Here is a list of the Top 10 Must-Try Foods in Hong Kong, showcasing the city’s vibrant culinary culture, from traditional Cantonese dishes to famous street food staples:
1. Dim Sum
A quintessential Hong Kong experience. Dim sum includes bite-sized portions like siu mai (pork dumplings), har gow (shrimp dumplings), and char siu bao (BBQ pork buns). Try it at famous restaurants like Tim Ho Wan or Maxim’s Palace.
2. Wonton Noodles
Thin egg noodles served in a flavorful broth with shrimp and pork wontons. Often topped with leafy greens or fish balls, this dish is a comfort food favorite among locals.
3. Roast Goose
Hong Kong’s roast goose is famous for its crispy skin and juicy, flavorful meat. Yat Lok and Kam’s Roast Goose are Michelin-recommended spots to try this delicacy.
4. Egg Tarts
Inspired by the Portuguese pastel de nata, Hong Kong’s version has a flaky pastry shell with a smooth egg custard filling. Best enjoyed warm, you can find them at Tai Cheong Bakery or local cha chaan tengs.
5. Pineapple Bun (Bo Lo Bao)
A sweet bun with a crumbly, golden top resembling a pineapple (though it contains no pineapple). Often served with a thick slice of cold butter in the middle (called “bo lo yau”), it's a beloved bakery item.
6. Claypot Rice (Bo Zai Fan)
A wintertime favorite where rice is cooked in a clay pot and topped with ingredients like Chinese sausage, chicken, or mushrooms. The crispy rice at the bottom adds a unique texture and taste.
7. Fish Balls
A popular street snack, these bouncy and savory balls made of fish paste are usually skewered and served in curry sauce or soup. Try them at stalls in Mong Kok or Sham Shui Po.
8. Hong Kong-Style French Toast
A decadent dish often found in local cafés (cha chaan teng), made by deep-frying thick slices of bread soaked in egg and stuffed with peanut butter or kaya, then topped with butter and syrup.
9. Cheung Fun (Rice Noodle Rolls)
Steamed, silky-smooth rice rolls filled with beef, shrimp, or char siu, then topped with soy sauce, sesame seeds, and hoisin or sweet sauce. A dim sum staple and popular street food.
10. Milk Tea (Hong Kong Style)
This iconic drink is a rich, strong black tea mixed with evaporated or condensed milk, served hot or iced. Often paired with a pineapple bun or toast for a classic local breakfast.