Hong Kong is a city that eats with passion. From sizzling street-side stalls to Michelin-starred dim sum parlors, its culinary landscape is a thrilling fusion of tradition, innovation and cultural crossroads. Whether you’re wandering through a vibrant night market or perched in a sky-high teahouse overlooking Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong invites you to eat like a local and savor every bite.
This curated list of the best foods in Hong Kong brings together timeless dishes, hidden gems and flavor-packed experiences you won’t soon forget.
1. Dim Sum
No visit to Hong Kong is complete without indulging in a dim sum feast. Served in bamboo steamers and wheeled around on carts, these bite-sized delights include shrimp dumplings (har gow), pork buns (char siu bao), siu mai and silky rice rolls. Head to a traditional teahouse or modern dim sum hall and let your eyes and stomach guide you.
2. Char Siu (BBQ Pork)
Glazed in a sweet and savory marinade of honey, soy sauce and Chinese five spice, char siu is one of the best dishes in Hong Kong for meat lovers. It's often served over rice or tucked into a fluffy bun, its ruby-red exterior hinting at the bold flavors within.
3. Wonton Noodles
A comfort food staple, Hong Kong’s wonton noodles feature delicate shrimp- or pork-filled dumplings floating in a clear, aromatic broth, usually paired with springy egg noodles. The best versions are served in humble shops that have perfected the recipe over generations.
4. Egg Tarts
A legacy of Portuguese influence, egg tarts (dan tat) are a beloved pastry found in bakeries across Hong Kong. With flaky puff pastry shells and a silky, just-sweet-enough custard center, they are best enjoyed warm with a cup of milk tea.
5. Roast Goose
Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, roast goose is a Cantonese specialty that elevates poultry to an art form. Served chopped into thick slices and paired with plum sauce, this dish is worth the wait at famed roast meat shops.
6. Pineapple Bun (Bo Lo Bao)
Despite its name, there's no pineapple in this bun. Instead, it's the crackly, golden sugar crust that resembles the tropical fruit’s texture. Often served plain or stuffed with a slab of cold butter, it's a local favorite for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
7. Clay Pot Rice
Fragrant rice cooked in a traditional clay pot forms a crispy bottom layer that locals treasure. Topped with Chinese sausage, mushrooms or marinated meats, it's finished with a splash of sweet soy sauce tableside for extra depth.
8. Fish Ball Noodle Soup
Found in noodle shops and street stalls alike, fish ball noodle soup is a quintessential Hong Kong street food that's simple, flavorful and filling. The springy fish balls float in a clear broth with rice or egg noodles, often garnished with scallions and greens.
9. Hong Kong-Style French Toast
Thicker, richer and more decadent than its Western cousin, Hong Kong-style French toast is deep-fried and usually stuffed with peanut butter or kaya (coconut jam), then topped with syrup and a pat of butter. It's a must at a local cha chaan teng (Hong Kong-style diner).
10. Beef Brisket Noodles
Tender beef brisket stewed in a rich, herbal broth is ladled over noodles to create this deeply satisfying dish. It's a local favorite that blends comfort and complexity in every bite.
11. Snake Soup
A centuries-old delicacy known for its medicinal properties, snake soup is made with finely shredded snake meat, mushrooms and herbs. The result is a surprisingly light and flavorful broth that's especially popular in cooler months.
12. Cheung Fun (Rice Noodle Rolls)
Soft, slippery and delicately savory, cheung fun is made from thin sheets of steamed rice noodles rolled around fillings like shrimp, beef or BBQ pork. Drizzled with soy sauce (and sometimes a touch of peanut and hoisin), they melt in your mouth.
13. Mango Pomelo Sago
For dessert, mango pomelo sago offers a refreshing escape from the city’s heat. This chilled pudding-like dish blends mango purée with pomelo chunks and chewy sago pearls in a creamy coconut milk base.
14. Curry Fish Balls
One of the most iconic street foods in Hong Kong, curry fish balls are bouncy, skewered snacks simmered in a bold, fragrant curry sauce. Found everywhere from dai pai dongs to ferry terminals, they're a beloved on-the-go bite that delivers big flavor with every chew.
Discover Food Excursions in Hong Kong
Embark on a culinary and cultural journey through Hong Kong with food-focused shore excursions that satisfy more than your appetite:
- Dim Sum Lunch
- Discover the best of Hong Kong with a visit to the city’s most iconic highlights. Explore a historic temple, ascend to unrivaled heights, savor a delectable dim sum lunch and enjoy a leisurely sampan ride across Victoria Harbour.
- Yau Ma Tei Wet Market
- Enjoy a sensory adventure through the vibrant streets of Hong Kong as you visit the spiritual tranquility of Wong Tai Sin Temple, stroll the serene Nan Lian Garden, explore the colorful Yau Ma Tei Wet Market and take in sweeping views from the sky100 Observation Deck.
What To Eat in Hong Kong?
Hong Kong is famous for its vibrant food culture that blends Cantonese culinary traditions with global influences. From the artistry of dim sum to the irresistible sweetness of egg tarts, every dish tells a story of the city’s history, innovation and appetite for flavor. If you're wondering what to eat in Hong Kong, start with classics like roast goose, wonton noodles, pineapple buns and clay pot rice. These iconic dishes, along with many others, make Hong Kong one of the best food cities in Asia (and a dream destination for every traveler with a craving for discovery).
Keep Exploring Hong Kong
Want to learn more about this iconic city? Check out these guides to plan your next trip:
- What To Buy in Hong Kong – Bring home a piece of the city with unique souvenirs, from silk fans and tea sets to jade jewelry and street market finds.
- Hong Kong Shore Excursions – Discover the best of Hong Kong through unforgettable cultural and shopping experiences.
- What Is Hong Kong Known For? – Explore the rich blend of tradition and innovation that defines this dynamic destination.
- When Is the Best Time To Visit Hong Kong? – Find out when to go for perfect weather, festivals and fewer crowds.
- The Best Things to Do in Hong Kong – From panoramic skyline views to vibrant street markets, explore the top experiences that make this city unforgettable.
