“Hong Kong is famous for food, and when you visit, you better be ready to eat.”

Anthony Bourdain

Hong Kong is the dream destination for all foodies around the world. From street food to gourmet Michelin-starred restaurants, Asia’s world city has it all. Just wandering around a block, you will find great food. But it is best to know what you are bargaining for before setting off for your culinary adventure.

Let’s have a closer look into Hong Kong’s mouth-watering cuisine!

1. Dim Sum

One of many reasons why food enthusiasts visit Hong Kong is this particular dish. There is an ancient Chinese tradition of drinking tea, known as yum cha, and eating little bite-sized snacks which are known as dim sum. That’s why dim sum is often served at teahouses and for breakfast or brunch.

Dim sum can range from braised chicken feet to shrimp filled har gao, often steamed in baskets, all guzzled down with hot tea.

If you are looking for the adorable dim sum with cute faces that have been trending on Instagram lately, head to Hello Kitty Chinese Cuisine. Most of the dishes look like Kitty-chan inspired dim sum, adding a twist to traditional Cantonese food.

Dim Sum – staple Hong Kong dishes

2. Cantonese BBQ

Cantonese barbecue typically includes roast pork, duck or goose. Marinated in a blend of flavourful spices, then roasted using charcoal until golden crispy perfection, roast meat is a must-try in Hong Kong.

You can spot these specialty shops from the street as they display their barbecued goods on the window sills. They usually have combos where you can simply choose one or two of the meats over rice or noodles.

3. Wonton noodles

This staple dish of Southeastern China is common in Hong Kong, and even though it’s simple, it should be on everyone’s list of foods to try. A handful of freshly made thin egg noodles, topped with shrimp dumplings and beef brisket, all submerged in a hot, lightly seasoned broth completes a delicious bowl of wonton noodles.

4. Pineapple Bun

When researching typical dishes to try in Hong Kong, you will undoubtedly come across pineapple buns. Rightfully so, they are not only considered Hong Kong cultural heritage, but are also super delicious!

Known locally as bor lor bao, a pineapple bun is fluffy and crusty, sweet and sometimes served with a tiny slice of butter right in the warm middle. It did not get its name from having pineapple in it, but rather from looking like the tropical fruit.

5. Egg desserts

Eggs are a crucial part of many Hong Kong dishes. Known as dàn tǎ, Egg tarts are a combination of an egg yolk based creamy custard in the center of little cups of pasty dough.

As one of Hong Kong’s most popular street food snacks, Egg waffles are an example of the Western influence on culinary favourites. Also known as bubble waffles, they are made with eggs, flour, and sugar, and cooked in a hot griddle. You will immediately know where to find them when smelling the enticingly sweet scent.

As impressed as you will be admiring Hong Kong’s famous skyline, little will impress you more than the food. Ranging from traditional Cantonese favourites like dim sum to Western-influenced comfort foods like egg waffles, Hong Kong is a food paradise!