
Updated: September 15, 2026
Lunch in Central doesn’t have to mean a hefty bill — or a restaurant that raises an eyebrow at a stroller. Between the towers and the tailors, there’s a brilliant line-up of budget-friendly eateries serving everything from dim sum to Chinese comfort classics, with meals from under HK$100 to HK$258. Here’s where to eat well in Central without breaking the bank.
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Where can I take kids for a cheap lunch in Central?
You do not need a hotel buffet. BaseHall in Jardine House has vendors from about HK$38 and combos around HK$100. One Dim Sum on Lyndhurst Terrace serves buns from HK$12 and dumplings from HK$16. Shake Shack at IFC has a Shack Burger for HK$60 plus fries, with outdoor harbour seating. See more family tables in the Top 60 family-friendly restaurants in Hong Kong.
How much should I budget for lunch in Central with children?
Plan HK$80–150 per adult and less for a child if you share dumplings, sandos or a food-hall plate. Sets start around HK$88 at Tommy Yummy and The Jeju Black, HK$98 at Priyo Shaad and The Monogamous Chinese, and HK$118 at BÊP (drink included). Guzzle sandos begin near HK$32; add HK$18 for a drink and snack. Two hungry adults plus one child can often stay under HK$350 if you skip steak upgrades.
Which budget Central spots actually work with a stroller?
Shake Shack’s IFC podium is the easiest: wide aisles and outdoor tables. BaseHall and Central Market give you mixed vendors and space to move. One Dim Sum is tiny and queues fast, so go early or take away. Mid-Levels escalator spots such as Tommy Yummy and The Monogamous Chinese are handy if you are already heading uphill. Pair lunch with a stroll using the family-friendly Mid-Levels guide.
What can picky kids actually eat on a Central budget lunch?
Steamed buns and siu mai at One Dim Sum, fluffy egg sandos at Guzzle, burgers and shakes at Shake Shack, and plant-based fries, pizza and cookie dough at Treehouse. NOOD boxes from HK$78 cover wraps and hot dishes if you want something quieter and protein-heavy. Share one adult set and one kid-friendly side rather than ordering full plates for everyone.
When should we go so we are not stuck in a Central lunch queue?
Weekdays before 12:15pm or after 1:30pm beat office rush. One Dim Sum fills first; arrive at opening or take away. Food halls (BaseHall, Central Market) are kinder when someone needs the toilet mid-meal. For more nearby options, use the lunch guide for Central and Sheung Wan.
If heading up to Soho for lunch feels like too much of a trek, BaseHall is the perfect alternative, offering a diverse range of options—from ramen and Indian cuisine to specialty burgers (looking at you, Sick! Burger). With so many choices available, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your cravings!
Why Little Steps Loves It:
BaseHall, LG/F, Jardine House, 1 Connaught Place, Central, Hong Kong, https://www.basehall.hk/
Restaurant Directory BaseHall 01
Restaurant Directory BaseHall 02
BÊP is a fantastic and budget-friendly option with an impressive set lunch menu! Craving pho, bun cha, or a banh mi? They’ve got you covered. Each set includes a drink, and you even have the option to add a side dish—perfect for a satisfying and affordable meal.
How Much? From HK$118 and up
Why Little Steps Loves It:
BÊP, 88-90 Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong, https://www.bep.hk/
No, you don’t need to finish a workout to grab one of these SUPER AFFORDABLE lunch boxes! If you’re after a quick, healthy, protein-packed meal, just head to their takeaway corner and order yourself a box of NOOD food—no membership required!
How much? Starts from HK$78
Why Little Steps Loves It:
NOOD Food, Kinwick Centre, 32 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong, +852 2180 8088, https://www.allnood.com/
If you’re in the mood for a delicious Thai feast that’s super convenient (right next to the Mid-Levels escalators), this is the spot for you. With vibrant, colorful interiors, it’s the perfect fun lunch destination. Each set includes a small snack, and you can even add a drink and dessert to complete your meal!
How Much? Set menu prices range from HK$88 and up
Why Little Steps Loves It:
Tommy Yummy, 1/F, Jade Centre, 98 Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong, https://www.instagram.com/tommyyummyhk/
Central’s restaurant scene has upped its game with this flavorful addition. It’s the perfect spot if you’re craving curry, slow-cooked meats, or a vegan-friendly meal that’s packed with flavor AND easy on the wallet.
Their lunch sets are thoughtfully categorized into Vegan, Meat, Fish and Egg, making it easy to find your perfect match!
How Much? Sets start from HK$98 and up
Why Little Steps Loves It:
Priyo Shaad, 29 Aberdeen Street, Central, Hong Kong, +852 6737 4607, https://www.instagram.com/priyo.shaad/
Who can say no to dim sum? With dumplings starting at just HK$16, steamed buns from HK$12, and steamed rice pots for HK$35, there’s plenty to choose from without breaking the bank!
Why Little Steps Loves It:
Little Steps Tip: Get there early and beat the queue, as there aren't a lot of chairs available in the restaurant. But it's also a great spot for takeout.
