Food is the next best thing in Hong Kong, second only to the vibrant culture and bustling markets exuding the quintessential Chinese energy. Unsurprisingly, Hong Kong food, particularly street food, is closely tied to the culture. This is why, indulging in the food markets of Hong Kong is a wholesome affair combining life, flavour, tradition, and a dash of love.

With its variety of traditional delicacies and rare bites infused with modern twists, each presenting an explosion of flavours in the mouth, Hong Kong is a culinary haven for food buffs. To try the most authentically made street food in the city, would be to taste the culture and experience the people’s evergreen love for creating unique flavour concoctions. 

Hong Kong is famous for playing host to some of the most hip and happening food festivals in the world. These festivals offer not just a chance to taste the oh-so-popular local rarities, but also an active look into the life and culinary traditions that have come to be synonymous with the city. Booking thoughtfully made Hong Kong tour packages at the right times and best seasons will let you partake in these vibrant events.

If you ever get the chance to try Hong Kong street food, here are 7 of the most popular, must-have items.

Stinky Tofu

Stinky fried tofu at a Hong Kong street food stall
Stinky fried tofu at a Hong Kong street food stall
Image courtesy: Shutterstock/StrippedPixel.com

As off-putting as the name sounds, stinky tofu is one of the most popular and widely ordered street food items in Hong Kong. Being a fermented delicacy, it is prepared by soaking tofu in brine with a variety of flavourful ingredients like salt, meat, rice water, vegetables, and sometimes bamboo shoots or shrimp cells. The production process gives the item a distinct smell which can be off-putting to some, but the flavour has invariably been described as nothing short of delicious. This deep fried golden piece of perfection brings a harmonious mix of savoury, slightly sweet, and umami flavours. Served with a unique pink sauce, stinky tofu is a great favourite among tourists, particularly, adventure seekers looking for authentic Chinese experiences. Carrying every bit of the richness and boldness of Hong Kong’s culture, stinky tofu is undoubtedly one of the best in Hong Kong food.

Also Read: Hong Kong Tourist Visa For Indians

Egg Tarts

Signature Egg Tarts of Hong Kong food
Signature Egg Tarts of Hong Kong
Image courtesy: Shutterstock/Food Shop

Egg Tarts are a staple in Hong Kong food. Traditionally enjoyed as a snack or a dessert item, most of the best restaurants in Hong Kong as well as street food stalls offer this delicious pastry. With a crunchy crust made mostly out of puff pastry and a mildly sweet creamy custard filling created from everything that screams delight including eggs, milk, vanilla, sugar, and cream, egg tarts are a treat to your culinary senses. Believed to have originated in Guangzhou, China in the 1940s, these sweet treats are now also produced in variations of chocolate, green tea, and bird’s nest fillings. Whether you choose to explore Hong Kong street food, or splurge at a fine dining restaurant in the city, be sure to order egg tarts for a sweet lingering taste to end your meal.

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Curry Fish Balls

Hong Kong-style Curry Fish Balls
Hong Kong-style Curry Fish Balls
Image courtesy: Shutterstock/AuthorLinyt Photography

Curry Fish Balls are famous for packing a punch when it comes to flavour. An iconic item in Hong Kong street food, these flavorful balls have a distinct chewy or springy texture and are often served on skewers, which makes them an ideal quick-bite option for when you are out shopping. Simmered in rich and spicy curry sauce, curry fish balls are known to have an addictive lingering taste, attributable to its satisfying texture and delectable flavours. Just for the unique combination of elements, curry fish balls are a must-try item in Hong Kong food.

Cheung Fun

Cantonese Cheung Fun
Cantonese Cheung Fun
Image courtesy: Shutterstock/nickichen

Cheung Fun is another interesting savoury street food item that is popular as a breakfast treat. Essentially composed of delicately prepared rice noodle rolls, cheung fun offers distinctively textured, soft and chewy bite-sizes beautifully infused with a mixture of peanut sauce, soy sauce, and sweet sauce. Carrying a mild flavour combining the delightful tastes of the sauces, these rice rolls are fun and satisfying to indulge in owing to their unique combination of slippery textures with rich and penetrating flavours. While cheung fun is an exceptional street food option, some of the best restaurants in Hong Kong as well Michelin-guide recommended street food stalls such as Hop Yik Tai, serve the most delicious Cheung Fun in Hong Kong.

Also Read: Silk Sheets & City Gleams: Top Most Luxurious Hotels in Hong Kong

Siu Mai

Shrimp and Fish Roe Siu Mai
Shrimp and Fish Roe Siu Mai
Image courtesy: Shutterstock/min4fun

Siu Mai is a highly popular open-faced Cantonese dim sum dish that bursts with a variety of wonderful mouthwatering flavours depending on its filling. While typically made with finely ground pork and shrimp, many stalls in Hong Kong’s bustling food markets also sell improvised variations made of fish paste and flour, which presents a more subtle and understated flavour when compared to the juicy punch of pork. The core filling is often accompanied by other savoury ingredients such as mushrooms, green onions, and carrots adding to the richness of the mixture. Combined with the neutral and chewy texture of traditional wonton wrapper, siu mai makes for an unmissable treat in Hong Kong food. Tourists typically have the dish with sweet soy sauce and chilli oil for a more balanced taste.

