Shing Heung Yuen
On the weekends, the line outside this dai pai dong can run down the entire block. But it’s a short wait as most diners eat and are rushed out. Their secret weapon: tomato beef macaroni soup and super-thick toast with condensed milk. Cash only. $22 and up. 2 Mei Lun St, Central, 2544 8368.

Big Dog
At first sight, the food here looks like the imitation hot dogs found at any snack shop – but one bite will prove otherwise. Here, dogs are treated like burgers where toppings include sautéed mushrooms, bacon and pineapple. If you care for a naked dog, we suggest the Italian. Starting at $23 a dog. Shop 5, 414 Queen’s Rd West, Sai Ying Pun, 2858 3611.

Bun Me
It’s amazing how happy this sandwich makes us. It really is the perfect combination: pate spread on a toasted bun, loaded up with pork, chicken, beef or tofu. What makes it is the tangy chilli vinaigrette and pickled carrots and daikon. Sandwiches start at $33. Shop A, Senfat Bldg, 6 Bonham Strand, Sheung Wan, 2581 0000.

Dofu Fa Stand
Small pots of steamed tofu custard served in a Styrofoam container and a plastic spoon, all in a small alley way. Purists will enjoy it as is, but you can ask them to add cane sugar for a bit of sweetness. There are no set hours, so we suggest you pop by after lunch. $9. No address – find it just under the escalator by Dozo on Lyndhurst Terrace.

Dumpling Yuan
Dumplings here are made fresh and tossed into the pot as soon as an order comes through. Also check the menu for great Beijing dishes, such as shredded chicken with glass noodles in peanut sauce, marinated beef shins, and vinegary braised spareribs. Oh so good. G/F, 69 Wellington St, Central, 2525 9018.

Gingko House
This house of casual dining is run by retired people. Pick from a menu filled with pastas, soups and pizzas, or just ask grandpa what’s good. He’ll know best. Lunch for one: around $100. G/F, 44 Gough St, Central, 2545 1200.

Kau Kee Restaurant
A famous beef brisket shop packed day and night with diners. The brisket is deep in flavour and the broth comes from the same unwashed pot that brews the tasty beef stock over and over again. G/F, 21 Gough St, Central, 2815 0123.

Le Salon De The & La Boutique
Probably the most expensive eatery on our list, but $48 will get you one tasty curry chicken, or a ham and cheese sandwich. The bread is wonderfully chewy – make sure your teeth are in strong shape before ordering. Shop 315, 3/F, The Landmark, 16 Des Voeux Rd Central, Central, 2166 9088.

Sweet Secrets
We don’t come for their desserts, but for the quiches ($22). The menu varies from day to day, but they make a delicious crust that keeps us coming back. Pair the quiche with a small salad and you’ve got yourself quite a meal. 35 Graham St, Central, 2545 8886.

Shanghai Lane
Thank you for not serving overpriced Chinese food on a street that commands top dollar for everything from bottled beer to designer paper clips. At this Chinese diner, foodies are treated to handmade dumplings, thin slices of beef shin marinated in vinaigrette, and peanut butter-tinged shredded chicken with bean noodles. 35-37 Gough St, Central, 2850 7788.

Tsim Chai Kee Noodle
Known for their king prawn wontons on noodles, their other toppings – huge fish balls and chunky beef strips – are not to be sneezed at either. Complement it with a plate of fresh choi sum with a liberal dose of oyster sauce for maximum yum. Meal for one: around $20. Shop B, G/F Jade Centre, 98 Wellington St, Central, 2850 6471.

Wine O’Clock
In the ghost town of Cyberport lives the kitschiest diner we’ve set foot into – a glam white cavern. Grab cheap bowls of pho from the Southeast Asian-themed menu and ignore the incongruous name. Meal for one: $100. Shop 208, The Arcade, Cyberport, 2989 6119.

Cheap Eats by Neighbourhood:
Mong Kok and Jordan
Wan Chai and Causeway Bay
Kowloon East and Hung Hom
Hong Kong Island East
Tsim Sha Tsui
Central and Western