What to Eat in Hong Kong: 15 Must-Try Foods & Local Dishes
Hong Kong is a dream destination for food lovers, and one of the best ways to experience the city is through its food. From steaming baskets of dim sum and crispy roast meats to comforting noodle dishes, flaky egg tarts and creamy Hong Kong-style milk tea, there is something delicious around every corner. Whether you’re visiting Hong Kong for the first time or simply looking for new dishes to try, this Hong Kong food guide covers the best local dishes and must-try foods to add to your trip.
What to Eat in Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of the best destinations in Asia for food lovers, with a huge variety of dishes influenced by traditional Cantonese cuisine and the city’s unique history. From bustling street food stalls to traditional cha chaan tengs, there are countless ways to experience the local food scene.
Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a cheap local meal or a traditional Cantonese feast, these are some of the best foods to try in Hong Kong.
Try Traditional Hong Kong Dim Sum
No trip to Hong Kong is complete without trying dim sum. These small, bite-sized dishes are designed to be shared, making them a great way to sample several different flavours in one meal.
Some of the most popular dishes to look out for include har gow, steamed shrimp dumplings; siu mai, pork and shrimp dumplings; char siu bao, fluffy steamed buns filled with barbecue pork; and cheung fun, silky rice noodle rolls usually served with a sweet soy sauce.
Dim sum is traditionally enjoyed alongside Chinese tea, and sitting down for a leisurely meal is a great way to experience an important part of Hong Kong’s food culture.
Eat Hong Kong-Style Roast Goose
Roast goose is one of the most famous traditional Hong Kong foods and is well worth seeking out during your visit. The goose is roasted until the skin becomes beautifully crisp while the meat remains tender and juicy.
It is usually served with rice, vegetables and a rich sauce. You’ll find roast goose at traditional Cantonese restaurants throughout the city, often alongside other popular roasted meats such as char siu and crispy roast pork.
Try Char Siu
Char siu is Cantonese-style barbecue pork and another must-try dish in Hong Kong. The pork is marinated in a sweet and savoury sauce before being roasted, creating caramelised edges and a deliciously tender centre.
You can enjoy char siu with steamed rice, noodles or as part of a larger Cantonese meal. For a simple and affordable option, order a plate of char siu rice from a local roast meat restaurant.
Enjoy a Hong Kong Egg Tart
If you’re looking for something sweet, make sure to try a traditional Hong Kong egg tart. These small pastries consist of a flaky or buttery pastry shell filled with smooth, lightly sweetened egg custard.
They’re particularly popular as a quick breakfast or afternoon snack and are easy to find in bakeries and cafés across the city.
Drink Hong Kong-Style Milk Tea
Hong Kong-style milk tea is one of the city’s most iconic drinks. Strong black tea is combined with evaporated milk to create a rich, smooth and creamy drink.
You’ll often find it served at cha chaan tengs, where it is enjoyed alongside local breakfast dishes, sandwiches and snacks. It’s particularly refreshing when served cold on a hot day.
Visit a Traditional Cha Chaan Teng
A cha chaan teng is a traditional Hong Kong café and one of the best places to experience everyday local food. These casual restaurants became popular for serving affordable meals that combine Cantonese flavours with Western influences.
The menus can be extensive, with everything from noodles and rice dishes to sandwiches, French toast and milk tea.
For a true local experience, grab a seat at a busy cha chaan teng and order one of their classic breakfast or lunch sets.
Try a Pineapple Bun
Despite its name, a pineapple bun doesn’t actually contain pineapple. Instead, it gets its name from its golden, crunchy topping, which resembles the skin of a pineapple.
One of the best ways to enjoy it is bo lo yau, a pineapple bun served with a thick slice of butter inside. The combination of the warm, slightly sweet bun and melting butter makes this a popular Hong Kong snack.
Sample Hong Kong Street Food
Hong Kong’s street food is perfect for anyone who wants to try lots of different local flavours without spending too much money.
Popular street snacks include curry fish balls, fish siu mai, cheung fun, stinky tofu and egg waffles. You’ll find plenty of options around busy markets and neighbourhoods, particularly in areas such as Mong Kok.
Street food is also a great way to eat your way around the city, picking up small snacks as you explore.
Eat Beef Brisket Noodles
For a comforting and filling meal, try beef brisket noodles. Tender pieces of beef brisket are slow-cooked in a rich, aromatic broth before being served with noodles.
It’s a popular everyday dish and a great choice when you’re looking for something hearty after a busy day exploring Hong Kong.
Try Hong Kong-Style Egg Waffles
Hong Kong egg waffles, known locally as gai daan jai, are one of the city’s most recognisable street snacks. The sweet batter is cooked in a distinctive mould, creating small round pockets that are crispy on the outside and soft and chewy inside.
You can enjoy them on their own or find versions topped with ice cream, fruit, chocolate or other sweet toppings.
Taste Traditional Hong Kong Desserts
Don’t forget to leave room for dessert. Hong Kong has plenty of traditional sweet treats, including mango sago, tofu pudding, red bean soup and black sesame soup.
Mango sago is particularly popular and makes a refreshing choice in Hong Kong’s warm weather. It combines fresh mango with coconut milk and chewy tapioca pearls for a sweet and creamy dessert.
For something more traditional, try tofu pudding, a silky-soft dessert that is usually served with a sweet syrup.
Best Places to Try Hong Kong Food
Hong Kong’s food scene is spread across the city, so you don’t need to stick to fancy restaurants to enjoy great food. Some of the best dishes can be found in busy neighbourhoods, local markets and small family-run cafés. Here are some of the best places to explore when you’re looking for what to eat in Hong Kong.
