Hong Kong is a wonder in its own right. A city filled with color, character, and experience, a visit there will definitely fill your cup. It’ll also fill your stomach. We want to share 8 of the best street food in Hong Kong that will leave its mark on your taste buds.
If someone had to ask me what’s one place I’d visit once a year, it would definitely be Hong Kong. I’ve gone back to the city a total of eight times since my first visit in 2008, and have fallen in love with it more and more with every visit.
One of the highlights every time we visit has to be the food. And what would a visit to Hong Kong be like if you don’t try the street food?
What is Hong Kong Street Food Like?
Hong Kong street food has world renown for many reasons. Some of them have to be the following considerations:
- Variety — Hong Kong is a country marked by its cultural diversity. It was colonized by Great Britain at one point in time. And as it grew into the financial powerhouse it is today, the city welcomed people from all cultures over time. With that expansion came an evolution of the food culture. Paradoxically, it has also maintained the iconic Chinese cuisine that gives Hong Kong food such character.
- Quick and Convenient — Hong Kong is a fast-paced city. People walk like they’ll break into a jog at any point. The street food, accordingly, is designed for fast-paced city living. Most street food stalls put a premium on quick service. That allows you to grab a delicious bite on the go.
- Fusion of Traditional and Modern — One of the things that made me fall in love with Hong Kong was how the city married the traditional and modern in its urban planning, architecture, and cuisine. Hong Kong street food combines traditional flavors and cooking techniques with contemporary twists.
- Iconic Nature — Hong Kong has several iconic street snacks that have become synonymous with the city’s street food culture. That includes its egg waffles, curry fish balls, siu mai, pineapple buns with butter (bolo bao), stinky tofu, and more.
- Affordable and Value for Money — It’s no secret that Hong Kong is expensive. But any traveler or local that needs to scrimp on pennies and focus on travel essentials only can rely on good ol’ street food. Most street food are generally affordable, offering great value for money. You can sample a variety of dishes without breaking the bank.
8 Best Hong Kong Street Food to Try
So now, let’s jump into the eight street food you should try when visiting Hong Kong.
Egg Tarts
Egg Tarts are sweet and creamy custard tarts that locals and visitors alike can enjoy at any time of the day. The tarts are made with a rich and decadent custard perfectly complemented by the flaky buttery pastry crust. Egg Tarts are a popular dessert or snack option and are available in many bakeries and cafes throughout the region.
The combination of the sweet custard and the crispy crust creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making each bite a truly delightful experience. So if you love sweet treats, these custard tarts are sure to impress and satisfy your cravings.
Best place to get it: Central on Hong Kong Island
Stinky Tofu (Chou Doufu)
Fermented tofu is a highly popular dish that boasts a unique flavor and strong aroma. This dish is prepared by soaking tofu in a brine of salt, rice wine, and other seasonings, which allows the tofu to ferment and develop its distinct taste. People cook the tofu in various ways, including deep-frying it so it has a crispy texture.
Stinky tofu can come with chili sauce or soy sauce, enhancing the taste and adding an extra layer of complexity to the dish. Sure it has a pungent aroma. Still, fermented tofu remains a beloved dish in Hong Kong due to its bold flavor and cooking versatility.
Best place to get it: Temple Street Night Market in Yau Ma Tei
Wonton Noodles
Wonton soup is a Chinese soup consisting of wontons (Chinese dumplings) in a flavorful broth. Wontons can be filled with a variety of ingredients, but shrimp or a mixture of shrimp and pork are the most common.
The Wonton noodles’ broth is typically made from chicken or pork stock and is often flavored with ginger, garlic, and scallions. Wonton soup is a popular dish in China and is also enjoyed in many other parts of the world. It is a light and flavorful soup that is perfect for a quick meal or a light snack.
Best place to get it: Mak’s Noodle in Central is renowned for its wonton noodles
Egg Waffles (Gai Daan Jai)
Egg waffles, also known as gai daan zai (雞蛋仔) locally, are a beloved Hong Kong street food. Our kids definitely ask us to get some as soon as we hit Hong Kong streets. Egg waffles are made from a batter put in a special mold that resembles a pan filled with egg-shaped bumps.
Egg Waffles come out golden brown and crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside. Some also eat them with toppings like condensed milk, chocolate sauce, or ice cream. But for the most part, you should always try eating them plain first.
