Hong Kong best eats — 10+ top, must-eat & best street food in Hong Kong

Apart from the iconic attractions of Victoria Harbor, Hong Kong Disneyland, and Ocean Park, there are unparalleled culinary experiences that Hong Kong has to offer. Join Living Nomads and prepare yourself for an incredible food journey as we introduce you to the most captivating dishes in town. So, what to eat and where to eat in Hong Kong? Let’s check out our Hong Kong best eats blog with the suggested list of 10+ best food in Hong Kong, best food to eat in Hong Kong, best food to try in Hong Kong, best street food in Hong Kong, food must eat in Hong Kong, food must try in Hong Kong, must eat in Hong Kong, must try street food in Hong Kong, top street food in Hong Kong as follows!

Immersing yourself in the world of Hong Kong street food is a must-do. No Hong Kong visit is truly complete without navigating the vibrant alleys and sampling delectable treats from affordable street food stalls.

Cheung fun (# best street food in hong kong)

Cheung fun or rice noodle rolls, is a popular and beloved dish in Hong Kong. It is a type of steamed rice noodle roll that is often enjoyed as a breakfast or snack item.

Traditionally, cheung fun is filled with various ingredients to add flavor and texture. The most common fillings include succulent barbecued pork (char siu), fresh shrimp, beef, or vegetables. These fillings are typically placed in the center of the rice noodle sheet before it is rolled up into a tight cylinder.

Cheung fun is often served with a light soy sauce drizzled on top, along with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and sometimes a sweet or spicy sauce for added flavor. The dish is renowned for its delicate texture and the interplay of soft rice noodle rolls with the savory fillings.

Though you can find cheung fun in many local eateries, including dim sum restaurants, street food stalls, and specialized cheung fun shops across Hong Kong, to enjoy authentic cheung fun, Hop Yik Tai is an ideal place.

• Where to eat: Hop Yik Tai
• Location: G/F, 121 Kweilin Street, Sham Shui Po, Kowloon

Egg waffles (# must eat in hong kong)

Egg waffles, known as “gai daan jai” in Cantonese, is a unique and delicious treat and a must-try when visiting Hong Kong.

This typical Hong Kong street food appeared in the 1950s. They are made from a mix of eggs, flour, sugar, and evaporated milk. The batter is poured into a special gridded mold that resembles a honeycomb, giving the waffles their distinctive shape. The mold is then closed and cooked over a hot flame or electric griddle, allowing the waffles to become crispy on the outside while remaining fluffy and tender on the inside.

Egg waffles have a delightful combination of textures. The outer layer is crispy and slightly caramelized, offering a satisfying crunch, while the inside remains light and airy. The aroma of the cooked batter is rich and fragrant, with a hint of sweetness from the added ingredients.

Egg waffles can be enjoyed plain as a simple snack, or they can be filled with various toppings and flavors. Common fillings include butter, chocolate, peanut butter, Nutella, or even ice cream.The warm, freshly made waffles are often served in a paper bag to be enjoyed on the go, making them a convenient and delicious street food option.

• Where to eat: Mammy’s Pancake
• Location: there are many branches in Hong Kong

Tofu pudding (# must try street food in hong kong)

Tofu pudding, also known as “tau fu fa” or “douhua,” is a popular dessert among both locals and visitors in Hong Kong. It is enjoyed both hot and cold.

Made from soy milk, gelatin and sugar, tofu pudding is incredibly smooth and delicate, often described as “silken” or “velvety” in texture. It has a subtly sweet taste that is not overpowering, allowing the natural flavors of the soybeans to shine through.

Tofu pudding is commonly served with a sweet syrup or sauce on top. Some popular toppings include ginger syrup, sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar syrup, or a combination of these. These toppings add an extra layer of sweetness and flavor to the tofu pudding.

Enjoying a delicious cup of tofu pudding at Grandma’s Tofu Fa is a delightful experience. This modest shop is located in Tai Po and serves take away delicious puddings.

