Hong Kong Food Culture: Where and What to Eat in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is one of the best cities in the world to try different types of cuisine. But the best food in Hong Kong has to be the Hong Kong style food that is inspired by traditional Cantonese cuisine, British food culture and other Asian cuisines.

Hong Kong food culture is all about wholesome ingredients, accessibility and affordability. No matter where you are in the city, you can always find the best HK food at any time of the day.

Even though I lived in Toronto most of my life, I have spent most of the last ten years in Hong Kong. I consider myself a local and, more importantly, a foodie (because I spend way too much time researching and looking for good food).

So if you are travelling to HK for the first time and wondering what and where to eat in Hong Kong, then keep reading; I’ll show you all the must-eat food and the best places to eat in Hong Kong. And I included all my favourite places to eat in Hong Kong at the end of the post.

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Introduction to Hong Kong Food Culture

There are many places to eat in Hong Kong but the best ones are at the typical Hong Kong style cafe that serves Hong Kong-style food or Hong Kong cuisine. This type of food is an eclectic mix of Cantonese cuisine with influences from British culture and a mixture of other Asian cuisines like Japanese and Southeast Asian.

Also known as cha chaang teng (translation: tea restaurant), this type of Hong Kong diner serves the best local food in Hong Kong. It has a la carte dishes and set meals for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. Typically, a set meal comes with an entree and a hot beverage.

Helpful tips for experiencing the food culture in Hong Kong

Before you try some of the best Hong Kong style food, check out my Hong Kong solo travel guide and get an overview of the city first.

Here are some additional tips for diving into HK food culture:

• Most cafes and restaurants accept either cash or Octopus Card, a rechargeable smartcard. No credit card.
• During peak hours, some Hong Kong style cafes will require you to share the table with other patrons. It is very common to share a table with strangers. But don’t feel obligated to talk to them. Most people keep to themselves.
• Lunchtime is can be extremely busy. Avoid the long queues by going between 2:30-3pm and ordering the cheaper afternoon tea menu.
• Most HK cafes have an afternoon tea set meal which includes a smaller portion of the main course and a hot beverage. The meal is cheaper and the cafe is usually not as busy. It is usually between 2:30-5:30pm.
• Bring your own napkin/tissue. It is a Hong Kong thing.
• If you want a cold beverage instead, you can add a few dollars (usually $3HKD) and you can change your beverage from hot to cold.
• Most HK cafes have an English menu. Otherwise, the Chinese/English menu is on the wall or on the table.

29 Best Hong Kong Food: What to Eat in Hong Kong

See the summary of the all the must eat in Hong Kong. This is a quick guide for you when searching for things to eat in Hong Kong.

And when you scroll down, I include a more detailed explanation and photo for each must eat food and the best places to find these HK food. Click on the name of the restaurant or cafe, and it will bring you to the location on Google Maps.

Here is a quick summary:

Hong Kong-Style Cafe Food

1. HK style Breakfast 港式早餐
2. Egg sandwich 蛋治
3. Pineapple bun and butter 菠蘿油
4. Pineapple Bun Sandwich 菠蘿包三明治
5. Scrambled eggs and barbecue pork rice 叉燒滑蛋飯
6. Baked Tomato Pork Chop Rice with Rice 焗豬扒飯

Classic Hong Kong Local Food

1. Wonton Noodles 雲吞麵
2. Fish Ball Noodles 魚丸麵 or Fish Cake Noodles 魚片麵
3. Beef Brisket Noodles 牛腩麵 or Beef Brisket Rice 牛腩飯
4. Barbecue Pork Rice 叉燒飯
5. Roast Goose Rice 燒鵝飯 Roast Goose Rice Noodles 燒鵝瀨粉
6. Dim Sum 點心
7. Steamed Rice Rolls 腸粉
8. Congee 粥
9. High Tea or Afternoon Tea

Seasonal Hong Kong Food

1. Claypot Rice 煲仔飯
2. Snake Soup 蛇羹
3. Hairy Crab 大閘蟹

Hong Kong Drinks

1. Hong Kong-Style Milk Tea 港式奶茶
2. Hong Kong-Style Coffee Milk Tea aka Yuenyeung 鴛鴦
3. Hong Kong-Style Lemon Tea 港式檸檬茶
4. Ovaltine 阿華田 and Horlicks 好立克

