Hong Kong International Airport Allergy Guide

Overview

Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), also known as Chek Lap Kok Airport, is one of Asia's busiest aviation hubs, serving over 70 million passengers annually. The airport operates two terminals — Terminal 1 (the main terminal) and Terminal 2 (serving select airlines including Hong Kong Airlines and low-cost carriers). A SkyBridge connects both terminals post-security. Hong Kong does not mandate allergen labelling on restaurant menus, though the airport's strong international presence means many chain restaurants maintain their global allergen disclosure standards.

For the official airport website, visit hongkongairport.com.

Official Resources

• Hong Kong International Airport Official Website
• Interactive Airport Map
• Dining Directory

🍽️Key Food Directory

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Important

Chain restaurants often publish allergen menus and matrices online, which can make ordering easier. However, individual franchise locations may vary in their practices. Always confirm directly with staff before ordering.

Terminal 1 — Departures Level 6 (Landside)

1. 1
   Pacific Coffee — Hong Kong chain with allergen information available on request; plant-based milk alternatives available
2. 2
   McDonald's — chain with published allergen information; familiar options for international travellers
3. 3
   Maxim's MX — local chain; ask staff for allergen information, though documentation may be limited
4. 4
   Tsui Wah — Hong Kong chain serving cha chaan teng (tea restaurant) cuisine; allergen information available on request, but cross-contamination risk is high with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil ubiquitous in dishes

Terminal 1 — Departures Level 7 (Airside, Gates 1-80)

1. 1
   Starbucks (multiple locations) — chain with published allergen information on their app and website; consistent allergen protocols
2. 2
   Burger King — chain with published allergen information available
3. 3
   Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao — dim sum and noodle restaurant; staff can advise on specific allergens, but expect soy, sesame, and shellfish in most dishes
4. 4
   Pret A Manger (near Gates 23-28) — chain with published allergen matrix online; clearly labelled sandwiches, salads, and hot food
5. 5
   Classified — Hong Kong cafe chain; menu with ingredients listed online; ask your server about dietary requirements and allergies

Terminal 2 — Departures Level 6 (Airside)

1. 1
   Pacific Coffee — as above
2. 2
   Genki Sushi — Japanese chain with allergen information available; sushi train service with ingredient descriptions
3. 3
   Ah Chun Shandong Dumpling — Chinese restaurant specialising in dumplings; allergen information limited, expect wheat, soy, and sesame in most items

Plaza Premium Lounges (Airside)

1. 1
   Plaza Premium Lounge East Hall (near Gate 60) — available via Priority Pass; buffet-style with hot and cold options; allergen labelling varies
2. 2
   Plaza Premium Lounge West Hall (near Gate 1) — available via Priority Pass; international and Asian cuisine; ask staff for allergen information

🏢Airport Lounges

Hong Kong International Airport operates numerous lounges accessible via Priority Pass, airline status, or day passes. The Plaza Premium Lounges are the most widely accessible option for Priority Pass holders.

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Tip

Lounge buffets at HKG typically do not label individual dishes for allergens. Ask lounge reception staff for allergen information — some lounges keep allergen folders or can direct you to cooked-to-order options from the chef.

• Plaza Premium Lounge East Hall (Terminal 1, near Gate 60) — available via Priority Pass; buffet includes Asian and Western options; chef station available during peak hours
• Plaza Premium Lounge West Hall (Terminal 1, near Gate 1) — available via Priority Pass; similar buffet offering
• Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge (Terminal 1, Gates 60-80) — premium lounge with chef station; allergen requests accommodated for Star Alliance Gold members
• Cathay Pacific The Wing (Terminal 1, Gates 1-40) — flagship lounge with noodle bar and dim sum station; allergen requests handled by chef

🏢Allergy-Friendly Tips for This Airport

• Hong Kong does not mandate allergen labelling on restaurant menus — always ask staff directly, even at chain outlets
• Cantonese and Asian cuisine at HKG commonly uses soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, peanuts, tree nuts, and shellfish — exercise extra caution with local outlets
• International chains (Starbucks, Pret A Manger, McDonald's, Burger King) maintain their global allergen standards and provide the most predictable allergen information
• Pret A Manger locations at HKG follow UK allergen labelling practices with clear ingredient lists on pre-packaged items
• The airport's food courts and noodle bars present higher cross-contamination risks due to shared woks and cooking surfaces
• HKG security allows solid food items through in hand luggage — consider packing allergy-friendly snacks
• Watsons and Mannings pharmacy locations in both terminals stock antihistamines and basic allergy medication (brand names may differ from Western markets)
• The Airport Medical Centre (Landside, Level 5, Terminal 1) operates 24/7 and can provide emergency treatment
• Download translation apps or carry a Cantonese allergy card — while many staff speak English, kitchen teams may be more comfortable communicating in Cantonese or Mandarin

📋Before You Go

1. 1
   Check your terminal and gate at hongkongairport.com
2. 2
   Review the dining directory for your terminal and gate area
3. 3
   Download your free allergy translation card in Traditional Chinese (Cantonese) and Simplified Chinese (Mandarin) for communicating with kitchen staff
4. 4
   Look up allergen menus for chain restaurants you plan to visit (Pret, Starbucks, McDonald's, and Burger King all publish allergen information online)
5. 5
   Pack allergy-friendly snacks in your hand luggage as a backup option
6. 6
   Carry your allergy medication (including EpiPen if prescribed) in your hand luggage with a doctor's letter if needed
7. 7
   If you have severe allergies and a long layover, consider the Airport Lounge where you can request cooked-to-order options