One Dim Sum, G/F, 44 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central, Hong Kong, https://onedimsum.hk/
This fun, Korean barbeque restaurant offers a great variety of lunch sets - from Korean soups, Perilla Mushroom Buckwheat Noodles to Baked Pork Belly with Rice. A must-try for those that love Korean cuisine and of course, non-stop KPop hits playing in the background to pump up the vibe.
How Much? Lunch sets start from HK$88
Why Little Steps Loves It:
The Jeju Black, 5/F, M88, Wellington Place, 2 - 8 Wellington Street, Central, +852 3460 5235, https://www.thejejuhk.com/
For a nice, quick, and easy healthy bite, check out what Servo has to offer! They've got a couple of things on their lunch menu that are priced under HK$100. You can find items such as their yummy Artichoke Toastie for HK$88, Homemade Sausage Rolls for HK$78 or their hearty Daily Cuppa Soup for HK$78.
Why Little Steps Loves It:
Servo, G/F, Kowloon Dairy Building, 17-19 On Lan Street, Central, https://www.servo-hk.com/
A favorite spot for families where kids can munch on burgers, hot dogs, fries, and shakes. Make sure to grab that snazzy Shack Burger that comes with its famous Shack Sauce for just HK$60, and why not add some fries for HK$29, making the meal for less than HK$100. Now if you're feeling super hungry, why not get a double patty or add a milkshake! Make sure to grab a table outside and enjoy the views of the harbour.
Why Little Steps Loves It:
Shake Shack, 4/F, Shop 4018, Podium, IFC, Finance Street, Central, +852 2522 5608, https://www.shakeshack.com.hk/en-HK/
A proper hole-in-the-wall food shop where you can get your sando fix. And you can get a couple of em for under HK$100! Make it a meal and add HK$18 to your sandwich to include a drink and a snack to go with it. Our favorites include: Toasted Truffle Angus Beef and Egg Sandwich (HK$50) and their Toasted Pork Collar Double Cheese With Tomato Sauce (HK$46). They've got veggie choices as well - we love their Double Truffle Mushroom with Egg (HK$42).
Guzzle is a perfect spot for people who are always on the go or looking to grab a nice, filling, satisfying meal on a busy day.
Why Little Steps Loves It:
Guzzle, Shop A2, G/F, Khuan Ying Commercial Building, 85-89 Wellington Street, Central, +852 9065 4597, https://www.instagram.com/guzzlehk/
Slow Cow Beef Bowl is a popular casual Japanese-style diner known for its slow-cooked, dry-aged beef bowls. It has branches in K11 Art Mall and Causeway Bay and has now made its way to Central.
With its restaurant looking like a trendy warehouse art store, you'll definitely add this as your next lunch hotspot, and it's also Instagram-Story-worthy.
Why Little Steps Loves It:
SLOW COW Beef Bowl, Shop C, G/F, Sun Wise Building, 112-114 Wellington Street, Central, +852 5724 4577, https://www.instagram.com/slowcow_beefbowl/
A true hidden gem, this restaurant is tucked beneath the escalators leading from Elgin to Caine Road—perfect for Soho regulars who know where to look. It serves up incredible traditional Sichuan dishes, and their lunch set is a must-try.
How Much? HK$98
Why Little Steps Loves It:
The Monogamous Chinese, G/F, 59 Caine Road, Soho, Hong Kong, http://themonogamouschinese.com.hk/
Attention, steak lovers! Flat Iron Steak offers a mouthwatering lunch menu featuring burgers and steaks. Each set comes with fries and a salad, but you can upgrade by adding a drink, dessert, or swapping a side for tater tots, onion rings, or loaded fries. It’s the perfect spot to satisfy your cravings, and maybe for a lunch date, perhaps?
How Much? Steak Sets for HK$168
Why Little Steps Loves It:
Flat Iron Steak, G/F, Al Aqmar House, No. 30 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong, https://flatironhk.com/
Treehouse is a modern, fast-casual, plant-based restaurant offering many of your fast-food favorites that are made sustainable, healthy, and guilt-free! They've got their Value Sets that start from HK$60, where you can choose from The Korean Burger, The Mediterranean Wrap, or The Juniper Flatbread/Bowl, and you can add HK$10 for a drink. Other than that, they've got a lot of items on the menu for under HK$100.
Why Little Steps Loves It:
Treehouse, Shop 1, G/F, H Code, 45 Pottinger Street, Central, https://www.treehouse.eco/, https://www.instagram.com/treehouse.eco/
Head to Central Market and explore the variety of vendors and stalls they have to offer. You'll find restaurants like Pizza Hut, Chef's Cuts, to Pulau, and more, where you’ll find plenty of budget-friendly lunch options to choose from.
For an even more cheaper option head to the second floor, where you'll find Street Food Central and you'll find stalls of snacks and affordable eats such as Potato Corner, and Top 1 Takoyaki.
After your meal, stop by one of the stalls for a hot coffee (Chart Coffee located on the second floor) or for some iced matcha (Mylk Lab located on the second floor) to keep you fueled for the rest of the day!
Why Little Steps Loves It:
Central Market, 93 Queen's Road Central, Central, Hong Kong, +852 3618 8668, https://www.centralmarket.hk/
Central just has a lot to offer! For more budget-friendly lunch choices, check out:
If you're looking for something a little classier, that's also kind to your wallet, check out these delicious places!
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