Hong Kong is a vibrant and bustling city located on the southeastern coast of China. It has a unique status as a global financial hub and a major gateway to China. With its rich history, diverse culture, stunning skyline, and culinary delights, Hong Kong offers a multitude of experiences for both locals and visitors.

Hong Kong from above
A busy street of Hong Kong
A road-side restaurant in Hong Kong | must try street food in hong kong

When it comes to Hong Kong cuisine, this dynamic city combines the best of both worlds, blending traditional Chinese cuisine with international influences from around the globe. It’s a food lover’s paradise, where every street corner and every alley hides a delicious surprise.

Hong Kong cuisine | must try street food in hong kong

So, what food is Hong Kong known for? Let’s check out our Hong Kong street food blog with the suggested list of 7+ must try street food in Hong Kong, top street food in Hong Kong, best street food in Hong Kong, must eat in Hong Kong as follows!

Hong Kong street food | must try street food in hong kong

If you feel lost in this culinary heaven, let Living Nomads help you to pick some of the most delight treats of the city.

Liu Sha Bao (Salted Egg Yolk Custard Buns) (#must try street food in hong kong)

Liu Sha Bao, also known as Salted Egg Yolk Custard Buns or Molten Lava Buns, is a popular and indulgent dim sum treat that has gained worldwide fame. It is a must-try for both locals and visitors looking to experience the flavors of Hong Kong’s culinary scene.

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Liu Sha Bao consists of a fluffy and sweet steamed bun filled with a rich, creamy, and molten salted egg yolk custard center. The name “Liu Sha” translates to “flowing sand,” referring to the golden, lava-like texture of the custard when the bun is bitten into. The combination of the soft bun and oozing custard creates a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.

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Liu Sha Bao can be found in dim sum restaurants, bakeries, and even some street food stalls throughout Hong Kong. It is often enjoyed as a breakfast or afternoon snack, paired with a cup of hot tea. The popularity of Liu Sha Bao has spread beyond Hong Kong, and you can now find variations of this delectable treat in other parts of Asia and around the world.

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If you have a sweet tooth or are simply a fan of unique and indulgent desserts, don’t miss the opportunity to try Hong Kong Liu Sha Bao. The combination of the soft, fluffy bun and the luscious salted egg yolk custard filling is sure to delight your taste buds and leave you craving for more.

| must try street food in hong kong

Char Siu Bao (BBQ pork dumplings) (#hong kong street food blog)

Another type of dim sum you must try when visiting Hong Kong is Char Siu Bao. Also known as BBQ pork dumplings or Char Siu buns, they are a popular and delicious dish in Hong Kong cuisine. While Liu Sha Bao are famous for their molten salted egg custard filling, Char Siu Bao are renowned for their savory and slightly sweet barbecued pork filling.

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The char siu filling is made by marinating diced or shredded char siu in a sauce made from hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, oyster sauce, and other seasonings. The meat is usually marinated for a few hours to allow the flavors to infuse.

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There are two common cooking methods for Char Siu Bao. The first is steaming, where the dumplings are placed in a steamer basket and steamed for around 10-15 minutes until the dough becomes soft and fluffy. The second method is baking, where the dumplings are brushed with an egg wash and baked in an oven until they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside.

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Char Siu Bao are often served as dim sum, which is a style of Cantonese cuisine that features bite-sized portions of food. They are typically served in bamboo steamers or on small plates. Char Siu Bao are a beloved snack or meal option in Hong Kong, and they can be found in many dim sum restaurants, street food stalls, and even some bakeries.

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Roast Pork (#must eat in hong kong)

Roast pork, also known as Siu Yuk in Cantonese, is a popular and iconic dish in Hong Kong cuisine. It is known for its crispy skin, succulent meat, and flavorful seasoning. Whether enjoyed as a standalone dish or incorporated into other recipes, it is a must-try delicacy that showcases the rich culinary heritage of Hong Kong.

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One of the highlights of Hong Kong roast pork is its crackling, crispy skin. Achieving this texture requires careful attention to the roasting process. The pork is often scored or pricked before cooking to help render the fat and ensure the skin becomes crispy and blistered.

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Hong Kong roast pork is typically served as a meat dish in Chinese banquets, family gatherings, or as a popular option in Cantonese-style roast meat shops. It is often sliced into thin pieces or bite-sized chunks and served with a dipping sauce such as hoisin sauce, mustard, or a mixture of soy sauce and vinegar. The combination of the crispy skin, flavorful meat, and dipping sauce creates a delightful taste experience.

| must eat in hong kong

In Hong Kong, roast pork is widely available and can be found in various places like roast meat shops, dim sum restaurants, wet markets and food markets and street food stalls.

| must eat in hong kong

Roast Goose

It’s not roast duck. It’s roast goose, known as siu ngo in Cantonese. Hong Kong people choose goose instead of duck for their top roast dish. Renowned for its succulent meat, crispy skin, and rich flavors, Hong Kong roast goose holds a special place in the hearts of food enthusiasts. If you have the opportunity, sampling Hong Kong roast goose is an experience not to be missed.