Sweet treats in Hong Kong

1. Hong Kong-Style Egg Tart 蛋撻
2. Egg Waffles 雞蛋仔 and Hong Kong-Style Waffles 格仔餅
3. Hong Kong-Style French Toast 港式西多士

Hong Kong Traditional Chinese Desserts

1. Tofu Fa 豆腐花
2. Mango Pomelo Sago 楊枝甘露
3. Steamed Egg Pudding 燉雞蛋 and Steamed Milk Pudding 雙皮燉奶
4. Chinese Cakes 糕 and Black Sesame Rolls 芝麻卷 

Hong Kong-Style Cafe Food

1. HK-Style Breakfast 港式早餐

What is HK-Style Breakfast: there are a few components: eggs (fried or scrambled), meat (ham, spam or sausage), bread (thin or thick. toast). And on the side, you get either a bowl of oatmeal, satay beef with instant noodles or ham and macaroni in soup. As for drinks, HK-style milk tea or other typical Hong Kong drinks.

Where to eat HK style breakfast in Hong Kong:

1. Australian Dairy Company 澳洲牛奶公司 – rated as the best Hong Kong breakfast cafe, but be prepared to order even before you sit down. Best to go on weekdays.
2. Red Tea Cafe 紅茶冰室 – my go-to chain cha chaang teng. They have excellent breakfast options and you can customize each item.
3. Men Wah Bing Teng 敏華冰廳 – a local cha chaang teng with over 20 locations in Hong Kong serves several HK-style breakfast combos.
4. Café de Coral 大家樂 – one of the top chain Hong Kong cafes serving the cheapest HK-style breakfast.

2. Egg Sandwich 蛋治

What is Egg Sandwich: silky and buttery scrambled eggs sandwiched between two pieces of white toast. Try one in the purest form or with ham, salty beef or satay beef. And have it for breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea at most cha chaang teng’s.

Where to eat Egg Sandwich in Hong Kong:

1. A Cup of Tea 我杯茶 – the cafe in Wan Chai specializes in satay beef and egg sandwich
2. John Choy Cafe 2015 虹吸式咖啡専門店 – coffee shop in To Kwa Wan is known for their coffee and thick egg sandwiches. 
3. Gala Cafe 嘉樂冰廳 – if you go all the way to Tsuen Wan, you have to queue and order the thick egg sandwich. Also excellent French toast and Ovaltine drink. There’s also a location in To Kwa Wan.
4. Lucky Star Coffee Shop 幸運星咖啡室 – get take-away or eat-in at this updated cha chaang teng in Causeway Bay
5. Milk Cafe 牛奶冰室 – try the egg sandwich during breakfast or afternoon tea time. Several locations in HK.
6. Australian Dairy Company 澳洲牛奶公司 – as mentioned already. If you are not having the HK-style breakfast, try the fluffy egg sandwich.

3. Pineapple Bun and Butter 菠蘿油

What is Pineapple Bun and Butter: a fluffy and sweet bread with a golden crackly crust with a thick slab of cold butter in between. Or eat the bun by itself. It doesn’t actually taste like pineapple, but the name refers to the crackly appearance of a pineapple.

Find it on the menu at any cha chaang teng across the city during breakfast and afternoon tea time. Or you can find variations of the pineapple bun at almost all the bakeries in HK.

Where to eat Pineapple Bun and butter in Hong Kong:

1. Kam Wah Cafe & Bakery 金華冰室 – this local cha chaang teng in Mongkok makes the best pineapple bun in Hong Kong. The crusty top doesn’t fall apart!
2. Lucky Star Coffee Shop 幸運星咖啡室 – as mentioned above. Try the pineapple bun at this modern cha chaang teng in Causeway Bay or buy one to go.

4. Pineapple Bun Sandwich 菠蘿包三明治

What is Pineapple Bun Sandwich: a breakfast sandwich made with pineapple bun and different savoury ingredients. Typical ingredients include scrambled eggs, spam, tomato and cheese pineapple bun sandwich.

Where to eat Pineapple Bun Sandwich in Hong Kong:

1. Men Wah Bing Teng 敏華冰廳 – as mentioned above. Try the “Big men” breakfast sandwich at one of the over 20 locations in Hong Kong.
2. Shun Hing Restaurant 順興茶餐廳 – a local cha chaang teng in Tai Hang serving the fluffiest scrambled eggs in a pineapple bun.
3. Cheung Hing Coffee Shop 祥興咖啡室 – the cafe in Happy Valley is famous for their pineapple bun sandwiches. 
4. Bolo Bolo – customize your own pineapple bun sandwich at this take-out joint. Also, add a pineapple-flavoured tea.

