THINGS YOU MUST EAT IN HONG KONG

Hong Kong boasts a diverse and delicious culinary scene that reflects a mix of Chinese, British, and other international influences. There's much more to explore in Hong Kong's vibrant food scene. Whether you're into street food, traditional Cantonese cuisine, or international flavors, Hong Kong has something to offer for every palate. The food you must eat ranges from delicious dim sum and Hong Kong Cafes to foods only found at a street market sold by vendors. Here are some foods you must eat when you visit Hong Kong. 

Dim Sum

In traditional yum cha restaurants, tea is ordered first — it’s poured by the person nearest the teapot who fills their own cup last, while fellow diners can tap the table with three fingers in thanks. The story goes that a Qing dynasty emperor used to travel in disguise and while taking his turn to pour tea during yum cha, accompanying officials showed respect by tapping three fingers. In traditional dim sum eateries, bamboo steamers and other items are served from trolleys, but increasingly diners will mark up a checklist, with orders delivered direct from the kitchen. They arrive hot, but can be cut with chopsticks both to cool and to share. If serving others, remember to use the table’s communal chopsticks, rather than your own. 

Hong Kong has no shortage of quality dim sum — traditional, modern and everything in between — that can be enjoyed all over the city in eateries ranging from small family cafes to Michelin-starred restaurants. Dim sum items range from seafood and meat to vegetable items, and can be steamed, fried or baked. For an authentic dim sum experience, some must-try dishes include Har gao, Siu mai, Char siu bao, Cheung fan, Xiao long bao. Kung Fu Dim Sum (Tin Hau), Dim Dim Sum (Mong Kok), One Dim Sum (Prince Edward), Ding Dim 1968 (Central), Let's Yum Cha (Prince Edward), Tim Ho Wan (Sham Shui Po) are some of the suggested Dim Sum joints in Hong Kong, and there are many other places where you can enjoy delicious Dim Sum.

Siu Mei

Siu mei is the generic Cantonese name for meats roasted on spits over an open fire or a large wood-burning rotisserie oven. It creates a unique, deep barbecue flavor, and the roast is usually coated with a flavorful sauce (a different sauce is used for each variety of meat) before roasting. Siu mei is very popular in Hong Kong and Macau, and overseas Chinatowns, especially with Cantonese immigrants. In Hong Kong, the average person eats siu mei once every four days, with char siu being the most popular, followed by Roast Pork in second. 

Some siu mei such as white cut chicken and soy sauce chicken are not roasted at all but they are still considered siu mei nonetheless. Siu mei is also known colloquially as siu laap, as the latter term encompasses siu mei and laap mei, a type of preserved meat. They are usually prepared in the same kitchen during the autumn and winter seasons in what are often known as siu laap establishments or Chinese BBQ shops. Siu laap is also often sold alongside lou mei, such as orange cuttlefish and Pig's ear. Known for its crispy skin and succulent meat, roast goose is a popular dish in Hong Kong. It's often served with plum sauce.

Pineapple Buns

Pineapple Buns are the quintessential Hong Kong classic. Mostly served in bakeries and cha chaan tengs, the pineapple bun is a soft, fluffy roll blanketed in a crumbly, sweet craquelin-esque top. Sink your teeth into one and you will be greeted with a glorious medley of textures– think crunchy bursts of lightly caramelized sugar crust between bites of warm, comforting bread. Mind you, there’s no pineapple in the bun– its name stems from its topping’s resemblance to the fruit. If you’re not counting calories, you must try the buttered pineapple bun, which is stuffed with a generous slice of ¼-inch thick butter, cold from the fridge for the most amazing hot-and-cold sensation.

Zhu Cheung Fun (Rice Rolls)

Known also as cheung fun, Zhu Cheung Fun are steamed rice rolls you can often find as street snacks or at dim sum parlors. When made well, these rolls are silky smooth, not at all gummy, and have a wonderful aroma of freshly steamed rice. We love them doused liberally with lashings of seasoned soy sauce, sweet sauce, sesame sauce, and a dollop of chilli sauce on the side for a spicy kick. Always ask for extra sesame seeds on top, or opt for ones dotted with dried shrimps and spring onions for more flavor!

Milk Tea

Hong Kong-style milk tea is completely different from other Asian milk teas– and dare we say it is in a league of its own. An earthy blend of black tea and evaporated milk, some even strained through silk stockings for the silkiest mouthfeel, Hong Kong-style milk tea is the epitome of the city’s East-meets-West culture. Walk into any cafe and order this with confidence because the Milk tea in HOng Kong is second to none. 

