What to Eat in Hong Kong & Where to Find it | Hong Kong Food Guide
If you are wondering what to eat in Hong Kong, and where you can find the best food in the city, look no further. Find below your Hong Kong Food Guide with a list of delicious food and where to eat it.
What to Eat in Hong Kong & Where to Find it
With a history as rich as Hong Kong’s, it just makes sense for there to be an equally rich culture and cuisine. Renowned as one of the most popular foodie destinations, Hong Kong boasts dishes with influences from many different countries.
From more traditional eats such as lo mai gai to more Western influenced eats as Hong Kong French toast, there is something for everyone, even if you are visiting Hong Kong with kids!
So, whether you’re just dipping your toe in or you’re diving in head first, get your palate ready for these top MUST eat foods in Hong Kong!
1. Dim sum
Dim sum refers to the bite sized dishes that are traditionally served with tea. It has spread all across the world and many countries have their own take on it.
In Hong Kong, dim sum is in its truest form, making this our top pick on our list. The best part about dim sum is that there is a great variety of dishes ranging from relatively safer choices like steamed dumplings to radically adventurous choices like chicken feet.
Dim Sum is perfect for eating in a group or as a family because each dish usually comes with at least 2-3 portions. It’s great for trying new things you haven’t had before.
So, where to eat Dim Sum in Hong Kong? Well, you can find the best dim sum at Yum Cha in Tsim Sha Tsui (they also have other locations as well). Other places to try are Tim Ho Wan (1 Michelin star), Lin Heung Teahouse, Sam Hui Yat, or Duen Kee Chinese Restaurant.
2. Roast meats (siu mei)
If there’s something other than dim sum that Hong Kong has mastered, it has to be roasted meats.
Vegans and vegetarians might want to skip ahead because there’s about to be a whole lot of Cantonese roast meat goodness coming up.
Roast goose
The first roast meat we want to talk about is roast goose. This dish is the perfect mixture of succulent juicy dark meat and crispy flavorful skin.
Don’t be deterred from it being a more exotic type of meat – you’ll soon forget what you’re even eating when you take a bite!
The best place for roast goose would have to be at Yak Lot (1 Michelin Star), but Kam’s Roast Goose (also 1 Michelin Star) also offers just as good of a bite.
Roast pigeon / Soy sauce braised pigeon:
Similarly to roast goose, roast pigeon has super tender dark meat but its flavor can be much richer and intense.
While some people may be put off by the liver-like taste, others love it for that very reason. If you’re a fan of soy sauce, there’s also a soy sauce braised version that might be more up your alley!
Hopefully, you’ll get to try this truly unique Hong Kong dish at either Tai Ping Koon or Kwan Yu Roasted Meat.
Roast chicken
The last roast bird we’ve got on our list is, of course, roast chicken. While it is quite similar to roast goose, roast chicken has less dark meat and is usually marinated with less spices.
Roast chicken is also known to be extra oily – even more so that roast goose and roast pigeon – so often times, it can feel like it’s been fried instead of roasted!
All that oil makes the meat oh so tender and juicy while the skin remains slightly crispy yet chewy. If you’re not a super adventurous eater, roast chicken is the perfect starting point for you!
Grab a bite of this delicious dish at Wing Kee Restaurant at Bowrington Road Cooked Food Centre
Roast pork
Before you overindulge yourself on all that poultry, it’s time to talk about one of Hong Kong’s most iconic dishes: roast pork.
This dish usually features the belly cut of the pig, which gives a glorious amount of fat to render off. This leaves the meat perfectly roasted while the skin is crispy enough to scrape your fork across it!
You can find roast pork at almost any roast meat restaurant, but Yau Wun Roast Meat does this dish better than the rest.
Char siu
Another common dish at most roast meat restaurants is char siu, which is Cantonese style BBQ pork.
Like roast pork, char siu delivers an incredibly tender and juicy bite, however there are some key differences that distinguish these two Cantonese classics apart from each other.
The first is that while roast pork is usually prepared with a cut from the belly of the pig, char siu can be made with a variety of different cuts, depending on the cook’s preference.
Char siu also has a delicious savory yet sweet glaze that goes so well with a side of fluffy rice.
Kwan Yu Roasted Meat, which we mentioned above, is a great spot to get your char siu fill.
3. Noodles
If meat isn’t your thing, or if you’re looking for a lovely complement to your last meat dish, then you’re in luck! Hong Kong offers a wide assortment of noodles that are sure to fill you up with carb-y goodness.
Wonton noodles
One of the most common ways to eat noodles is with wontons in a clear rich broth.
Wonton noodles have been adopted into many different countries’ cuisines, but there is a sort of special feeling when you have this dish in Hong Kong.
This is a staple in Hong Kong cuisine, and as such, it is a must try for any traveler.
Bask in a warm bowl of wonton noodles at Mak’s Noodle or Kwan Kee Bamboo Noodle (who still make their own noodles using a bamboo pole!).
Fish ball noodles
Another Cantonese staple is fish ball noodles. This dish is very similar to wonton noodles in terms of the base broth and noodles.
However, the texture and flavor of the fish balls are distinct from wontons, and this dish can surprise you with how lovable it is.
Check out Wong Lam Kee Chiu Chow Fish Ball Noodles for the best fish ball noodles as well as some other classic Hong Kong dishes from this list.
Brisket noodles
Brisket is one of those words that immediately makes your stomach grumble and your mouth water.
While many countries do brisket with their own little spin, Hong Kong pairs it up with either dry noodles or a piping bowl of noodle soup.
This dish can be enjoyed year-round, and one of the most popular places to eat it at is Kau Kee Beef Brisket.
Pork chop noodles
Pork chop isn’t usually high on people’s favorite foods lists, but this Hong Kong version might change that.
Lightly seasoned and fried, Cantonese pork chop is a simple yet delicious every day meal. When paired with noodles (either with soup or not), the pork chop transforms into a dish that has you wanting more.
You can find pork chop noodles at almost any dai pai dong outdoor food stall, but Oi Man Sang Kitchen is your best bet.
4. Dessert / Snacks
After eating all of the savory delights above, you’ll have to chase them down with a sweet dessert or snack!
Egg tart
One of, if not THE most popular dish from Hong Kong is the egg tart.
This dish originally came from Portugal, but the Hong Kong version has become more famous and rightfully so.
A light fluffy egg and cream custard sits inside of a crispy pastry cup, making it impossible to just eat one.
Egg tarts can be found at any bakery or dim sum establishment, however, it’s best to make your way over to Kam Wah Cafe & Bakery to try this dish along with the next one on our list!
Pineapple bun
While there isn’t actually any pineapple in this dish, pineapple buns are one of the most sought after baked goods in Hong Kong.
The process of making the bun is actually considered to be an important part of Hong Kong’s cultural heritage, which means, thankfully, this dish will never die out.
To try out this slightly sweet bun stuffed with a healthy slab of butter inside, check out Kam Wah Cafe & Bakery.
Egg waffle
The final item on our list is probably the most trendy with its recent popularity on social media.
Egg waffles are made with a deliciously sweet egg based batter that is served plain or topped with a variety of ingredients.
The most famous egg waffle place is Hung Kee Top Quality Egg Waffles, so definitely stop by and grab yourself this Instagram worthy treat!
Now you know what to eat in Hong Kong!
Now you have read our Hong Kong food guide you know what to eat in Hong Kong, and if these delicious dishes don’t get your taste buds watering, we don’t know what will! Let us know if you visit any of the recommended restaurants and let us know what your favourite food is when you visit Hong Kong.
Recommended: Best Things to do in Hong Kong.