Explore Mong Kok’s Street Food
Mong Kok is one of the best areas in Hong Kong for street food and casual dining. The lively streets are packed with food stalls, bakeries, local cafés and small restaurants, making it easy to sample several dishes while exploring the neighbourhood.
Keep an eye out for egg waffles, curry fish balls, siu mai, pineapple buns and cheung fun. Mong Kok is also home to busy markets, so it’s a great area to combine sightseeing, shopping and eating.
Eat Your Way Around Central
Central is Hong Kong’s business district, but it’s also home to a fantastic mix of traditional eateries, modern restaurants and historic food spots. Wander through the streets around Central, Sheung Wan and nearby neighbourhoods to discover everything from dim sum restaurants to noodle shops and bakeries.
This is a particularly good area to try classic Cantonese dishes while also experiencing some of Hong Kong’s more modern food scene.
Visit Temple Street Night Market
Temple Street Night Market is one of the best places to experience Hong Kong after dark. As the market comes alive in the evening, you’ll find rows of food stalls and casual restaurants serving affordable local dishes.
It’s a great place to try seafood, noodles, rice dishes, dim sum and other Hong Kong-style snacks while soaking up the lively atmosphere. Grab a table, order a few dishes to share and enjoy the buzzing streets around you.
Try Food at a Traditional Cha Chaan Teng
For a truly local dining experience, make time for a traditional cha chaan teng. These casual Hong Kong cafés are known for inexpensive comfort food and dishes that combine Cantonese and Western influences.
Order a classic Hong Kong-style milk tea alongside pineapple buns, French toast, noodles, rice dishes or a simple breakfast set. They’re a great option for budget travellers and an easy way to experience how locals eat on a day-to-day basis.
Hong Kong Food Tips
Eating in Hong Kong can be as affordable or as expensive as you make it. While the city has plenty of high-end restaurants, some of the best local food can be found in small restaurants, markets and street food stalls. These simple tips will help you make the most of your Hong Kong food experience.
How Much Does Food Cost in Hong Kong?
Hong Kong isn’t known as one of Asia’s cheapest destinations, but you can still eat well on a budget. Local cafés, noodle shops and street food stalls offer plenty of affordable options, while restaurants in tourist areas and upscale districts can be considerably more expensive.
As a rough guide, you can expect to pay around HK$40–80 for a budget meal, while a meal at a mid-range restaurant may cost around HK$100–250 per person. Dim sum and shared Cantonese meals can vary considerably depending on the restaurant and number of dishes ordered.
One of the easiest ways to keep your food budget down is to eat where locals eat rather than choosing restaurants directly beside major tourist attractions.
How to Order Food in Hong Kong
Ordering food in Hong Kong is generally straightforward, particularly in restaurants aimed at tourists. However, smaller local eateries may have menus primarily in Chinese, so having a translation app on your phone can be useful.
At dim sum restaurants, dishes are often ordered individually or from a menu, allowing you to choose several plates to share. At smaller cafés, you may also find set meals that combine a main dish with a drink.
Don’t be afraid to point to something that looks good if you’re unsure what to order – some of the best food discoveries can come from simply trying something new!
What to Know About Eating in Hong Kong
A few things are worth knowing before you start exploring Hong Kong’s food scene.
Portions can be small: This is particularly useful to remember when ordering dim sum or street food. Ordering several dishes to share is often the best approach.
Cash is still useful: While many restaurants and cafés accept cards or mobile payments, smaller food stalls and local eateries may prefer cash, so it’s worth carrying some Hong Kong dollars.
Expect busy restaurants: Popular local restaurants can get extremely busy, particularly around lunchtime and dinner. You may need to queue or share a table with other diners.
Don’t only eat in tourist areas: Some of the best food experiences can be found away from the main attractions. Explore local neighbourhoods and look for busy restaurants filled with locals.
Try something new: Hong Kong has an incredible variety of food, so don’t stick solely to familiar dishes. Trying dim sum, beef brisket noodles, egg waffles, stinky tofu or a traditional cha chaan teng is all part of the experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About What to Eat in Hong Kong
What food is Hong Kong famous for?
Hong Kong is famous for its Cantonese cuisine, particularly dim sum, roast goose, char siu, beef brisket noodles and cheung fun. The city is also known for its unique cha chaan teng culture, Hong Kong-style milk tea, egg tarts and popular street foods such as egg waffles and curry fish balls.
What should I eat in Hong Kong for the first time?
If it’s your first time visiting Hong Kong, start with some of the city’s most iconic dishes. Dim sum, roast goose, char siu, beef brisket noodles, egg tarts, pineapple buns and Hong Kong-style milk tea are all excellent choices. Trying a meal at a traditional cha chaan teng is also a great way to experience everyday Hong Kong food culture.
What is the most popular food in Hong Kong?
Dim sum is arguably the food most closely associated with Hong Kong. From steamed shrimp dumplings and siu mai to char siu bao and cheung fun, there are countless varieties to try. Dim sum is traditionally enjoyed with Chinese tea and is often served as a social, shared meal.
Is Hong Kong expensive for food?
Hong Kong can be expensive for food, particularly if you eat at high-end restaurants or in popular tourist areas. However, it is possible to eat very well on a budget. Local noodle shops, cha chaan tengs, bakeries, markets and street food stalls offer plenty of affordable options. Eating where locals eat is one of the best ways to keep your food costs down.
What is the best street food in Hong Kong?
Some of the best Hong Kong street foods to try include egg waffles, curry fish balls, fish siu mai, cheung fun and stinky tofu. Pineapple buns and egg tarts are also easy-to-find snacks that are perfect for eating while exploring the city. Mong Kok and Temple Street are particularly good areas for sampling local street food.
