What You Have to Eat in Hong Kong
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VOICE OVER: Rebecca Brayton
WRITTEN BY: Nick Spake
For this list, we're taking a look at foods, sweet treats and meals that should be on your radar while deciding what to chow down in Hong Kong. For more travel tips on this stunning destination, be sure to check out our upcoming lists of the Coolest Hotels in Hong Kong and Must-See Attractions in Hong Kong.
What You Have to Eat in Hong Kong
There’s a reason why Hong Kong is among the world’s leading food capitals. Welcome to MojoTravels and today we’ll be counting down our picks for What You Have to Eat in Hong Kong.
For this list, we’re taking a look at foods, sweet treats and meals that should be on your radar while deciding what to chow down in Hong Kong. For more travel tips on this stunning destination, be sure to check out our lists of the Coolest Hotels in Hong Kong and Must-See Attractions in Hong Kong.
Dim Sum
Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner, dim sum is one of the most succulent meal experiences you should have in Hong Kong. Either order a la carte or just point to what you like on the carts that are continually wheeled around the restaurant, and then tuck in. Chicken feet? Why not? Fried calamari tentacles, turnip cakes studded with pork, Chinese greens napped with oyster sauce, rice steamed in lotus leaves. . . the choice is nearly endless. Steamed buns and dumplings are a staple of Cantonese cuisine, and are stuffed with an extensive selection of fillings, including chicken, shrimp and beef. While dim sum is available in many places, both humble and lavish, no restaurant serves it up with more delectable aplomb than the famed Lung King Heen at Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong.
Roast Pork
Hong Kong is simply heaven for pork lovers. Siu yuk is roasted pork belly, and you simply have to try some, including the incredible crispy skin). Char siu is the ubiquitous seasoned roasted pork you will encounter hanging in slabs in restaurant and shop windows, enticing you to enter and order (roast chicken and other meats are often sold as well, but pork is king). Red-hued Char siu is so versatile and delicious, and is often ordered to go, on rice, for a quick lunch, or incorporated into other dishes. If you’re looking to “pig” out on some high-end porky deliciousness, hit up the original Mott 32, in the Standard Chartered Bank Building, and still hailed as one of Hong Kong’s best restaurants, for their signature barbecued Pluma Ibérico. (Spain, meet China!) Although it’s best known for its roast goose, Yat Lok Restaurant (which literally means roast goose) also has some of the juiciest pork in Hong Kong. Then . . . grab some of that golden goose.
Egg Tarts
Let’s sweeten things up. Hong Kong’s take on egg tarts shares a fair deal in common with English custard tarts (not to mention Pastéis de Nata from Portugal). Both treats boast crispy, tender, flaky outer pie crusts that cup luscious centers. As its name indicates, however, this Chinese pastry puts somewhat less emphasis on cream (or condensed milk) and more on egg. Hong Kong style egg tarts are at their most scrumptious when you devour them hot out of the oven. Before digging in, though, feel free to spice up them with a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg. Many tart connoisseurs consider Hong Kong’s most popular egg tart spot to be Tai Cheong Bakery. For over 60 years, this establishment has been whipping up egg tarts fit for royalty. Chris Patten, the former, and last, British governor of Hong Kong, even referred to them as “the best egg tarts in the world.”
Egg Waffles
More eggy goodness thrives in Hong Kong. When Western foodies think of traditional street snacks, hot dogs, bagels, and giant pretzels typically come to mind. In Hong Kong, however, there isn’t a more satisfying snack to grab on the go than an egg waffle. These little wonders, concocted from a sweet egg batter, poured into a waffle iron containing distinct bubble shapes, and cooked until golden, are then served up to hot to hungry customers. Although they’re often left plain, it’s not uncommon to top or flavor egg waffles with chocolate, matcha, and other toppings like ice cream. Why not, right? Numerous egg waffle kiosks line the streets of Hong Kong, but two particular brand names you’ll want to be on the lookout for are Lee Keung Kee and Hung Kee Top Quality Egg Waffles.
Pineapple Buns
Let’s keep the sweet, doughy treats coming! Before you jump to any conclusions, pineapple buns (or, bo lo bao) don’t actually include pineapple. While the checkerboard exterior does kind of look like a pineapple – hence the name – these buns taste more like a sugary pastry, and are best served with a slice of butter in the middle. Pineapples buns make for a sweet breakfast treat, but also function as a great addition to afternoon tea. The Tai Tung Bakery mastered the art of making pineapple buns over 70 years ago. In addition to this landmark eatery, you’ll want to taste the pineapple buns at Kam Wah Café and also be the hunt for Pineapple Canteen food trucks.
Hong Kong French Toast
We admit that eating French toast in Hong Kong might sound odd, on paper. But once you’ve tasted Hong Kong-style French toast in a cha chaan teng (or, literally: 'tea restaurant'), you’ll come to see this breakfast dish in a whole new light. Like traditional French toast, Hong Kong’s version also consists of white bread soaked in beaten egg. Hong Kong then takes things in a different direction by also adding in coconut jam, deep frying the bread, then topping with loads of butter and sweetened condensed milk. Or syrup or jam or . . . well, we can’t think of a better way to start off the first day of your vacation than with a plate of Hong Kong French toast.