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Similar to roast pork, one of the highlights of Hong Kong roast goose is its crispy skin. It also offers a unique combination of flavors and textures. The meat is succulent, tender, and rich in flavor, while the crispy skin provides a delightful contrast in texture.

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The marinade and roasting process infuse the meat with a savory and aromatic taste, often with hints of sweetness and spices from the seasonings used.

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You can find roast goose in dedicated roast meat shops, often known as “siu mei” shops, throughout Hong Kong. Areas like Sham Tseng in New Territories are particularly renowned for their roast goose establishments. Some well-known roast goose shops in Hong Kong include Yung Kee, Kam’s Roast Goose, and Yat Lok Roast Goose.

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Dry Hotpot (Mala Xiangguo) (#must eat in hong kong)

Hotpot… but dry? Well, that’s rich and diverse Hong Kong cuisine! This is definitely one of Hong Kong’s most unique dishes that you must give it a try.

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Unlike traditional hotpot where ingredients are cooked in a communal pot of broth, Hong Kong dry hotpot is a “dry” version where the ingredients are stir-fried in a wok with a flavorful and spicy sauce. It allows diners to customize their hotpot experience by choosing their preferred ingredients and spice levels.

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Dry hotpot offers a wide variety of ingredients to choose from. Common options include a selection of meats such as beef, pork, lamb, chicken, and seafood like shrimp, squid, and fish. Vegetables, mushrooms, tofu, and other ingredients like bean curd skin and noodles are also commonly available. The ingredients are typically sliced or cut into bite-sized pieces for quick and even cooking.

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The defining characteristic of dry hotpot is the spicy sauce used for stir-frying the ingredients. The sauce is typically made with a combination of Sichuan peppercorns, chili peppers, garlic, ginger, and various spices and seasonings. The level of spiciness can be adjusted according to individual preferences, ranging from mild to extremely spicy

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Dry hotpot has gained popularity in recent years and can be found in various restaurants and food stalls across Hong Kong. Mong Kok, Causeway Bay, and Tsim Sha Tsui are popular areas known for their dry hotpot establishments. Some well-known dry hotpot chains in Hong Kong include “The Drunken Pot” and “Haidilao.”

Hong Kong Sausages

Hong Kong sausages, or “lap cheong” in Cantonese, are a popular cured meat that holds a special place in Hong Kong cuisine. They are a type of Chinese sausage that is widely enjoyed for its unique flavors and versatile uses.

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Hong Kong sausages are traditionally made from a combination of fatty pork and pork fat, although variations using other meats like chicken or duck can also be found. The meat is finely minced and mixed with seasonings such as soy sauce, sugar, salt, rice wine, and various spices. The mixture is then stuffed into casings, usually made from pork intestines.

The combination of soy sauce, sugar, and spices gives the sausages a slightly sweet and umami taste. The sausages may also have a hint of smokiness if they have been smoked during the curing process. There are various varieties of Hong Kong sausages available, including regular lap cheong, liver sausage (with added pork liver), and waxed sausage (with a layer of wax on the outside to prevent drying).

These sausages are commonly used as an ingredient in stir-fried dishes, fried rice, clay pot rice, and noodle dishes. They are often sliced and added to the dish during cooking, infusing it with their distinct flavor. They can also be steamed or braised to enhance their taste and texture. Whether used in stir-fries, rice dishes, or enjoyed on its own, Hong Kong sausages are a flavorful culinary delight.

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Hong Kong sausages are widely available in Hong Kong and can be found in supermarkets, wet markets, and specialty Chinese food stores. They are also exported to other countries, making them accessible to a broader audience.

Hong Kong Milk tea

Hong Kong Milk Tea is a beloved beverage that has become an iconic symbol of Hong Kong’s culinary culture. This smooth and robust tea is brewed from a blend of high-quality black tea leaves and infused with the richness of evaporated milk or condensed milk.

Known for its strong flavor and creamy texture, Hong Kong Milk Tea offers a delightful balance of sweetness and depth. Whether enjoyed hot or over ice, this beloved drink is a must-try for anyone looking to experience the unique flavors of Hong Kong.

Hong Kong milk tea has its roots in British colonial influence. It was introduced during the colonial era when the British brought the tradition of drinking black tea with milk to Hong Kong. Over time, Hong Kong developed its unique style and method of preparing the tea.

In Hong Kong, you can find milk tea at cha chaan tengs (local tea cafes), tea houses, street stalls, food markets, bakeries, dessert shops, and even in supermarkets and convenience stores. Whether you’re exploring the vibrant street food scene or seeking a cozy spot to enjoy a cup of milk tea, there are plenty of options available to satisfy your craving for this iconic Hong Kong beverage.

Hong Kong’s culinary scene is a treasure trove of diverse and delicious dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Exploring the best dishes of Hong Kong recommended by Living Nomads is an adventure that promises to satisfy both your appetite and your curiosity, leaving you with unforgettable flavors and memories to cherish. Bon appetit!

Hong Kong at night

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

3auqualuna boat hong kong

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.

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