gives you another good reason to wend your way down to Level 3,
especially if your sweet tooth needs feeding. The baked goods are extraordinary and include some non- sugary
items like sausage buns. There is ample shared seating.

Sarangchae
Shop 125, Level 5: I know almost nothing about this Korean restaurant except that it has an exceptional view.
This sit-down restaurant has lots of seating but it appears no "cook it yourself" barbecue at the tables as in other
Korean restaurants.

Sawasdee Thai
Shop 035: There are hundreds of Thai restaurants in Hong Kong. If you missed them all on your visit, here's
your last chance to sample Thai cuisine. This is a "sit-down and order" restaurant. I'm not familiar with the
quality of the food or the service.

Shanghai Lao Lao
Shop 034: This fast food outlet features Shanghai "Home Style" food. While some of the dishes are similar to
their Cantonese counterparts there are many different treats you might want to try. The prices here are
reasonable so you can experiment without hurting your wallet, too much. There is ample shared seating.

Starbucks Coffee
I personally prefer Pacific Coffee but Starbucks has become ubiquitous in Hong Kong. There are three outlets
at HKIA. This is one of them. Limited Seating.

The Baltic
Shop 036: Someday, I'll figure out why a Japanese fast food outlet is named "The Baltic". It features curries and
ramen noodles. I am not familiar with the quality of the food. There is ample shared seating.

Tian Xia Dumplings
Shop 032: I love stuffed Cantonese dumplings. That might explain why some people think I look like a
dumpling. You can "grab and go", eating your dumpling(s) on the way to the gate or you can sit down at this
location and enjoy a selection of them.

Wong Chi Kee
Shop 051: While some might consider this a fast-food shop, the noodles served here are exceptionally good and
are made in the traditional manner. Next to dumplings, I love noodles and this would be a good place to get
them. You can also buy packaged noodles here. Unfortunately the seating is limited.

Terminal One, Unrestricted, Arrivals' Meeters and Greeters Hall, Level 5

If you find yourself waiting to meet someone whose flight is delayed and you don't have time to walk over to
Terminal Two, this area has a number of places where you can grab a quick bite to eat.

Ajisen Ramen
In addition to Ramen noodles this fast food outlet offers other snack dishes. Limited shared seating. Plan on
eating standing up.

Burger King
What, no McDonald's? As mentioned earlier, if you've had a Burger King hamburger anywhere, this location
will provide no surprises. I'm not sure about the seating arrangements at this location.

Cafe de Coral
Like the Fairwood, mentioned earlier, cafeteria style Caf de Coral serves very blah western and Chinese food
at an extremely reasonable price. There would be two reasons to go here. One, it's very inexpensive or two,
you've had enough spicy, pricey food on this trip and just want something plain and cheap. There is plenty of
seating.

Genki Sushi
A Japanese friend told me she'd go hungry rather than eat at any of the Genki outlets. Even though the Japanese
are obsessive about their food, I took her advice and have never visited one of these restaurants. However, in
town, they are always crowded. I think because they offer the cheapest sushi in Hong Kong. This is a conveyer
belt sushi place with ample seating.

Hui Lau Shan
Chinese desserts, as you may know, are not at all like Western desserts. For one thing, they are healthier
because they have far less sugar and often contain sago or coconut or fresh fruit. If you haven't already, try one
of these desserts. You may be pleasantly surprised at how tasty and healthful they are.

Krispy Kreme
If you crave an unhealthy dessert there's always Krispy Kreme. As mentioned earlier, it appears that Krispy
Kreme doughnuts in Hong Kong contain lots of trans-fats which are not present in the U.S. products. On a
positive note they offer 15 varieties with less sugar to appeal to Asian tastes.

Maxim's Deluxe
This is a "grab and go" bakery outlet with no nearby seating. As I mentioned earlier, by and large, Maxim outlets
are a good value and their food is above average.
MiX
This chain has opened outlets all over Hong Kong. It's basically a juice, healthy snacks and wraps bar. The only
place, also, in the airport where you can get a smoothie. It has very limited seating.

Oliver's Super Sandwiches
Oliver's Super Sandwiches shops are a favorite lunch-time destination in Hong Kong. They basically provide
food to go, not eat in. Sandwiches are made to order and are quite good even if a little pricey. Nearby seating
for this place is shared.

The Green Market
This is basically a soup and salad buffet outlet. It also serves noodles, other snacks and gelato. It has ample
seating within the shop. Something most of the other establishments in this area do not have.

The Spaghetti House
The pasta served here is strictly for Asian tastes. The sauces tend to be bland. I prefer a spicier approach
which I can get at Grappa's or Wildfire. On the other hand, the prices here are very reasonable, the service is
speedy and you can sit at your table and relax.

Terminal One, restricted, Departure East Hall, Level 7

After passing through Immigration and Security, You are in the restricted area reserved for those with tickets.
Unfortunately for all, except the chosen few, some of the best eating at the airport is available only here. East
Hall has both full service restaurants and a Food Court with plenty of shared seating.

Ah Yee Leng Tong
Owned by the aforementioned Caf de Coral Group, this is an upscale Chinese restaurant with sit-down service
and everything from dim sum to Cantonese banquet type dishes. I've never eaten here but chances are it's pretty
good.

Ben & Jerry's
As I pointed out earlier, "Great ice cream but be prepared to gulp when you see the prices". The nice thing
about getting your fix here is that you can sit down at a table, especially gratifying if you bought a dish instead of
a cone.