Tofu Dessert

Hong Kong might not have the best reputation for being vegan-friendly, but the tofu dessert is perfectly suitable for both vegans and vegetarians. Also known as tofu fa or tofu pudding, this dessert is smooth like the best panna cotta and slides onto your tongue effortlessly. Tasting only of soybeans, the pudding is the perfect vessel for the light syrup and crunchy red sugar crystals often offered by tofu dessert vendors. Have the dessert served warm in the frosty winter air, or enjoy it cold when it’s blazing hot in summer.

Hong Kong-style Egg Tarts

There are two distinct varieties of egg tarts: the shortcrust egg tart, and the puff pastry egg tart. Both are equally as good, but we think the classic will always be the shortcrust pastry egg tart. Hong Kong’s (much better) solution to British custard tarts, shortcrust egg tarts consist of a velvety, eggy custard that’s lighter than its British counterpart, encased in buttery pastry. Best served piping hot and with milk tea on the side! Hint: Remember not to get them mixed up with the Portuguese egg tarts! They’re not the same!

Wonton Noodles

Top-notch wonton noodles consist of thin, springy egg noodles cooked al dente, perched atop shrimp and pork dumplings and lifted by a spoon to keep them from turning soggy, swimming in an umami-packed broth and topped with yellow chives. Some spots boast of their shrimp-only dumplings, but purists will claim that only wontons that contain pork are the real deal. The Wonton noodles made in Hong Kong are simply the best.

Egg Puffs

Also known as egg waffles or gai daan jai, Egg Puffs are many people's favorite Street snack. Crisp on one side and soft on the other, held together by a golden lattice of batter, egg puffs great for sharing as the each “bubble” is made to be torn from the waffle. Some stores get a little creative and serve egg puffs in different varieties– flavored with matcha, filled with chocolate chips, or even topped with scoops of ice cream. We definitely recommend trying the original first though, as the subtle eggy flavor is what makes the egg puff such a classic, nostalgic treat.

Beef Brisket Noodles

Beef brisket noodles consists of tender chunks of braised brisket and springy egg noodles (or our personal favorite– chewy, spongy e-fu noodles), served in a flavorful beef bone broth and topped with a handful of spring onions. Some spots also serve a curried variety of the soup for those who prefer more intense flavors. This can also be mixed with Wonton, and it is the perfect bowl of deliciousness.

Fresh Seafood

Hong Kong is renowned for its fresh and diverse seafood offerings. The city's proximity to the sea ensures a steady supply of high-quality seafood. Visit seafood markets such as Sai Kung, where you can choose your seafood directly from the stalls. You'll find a variety of fish, shrimp, crab, and other seafood options. After selecting your seafood, many markets have nearby restaurants that will cook it to your liking. Lau Fau Shan is another popular spot for eating seafood, it is particularly known for selling dried seafood, especially Golden Oysters. 

If you go to a Chinese restaurant to eat fresh seafood, it could be very expensive, which is why I suggest going to a seafood market and eating at one of those restaurants, or if you have access to a kitchen and cooking tools, buy seafood at an excellent price and cook it at your rental or home.

Street Food Scene

Hong Kong is renowned for its diverse and delicious street food scene. Here are some popular places to experience food stalls and street food in Hong Kong. Remember to explore with an open mind and be adventurous with your food choices. Hong Kong's street food offers a fantastic opportunity to savor the local flavors and culinary traditions of the city.

Temple Street Night Market

This market in Kowloon is not only known for its vibrant atmosphere but also for its street food offerings. You can find a variety of local delicacies such as curry fish balls, stinky tofu, and egg waffles.

Mong Kong Street Food Stalls

Mong Kok is a bustling district with plenty of street food options. Look out for stalls selling items like siu mai (steamed dumplings), fish balls, and bubble tea.

Kowloon City Food Street

Kowloon City is known for its diverse food options, including delicious street food. The area has a high concentration of eateries serving a variety of cuisines.

Conclusion

If you are a foodie, Hong Kong is a definitely a culinary destination where you must visit and try everything from Dim Sum and Cantonese BBQ Meats to the snacks found exclusively at Hong Kong Cafes like Wonton Noodles, Beef Brisket Noodles, Milk Tea, French Toast, and much more.