Unique Local Hong Kong Dishes You Shouldn’t Miss for a Taste of the City

Hong Kong food is characterized by its wide variety of dishes thanks to a storied history of cultural influences, blending elements from local Cantonese cuisine, Western cuisines, and other regional Chinese cuisines.

A foodie’s paradise, there are a wealth of one-of-a-kind items to discover through taste. Begin your culinary journey with this roadmap of delicious Hong Kong dishes you absolutely must try while in the city!

Char Siu (Chinese Barbecue Pork)

A classic Cantonese dish is made by marinating pork in a mixture of smoky seasoning and spices, before roasting it in an oven or over an open fire. It has a sweet and savoury flavour that's hard to resist! Paired with a fluffy bao bun, appearing as a filling in dumplings, and eaten as the protein of a rice or noodle dish, this roasted pork dish is unique yet versatile.

Dim Sum

A variety of small dishes served in steamer baskets or on small plates, usually accompanied by tea, dim sum is a popular meal for families and groups to share. Popular dim sum dishes include steamed char siu or yellow custard buns, dumplings, rice noodle rolls, fried turnip cake, sticky rice in lotus leaf wrap, and lucky lotus seed paste buns.

Egg Tarts

A traditional Cantonese pastry consisting of a flaky crust filled with a creamy egg custard, that’s baked until it's golden and luscious. Enjoy it as a wonderful pick-me-up, or as part of a dim sum spread. It's Macanese cousin, the pasteis de nata, is a Portuguese influenced variation on the egg tart that has a bit of browning on the custard and a softer layered crust.

Egg Waffle

Egg waffles are a popular street snack in Hong Kong. The small, round waffles are made with a batter of eggs, white sugar, and flour, cooked in a special waffle iron. The result is a light, fluffy, slightly sweet, and eggy treat. Eaten as-is, or served with a variety of toppings, popular combinations include condensed milk, chocolate syrup, peanut butter, ice cream, and fresh fruit.

Hong Kong French Toast

The style of French toast unique to Hong Kong does share some similarities with its Western counterpart but is taken to the next level by double frying the toast in an egg batter coating and serving it drenched in syrup and a slice of butter on top.

Pairing it with a Hong Kong-style milk tea is a great choice to counterbalance the sweetness with the tea’s smooth palate, a staple during the afternoon tea slump where locals fill up on snacks before returning to the workday.

Claypot Rice

Claypot rice is a classic Chinese dish that is loved by many. It is a simple dish made with sticky rice, meat, and vegetables cooked in a clay pot over an open flame. The ingredients are usually marinated in a special signature sauce that varies from shop to shop, giving the dish a unique flavour.

The clay pot helps to keep the rice moist and flavourful, while the outer layers get crispy and toasted, making the dish extremely tasty.

Tofu Pudding

A traditional Chinese dish with a long history, tofu pudding is served as a common dessert or snack in Hong Kong. It tastes silky, refreshing, and sweet, with a delicate flavour that is perfect for a light yet satisfying treat. It can be served cold or warm, depending on the preference of the eater, with the option of adding cane sugar to taste. It is also a great way to enjoy the health benefits of tofu!

Imitation Shark Fin Soup

A delicacy that has been transformed to better suit the times and to better protect the environment, this dish is a version of the traditional Shark Fin Soup that omits poaching. It is made with a flavourful thick broth stewed with ingredients such as mushrooms, gluten or konjac imitation shark fin, and sometimes other vegetables like bamboo shoots. The broth is typically flavoured with soy sauce and other seasonings to give it a unique flavour.

Wonton Noodle Soup

Wonton noodles consist of a thin, egg-based noodle, served with dumplings made from silky egg wrappers filled with a flavourful mixture of pork, shrimp, and vegetables. Both are boiled and served in a savoury broth that is both fragrant and comforting. You can add a little zing of flavour with chili oil, vinegar, or white pepper.

How many of these have you already ticked off from your Hong Kong bucket list? For more of the latest events in Hong Kong, check out The Beat Asia’s directory here.