Dining tips

From service charges to reservations, get useful insights into dining in Hong Kong.

Dine at QTS Scheme Restaurants
You can trust restaurants displaying the QTS sign because they must pass stringent annual quality assessments showing that they:

Provide quality food in clean and hygienic premises;
Provide clear and precise menus with prices for food and beverages; and
Ensure superb customer service.

The Quality Tourism Services (QTS) Scheme is organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, which also provides assistance for enquiries about purchases from shops, restaurants and accommodation accredited by the QTS Scheme. Find QTS Scheme Restaurants.

Reservations
Popular restaurants are often busy during lunchtime (1–2pm), at night and on weekends, so it is a good idea to make a reservation.

Dress code
Casual wear is acceptable in most restaurants. Some high-end restaurants have dress codes, so please check upon reservation. As most premises are air-conditioned, you might need a light sweater or jacket.

Additional charges
In some restaurants, it is common for waiters to automatically bring tea, condiments and non-ordered snacks that will be charged to your bill. Please check with the waiter about such additional charges before being seated.

Seafood items
Prices of seafood items are often charged by weight and can vary by season. Different restaurants use different systems to weigh the food, so be sure to confirm the price before ordering. Also, in situations where the fish is purchased outside the restaurant, such as in Lei Yue Mun, cooking charges are added to the price.

Service charge
Most restaurants add 10 per cent to the bill. However, some tea cafes do not impose service charges. Please check with the waiter about the charges before being seated.

Credit card payments
Most Hong Kong restaurants accept credit cards. Check the credit card slip before signing it and remember to take your receipt. Credit card companies and/or banks issuing the cards may charge a currency-exchange fee on overseas purchases. Please check with your credit card issuer for further details.

Hawkers (food carts)
Occasionally, you may see someone selling food from a street cart. Cooked food, puddings, Hong Kong-style milk tea or egg waffles, and many other foods can be found at the hawker street carts.

Smoking ban
Smoking is prohibited in all indoor public places, including restaurants, karaoke venues, malls and bars. The smoking ban is also implemented on public transport carriers, public transport facilities and in both indoor and outdoor areas of some premises such as public beaches and swimming pools, escalators and the Hong Kong Wetland Park. Any person who smokes or carries a lighted cigarette, cigar, or pipe in designated no-smoking areas will be liable to a fixed penalty of HK$1,500. Please click here for details.

Plastic Shopping Bag Charge
All retail businesses in Hong Kong are required to charge a minimum levy of HK$1 for each plastic shopping bag provided to customers. It also applies to the airtight foodstuff packaging provided by restaurants. Avoid the levy and be environmentally responsible by bringing your own bag. See here for details.

Say no to single-use plastics
Hong Kong has taken a significant step towards environmental sustainability. Restaurants and merchant are no longer providing disposable plastic tableware such as straws, cutlery, cups, and takeaway containers. We are also putting an end to the free distribution of plastic products in hotel rooms. With the use of plant-based alternatives and reducing plastic waste, we can make a positive impact on our environment and ensure the long-term well-being of our city. For more information, please click here.

Consumer assistance
Always keep your receipts and if you have any problems, contact the following organisations regarding:

Consumer rights
Consumer Council
+852 2929 2222 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5:30pm)
During non-office hours, leave a message at the above hotline number, and the Consumer Council will revert within three working days.