5. Scrambled Eggs and Barbecue Pork Rice 叉燒滑蛋飯

What is Scrambled Eggs and Barbecue Pork Rice: fluffy and silky scrambled eggs and slices of barbecue pork over white rice. Then add lots of sweet soy sauce.

Where to eat Scrambled Eggs and Barbecue Pork Rice in Hong Kong:

1. Mon Kee Cafe 旺記冰室 – the cha chaang teng has several locations serving their famous Japanese-style eggs and barbecue pork rice.
2. Cafe Seasons 四季常餐 – a modern cha chaang teng in Central serving this local favourite with a special soy sauce.
3. Shun Hing Restaurant 順興茶餐廳 – besides making a good pineapple bun sandwich, their scrambled egg and barbecue pork rice is good too.

6. Baked Pork Chop Rice with Rice 焗豬扒飯

What is Baked Pork Chop Rice with Rice: a thick cut of fried pork chop over fried rice. Then top it with sweet tomato sauce and cheese then baked to perfection. Order one at most any cha chaang teng in Hong Kong for lunch or dinner.

Where to eat Baked Pork Chop with Rice in Hong Kong:

1. Queen’s Cafe 皇后飯店 – the Russian cafe serves a delicious baked pork chop rice and other signature Russian dishes.
2. Café de Coral 大家樂 – besides serving HK-styled breakfast, they serve the cheapest baked pork chop rice and you can get it at one of many locations in the city.

Classic Hong Kong Local Food

1. Wonton Noodles 雲吞麵

What is Wonton Noodles: a bowl of four shrimp wontons and thin yellow noodles in a clear pork broth. Add chilli oil (HK favourite condiment) to the noodles for extra flavour.

Where to eat Wonton Noodles in Hong Kong:

1. Mak Man Kee Noodle Shop 麥文記麵家 – locals dine at this local restaurant in Jordan regularly. It has been part of the Michelin Guide for many years.
2. Mak’s Noodle 麥奀雲吞麵世家 – also known for wonton noodles and not related to the resto above.
3. Tsim Chai Kee Noodle Shop 沾仔記 – this busy wonton noodle shop in Central is another recommendation from the Michelin Guide.
4. Ten Noodle Shop 十大碗粥麵專家 – very popular in Prince Edward area. They are known for their shrimp wontons. 
5. Ho To Tai 好到底麵家 – if you are in Yuen Long, go to the Michelin-recognized noodle shop and try their wonton noodles. 

2. Fish Ball Noodles 魚丸麵 or Fish Cake Noodles 魚片麵

What is Fish Ball and Fish Cake Noodles: a bowl of soup noodles topped with boiled or deep-fried fish balls that are made from fish paste. Sometimes the restaurant also offers fish cakes as an option. Possible to choose different types of noodles, including egg noodles and rice noodles.

Where to eat Fish Ball and Fish Cakes Noodles in Hong Kong:

1. Aberdeen Fish Ball King 香港仔魚蛋王 – many shops across HK serving fish ball noodles and other types of soup noodles.
2. Tak Cheong Noodle 德昌魚蛋粉 – a well-known noodle shop in Kowloon City. They have many types of noodles.
3. Ha Ming Kee Noodle Shop 夏銘記 – originally established in the Kowloon Walled City, this noodle shop is famous for its fried fish cake. I go to the one in Jordan, but there’s also one in Kennedy Town.
4. Yeung Yan Kee Noodle Shop 楊恩記 – another noodle shop famous for its fried fish cake. Most likely need to share the table with other customers. 

3. Beef Brisket Noodles 牛腩麵 or Beef Brisket Rice 牛腩飯

What is Beef Brisket Noodles: a bowl of egg noodles in clear beef bone broth and topped with tender beef brisket that has been simmered in homemade beef broth for many hours. 

What is Beef Brisket Rice: a flavourful and saucy beef brisket with potatoes that mixes well with white rice. 

Where to eat Beef Brisket Noodles and Rice in Hong Kong:

1. Kau Kee Food Cafe 九記牛腩 – a popular Michelin noodle shop in Central serving many types of beef brisket noodles. Prepare to queue during weekday lunch hour.
2. Guang Mein Zi Noodle 廣麪子 – I always order the sliced beef brisket with three items (wontons, fish balls, beef balls) noodles.
3. Eight Treasures 八寶清湯腩 – the noodle shop in Fortress Hill offers many different types of beef brisket, which are cooked with eight herbs (hence the name). Try it with noodles or rice.
4. Sister Wah Beef Brisket 華姐清湯腩 – the no-frills Michelin noodle shop is known for their beef brisket noodle. You’ll most likely share a table with someone (very HK) as the shop is quite small.
5. Islam Food Since 1950 清真牛肉館 – the local restaurant in Kowloon City is known for their pan-fried beef buns. But their beef brisket with rice is also very good.

