Roast goose, barbecue pork, noodles, oh my. These are just few of the top foods to try in Hong Kong.
With its centuries of tradition and colonial history, Hong Kong is a veritable smorgasbord of culinary delights. The sheer number of sights and smells can be overwhelming, making it difficult to know where to even start to find the top foods to try in Hong Kong.
Eating is one of the top things to do in Hong Kong. You can find just about anything here, from no-frills street foods to three Michelin-starred establishments, so while you won’t go hungry, you might feel a bit overwhelmed. Luckily for you, I put my taste buds and snooping skills to the test to sniff out some of the top treats and traditional tastes you need to get your hands on to fully experience this vibrant city. And thanks to some very knowledgeable (and friendly) Hong Kong guides, this list has gotten a local seal of approval. Hungry for more? Here are seven foods to try in Hong Kong.
What to Eat in Hong Kong
If you’re nervous about hitting the streets to source your own sustenance, I highly recommend getting your feet wet with a food tour. Knowledgeable guides make finding foods to try in Hong Kong a much less stressful and more fun endeavor, and can even enhance your experience with history lessons and quirky anecdotes about local life. For the perfect combo of all of the above, book a tour with Angel through With Locals. Her night market tour is a great way to explore Kowloon after dark and to get a feel for how locals find the best bites around town.
Top Foods To Try in Hong Kong
Roast Goose
Cantonese comfort food doesn’t get much better than roast goose. With its golden, crispy skin and rich, juicy meat, it’s a delicious introduction to the city’s culinary heritage and undoubtedly a must-try food in Hong Kong.
When hunting for the best roast goose, look for the birds hanging in the window. You’ll want to find a spot showing off the geese with the heads still attached to ensure that you’re getting real goose and not cheaper duck being passed off for the more expensive local delicacy. A few top-notch options include Yat Lok, a Michelin-starred gem that frequently hosts a queue, and the iconic Kam’s Roast Goose. For a local favorite, try Joy Hing Roasted Meat for a century-old restaurant with a perfected recipe.
Egg Waffles
Egg waffles, or gai daan jai, are a beloved Hong Kong street snack that’s crispy on the outside, soft and airy on the inside. While the exact origin of these bubble-shaped waffles are unknown, they’ve become a symbol of Hong Kong’s street food culture, especially after the rise of Instagram. Their mildly sweet flavor pairs perfectly with endless toppings and fillings — think matcha, chocolate, or even ice cream for a modern twist. For a classic experience, try the plain version fresh off the griddle.
To taste some the best, head to Mammy Pancake, a Michelin-recognized spot known for creative flavors like cheese or taro. Other favorites like Lee Keung Kee North Point Egg Waffles and Pufflife serve up consistently crispy delights. Exploring the city with an egg waffle in hand is a delicious way to embrace Hong Kong’s vibrant food scene.
Pineapple Buns
Pineapple buns, or bo lo bao, are a quintessential Hong Kong bakery treat adored for their golden, crumbly top and soft, fluffy bread. But don’t just take my word for it. In 2014, Hong Kong’s government officially listed the bun as a protected part of the city’s intangible cultural heritage, meaning it has to be made using a specific method in order to earn the name “pineapple bun.” Despite its moniker, there’s no pineapple inside; the name comes from the sweet crust’s resemblance to pineapple skin.
The magic lies in the contrast: the slightly crispy, sugary top pairs beautifully with the soft bread. Locals love adding a thick slice of cold butter (called bo lo yau) for an extra indulgent bite – a move I highly recommend. Pair it with milk tea for the ultimate Hong Kong tea house experience.
For some of the best pineapple buns in town, visit Kam Wah Café or Hee Wan Cafe in Mong Kok, both renowned for their buttery, freshly baked buns. Another great option is Tai Tung Bakery, a decades-old institution.
Fish Balls
Don’t laugh — these seafood dumplings are among the most popular street foods in Hong Kong and a must-try on any city itinerary. Fish balls are beloved for their chewy texture and bold flavors with an estimated 37,000 tons consumed annually in Hong Kong alone. Made from minced fish paste, they’re seasoned, shaped, and boiled to bouncy perfection.
