At a glance

  • Kau Kee is a beef noodle restaurant at 21 Gough Street. Plan a meal here during a walk through the hills of Central and Sheung Wan on Hong Kong Island. Rather than crossing the harbor just to visit this restaurant, head to Gough Street after exploring Tai Kwun or PMQ. That way, you can still enjoy the area if there’s a wait.
  • It’s easiest to start by choosing clear broth or curry, then check the menu for the cut of meat and type of noodles. Choosing curry doesn’t automatically mean you’ll get the cut of meat you want. If you don’t like the chewy texture of tendon, point to a photo or the English menu and ask before ordering. If you’re not very hungry, start with one bowl instead of adding toppings.
  • Expect to share a table and for service to turn over quickly in this small restaurant. It’s not ideal for a long, quiet lunch or a meal with suitcases beside you. Ask staff on site whether everyone in your group needs to wait in line and whether you should find a seat before ordering. Keep the sidewalk and neighboring doorways clear.

Day by day

Suggested itinerary

See each day's route, highlights, background and stay together in one place.

Late lunch

Tai Kwun → meal on Gough Street → Sheung Wan lanes

Order one bowl, then continue your walk

If you haven’t confirmed prices and hours

The Michelin Guide page I checked confirms the address and describes the beef noodles. It doesn’t confirm menu prices, closures, or payment methods for your visit date. Don’t use old menu photos to estimate today’s price. First check the price of a bowl and any extra charges on the menu at the entrance. Bring cash, but don’t assume cards aren’t accepted.

Decide in advance when to leave the line

Allow about 30–45 minutes for the meal, excluding the wait. If you have a timed exhibit afterward, decide how long you can wait first. If the restaurant is closed or the line is long, keep your PMQ and Sheung Wan walk and switch to nearby wonton noodles or a cha chaan teng. Your day doesn’t depend on eating beef noodles. Watch out for hot broth and narrow aisles, and ask about food allergens when ordering.

How to fit it in

Check the queue at 21 Gough Street in Central. If you would have to wait more than 30 minutes, switch to a noodle shop or cha chaan teng in the same area. Check on the day whether the restaurant accepts cash only, and carry a small amount of cash.

Reality check

Transport

Walk to Gough Street as part of a Central and Sheung Wan lane stroll. Don’t go uphill and back just for this restaurant.

Time

Add the actual wait time to the 30–45 minutes you’ve set aside for the meal. To set your maximum wait, subtract 45 minutes for the meal, travel time to your next reservation, and an arrival buffer from the time available before that reservation. Compare that limit with 30 minutes and use whichever is shorter. If there isn’t enough time, choose another restaurant.

Cost

Check the price of clear broth or curry and any extra toppings, then start with one bowl.

Safety

Take care around hot broth, shared tables, and narrow aisles. Ask about ingredients if you have allergies.

If plans change

Kau Kee beef noodles: if the line stretches down the lane

Switch to another beef noodle or wonton noodle spot in Central.

Kau Kee beef noodles: if it’s closed

Keep your PMQ and Sheung Wan route, and eat at a cha chaan teng.

Small tip

If the line is too long, you’re in an area where switching to wonton noodles or a cha chaan teng won’t take you far off route.

Final check before departure

  • Check the location at 21 Gough Street, its days off, and whether it accepts cash only
  • Choose clear broth or curry
  • Save the uphill route to Gough Street and a backup restaurant

The Michelin Guide currently lists the restaurant as closed on Sundays and cash-only. Recheck its days off, hours, ingredient availability, and payment methods on the day you visit.

Information checked: 2026-10-03

Google Maps

Check the location on the map

Use Google Maps to review the location and nearby route. Recheck opening hours and prices with the official source before visiting.

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