4. Barbecue Pork Rice 叉燒飯

What is Barbecue Pork Rice: or called char siu fan, in Cantonese. Slices of barbecue pork (made with honey and maltose) on rice and a sweet soy sauce is added on top.

Cantonese style roasted meat is part of any staple diet in Hong Kong. There are several popular types of meat including roasted goose, roasted duck, roasted suckling pig and more. You can order one of these roasted meats over rice, two types or even three types of meat

Where to eat Barbecue Pork Rice in Hong Kong:

1. Chukfo Taipan Restaurant 竺扶大班燒味 – this roast meat restaurant in Wan Chai has all types of roast meats. I really like their BBQ pork, boneless chicken and fried egg lunch set. 
2. Fat J Char Siu 發達叉燒 – very popular local restaurant serving Cantonese roast meats, including the juiciest barbecue pork. Always a long queue, so go early.
3. Roasted Meats Specialty Shop 裕譽燒味專門店 – a local favourite near the Flower Market in the Prince Edward area. This is my Dad’s fav roast meat resto.
4. Tai Hing Roast Restaurant 太興燒味餐廳 – over 200 restaurants all over HK, China, Macau and Taiwan, the local restaurant specializing in classic roasted meats.

5. Roast Goose Rice 燒鵝飯 or Roast Goose Rice Noodles 燒鵝瀨粉

What is Roast Goose Rice and Rice Noodles: a whole goose that is seasoned with many ingredients then roasted over a fire. The skin is super crispy while the fatty goose meat is juicy and flavourful. Served with plum sauce and is eaten with rice or rice noodles. 

Where to eat Roast Goose Rice and Rice Noodles in Hong Kong:

1. Kam’s Roast Goose 甘牌燒鵝 – long queue for this 1-star Michelin restaurant specializing in roast goose. Go during afternoon tea time; the meals are much cheaper.
2. Ki’s Roasted Goose Restaurant 棋哥燒鵝餐室 – they specialize in roast goose and have been around since 1976. Several locations across HK. Tip: the afternoon tea set meal is cheaper if you are not super hungry.
3. Yat Lok Restaurant 一樂燒鵝 – they have been serving Michelin-level Cantonese Roast meats for a long time. It’s overpriced but very popular.

6. Dim Sum 點心

What is Dim Sum: a meal (breakfast or lunch) with a variety of savoury and sweet dishes and typically served on small plates or bamboo steamers. Some favourites include har gow (shrimp dumpling), siu mai (steamed pork dumpling), char siu bao (barbecue pork bun), cheung fun (rice noodle rolls) and many more.

Besides all the bite-size dishes, drinking Chinese tea is a big component of the meal. In Cantonese, the name “dim sum” is yum cha, which literally means “drink tea.” This Hong Kong food culture goes back to the 10th century when people drink tea and eat small portions of food at tea houses.

Where to eat Dim Sum in Hong Kong:

1. Lung Dim Sum 龍點心 – best dim sum restaurant for solo eaters. You can order a mixed platter to try many things. Also super Instagrammable. Two locations in HK.
2. One Dim Sum 一點心 – solo eaters can try the Central location as they offers smaller portions (one order of shrimp dumpling has two) whereas the Mong Kok location serves a regular portion (one order has four pieces).
3. Luk On Kui 六安居 – an old school Cantonese restaurant famous for its dim sum and retro interior. Maybe the only HK restaurant with a dim sum trolley. 
4. Tim Ho Wan 添好運 – try Michelin level dim sum in Sham Shui Po. Or go to one of several locations in HK. They also have other locations throughout Asia.
5. Yum Cha 飲茶 – a modern dim sum chain restaurant serving the cutest and yummiest buns.
6. Old Fung Tea House 老馮茶居 – cute retro Chinese restaurant in Yuen Long serving dim sum. 

7. Steamed Rice Rolls 腸粉

What is Steamed Rice Rolls: also known as “cheung fun”, which is made with a thin rice noodle sheet and filled with ingredients like barbecue pork, dried shrimp, prawns, or beef. Then rolled together and covered with a seasoned soy sauce. Can be eaten by itself or with congee. Excellent breakfast food or snack at any time.

