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‘Classic’ Cantonese, splurge-worthy Japanese: an art curator’s go-to Hong Kong restaurants

Art Central 2026 curator Zoie Yung shares her favourite spots for Hong Kong comfort food, brunches, Chiu Chow bites and late-night skewers

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Snow crab with rice vermicelli at Godenya, a Japanese restaurant in Hong Kong’s Central neighbourhood that is among Zoie Yung’s favourite joints in the city. The Art Central 2026 programme curator also shares where she goes for great, affordable Cantonese food, Spanish bites and more. Photo: Dickson Lee
Andrew Sun

Zoie Yung is the programme curator for Hong Kong’s Art Central 2026, and has previously collaborated with the city’s art organisations including Tai Kwun Contemporary, Para Site, 1a Space and Hong Kong Visual Arts Centre. She spoke to Andrew Sun.

I am Cantonese by birth, but my culinary upbringing was quite hybrid. My parents were not big on cooking, so our family often ate at a local daa laang, or Chiu Chow-style evening dining restaurant.

I grew up with baby oyster congee and chilled “frozen fish” as staples of my childhood. However, we maintained one quintessential Cantonese tradition at home: slow-cooked soup. It was our daily, nourishing ritual.

Zoie Yung, the curator of Art Central 2026, had a “hybrid” culinary upbringing, with influences from Chiu Chow and Cantonese cuisines. Photo: courtesy of Zoie Yung
Zoie Yung, the curator of Art Central 2026, had a “hybrid” culinary upbringing, with influences from Chiu Chow and Cantonese cuisines. Photo: courtesy of Zoie Yung

My studio is tucked away near Jervois Street in Sheung Wan, so most of my daytime meals are in this neighbourhood. For a comforting lunch, I go to Hing Kee Coffee Shop (182 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan. Tel: 2549 3419).

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The ginger-based pork liver macaroni with shiitake mushrooms is especially soothing. It is right across from the Asia Art Archive, and many art world heavyweights are said to visit for the famous Hong Kong-style milk tea.

When I have a slower morning, Pica Pica (Shop G-H, G/F, Kai Tak Commercial Building, 317-321 Des Voeux Road Central, Sheung Wan. Tel: 2811 9880) is my go-to brunch spot. The quality is always excellent. I always finish the meal with the Basque burnt cheesecake.

Lamb neck, caramelised piquillo peppers and charred spring onions at Pica Pica in Sheung Wan. Photo: Pica Pica
Lamb neck, caramelised piquillo peppers and charred spring onions at Pica Pica in Sheung Wan. Photo: Pica Pica

When my team need to unwind late at night, we head to Skewer Kitchen (Shop A, G/F, 1 On Hing Terrace, Central. Tel: 6160 7368). It is perfect for quick snacks and cold drinks after hours. Since it stays open until early morning, it has become our unofficial after-party canteen.

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