Nobody does breakfasts better than Hong Kong. From flaky egg tarts and nourishing congee to high-end champagne breakfasts, these are the best insider eats for early risers
May Chow is more than just a chef. Ever since she scaled the heights and achieved the coveted title of Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2017, the Canadian-born Hong Kong-based restaurateur has risen to international acclaim for her progressive East-meets-West cuisine. You might find the charismatic chef on screens too as she made cameos on judging panels of renowned reality television shows such as Masterchef Asia and Top Chef USA and even Anthony Bourdain’s Parts Unknown.
Today, she runs Little Bao in Causeway Bay and Central, Hong Kong, a wildly popular casual concept where she slings out tongue-in-cheek twists on American grub peppered with Asian influences. More recently, Chow teased Little Bao over a two-day pop-up—in collaboration with Junior the Pocket Bar—to appease her hungry fans in Singapore. Think thick greasy chicken sliders and the ultra-savoury sliced beef onion stir fry fries. To no surprise, there were lines outside the doors and her buns quickly sold out.
While Chow was here, Tatler Dining caught up with her to find out where she goes for the best breakfast back home in Hong Kong. Here are her recommendations, in no particular order.
Read more: Where do Singapore’s top bartenders head to for amazing cocktails in Hong Kong?
Luk Yu Tea House
“Make no mistake because this is a dim sum institution. With the closure of Lin Heung during the pandemic, finding a nostalgic dim sum spot has become a rarity. That’s why I recommend Luk Yu. Rumour has it that a little tip to the servers might secure you a coveted ground-floor seat in the morning. Otherwise, most visitors find themselves upstairs. As a bastion of Chinese tradition, many regulars have their preferred spots. Opt for the rarer—and old-school—finds like beef siu mai, big chicken bao and plenty more. While not as polished as modern versions, they offer a high-quality taste of old Hong Kong nostalgia.”
Luk Yu Tea House
Address: 24-26 Stanley Street, Central, Hong Kong