Earlier this year, I had the chance to visit Hong Kong, a city that never fails to amaze with its buzzing energy, neon-lit streets, and, of course, its unforgettable food culture. One of the things that stood out during my trip was how deeply food is woven into everyday life — from bustling cha chaan tengs (tea restaurants) to vibrant street stalls serving iconic dishes like claypot rice, dim sum, and bubble waffles. Fast forward a few months later, I found myself craving those same flavors here in Cebu. That’s when I decided to visit Dai Pai Dong, and instantly, the nostalgia kicked in.

With branches across Cebu — from the Food Hall of SM City Cebu to Robinsons Cybergate, VIBO Place Escario, and their stunning location at NUSTAR Resort — Dai Pai Dong makes authentic Hong Kong–style food accessible without having to book a flight.

For this visit, I went to their NUSTAR branch, and just getting here immediately felt like a trip back to Mong Kok or Tsim Sha Tsui. The aroma, the food, the atmosphere — it all reminded me of Hong Kong in the best way.

Claypot Rice: A Comforting Classic

If there’s one dish that screams “Hong Kong comfort food,” it’s claypot rice. Widely popular in the bustling streets of HK, this dish is all about simple ingredients cooked to perfection. At Dai Pai Dong, the claypot rice arrives sizzling hot, and here’s the best part: you get to savor it just as they do in Hong Kong.

How to Enjoy It Best:

• Stir & Mix: As soon as it arrives, gently mix all the ingredients together. Scrape along the bottom and sides to loosen the crispy rice layer known as “fan jiao”, and combine it with the tender rice, savory meats, and flavorful sauce.
• Authentic Enjoyment: Eating directly from the claypot enhances the warmth and aroma, making every spoonful extra comforting.
• Savor Each Bite: The blend of perfectly cooked rice, juicy meat, and crispy edges creates that signature balance of texture and flavor that claypot rice is beloved for.

It’s one of those dishes that feels hearty yet familiar, a perfect reminder of why Hong Kong’s food culture is so captivating.

Mongkok Bowl: A Curry Delight

Another dish that stood out during our visit was the Mongkok Bowl. Named after one of the most iconic neighborhoods in Hong Kong, this bowl features an assortment of white fish ball, squid roll, fish tofu with cheese, and oborutsuki, all served floating in a rich curry sauce.

The curry sauce itself is worth noting — aromatic, bold, and layered with spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander, and chili. It has that beautiful balance of heat and flavor, enough to warm you up and make you go in for spoonful after spoonful. Each bite of the fish balls and rolls soaks up the curry perfectly, giving you a taste that’s both comforting and exciting.

It instantly reminded me of the curry fish balls I tried at Tsim Sha Tsui earlier this year — a true Hong Kong street food classic. Having a similar flavor here in Cebu felt nostalgic, like a little throwback to my food adventures in HK.

Bubble Waffle: A Nostalgic Treat

No Hong Kong food trip is complete without a serving of bubble waffle, also known as gai daan jai in Cantonese. This street food favorite has become a worldwide sensation, but having it at Dai Pai Dong instantly brought me back to the street vendors of Hong Kong, where the sweet aroma of freshly cooked egg waffles fills the air.

Dai Pai Dong’s version captures the essence of this beloved snack: slightly crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, with its signature spherical pattern that makes it both fun and delicious. They serve it in classic plain flavor, but you can also try fun variations like Choco Chip and Cheesy Taro. It’s the perfect sweet ending to a savory meal, or simply a snack you can enjoy on its own.

More to Discover

Aside from these highlights, Dai Pai Dong also offers a wide range of dim sum favorites — from steamed buns to dumplings and rice dishes. It’s the kind of place where you can keep coming back and try something new each time, while still indulging in the classics that keep you craving more.

Final Thoughts

Having just come from Hong Kong last February, I can say that Dai Pai Dong does a great job of recreating that nostalgic vibe and flavor here in Cebu. The claypot rice brought back the warmth of a Hong Kong night, the Mongkok Bowl reminded me of bold street-side flavors, and the bubble waffle felt like a sweet bite of memory.

So if you’re ever craving authentic Hong Kong food without leaving Cebu, Dai Pai Dong is the spot to be. Whether you’re at NUSTAR, SM City Cebu Food Hall, Robinsons Cybergate, or VIBO Place Escario, you’re only a few steps away from a taste of Hong Kong.