Where to eat Steamed Rice Rolls in Hong Kong:

1. Ho Mei Take-Away 好味小食店 – a small take-away shop near Jordan MTR selling local HK snacks. The plain steamed rice rolls is drenched with hoisin sauce, peanut sauce, hot sauce and sesame seed. I’ve been going there for over 20+ years. So good!
2. Hop Yik Tai 合益泰小食 – a Michelin street food stall in Sham Shui Po serving cheung fun, congee and other popular HK street food. 
3. Steamed Rice Rolls 五嫂石磨腸粉 – the food stall in Sham Shui Po only makes one thing: cheung fun. But they have many variations. 
4. Keung Kee 強記美食 – the Michelin-recognized resto in Wan Chai serves wok-fried rice rolls, glutinous rice, congee and other snacks. 
5. Street food stalls, congee restaurants and dim sum restaurants

8. Congee 粥

What is Congee: rice porridge made with white rice and water. Then different savoury ingredients are added to the porridge for flavour. Eaten by itself, or with rice noodle roll and/or fried breadstick. Excellent for breakfast and lunch.

Where to eat Congee in Hong Kong:

1. Mui Kee Congee 妹記生滾粥品 – famous congee place inside a food centre in Mong Kok. They also have delicious rice noodle rolls that are made to order. 
2. Trusty Congee King 靠得住粥麵小館 – the Michelin restaurant in Wan Chai has many types of congee and noodle dishes. They have several locations in HK.
3. Super Super Congee & Noodle 一粥麵 – a HK fast food chain resto that serves many types of congee, rice noodle rolls and other side dishes.

9. High Tea or Afternoon Tea

What is High Tea or Afternoon Tea: small bite-size savoury snacks and sweet treats, scones with clotted cream and jam, and of course, tea (but you can have coffee too). And it is part of the tradition to use fancy flatware, fine china and a 3-tiered tray. It is a custom adopted by Hongkongers when Hong Kong was part of the British Colony.

Most hotels in Hong Kong will have afternoon tea between 3 to 6pm. And an afternoon tea is not cheap, but the food is always delicious and always Instagram-worthy.

Where to have High Tea in Hong Kong:

1. The Murray Hong Kong 美利酒店 – one of the best traditional high tea. Try it at Popinjays or Murray Lane.
2. The Peninsula Hong Kong 半島酒店 – the hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui is super popular for their classic afternoon tea at The Lobby.
3. Mandarin Oriental 香港文華東方酒店 – have afternoon tea at the Clipper Lounge on the mezzanine level in this hotel in Central
4. The Lounge & Bar – book a table by the window and have high tea at the Ritz Carlton. The view of Victoria Harbour from 102nd is breathtaking!

Seasonal Food in Hong Kong

1. Claypot Rice 煲仔飯

What is Claypot Rice: one pot dish cooked in a traditional ceramic pot. It starts with pre-soaked rice and savoury ingredients like chicken and Chinese sausage. Then a seasoned soy sauce is poured on top of the finished product. The rice is fluffy in the “rice casserole” while the bottom has a delightful crusty rice layer. It is a favourite dish during the cooler months in HK. 

Where to eat Claypot Rice in Hong Kong:

1. Kwan Kee Claypot Rice 坤記煲仔小菜 – Michelin claypot rice restaurant in Sai Yin Pun that only serves the famous dish during dinner service. Recommend going at least 15 minutes before opening otherwise it is a super long wait. And go on a weekday.
2. Hing Kee Restaurant 興記菜館 – well-known claypot rice restaurant near Temple Street. Queue gets pretty long and the tables can spill into the street.

2. Snake Soup 蛇羹

What is Snake Soup: a Cantonese delicacy that is made with shredded snake meat. The thick soup starts with pork and chicken soup broth, then other ingredients like mushroom, fish maw, ginger, herbs and spices are added before serving it with fried rice crackers, chrysanthemum flower petals and lemongrass. It is said that snake soup has medicinal health benefits and will keep you warm during the cooler months.

Where to drink Snake Soup in Hong Kong:

1. She Wong Hei 蛇王熙 – they serve a Michelin-level snake soup and other Cantonese barbecue meat dishes.
2. Ser Wong Fun 蛇王芬飯店 – one of the oldest Cantonese restaurants in Hong Kong that makes snake soup. 

3. Hairy Crab 大閘蟹

What is Hairy Crab: also known as Chinese mitten crab (because of its furry claws). It is a medium-sized crab grown in freshwater waters of Eastern China. The meat is sweet and the roe is rich and buttery. But it is only available from October to November. The best way is to eat the steamed crab as is with the special vinegar sauce. Or order a set meal which every dish feature this delicious ingredient. 

