If you’re planning a trip to Hong Kong and want a truly local restaurant, put Kau Kee Restaurant in Sheung Wan, Central, on your list.
Famous as a favorite of legendary actor Tony Leung, Kau Kee is more than a noodle shop; it’s called a sanctuary of local soul food that symbolizes Hong Kong’s culinary history.
Kau Kee is also known for long waits, cramped seating and mandatory table sharing, which can be a bit much for first-timers.
Yet there’s a reason people keep coming back despite the inconvenience:
the real taste of that one bowl.
Why Is Kau Kee So Popular?
1. A rich broth simmered for more than 8 hours
The signature at Kau Kee is the broth.
Every morning, beef brisket, herbal ingredients and 15 components in all are simmered for more than 8 hours into a deep, rich broth.
It looks a little oily in photos, but it actually tastes clean and savory.
2. Generous, melt-in-your-mouth beef toppings
The noodles come piled with thick, tender beef brisket and tendon.
When the soft meat, chewy noodles and rich broth come together,
you’ll understand right away why people line up for it.
3. A Michelin Bib Gourmand pick
Recognized for great value, Kau Kee made the Michelin Guide’s Bib Gourmand list.
It’s a trusted local favorite where you can enjoy top noodles at a reasonable price.
Kau Kee Menu Recommendations and Prices
The menu is divided into clear beef broth and curry broth,
then by noodle type (flat rice noodles, fried noodles and more) and cut of beef.
Prices are generally 70 to 75 HKD (about 12,000 to 13,000 won) as of 2025.
Pick 1: Beef brisket with flat rice noodles
The most basic and popular dish, showing off the depth of the clear broth.
Tender brisket on top lets you taste the essence of the soup.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Pick 2: Curry beef brisket and tendon noodles
The curry broth has a gentle heat and spice
that suits Korean tastes well.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Pick 3: Beef brisket with fried noodles
A unique dry-noodle style with rich beef sauce over crispy noodles.
Worth a try if you want a different texture.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Best Combo for Two
- First, clear beef brisket rice noodles
the basic dish for tasting Kau Kee’s original flavor in full
- Second, curry brisket and tendon noodles
a different flavor from spicy aromatics and tender meat
Try both broths and you’ll fully experience the world of Kau Kee.
Kau Kee Tips: Waiting, Manners and Cautions
- Location: Gough Street in Central, Hong Kong, about 5 minutes on foot from the Mid-Levels Escalator
- Waiting tip: avoid lunch and dinner peaks; visit right after opening (around 12:30) or between 3 and 4 p.m.
- Table sharing: sitting across from strangers at small tables is normal, so just go with it
- Hours: open Monday to Saturday, closed Sundays and public holidays; check before visiting
- Payment: cash only, no credit cards or e-payments
- Other tip: tissues aren’t provided, so bring your own
Kau Kee isn’t just a shop that sells beef noodles.
Cramped space, fast turnover and somewhat brusque service:
everything flows to the real rhythm of local Hong Kong.
Even so,
the deep comfort of that bowl of noodles will remain one of the most unforgettable moments of your Hong Kong trip.
Kau Kee Restaurant is a place with a clear reason to queue.
If I could eat only one meal in Hong Kong, I’d pick this place without hesitation.
Come meet your best-ever beef noodles here.
Prices, hours and details in this post are from our visit in October 2025 and may have changed, so check the latest information before you go.