Hong Kong is a paradise for food lovers, offering an incredible range of dishes that reflect the city’s unique blend of Cantonese, Western, and international influences. From street food stalls to Michelin-starred restaurants, the city’s food scene is as diverse as its culture. Here are some must-try foods that you absolutely can’t miss when traveling to Hong Kong.
1. Dim Sum
Dim sum is a quintessential Hong Kong experience. These small, bite-sized dishes are traditionally served with tea and are perfect for sharing. You’ll find a wide variety of dim sum, including:
● Har Gow (steamed shrimp dumplings)
● Siu Mai (pork and shrimp dumplings)
● Char Siu Bao (barbecue pork buns)
● Cheong Fun (steamed rice noodle rolls)
● Egg Tarts (sweet custard-filled pastry)
Head to famous dim sum restaurants like Maxim’s Palace or Tim Ho Wan (the world’s cheapest Michelin-star restaurant) for an authentic experience.
2. Char Siu (BBQ Pork)
One of Hong Kong’s most beloved dishes, Char Siu features marinated, roasted pork that’s glazed with a sweet and savory sauce. It’s usually served with rice, noodles, or in a bun. The tender, flavorful meat with its signature charred edges is a Hong Kong culinary icon. You can find it at most Cantonese restaurants and BBQ shops.
3. Wonton Noodles
A comforting and flavorful dish, Wonton Noodles consists of delicate wontons (dumplings filled with shrimp or pork) served with thin egg noodles in a savory broth. The broth is usually light yet flavorful, and the wontons are perfectly chewy. It’s a popular dish, especially during the colder months. For some of the best wonton noodles in the city, visit Mak’s Noodle or Tsim Chai Kee.
4. Roast Goose
Roast Goose is another classic Cantonese dish you must try. The goose is marinated with a fragrant blend of spices, then roasted until the skin is crispy and the meat is tender and juicy. It’s often served with rice or noodles and is a delicious alternative to duck or chicken. Yung Kee Restaurant in Central is one of the most famous places to enjoy roast goose.
5. Beef Brisket Noodles
A comforting and flavorful dish often enjoyed as a quick lunch, Beef Brisket Noodles features tender chunks of beef brisket, stewed in a rich and aromatic broth, served with noodles. The dish is flavorful yet light and is perfect for warming up on a cool day. Visit Mak’s Noodle or Joy Hing Roasted Meat for some of the best beef brisket noodles in Hong Kong.
6. Egg Tarts
A beloved dessert in Hong Kong, Egg Tarts are small pastries filled with a smooth, sweet custard. The tart crust is flaky and buttery, and the custard is rich and creamy. These tarts are often enjoyed as a snack or dessert, especially with a cup of tea. Lord Stow’s Bakery in Coloane, Macau, is famous for its egg tarts, but you can also find them in bakeries and dim sum restaurants throughout Hong Kong.
7. Hot Pot
Hot pot is a fun and interactive dining experience, perfect for groups. Hot Pot involves cooking your own ingredients in a pot of boiling broth at the table. The ingredients range from thinly sliced meats and seafood to vegetables, mushrooms, and tofu. You can choose from a variety of broths, from spicy Sichuan-style to mild herbal broths. Haidilao Hot Pot is a popular chain known for its excellent service and variety of ingredients.
8. Hong Kong-Style Milk Tea
Known for its strong, rich flavor and silky smooth texture, Hong Kong-Style Milk Tea is made by brewing strong black tea and mixing it with sweetened condensed milk. It’s served hot or cold and is a staple in Hong Kong’s café culture. You can find this iconic drink at traditional cha chaan tengs (Hong Kong-style tea restaurants) or at local coffee shops.
9. Street Food: Egg Waffles (Gai Daan Jai)
One of Hong Kong’s most famous street foods, egg waffles (or gai daan jai) are crispy, golden-brown waffles with a soft, airy interior. These round, bubble-like waffles are often served as a sweet snack, drizzled with chocolate, filled with fruit, or topped with ice cream. Street vendors in areas like Mong Kok and Causeway Bay are the best places to grab a hot, fresh batch.
10. Siu Yuk (Crispy Roast Pork)
Siu Yuk is another popular dish in Hong Kong, featuring crispy roast pork with tender meat underneath. The skin is roasted to perfection, creating a crispy, crackling exterior, while the meat remains juicy and flavorful. It’s typically served with rice or noodles, and the crispy skin adds a delightful crunch to every bite. For top-quality Siu Yuk, head to Joy Hing Roasted Meat or Shun Kee Roasted Meat.
11. Lobster in Black Bean Sauce
Lobster cooked in a rich, savory black bean sauce is a popular dish, often served in high-end Cantonese restaurants. The lobster is stir-fried with fermented black beans, garlic, and chili, giving it a bold, umami flavor. If you’re a seafood lover, this dish is a must-try. The Seafood Restaurant in Sai Kung is a well-known spot to enjoy fresh lobster.
12. Snake Soup
For the more adventurous foodie, Snake Soup is a traditional Cantonese dish that is believed to have medicinal benefits. The soup is made with various types of snake, often along with herbs and spices to create a savory, flavorful broth. It’s typically served with rice and is a popular winter dish in Hong Kong. Try it at Mak’s Snake Soup for a local experience.