Where to eat Hairy Crab in Hong Kong:

1. Wu Kong Shanghai Restaurant 滬江大飯店 – this Shanghainese restaurant has a set menu for hairy crab. They use the delicious crab and make several dishes including hairy crab soup dumplings. 
2. Shanghai Lao Lao 上海姥姥 – when in season, they have set lunches featuring hairy crab. Several locations in HK. 

Hong Kong Drinks

1 & 2. Hong Kong-Style Milk Tea 港式奶茶 and Hong Kong-Style Coffee Milk Tea aka Yuenyeung 鴛鴦

What is Hong Kong-Style Milk Tea: black tea drained with a sackcloth bag, which makes the tea much smoother and richer. Then add the perfect amount of evaporated milk to balance out the tea flavour. Drink it hot or cold and at any time of the day.

What is Yuenyeung: originated in HK, the hot or cold drink mixes brewed coffee and black tea with milk. The name “Yuenyeung” refers to mandarin ducks which mate for life and are the perfect symbol for conjugal union in Chinese culture.

Where to drink HK-Style Milk Tea and Yuenyeung in Hong Kong:

1. Lan Fong Yuen 蘭芳園 – one of the oldest cha chaang teng famous for its “silk stocking” HK-style milk tea and HK-style fast food. And it is said that they invented Yeunyeung. There are three locations in HK.
2. A Cup of Tea 我杯茶 – besides satay beef and egg sandwich, the cafe also makes an excellent HK-style milk tea and HK-style milk tea and coffee.
3. All cha chaang teng’s, cafes, convenience stores, supermarkets.

3. Hong Kong-Style Lemon Tea 港式檸檬茶

What is Hong Kong-Style Lemon Tea: a HK classic beverage made with black tea like Celon tea or orange pekoe. Add several slices of lemon and syrup or sugar to balance the taste. If locals are not drinking HK milk tea or yuenyeung, they will be sipping lemon tea.

Where to drink HK-Style Lemon Tea in Hong Kong:

1. Lam Heung Ling 林香檸手打檸檬茶 – one of the newest drink specialty shops in HK that sells lemon tea only. The signature handmade lemon tea is good but kind of expensive. Prepare to wait at least 20 minutes.
2. All cha chaang teng’s, cafes, convenience stores, supermarkets.

4. Ovaltine 阿華田 and Horlicks 好立克

What is Ovaltine: a beverage made with a malt, sugar and cocoa powder. Add water or milk and drink it hot or cold.

What is Horlicks: a sweet malted drink made with water and milk. Another staple in HK cafe culture that can be consumed hot or cold.

Where to drink Ovaline and Horlicks in Hong Kong:

1. Gala Cafe 嘉樂冰廳 – besides the thick egg sandwich, try either the Ovaltine milkshake or Horlicks milkshake. So yummy!
2. All cha chaang teng’s, cafes, convenience stores, supermarkets.

Sweet treats in Hong Kong

1. HK-Style Egg Tart 蛋撻

What is HK-style Egg Tart: egg pudding baked in a buttery crust. Each bakery will make a version of their own. Some will be sweeter, some will have other flavours including matcha, and with red bean. But they are always made with either a shortcrust or a flakey crust.

Where to eat Egg Tarts in Hong Kong

1. Kam Wah Cafe & Bakery 金華冰室 – they are known for their pineapple bun but their crumbly flakey crust egg tarts are really good too.
2. Tai Cheong Bakery 泰昌餅家 – a traditional bakery selling different types of egg tart. Try one at one of several locations in Hong Kong.
3. Bakehouse – a western bakery selling sourdough egg tart and other pastries.
4. Hashtag B – try their viral egg tart. Long queues on weekend so go off peak hours. 

2. Egg Waffles 雞蛋仔 and HK-Style Waffles 格仔餅

What is Egg Waffles: also known as eggette, egg puffs, and gai dan zai, the waffle has round bubbly “eggs” all connected together. It comes in many flavours including original, matcha, chocolate, coffee, spicy pork floss and salted yolk!

What is HK-Style Waffles: waffles with “grids” that are perfect for spreading butter, condensed milk and white sugar. The waffle is folded in half and eaten like a sandwich.