• Where to eat: Grandma’s Tofu Fa
• Location: Shop 2A, Tai Kwong Lane, Tai Po, Hong Kong

Snake soup (se gang) (# top street food in hong kong)

If you are keen on trying new things, you should order snake soup when you arrive in Hong Kong. While it may sound exotic to some, snake soup has been enjoyed by locals for centuries and is believed to have various health benefits.

Snake soup is cooked by simmering the snake meat along with a variety of ingredients such as Chinese mushrooms, chicken or pork, herbs, and spices. These ingredients are combined to create a flavorful broth that is believed to have medicinal properties, particularly in boosting vitality and strengthening the body.

The cooked snake meat is usually tender and has a texture similar to chicken or fish. It is often shredded or cut into small pieces before being added to the soup. The soup itself has a rich, savory flavor with a hint of herbal notes from the added ingredients.

Snake soup is often served hot and accompanied by condiments such as chili sauce, lime juice, and soy sauce. It is considered a warming and nourishing dish, particularly favored during the winter months or as a revitalizing tonic.

• Where to eat: Se Wong Hing
• Location: Prince Edward, Hong Kong

Shumai (# food must eat in hong kong)

Shumai is a popular dim sum dish of Hong Kong and always on the top of every foodie’s list. They are bite-sized dumplings that are enjoyed as a savory snack or appetizer.

The main ingredient in shumai is typically ground pork, although variations with shrimp, beef, or even a combination of meats are also common. The filling is seasoned with various ingredients such as soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and sometimes a hint of Chinese rice wine. Additional components can include diced water chestnuts, bamboo shoots, or mushrooms, which provide texture and flavor to the filling.

Shumai are typically steamed, which helps to cook the filling while keeping the wrapper moist and tender. They are commonly served in small bamboo steamers and enjoyed with soy sauce, chili oil, or other condiments. The texture of shumai is a harmonious combination of the juicy filling and the delicate, slightly chewy wrapper.

This popular snack item is everywhere in Hong Kong, from Michelin-starred restaurants, convenience stores to street food stalls. But to have the best dim sum experience, try it at Lui Jai Kee, a modest stall in Shau Kei Wan for around $35. While it may not be the most budget-friendly dim sum option, its exceptional flavor certainly justifies the cost.

• Where to eat: Lui Jai Kee
• Location: Shau Kei Wan

Curry fish balls

Curry fish balls are an interesting dish not to be missed in Hong Kong. They are a quintessential part of Hong Kong’s culinary scene and are enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.

Curry fish balls are typically served on skewers or in small bowls, allowing them to be enjoyed conveniently while on the go. They are often accompanied by toothpicks or bamboo skewers for easy handling. The curry sauce adds a vibrant and savory kick to the fish balls, making them a flavorful and satisfying snack.

As you wander through the streets and night markets of Hong Kong, you’ll come across curry fish balls at every turn. So, if you’re craving a tasty and convenient snack, don’t miss out on trying the delectable curry fish balls in true Hong Kong style.

• Where to eat: Cheung Chau

Beef offal (# best food in hong kong)

Beef offal, which refers to the internal organs of cattle, is a common and cherished component of Hong Kong’s culinary landscape. Though they may not appeal to everyone, offal dishes are enjoyed for their distinct flavors, textures, and nutritional value.

Various types of beef offal are popular in Hong Kong, including tripe (stomach lining), beef liver, beef tongue, beef kidneys, and beef stomach.

They are cooked in different ways as soups, stir-fries, hot pots or skewers served with a sweet homemade sauce. Whichever way you choose, you must try this exquisite street food in Hong Kong.

• Where to eat: Temple Street Night Market
• Location: Temple Street, Yau Ma Tei, Hong Kong

Sheng jian bao (# best food to eat in hong kong)

Are you still in search for the best dumplings in Hong Kong? Well, look for sheng jian bao.

Sheng jian bao are pan-fried dumplings that are similar in appearance to their steamed counterparts, Xiao Long Bao. However, they have slightly thicker and denser dough. The filling of sheng jian bao typically consists of ground pork, a gelatinized pork aspic, and a mixture of seasonings such as soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil. The filling is enclosed in a dough wrapper and then pan-fried in a hot skillet.

