Hong KongWhat to eat in Hong Kong: top 10 dishes
Traveling to Hong Kong? These are the ten dishes it is best known for, from everyday staples to festive classics, with a short background and a tip on where and when to eat each one. Ranked by how widely they are known around the world.
01Egg waffle
An egg waffle (雞蛋仔) is a spherical egg-based waffle popular in Hong Kong and Macau, consisting of an eggy leavened batter cooked between two plates of semi-spherical cells.
Travel tip Sold hot from street stalls and small shops, often as an afternoon snack. Eat it fresh, while the outside is still crisp.
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02Pineapple bun
A pineapple bun also known as PoloBun is a kind of sweet bun predominantly popular in Hong Kong and also common in Chinatowns worldwide.
Travel tip A bakery and tea café staple, often eaten for breakfast or an afternoon break. Try it warm, sometimes with a slice of butter inside.
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03XO sauce
XO sauce is a spicy seafood sauce from Hong Kong with an umami flavour. It is commonly used in southern Chinese regions such as Guangdong.
Travel tip Served as a condiment or used in stir-fries and noodle dishes at Cantonese restaurants. It is rich and spicy, so a little is enough.
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04Shrimp toast
Shrimp toast or prawn toast is a Cantonese dim sum dish from Hong Kong. It is made from small triangles of bread, coated with a paste made from minced shrimp and cooked by baking or deep frying. It is a common appetizer in Western Chinese cuisine.
Travel tip Served at dim sum restaurants and banquets as a crispy starter. Eat it while hot.
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05Cocktail bun
The cocktail bun is a Hong Kong–style sweet bun with a filling of shredded coconut.
Travel tip A sweet bakery bun, picked up in the morning or as an afternoon snack. Look for it at neighborhood bakeries.
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06Steamed meatball
Steamed meatball (山竹牛肉) is a common Cantonese dim sum dish. It is popular in Hong Kong and most overseas Chinatowns.
Travel tip A dim sum classic, served in small steamer baskets with tea. Dim sum is typically eaten for breakfast or lunch.
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07Put chai ko
Put chai ko is a popular snack in Hong Kong. It is a rice cake made from white or brown sugar, long-grain rice flour with a little wheat starch or cornstarch. Sometimes red beans are also added.
Travel tip A traditional snack sold at street stalls and dessert shops, often eaten warm. It is usually served on a bamboo stick.
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08Paper wrapped cake
Paper wrapped cake is a type of Chinese cake. It is one of the most common pastries served in Hong Kong. It can also be found in most Chinatown bakery shops. In essence, it is a chiffon cake baked in a paper cup.
Travel tip A simple bakery treat, enjoyed as a snack or with tea. It is light and best eaten fresh.
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09Mango pomelo sago
Mango pomelo sago is a type of contemporary Hong Kong dessert. It usually includes diced mango, pomelo, sago, coconut milk, and milk.
Travel tip A cold dessert found at dessert shops and Chinese restaurants, popular in warm weather. It is usually served in a bowl and eaten with a spoon.
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10Cart noodle
Cart Noodles is a noodle dish which became popular in Hong Kong and Macau in the 1950s through independent street vendors operating on roadsides and in public housing estates in low-income districts, using mobile carts.
Travel tip A casual noodle shop meal that you build yourself by picking noodles, broth, and toppings. It is a quick, cheap-feeling lunch spot at local eateries.
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