Where to eat Egg Waffles and HK-Style Waffles in Hong Kong:

1. Mammy Pancake 媽咪雞蛋仔 – my favourite egg waffle place in Hong Kong. They have many flavours to choose from and several locations in HK.
2. Hung Hom Pancake 紅磡雞蛋仔 – it is possible to try three different flavours (original, chocolate and matcha) in an egg waffle or HK-styled waffle. Michelin recommended.
3. Lee Keung Kee North Point Egg Waffles 利強記雞蛋仔 – try both original flavour egg waffles and HK-style waffles at one of the few locations.
4. Chicken Egg Boy – get the viral pineapple bun egg waffle in Sheung Wan. Might be a bit of a wait, but it’s worth it.

3. Hong Kong-Style French Toast 港式西多士

What is Hong Kong-Style French Toast: a peanut butter sandwich made with two pieces of white bread and generous amount of peanut butter. Then the entire sandwich is fried until it is golden brown. Add butter and drizzle condensed milk or syrup on top. Excellent snack during afternoon tea time.

Where to eat HK-Style French Toast in Hong Kong:

1. Mon Kee Cafe 旺記冰室 – this modern cha chaang teng uses whole wheat bread and red bean filling to make this classic local favourite.
2. Australian Dairy Company 澳洲牛奶公司 – besides HK-style breakfast, they also serve an excellent HK-style French toast.

Traditional Chinese Desserts in Hong Kong

1. Tofu Fa 豆腐花

What is Tofu Fa: smooth and silky tofu in a bowl with yellow sugar or ginger syrup. This soy-milk pudding is a classic HK dessert and can be eaten hot or cold.

Where to eat Tofu Fa in Hong Kong:

1. Grandma’s Tofu Pudding 亞婆豆腐花 – grandma only sells two things at her little shop in Tai Po: tofu fa and soy milk. Very affordable and tasty.
2. Kung Wo Beancurd Factory 公和荳品廠 – try the smooth and silky tofu pudding at this Michelin tofu specialty shop in Sham Shui Po. Their fried tofu is amazing too. 
3. Tofu Garden 建興亞婆豆腐花 – if you’re hiking in Lamma Island, try tofu fa across from Tai Wan Tsuen Playground.
4. Some specialty dessert shops

2. Mango Pomelo Sago 楊枝甘露

What is Mango Pomelo Sago: a soupy dessert made with mango, pomelo, sago, coconut milk and milk. Super refreshing and excellent for hot weather.

Where to eat Mango Pomelo Sago in Hong Kong:

1. Hoi Kee Walnut Place 海記合桃坊甜品 – there are many dessert shops in Mongkok including this one. Try their mango sago or other mango desserts. 
2. Kai Kai Dessert 佳佳甜品 – the Michelin dessert shop near Temple Street has many traditional dessert items on the menu. Their mango pomelo sago sell out quickly but other desserts are good too.
3. Ho Kee Dessert 浩記甜品 – this 30 year old dessert shop in To Kwa Wan serves Michelin level traditional desserts. Try black sesame paste, glutinous rice balls in ginger syrup and mango sago, tofu fa and steamed egg and milk. 
4. Some specialty dessert shops and Chinese restaurants.

3. Steamed Egg Pudding 燉雞蛋 and Steamed Milk Pudding 雙皮燉奶

What is Steamed Egg Pudding: steamed sweeten egg that is egg-y and silky smooth. It has a consistency similar to egg custard and crème brulée. It is eaten hot or cold.

What is Steamed Milk Pudding: similar to steamed egg pudding it is made entirely with milk. This is one of the more unique desserts that only exist in Hong Kong (as far as I know).

Where to eat Steamed Egg Pudding and Steamed Milk Pudding in Hong Kong:

1. Yee Shun Milk Company 義順牛奶公司 – local dessert shop in Causeway Bay that serves yummy steamed egg and milk pudding.
2. Australia Dairy Company 澳洲牛奶公司 – if you are not having their popular HK-style breakfast, try their steamed egg or steamed milk pudding.
3. So Kee 亞爺蘇記流心燉蛋專門店 – they only have double-steamed egg white custard with milk on the menu. Worth trying this Michelin-recognized resto if you are in Yuen Long. 
4. Some specialty dessert shops

4. Chinese Cakes 糕 and Black Sesame Roll 芝麻卷 

What is Chinese Cake: rice cake made with different ingredients like red bean, mung bean, etc. The batter is steamed in a large pan as a solid piece. Then the dense and chewy cake is cut into individual portions. The cake is not very sweet (whenever Chinese people compliment a dessert as “not that sweet” that means it’s good). 