The combination of the crispy bottom and soft, steamed top gives sheng jian bao a delightful contrast in texture. They are typically served piping hot and enjoyed with a dipping sauce made from a mixture of black vinegar, soy sauce, ginger, and sometimes chili oil.

The appeal of sheng jian bao lies in their flavorful filling and the satisfying combination of textures. The crispy bottom adds a delightful crunch, while the juicy and savory filling bursts with flavor when you bite into the soft, steamed top.

• Where to eat: Cheung Hing Kee
• Location: there are many branches in Hong Kong

Doggie’s Noodles

Don’t be confused! Doggie’s Noodles is nothing to do with dogs except the look of the noodles is a bit like dog tails; that’s why the name.

Doggie’s Noodles is an udon-like noodles dish filled with mushrooms, dried shrimp, imitation shark fin, and some vegetables. It has a delicious and distinct umami taste and is perfect for cold winter nights.

You’ll definitely want to order another bowl. Come to Ning Po and enjoy the best of it at Block 18 Doggie’s Noodles.

• Where to eat: Block 18 Doggie’s Noodles
• Location: G/F, 27A Ning Po Street, Jordan. There are other branches in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong-style milk tea

Last but not least, don’t forget to enjoy the Hong Kong version of milk tea on your culinary adventure in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong-style milk tea is known for its strong and robust flavor profile. It is made using a blend of black teas, such as Ceylon or Assam, which are typically strong and bold in taste. After brewing the tea, evaporated milk or condensed milk is added to the desired sweetness and creaminess.

The amount of milk added can vary depending on personal preference, but it is usually generous, making the drink rich and smooth. Compared to other countries that pride themselves on milk tea, Hong Kong’s style milk tea leans on the sweeter side.

Hong Kong is bustling with milk tea shops everywhere, but if you want something traditional, check out Chung Kee Cafe’s milk tea. They use traditional methods to prepare their milk tea, so their take on milk tea sets itself apart so distinctly that it’s unmistakable when compared to any other milk tea you’ve tasted before.

• Where to enjoy: Chung Kee Cafe
• Location: 1/F, Jardine Center, 50 Jardine’s Bazaar, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong

Certainly, Hong Kong is a treasure trove of delectable dishes and captivating attractions just waiting to be explored! Don’t forget to browse the extensive selection of activities and experiences available in Hong Kong on Living Nomads!

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in and from Hong Kong you can refer to

• Private Hong Kong International Airport Tesla Transfers (HKG) for Hong Kong (Group of 3)
• Shared Shuttle Bus Transfers between Hong Kong International Airport and Hong Kong Island & Kowloon
• [Buy 2 Get 1] Outlet Shopping and Sightseeing Day Tour
• Macau Sightseeing Day Tour (Hong Kong/Macau Departure)
• iVenture Hong Kong and Macau Attractions Pass
• Hong Kong Big Bus Unlimited Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tours
• Hong Kong Disneyland Park 1-Day Ticket and Meal Coupon Combo
• Hong Kong Airport Express & 72-hour Unlimited MTR Travel Pass
• MTR Tourist Day Pass
• [SALE] Peak Tram Fast-Track Combo
• Hong Kong TramOramic Tour
• [QR Code Direct Entry] Peak Tram Sky Pass (Peak Tram + Sky Terrace 428)
• Hong Kong Octopus Card (HK Airport Pick Up)
• 3G/4G Prepaid SIM Card (HK Airports Pick Up) for Hong Kong
• [Unlimited Data for 5 Days] 4G SIM Card for Hong Kong from YSIM(HK Airport Pick Up)
• [Unlimited Data] 4G Portable WiFi for Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau from Uroaming
• [Unlimited Data] 4G WiFi for Hong Kong/Macau/Mainland China from Song WiFi (HK Airport 24 Hours Pick Up)

Are you looking for more Hong Kong travel guide and top things to do in Hong Kong: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Read more: Hong Kong unique experiences — Top 10 unusual places & unique things to do in Hong Kong and Hong Kong itinerary 3 days — The fullest guide for what to do in Hong Kong for 3 days and Hong Kong 1 day itinerary — How to spend 24 hours in Hong Kong & What to do in Hong Kong in a day perfectly?