There’s no doubt about it: Hong Kong is foodie heaven. You can indulge any whim, with restaurants all over the city featuring cuisines from around the world. Hong Kong also has a number of classic dishes and street food snacks for which it is famous. Here’s a quick guide to some of the to-die-for local dishes.
Fish Balls
A classic Hong Kong snack, these are balls of deliciousness made with fish meat, often cooked in a piping hot curry and commonly sold at street stalls.
Egg Waffles
Affectionately called gai daan zai (“mini chicken egg”), this is Hong Kong’s version of a waffle. A crispy exterior hides the soft, sweet sponge inside. Can be served plain or with toppings such as chocolate.
Pineapple Bun
There’s actually no pineapple in this bun! It gets its name from a crackly, sugar crust on top of the soft, sweet bread roll and looks like a pineapple.
Egg Tart
Two types of egg tarts have emerged since they first became popular, one with a flaky, pastry shell and another with sweet shortbread. Whichever shell you pick, it encases a soft, creamy custard.
Milk Tea
Hong Kong milk tea is a creamy drink traditionally made with Ceylon black tea and evaporated or condensed milk.
Chinese Barbecue
Known as siu mei, Chinese barbecued meats are very more-ish. Our faves include char siu (barbecued pork), barbecued goose and roast pork.
Dim Sum
A Hong Kong version of dining with small dishes, dim sum includes classics such as har gao (steamed shrimp dumplings wrapped in a thin, translucent skin), char siu bau (barbecued pork bun) and siu mai (Chinese dumpling).
Wonton Soup
A succulent meat and shrimp filling is encased in a silky smooth dumpling wrapper before being served in a clear, light broth.
“Where do you go for your favourite Hong Kong dishes, and what do you eat?”
“My kids and I like freshly made egg waffles – iconic Hong Kong street food – and there are lots of stalls. We like the ones in Sheung Wan. There’s a new one called Mami Pancake on Hillier Street, which makes them in loads of different flavours like chocolate and banana, and even matcha!” – Claire
“Char sui (barbecue pork) on Sing Woo Road is our weekly go to! My son takes his own box so we avoid using any Styrofoam. The pork, veggie and rice box costs $48 and it’s delicious. We take all our visitors there too. Also, Mak’s Noodle (on Wellington Street) for a bowl of Hong Kong wonton is the best!” – Neelam
“I’m a lover of sweets, so egg waffles on any corner are normally a must. Especially the ones stuffed with Nutella. Yum!” – Maria
“There are too many to mention. And here’s a tip: there’s usually a reason if there is a queue for a street stall!” – Jacinta
“In Jordan, there is a fantastic local Hong Kong dessert restaurant called Kai Kai that my wife and I love going to for a sweet glutinous sesame rice ball treat.”– Murray
See more in our Wine & Dine section:
Where to eat in Hong Kong
Best brunch spots in Hong Kong
This article first appeared in the City Guide 2018 issue of Expat Living magazine. Get your free copy now!
