In this economy, we could all use a little help stretching that HKD$100, right? It feels like the days of scoring a full meal for under that price are long gone. But fear not – we’ve done the legwork for you and uncovered some joints in Central and Sheung Wan where you can still enjoy a satisfying meal without breaking the bank. Here are 10 budget-friendly lunch sets that prove great meals don’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Let’s dive in!
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Yakiniku Like
For a satisfying barbecue experience, Yakiniku Like offers a solo dining concept that doesn’t skimp on quality. Hailing from Tokyo, this popular hitori yakiniku spot serves up set meals starting at just HKD$48, complete with rice, soup, and a side of kimchi or salad. Diners can choose from a variety of meats, including karubi beef, pork belly, Wagyu steak, and even a plant-based ‘Next Meat’ option. The entire process is designed for convenience: orders are placed via QR code for a mostly contactless experience, and each diner is equipped with their own smokeless grill to cook at their preferred pace. To take your meal to the next level, select from an array of dipping sauces – such as cheesy curry, spicy Korean sauce, or sesame dressing – that add a kick to every bite.
Yakiniku Like, Shop 270-273, 2/F, Shuk Tak Centre, 168-200 Connaught Road Central, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, 2875 9228, Instagram: @yakinikulikehk
Melt Fine Dessert & Burger
With Melt Fine Dessert & Burger’s HKD$98 set menu, you’re in for a treat with its selection of burgers, sandwiches, and pastas, all served with a side of salad and dessert. But let’s be real, you’ll want to skip the rest of the menu and head straight for the Cheese Sauce Burger – a juicy patty smothered in melted cheese, accompanied by crispy fries that are almost too good to share. If you’re in the mood for something a little different, the slow-cooked pulled pork sandwich with BBQ sauce and crunchy slaw is the kind of bite that’ll make you rethink your usual sandwich game. And when it’s time for dessert, go for the Tiramisu Mousse or Basque Cheesecake – both decadently rich, because why settle for anything less?
Melt Fine Dessert & Burger, G/F, 47 Gough Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, WhatsApp: 6996 2967, Instagram: @melt.dessert.burger
Bibigo Bapsang
A Korean feast awaits at Bibigo Bapsang, the flagship collaboration between Lai Sun Dining and Korea’s CJ CheilJedang. Designed for speed, the combo sets (starting from HKD$49) deliver comforting dishes in under five minutes. Choose from mains like spicy tteokbokki bibim noodles, kimchi pork soup, or sweet and spicy K-chicken rice, each paired with a side – such as kimchi, pickled vegetables, or crispy seaweed – and your choice of drink. For solid appetites, you can enhance your meal with add-ons like japchae or crispy fried mandu. Bright, modern, and efficient, Bibigo Bapsang brings the warmth of a traditional Korean bapsang table to the heart of Central.
Bibigo Bapsang, Shop B, G/F, Merlin Building, 32-34 Cochrane Street, Central, Hong Kong, 6431 4526, Instagram: @bibigo_bapsang_hk
JOM
At Jom, lunch is a celebration of Singapore’s hawker culture, redesigned to suit Hong Kong’s fast-paced dining scene. For HKD$98, the set lunch menu brings together comforting staples – aromatic laksa brimming with rich coconut broth, nasi lemak topped with crispy chicken and house-made sambal, and slow-cooked beef rendang that’s succulent and deeply spiced. With each bite, Jom brings an authentic taste of Singapore to Hong Kong, no plane ticket required.
JOM, 81 Wing Lok Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, 2809 2868, www.eatjom.com
Guzzle
Tucked away on Wellington Street, Guzzle is a hidden spot for those who appreciate the art of simplicity done right. Its sandwiches are brimming with creamy scrambled eggs and an array of meats like corned beef, satay beef, and the fan-favourite Genki sandwich, which tastes just like a burger. For something more filling, the Angus beef and truffle sandwich takes things up a notch, with caramelised onions and a rich egg yolk sauce stealing the show. Don’t forget to add on a refreshing iced milk tea for just HKD$7, a bargain that’s better than most cha chaan teng options.
Guzzle, Shop A2, G/F, Khuan Ying Commercial Building, 85-89 Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong, 9065 4597, Instagram: @guzzlehk
Ăn Chơi
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly yet Michelin-worthy lunch, Ăn Chơi is a must-try. This Vietnamese eatery serves freshly baked bánh mì for under HKD$80. Here, you can chow down on butter-baked snails and gỏi cuốn summer rolls while seated at steel tables beneath the bright yellow exterior. The lunch sets also come with a side of soup or salad, making it a steal for anyone craving authentic Vietnamese fare in a no-fuss setting.
Ăn Chơi, 15-17 Mercer Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, 5286 1517, www.anchoi.hk
Man Man Canteen
With grill sets starting at HKD$48, Man Man Canteen offers a hearty meal that includes tender wagyu, juicy steaks, or fresh seafood – all sizzling away on a hot stone right at your table. But the real kicker is the self-serve salad and soup station, where you can enjoy unlimited servings of fresh vegetables, soups, and sauces to perfectly complement your main dish. It’s the kind of place where you get incredible value for your money – delicious meals, generous portions, and an experience that leaves you more than satisfied.
Man Man Canteen, Basement, Peter Building, 58-60 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong, 2653 6678, Instagram: @manman_canteen
Tommy Yummy
You’ve likely spotted Tommy Yummy while going on the Mid-Levels escalators – with its greenery-filled interiors and flashy neon signs, it’s impossible to overlook. But this modern Thai café is more than just a pretty face. For lunch, it offers a set menu starting at HKD$88, packed with variety. Expect classics like Pad Thai, Tom Yum Noodle, and Green Curry Chicken, each accompanied by a complimentary snack – think fish cakes, papaya salad, or chicken wings – plus a refreshing drink to complete the meal.
Tommy Yummy, 1/F, Jade Centre, 98 Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2323 1778, Instagram: @tommyyummyhk
Homurice
Offering Japanese-style Western food that’s tasty and speedy, Homurice is proof that good things may come in unassuming packages. Our recommendation? The signature Japanese Beef Omurice (HKD$92), a silky omelette wrapping perfectly seasoned rice, complemented by a rich Japanese curry sauce. For something with a bit more crunch, try the Katsu Curry Omurice, where the crispy pork cutlet is paired with a velvety sauce, all served alongside a bowl of soup and a slice of tamago.
Homurice, G/F, 33 Stanley Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2881 5628, Instagram: @homuricehk
YA:JANG
Did you catch our reel about YA: JANG? If not, you’re missing out on a spot that’s been getting a ton of attention – and for good reason! Not only does this retro Korean BBQ restaurant dish up mouthwatering pot rice sets starting at just HKD$88, but it’s also got that 1990s Seoul vibe – complete with oppas. These model-worthy grill masters don’t just serve looks – they grill your meats to perfection right at your table, ensuring that every bite is as delicious as the service.
YA:JANG, G/F 52 Bonham Strand West, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, Instagram: @yajang_hk
Catherine Pun
A Hong Kong native with Filipino-Chinese roots, Catherine infuses every part of her life with zest, whether she’s belting out karaoke tunes or exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations. Her downtime often includes unwinding with Netflix and indulging in a 10-step skincare routine. As the Editorial Director of Friday Club., Catherine brings her wealth of experience from major publishing houses, where she refined her craft and even authored a book. Her sharp editorial insight makes her a dynamic force, always on the lookout for the next compelling narrative.