There are two main types: curry fish balls, simmered in a flavorful, mildly spicy sauce, and plain fish balls, often served in noodle soup. Locals enjoy grabbing skewered curry fish balls from street vendors or savoring them in broth at cha chaan tengs (tea restaurants).For authentic fish balls, visit On Lee Noodle Shop in Shau Kei Wan, where they’re served in comforting noodle bowls, or Kau Kee Noodle for a mix of beef brisket and fish ball goodness.
Wonton Noodle Soup
Wonton noodles are a beloved Hong Kong comfort food, celebrated for their delicate dumplings and springy egg noodles. A classic Cantonese dish, its origins date back to the Qing dynasty, though the now-iconic Hong Kong version remains a local staple. Silky thin wontons are typically filled with shrimp and pork, while the noodles have a firm, bouncy texture.
The dish is served in a fragrant broth made from dried shrimp, pork bones, and fish, creating a rich yet light flavor. Locals prefer it simple, with a dash of soy sauce or chili oil.
For an authentic experience, head to Mak’s Noodle, a legendary shop where portions are small but the taste is big. Other must-visits include Tsim Chai Kee and Shek Kee Wonton Noodles, both known for generous portions and affordable prices.
Claypot Rice
After a long day of sightseeing, nothing hits the spot quite like claypot rice. This classic comfort dish gets its name from its simple but effective cooking method: Rice is cooked in a traditional clay pot, developing a smoky aroma and delightful crispy edges. The pot can be topped with just about anything your heart desires, from Chinese sausage and chicken to salted fish. A splash of soy sauce ties everything together, especially with the satisfying sizzle of the cool liquid hitting the hot clay pot.
Locals love mixing the toppings into the rice to enjoy the combination of textures — soft grains with crunchy crust. For authentic claypot rice, visit Kwan Kee Claypot Rice in Sai Ying Pun or Four Seasons Claypot Rice in Yau Ma Tei. The former has gotten extremely popular with tourists due to exposure on social media, but I’ve been assured by Angel that it’s still one of the absolute best places to try claypot rice in Hong Kong.
Egg Tarts
If there’s one food to try in Hong Kong, it has to be the egg tart. This Hong Kong bakery classic is inspired by British custard tarts but adapted for local tastes. These bite-sized delights feature either a buttery, flaky pastry or a tender cookie crust filled with a smooth egg custard. Baked to golden perfection, they’re best enjoyed fresh and warm.
A word to the wise: These tarts are not overly sweet. In fact, the flaky pastry version reminded me more of a slightly sweet quiche than a custard tart. The texture and flavor were both excellent, but the lack of sweetness might be a bit jarring for a Western palate.
For the best egg tarts, visit Tai Cheong Bakery for its famous cookie crust or Honolulu Café or Bakehouse for the flaky version.
Bonus: Coffee
To say that Hong Kong’s coffee culture has exploded over the past decade or so would be an understatement. Hong Kong’s long tradition of tea-making lends itself to the rising artisanal coffee scene, which priorities high-quality beans and unique brewing methods. When you order a pour-over, for example, you’re likely to be treated to a tea ceremony-like presentation, during which the maker will present you with a small cup of beans for smelling before adding hot water to your cup, rinsing it out, then starting the brewing process. The result is nothing short of a coffee-lovers’ dream.
While it’s difficult to pinpoint exactly how many coffee shops there are in Hong Kong, it’s safe to say that you’ll never be farther than a block or two from a quality cup of Joe. Most coffee shops in Hong Kong are independently owned, so you’re unlikely to have the same experience twice. During our visit, we tried everything from a tiramisu latte to coffee paired with honeycomb and at least four different pour-overs. Some of our favorite shops were Elephant Grounds, Nodi, The Baker & The Bottleman, Kaffeine, and Indigo Coffee.
Stay caffeinated, my friends.