Bento Express
Hmmm, cheap sushi, we’re staying away from that. But the duck breast is so yummy. They also do honey-licked barbeque whole chicken legs. $19 and up. Shop D, G/F, Chong Hing Square, 601 Nathan Rd, Mong Kok, 2771 3835.

Big John
Pork chop and waffle smothered in condensed milk – wonderful as a combination, or eat separately if you for some reason prefer a healthy tummy. The pork is battered thickly before being tossed into the deep fryer, and this fryer has seen A LOT of chops. Note: ignore the black oil for an enjoyable meal. Meal for one: $40. G/F, 17 Lock Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2739 6035.

Café Zen
An eatery dedicated to inner peace and healthy eats in a non-descript building. The menu is entirely in Chinese, but wangle your way to some crispy spring rolls, vegetable curries, and pasta dishes loaded with veges. They menu changes often, but that’s to keep the regulars happy. $46 and up. Shop 1301-1302, 13/F, Dundas Square, 43H Dundas St, Mong Kok, 9606 2086.

Chips Republic
A hangover’s dream. The owners of Burger Republic launched this place to satisfy their potato-loving audience. You can have your fat chips smothered in chilli con carne, curry, gravy or cheese. Shop 2312, The Grand Cinema, Elements Mall, 1 Austin Rd West, West Kowloon, no phone.

Mosse de Cafe
Pizzas, baked rice, seafood lo-mein all make an appearance at this outdoor café. There’s a nice vibe at this outdoor café, which sports deck chairs and umbrellas and serves up pizzas, baked rice and seafood lo mein. Great for a sunny day. Meal for one: around $70. G/F, Shop No.31-33, FHP Shopping Centre, 31-41 Mody Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2312 2353.

New York Fries
French fries are the new sushi. Well, let’s hope that’s the case. Here another chip shop has won the hearts of Hong Kong’s picky snackers. Four must-haves: cheese, sour cream, gravy, jalapenos. Gets our lips smacking just thinking of it. $41. Shop 2602, The Gateway Arcade, Harbour City, 17 Canton Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, 3106 4686.

Happy Together Delicatessen
Sugar and cream makes everything nice – well, except for their durian soufflé. Skip that and go for the super-high chocolate soufflé served in individual cups with chocolate sauce and a big scoop of ice cream. Shop 2, G/F, 5-6 Hau Fook St, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2311 6078.

Initial Café
Cafés inside designer shops were a thing of 2008, but somehow we can’t shake this one off. This rustic-shabby-chic cafeteria is situated around retail items, but they serve items that don’t stink up the merchandise. So, we have the American big breakfast with scrambled eggs, hot dogs and waffles, Croque-monsieur, squid ink pasta, and croissant sandwiches. Meal for one: around $50. Shop 2, G/F, 48 Cameron Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2311 4223.

Mister Softee
We have a soft spot for Softee. So when the song comes on, we go running. $7 for a swirl. Parked on Haiphong Rd, opposite Silvercord, Tsim Sha Tsui.

Peking Shui Gau Shop
We’re hungry just thinking about this place. Their hot and sour soup is one of the best we’ve had in Hong Kong, but if you’re just looking for a quick filler, then put the menu down and ask for a bowl of dumplings topped with preserved vegetables and shredded pork, or vinegary pork ribs braised until it falls from the bone over vegetable rice. Eating doesn’t get better than this. Meal for one: around $50. Shop A2, 15B, Austin Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2368 3028.

Sun Kee
They love their cheese sauce here. It goes on everything. But it most famously lathers their pork cheek served with egg noodles. Imagine mac’n’cheese with slices of pan-fried cheeks. We’re salivating again. Shop 13-14, G/F, 16-20 Kimberly Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2722 4555.

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