Best place to get it: Around Causeway Bay
Pineapple Bun (Bolo Bao)
Pineapple Bun is a sweet bun topped with a sugary crust, typically filled with a slab of butter. The contrast between the crispy exterior and the soft, buttery interior is delightful. Pineapple Buns are made of white flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and yeast baked until the crust becomes golden brown and the interior is cooked through.
Traditionally, you’ll want to add butter after baking so that it melts into the hot bun, making it even more delicious. This bun is a popular breakfast food in many countries, but Hong Kong’s version is definitely better.
Best place to get it: Kam Wah Cafe in Mong Kok
Curry Fish Balls
Fish balls cooked in a fragrant and spicy curry sauce are popular street food in Hong Kong. The fish balls work wonderfully with the curry sauce made from a variety of spices. The sauce has turmeric, cumin, and coriander cooked until they are thick and flavorful.
The fish balls are then tossed in the curry sauce and served with rice or noodles. This combination is a delicious and satisfying snack that is perfect for a quick meal on the go.
Best place to get it: Cheung Sha Wan Cooked Food Centre in Sham Shui Po
Roast Goose
Hong Kong-style roast goose is another popular dish often served in Hong Kong restaurants and dim sum parlors. The best part has to be the dish’s crispy skin and extremely tender meat. Roast Goose goes extremely well served with rice or noodles. The dish is often accompanied by a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, and chili oil.
Hong Kong-style roast goose is a delicious and flavorful dish that is sure to please any palate. It is a popular choice for both locals and tourists alike.
Best place to get it: Yat Lok Roast Goose in Central
Siu Mai
Every time I have Siu Mai in Hong Kong, the young Chinese kid in me becomes ecstatic. This popular dim sum dish and street food snack has a mixture of pork, shrimp, and sometimes mushrooms steamed or fried in a dumpling wrapper.
The dumplings go perfectly with a dipping soy sauce, vinegar, and chili oil sauce. Siu Mai is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a snack or as part of a larger meal. It is a popular choice for dim sum, which is a Cantonese tradition of sharing small plates of food. Siu Mai can also be found as a street food snack in many parts of Asia.
Best place to get it: This is a tough one, but I have to land on Dim Sum Jordan along Ferry Street
Basic Etiquette in Hong Kong Street Food Stalls and Restaurants
Food is a universal language, but that doesn’t mean that Hong Kong won’t have its own little quirks. So remember these etiquettes when eating at Hong Kong street food stalls and restaurants.
Be Patient
Street food stalls in Hong Kong can get busy, especially during peak hours. Practice patience and wait your turn in line.
Master the Stick
Chopsticks are mostly the main way you eat in Hong Kong. Use them appropriately and avoid touching food with your hands unless it is a handheld snack specifically meant to be eaten that way. Some street food places give you plastic chopsticks with hot water. Keep them in there for a bit to ensure they’re clean.
Don’t Spill the Tea
My guilty pleasure when eating street food has to be a Schweppes Cream Soda. But it always makes sense to go for the hot tea first. It also helps keep your gut healthy after all the eating.
Be Mindful of Seating
Some street food stalls in Hong Kong will provide limited or no seating. If there are seats, be considerate and avoid occupying a seat for an extended period, especially if others are waiting. Take a walk. You could use the calorie burn.
Respect the Stall Owners
Some stall owners might sound angry when they respond. Chances are some of them will know very little English too. But these aren’t good reasons to be disrespectful. Show respect and gratitude to the street food vendors by using basic courtesies. If you want to say “thank you,” you can say m̀h-gòi when receiving your food or asking for assistance. (m̀h-gòi is also a polite way of saying “please” and “excuse me,” so three expressions in one. What a win).
Final Thoughts
Hong Kong is a city with a rich culinary history and a vibrant street food scene. There are many different types of street food to try in Hong Kong, from traditional Cantonese dishes to more modern fusion creations.
If you’re looking for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, you’re sure to find something to your taste on the streets of Hong Kong. So next time you’re in Hong Kong, be sure to try some of the delicious street food on offer!
For more articles about Hong Kong, check out my recommendations below:
Like it? Pin it!
Disclaimer: Some of the links on this website are “affiliate links.” This means that if you click on the link and do a purchase, I will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost for you. This helps me keep my website running and continue to share my travelling knowledge with you. I thank you for booking your flights or hotels using the links on my website. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers.
This is a great guide. I’d love to visit Hong Kong. Everything looks so good!
There are some interesting choices here! Do they have options too that aren’t fish/seafood? That’s always something I struggle with in Asian countries so I’m curious.