What is Black Sesame Roll: originated in Hong Kong dim sum restaurants, the dessert is made with black sesame flavoured gelatinous sheet rolled into a “film roll”. It is rich in black sesame flavour but not very sweet. 

Where to get Chinese cake and Black Sesame Roll in Hong Kong:

1. Mrs. Fong Dessert 方太糕品舖 – Michelin recognized food shop selling 18 kinds of homemade Chinese desserts. They have been making desserts for 20 years!
2. Heartwarming 暖心芝作 – super long queue at this dessert shop in Prince Edward area. They specialize in black sesame desserts only. Try soft serve ice cream or the “film roll”.
3. Beanmountain 時代豆業– Michelin recognized food stall selling all types of traditional Chinese desserts.

My Favourite Places to Eat in Hong Kong

Besides all these must-eat foods, I am including a few places that I love! These don’t really belong in any categories above, but I wanted to make sure to include them in this list. If you like my recommendations above, you will love these places too.

1. Fish Village Boat Noodle 漁港艇仔粉 – local noodle shop in Ap Lei Chau. I always get the signature boat noodle, which comes with many toppings, including fried fish skin, fish cake, and other yummy ingredients. They also have wonton noodles, beef brisket noodles and other Cantonese-style noodles. 
2. Sun King Yuen Curry Restaurant 新景園咖喱小廚 – if you are in Wan Chai, try the restaurant’s most popular dish: curry pork chop rice. The portion is huge! Locals love this place, so there’s always a queue. Also, try the stir-fry beef noodles. 
3. Cat’s Eye 貓之眼 – not Chinese food but a wholesome Japanese meal. I always come here when I crave Japanese curry. The hamburger is delish! 
4. Bar Leone – the no.1 bar in the world for 2025 has amazing cocktails and the most delicious (and expensive) focaccia with mortadella. 
5. Shanghai Popo 上海婆婆 – whenever I want to eat fried Shanghai noodles with shredded pork, this is where I go. The set lunch meals are super affordable. Later afternoon set meals are even cheaper. 
6. Cheung Hing Kee Shanghai Pan Fried Buns 祥興記上海生煎包 – these Michelin pan fried dumplings are excellent as a light meal or a snack. 

Hong Kong food culture: which HK food will you try?

I hope this post will inspire your inner foodie to come out and enjoy some of Hong Kong’s famous dishes. I’ll keep adding recommendations as I come across new ones.

And if I miss any Hong Kong must eat places, let me know! Leave them in the comments below!

Ready to plan your trip to Hong Kong? Here are some of my go-to travel planning resources:
* Book your flight: find flight deals on Skyscanner 
* Book accommodation: find the best Hong Kong accommodations on Agoda or Booking
* Buy insurance: Safetywing is my go-to provider for travel insurance, as it covers many things. I will never travel without the Nomad Insurance Package because it protects me against unforeseen events. Get a quote today.
* Order a SIM card: order a SIM card in advance, collect it upon arrival, and set up your mobile phone before arriving at your destination.
* Join tours: check Klook or Get Your Guide for the best tours in Hong Kong.

Thank you for reading my Hong Kong food guide

For more HK travel inspiration, check out my Hong Kong page for more posts on solo travel in Hong Kong and check out these posts:

Hong Kong posts

• Hong Kong solo travel guide: everything you need to know
• 6 boutique hotels: where to stay in HK for solo travellers
• Best places to watch sunset in Hong Kong
• HK off the beaten path: 11 hidden gems
• How to get to Lamma Island
• Short and easy hikes in Hong Kong
• Macau itinerary: things to do for Solo traveller
• My honest review of HK Express, HK budget airline

Food around the world

• What to eat in Sofia Bulgaria: 21 must-try food
• Vienna food guide: 23 must-try food
• Budapest food guide: 26 Best Budapest Food
• 25 Bucharest Food: What to eat in Bucharest
• Best Porto Food: What and Where to eat in Porto
• 21 Must Eat Food in Singapore
• Where to eat Michelin Star Street Food in Singapore
• Okinawa food guide: 26 best food
• 22 Must Eat Food in Taiwan
• 21 Ximending food for foodies travelling to Taipei
• Taiwan 7-11 food: 10 must-eat
• Hualien Food Guide: What and Where to eat in Hualien, Taiwan
• Yilan Food Guide: Where and What to eat in Yilan County

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queenie mak

Hi, my name is Queenie, and I’ve been a solo traveller for 20+ years and currently based in Hong Kong. Follow me on my adventures through Instagram and my blog!