And there’s so much more on offer in Hong Kong, food-wise, from delectable wonton noodles to bubble tea to a nourishing, egg-topped bowl of congee (rice porridge) to some of the freshest seafood you can possibly imagine. Your appetite will find its soulmate in Hong Kong.
There’s a reason why Hong Kong is among the world’s leading food capitals. Welcome to MojoTravels and today we’ll be counting down our picks for What You Have to Eat in Hong Kong.
For this list, we’re taking a look at foods, sweet treats and meals that should be on your radar while deciding what to chow down in Hong Kong. For more travel tips on this stunning destination, be sure to check out our lists of the Coolest Hotels in Hong Kong and Must-See Attractions in Hong Kong.
Dim Sum
Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner, dim sum is one of the most succulent meal experiences you should have in Hong Kong. Either order a la carte or just point to what you like on the carts that are continually wheeled around the restaurant, and then tuck in. Chicken feet? Why not? Fried calamari tentacles, turnip cakes studded with pork, Chinese greens napped with oyster sauce, rice steamed in lotus leaves. . . the choice is nearly endless. Steamed buns and dumplings are a staple of Cantonese cuisine, and are stuffed with an extensive selection of fillings, including chicken, shrimp and beef. While dim sum is available in many places, both humble and lavish, no restaurant serves it up with more delectable aplomb than the famed Lung King Heen at Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong.
Roast Pork
Hong Kong is simply heaven for pork lovers. Siu yuk is roasted pork belly, and you simply have to try some, including the incredible crispy skin). Char siu is the ubiquitous seasoned roasted pork you will encounter hanging in slabs in restaurant and shop windows, enticing you to enter and order (roast chicken and other meats are often sold as well, but pork is king). Red-hued Char siu is so versatile and delicious, and is often ordered to go, on rice, for a quick lunch, or incorporated into other dishes. If you’re looking to “pig” out on some high-end porky deliciousness, hit up the original Mott 32, in the Standard Chartered Bank Building, and still hailed as one of Hong Kong’s best restaurants, for their signature barbecued Pluma Ibérico. (Spain, meet China!) Although it’s best known for its roast goose, Yat Lok Restaurant (which literally means roast goose) also has some of the juiciest pork in Hong Kong. Then . . . grab some of that golden goose.
Egg Tarts
Let’s sweeten things up. Hong Kong’s take on egg tarts shares a fair deal in common with English custard tarts (not to mention Pastéis de Nata from Portugal). Both treats boast crispy, tender, flaky outer pie crusts that cup luscious centers. As its name indicates, however, this Chinese pastry puts somewhat less emphasis on cream (or condensed milk) and more on egg. Hong Kong style egg tarts are at their most scrumptious when you devour them hot out of the oven. Before digging in, though, feel free to spice up them with a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg. Many tart connoisseurs consider Hong Kong’s most popular egg tart spot to be Tai Cheong Bakery. For over 60 years, this establishment has been whipping up egg tarts fit for royalty. Chris Patten, the former, and last, British governor of Hong Kong, even referred to them as “the best egg tarts in the world.”
Egg Waffles
More eggy goodness thrives in Hong Kong. When Western foodies think of traditional street snacks, hot dogs, bagels, and giant pretzels typically come to mind. In Hong Kong, however, there isn’t a more satisfying snack to grab on the go than an egg waffle. These little wonders, concocted from a sweet egg batter, poured into a waffle iron containing distinct bubble shapes, and cooked until golden, are then served up to hot to hungry customers. Although they’re often left plain, it’s not uncommon to top or flavor egg waffles with chocolate, matcha, and other toppings like ice cream. Why not, right? Numerous egg waffle kiosks line the streets of Hong Kong, but two particular brand names you’ll want to be on the lookout for are Lee Keung Kee and Hung Kee Top Quality Egg Waffles.
Pineapple Buns
Let’s keep the sweet, doughy treats coming! Before you jump to any conclusions, pineapple buns (or, bo lo bao) don’t actually include pineapple. While the checkerboard exterior does kind of look like a pineapple – hence the name – these buns taste more like a sugary pastry, and are best served with a slice of butter in the middle. Pineapples buns make for a sweet breakfast treat, but also function as a great addition to afternoon tea. The Tai Tung Bakery mastered the art of making pineapple buns over 70 years ago. In addition to this landmark eatery, you’ll want to taste the pineapple buns at Kam Wah Café and also be the hunt for Pineapple Canteen food trucks.
Hong Kong French Toast
We admit that eating French toast in Hong Kong might sound odd, on paper. But once you’ve tasted Hong Kong-style French toast in a cha chaan teng (or, literally: 'tea restaurant'), you’ll come to see this breakfast dish in a whole new light. Like traditional French toast, Hong Kong’s version also consists of white bread soaked in beaten egg. Hong Kong then takes things in a different direction by also adding in coconut jam, deep frying the bread, then topping with loads of butter and sweetened condensed milk. Or syrup or jam or . . . well, we can’t think of a better way to start off the first day of your vacation than with a plate of Hong Kong French toast.
And there’s so much more on offer in Hong Kong, food-wise, from delectable wonton noodles to bubble tea to a nourishing, egg-topped bowl of congee (rice porridge) to some of the freshest seafood you can possibly imagine. Your appetite will find its soulmate in Hong Kong.