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Egg Waffle

Egg Waffle
Egg Waffle
Image courtesy: Shutterstock/leungchopan

Egg waffles are one of the most widely favoured snack items in Hong Kong. Also called “bubble waffles” they are characterized by their unique honeycomb or bubble-shape – a result of a deliberate preparation method where leavened batter is placed between two plates of a waffle-maker with semi-spherical cells. Having originated in the 1950s in Hong Kong and Macau, egg waffles have a mildly crispy exterior and a soft custard-filled interior. With prominent flavours of vanilla, these are often considered a go-to, mildly flavoured snack, abundantly sold across fairs, street corners and food festivals. Today, several flavours of this local gem are available in Hong Kong street food markets such as chocolate, strawberry, and Russian borscht. Some of the best restaurants in Hong Kong also offer refined versions of the item, along with complementary additions.

Sugar Cane Juice

Fresh sugar cane juice
Fresh sugar cane juice
Image courtesy: Shutterstock/tyasindayanti

Last on the list, is a refreshing drink. A staple across Hong Kong food markets and all extravagant food festivals, sugar cane juice is a sweet, rich, and wholesome drink made from freshly pressed sugar canes. Considered a summer drink, it offers the perfect balance of thirst-quenching goodness and cooling vibes. Vendors have a dedicated sugar cane machine up and running to serve sugar cane juice fresh on demand. Tourists typically turn to this cool beverage to take refreshing breaks in between sightseeing and exploring the city.

Also Read: Hong Kong Visa For Indians: PAR Requirements And How To Apply

Wrapping Up: Hong Kong Food Must-Haves

Exploring Hong Kong street food is a journey in itself. Whether it’s to taste unique and rare flavours or to experience a touch of Hong Kong’s long-standing culture, food is the single-most significant and telling element that speaks volumes about the city’s traditions and history. 

When booking Hong Kong tour packages, be sure to set aside a day or two just to indulge in the vibrant food markets of the city. Also, book your accommodation at the best hotels in Hong Kong closer to the street food markets for convenience. 

Try out lunch and dinner experiences at some of the best restaurants in Hong Kong as well such as Fireside, Lai Ching Heen, and Mott 32 to get a taste of more sophisticated Hong Kong food. End your trip with your stomachs and your hearts full of memories, tastes, flavours, and stories.


Quick Summary – Hong Kong Foods to Try

Hong Kong is well known for its delicious street food. A visit to the bustling culture-rich city calls for a dive into the best of Hong Kong food. Some of the must-try Hong Kong street food items are Stinky Tofu, Egg Tarts, Curry Fish Balls, Cheung Fun, Siu Mai, Egg Waffle, and Sugar cane juice. These foods carry the essence of the city and allow you to experience the authentic taste of Hong Kong.

FAQs

What is the most popular street food in Hong Kong?

Some of the most popular street foods in Hong Kong are:

  • Stinky tofu
  • Egg tarts
  • Curry fish balls
  • Cheung Fun
  • Siu Mai
  • Egg waffle
  • Sugar cane juice

What is the most famous food in Hong Kong?

Dim sums are considered the most famous food in Hong Kong. Translating to “touch the heart” dim sums are essentially a range of small Chinese dishes comprising sweet and savoury flavours, traditionally served for brunch.

Where to eat street food in Hong Kong?

Some of the best street food spots and restaurants in Hong Kong are:

  • Under Bridge Spicy Crab – Causeway Bay
  • Shui Kee, Central
  • Ho To Tai Noodle Shop, Yuen Long
  • Hop Yik Tai, Sham Shui Po
  • Bakehouse, Wan Chai

Is street food cheap in Hong Kong?

Hong Kong offers a mix of affordability and value for money when it comes to street food. While some food stalls and restaurants provide excellent options at cheaper prices than others, some places charge higher, but offer more value in terms of quality, quantity, as well as physical amenities. Your experience ultimately comes down to the restaurants and food stalls you choose.

How to go to Hong Kong from India?

To travel to Hong Kong you can board direct flights from major cities like Mumbai and Delhi. Book well in advance to get the lowest air tickets to Hong Kong. 

Additionally, you also need your PAR (Pre Arrival Registration), a mandatory alternative to a Hong Kong visa to tour the city for a period of 14 days. Be sure to book your flights and secure your visa with a reliable travel agency offering online visa services for 180+ countries for a hassle-free trip.

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