Hong Kong is a culinary paradise, known for its vibrant street food culture that blends traditional Cantonese flavors with global influences. From sizzling skewers to mouthwatering dim sum, the city offers an array of irresistible street foods that every traveler must experience. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the best street food in Hong Kong that will leave your taste buds craving for more.
1. Egg Waffles (Gai Daan Jai)
One of Hong Kong’s most famous street snacks, egg waffles are a must-try. These golden, crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside delights are shaped like honeycombs and served hot off the griddle. They are typically eaten plain but can also be found in various flavors, such as chocolate, green tea, and cheese.
Where to Try: Mammy Pancake, Lee Keung Kee North Point Egg Waffles
2. Curry Fish Balls
A quintessential Hong Kong street food, curry fish balls are skewered and served in a rich, spicy curry sauce. These chewy, flavorful balls are made from fish paste and are a favorite among locals.
Where to Try: Chung Kee, Island Gourmet
3. Cheung Fun (Rice Noodle Rolls)
These silky smooth rice noodle rolls are a staple in dim sum restaurants and street stalls alike. Served with a drizzle of sweet soy sauce, sesame sauce, and hoisin sauce, cheung fun is both simple and delicious.
Where to Try: Hop Yik Tai, Kwan Kee Store
4. Stinky Tofu
A delicacy with a powerful aroma, stinky tofu is deep-fried to perfection and served with a side of spicy sauce. Despite its pungent smell, this crispy, golden snack is beloved by many food lovers.
Where to Try: Tofu Fa King, Mong Kok Night Market
5. Pineapple Bun (Bo Lo Bao)
A pineapple bun is a soft, fluffy bread topped with a crunchy, sugary crust. It contains no pineapple but gets its name from the crisscross pattern resembling a pineapple’s surface. Try it with a slab of butter inside for an even richer experience.
Where to Try: Kam Wah Café, Tsui Wah Bakery
6. Siu Mai (Hong Kong-Style Dumplings)
Unlike the dim sum version, Hong Kong-style siu mai is a street food variant made with fish or pork, steamed, and served with soy sauce or spicy chili oil. These dumplings are deliciously chewy and packed with flavor.
Where to Try: On Lee Dai Pai Dong, Kei Kee Siu Mai
7. Roast Chestnuts & Sweet Potatoes
During colder months, you’ll find vendors selling roasted chestnuts and sweet potatoes. The chestnuts are smoky and slightly sweet, while the sweet potatoes are soft and caramelized, making for a comforting snack.
Where to Try: Temple Street Night Market, Central Market
8. Bubble Tea (Boba Tea)
Although originally from Taiwan, bubble tea has become a Hong Kong street food staple. With endless flavors and toppings like tapioca pearls, pudding, and jelly, it’s a refreshing drink to enjoy while exploring the city.
Where to Try: Yifang Taiwan Fruit Tea, Gong Cha
9. Peanut & Sesame Tong Yuen (Glutinous Rice Balls)
These sweet glutinous rice balls are filled with peanut, sesame, or red bean paste, served in a hot, fragrant ginger broth. They are a popular dessert, especially during winter.
Where to Try: Cheung Hing Kee, Kai Kai Dessert
10. Char Siu (BBQ Pork)
Char siu, or Cantonese-style barbecue pork, is coated in a sweet and savory glaze and roasted until perfectly caramelized. Served with rice or noodles, this dish is an absolute must-try.
Where to Try: Joy Hing Roasted Meat, Yat Lok
11. Beef Offal
For the adventurous eater, beef offal is a traditional street food dish that includes beef stomach, intestines, and other organ meats simmered in a flavorful broth. It’s a savory, rich, and aromatic delicacy that locals love.
Where to Try: Fei Jie, Temple Street Food Stalls
12. Dragon’s Beard Candy
This delicate hand-pulled candy resembles a dragon’s beard and is made of sugar, maltose, peanuts, and sesame seeds. It melts in your mouth and offers a unique textural contrast of crispy and chewy.
Where to Try: Lai Chi Kok Dragon’s Beard Candy
13. Fried Squid Tentacles
Crispy, golden-brown, and seasoned to perfection, fried squid tentacles are a beloved snack for seafood lovers. The tentacles are deep-fried until crunchy and sprinkled with salt, pepper, and chili flakes.
Where to Try: Temple Street Night Market, Mong Kok Food Stalls
14. Egg Tarts (Daan Tat)
A classic Hong Kong dessert, egg tarts have a flaky crust filled with smooth, creamy custard. Best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, they are a perfect sweet treat.
Where to Try: Tai Cheong Bakery, Honolulu Coffee Shop
15. Cart Noodles
Cart noodles are a mix-and-match dish where you can choose from a variety of broths, noodles, and toppings like fish balls, beef brisket, and pig’s blood curd. This street food staple offers endless customization.
Where to Try: Wing Kee Noodle, Man Kee Cart Noodle
Final Thoughts
Hong Kong’s street food scene is a paradise for food lovers, offering everything from savory skewers to delightful sweets. Whether you’re exploring the bustling streets of Mong Kok or wandering through the night markets of Temple Street, be sure to try these must-eat delicacies.