Burger King
What, no McDonald's? As mentioned earlier, if you've had a Burger King hamburger anywhere, this location
will provide no surprises. Plenty of shared seating available.

Cafe Deco
I've reviewed Caf Deco at length in a previous article titled: Caf Deco - Not a Tourist Trap. They have a
wonderfully eclectic menu featuring Western, South Asian and East Asian dishes plus an oyster bar. The only
items I cannot recommend are the pastas - very pedestrian. To provide a totally non-airport ambiance, a live
band is featured Tuesday through Sunday nights. It's not often one can find such a distinguished eatery inside an
airport.

Cafe de Coral
To repeat an earlier mention, cafeteria style Caf de Coral serves very blah western and Chinese food at
extremely reasonable prices. There would be two reasons to go here. One, it's very inexpensive or two, you've
had enough spicy, pricey food on this trip and just want something plain and cheap. There is plenty of seating.

Champions' Sports Bar
Whenever I am unable to access a VIP lounge and I have an hour or more to kill, I come here. In addition to a
huge T.V., there are snooker and foosball tables. The menu is a typical for an American sports bar with a
couple pleasant surprises like bacon wrapped prawns. They also have my favorite beer, Stella Artois, on tap
along with an extensive list of bottled beers.

King's Palace Congee & Noodle
If you are in a bit of a hurry but want to have one more Chinese meal before you leave, this is a good place to do
it. Sit-down dining but speedy efficient service with reasonable prices. If you are on a morning flight, try an
authentic Cantonese breakfast of congee and black tea.

Millie's Cookies
This Mrs. Field's-like shop offers the same type of food: cookies, muffins, and coffee. Plenty of shared seating.

Pak Loh Chiu Chow Express
If you've missed partaking of Chiu Chow cuisine on this trip here's your chance to sample a fast food version.
I've walked by this place but never tried it. Plenty of shared seating.

Popeye's Chicken & Biscuits
This is the other Popeye's outlet and if you don't want to follow my advice about flying on a full stomach of fast
food fried chicken, this is your chance to belly up, so to speak. Plenty of seating, too.

Wildfire
While I've never eaten at this particular outlet, Wildfire is an upscale chain my wife, Pam, and I irregularly visit
mostly on Sunday evenings. In some ways it reminds me of TGI Fridays. You can eat a full meal or just snack.
The pizzas are particularly good. A full bar overlooks one of the runways.

Terminal One, restricted, Departures Central Concourse, Gates 20-39, Level 6

Espressamente Illy
Between Gates 27 and 29: An Italian-style cafe featuring Illy coffee but also serving alcoholic beverages, and
snacks like sandwiches, individual pizzas, pasta and desserts. Limited seating. Good place to wait if your flight
is delayed at the last minute.

Terminal One, restricted, Departures, Food Junction, West Hall, Level 6

If you are leaving from gates 34 and up, you will be taking the train out to West Hall. At the top of the escalator,
you will find Food Junction at the junction of the Southeast and Northwest concourses.

Caviar House & Prunier Seafood Bar
This is a very upscale eatery. Caviar, salmon, champagne, exotic vodkas are a few of the offerings here. Items
are priced accordingly. This is a fairly new addition to the HKIA dining scene. Food is prepared when ordered.
This seems like a bit of a weird location for such a fancy establishment but, if you are up for it, I think you will
have a good experience.

Chen Fu Ji
Part of a Singapore chain of restaurants, evidently this place offers Singaporean food. I suspect they try to
emulate Hawker type eats. I doubt very much if you'll find "chili crab" though. I know very little about this
outlet. Seating is shared and ample.

Itacho Sushi
Itacho Sushi is an upscale sushi restaurant. No conveyer belts here. I'm not a big sushi fan so I can't evaluate
this place but I suspect it would be quite good. Ample seating.

Millie's Cookies
If you missed your cookie fix in East Hall you have another chance here. As I pointed out in an earlier comment,
this Mrs. Field's-like shop offers the same type of food, cookies, muffins, and coffee. Plenty of shared seating.

Panopolis
This branch or franchise is one of a number of international airport outlets offering sandwiches, pastries and
drinks. Plenty of shared seating available.

Precious Congee
Cantonese Congee is great in the morning or for lunch. This outlet offers a number of variations. They also
serve "rice sheet" rolls. This is a self-serve fast food outlet. Ample shared seating is available.

Terminal One, restricted, Departures Northwest Concourse, Level 6

My Nosh Cafe
Near Gate 65: A coffee shop with a deli-like name that serves mostly western snack type items, beverages and
desserts. Limited seating.

Taiwan Beef Noodle
Near Gate 65: Taiwan food is very eclectic because of the many outside influences over the centuries. Noodles
in beef stock is a standard fast food offering. This outlet seves mainly snack items. Seating is limited.

Terminal One, restricted, Departures Southeast Concourse, Level 6

Starbucks Coffee
Near Gate 45: I personally prefer Pacific Coffee but Starbucks has become ubiquitous in Hong Kong. There
are three outlets at HKIA. This is one of them. Limited Seating.

Terminal One, restricted, Departures South Concourse, Level 6

Segafredo Espresso Bar
Near Gate 3: World-wide chain serving espresso and sandwiches. Limited seating.

Terminal One, restricted, Departures North Concourse, Level 6

Starbucks Coffee
Near Gate 7: I personally prefer Pacific Coffee but Starbucks has become ubiquitous in Hong Kong. There are
three outlets at HKIA. This is one of them. Limited Seating.

That's it! 66 chances to enjoy some of the best airport food in the world.

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