Mak’s Noodle

Mak's Noodle is one of the best-known wonton noodle shops in Hong Kong. The family business goes back to an eatery in Guangzhou founded before the Second World War by Mak Woon-chi. His son later ran an open-air food stall in Central from 1968, and in 1989 the family revived the business on Wellington Street, where the shop still stands. It is now run by Mak Chi-ming, a third-generation descendant, and the recipe is said to have changed little since his grandfather's time. The shop has been featured by international media including CNN and TIME.

The signature is wonton noodles: fresh shrimp wontons with a bouncy texture and springy duck egg noodles. This is the dish to order on a first visit, and the menu is short enough that you can add a second item without much deliberation. If you are hungry, order a side dish as well to make a full meal.

This is quick, casual dining, and a meal might take only 20 minutes. Prices are low. Queues are common at lunchtime, when office workers from Central arrive, so mid-afternoon is a calmer time to visit. It is also an easy place to eat alone, as turnover is fast and nobody lingers over a bowl of noodles.

It suits solo travellers, couples and anyone exploring Central on foot who wants a classic local bite. It is a good choice for a light lunch between sights rather than a long meal. The business now has several branches around Hong Kong, including in Causeway Bay, Jordan, Olympian City and China Hong Kong City, as well as one in Macau, but the Wellington Street shop remains the classic place to go.

Family history adds to the story: the founder is said to have once cooked for Chiang Kai-shek, and other relatives have opened their own noodle shops in the city over the years.

Mak's Noodle is in the heart of Central, within walking distance of the MTR. The Chairman is further west along the same street, Yat Lok is close by on Stanley Street, and Tai Kwun on Hollywood Road is only a few minutes away, which makes it easy to fit a bowl into a morning of sightseeing. Check the official website for branch details before you go.