21 Best Hong Kong Foods To Try in 2025

Hong Kong food is just one of the many reasons this region is unlike anywhere else on Earth. Skyscrapers pierce the clouds, neon lights flicker over bustling streets and every corner hums with energy. That said, for all the glitz it offers, it’s the Hong Kong cuisine that keeps people coming back. Not only are the meals delicious, but according to Harvard, several Chinese foods are linked to cardiovascular health.

A quick stroll through the Hong Kong street food stalls is all it takes to see why the dishes are irresistible. Even the simplest wonton noodles or a perfectly crisp slice of roast pork can stop you in your tracks. From Michelin-starred roast goose to the more unassuming rice roll, the dishes are so delectable that they have people lining up before sunrise.

The best food in Hong Kong is an unforgettable experience in itself — let’s find out why by diving into the must-try dishes that define this culinary paradise.

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• What Type of Chinese Food Is Hong Kong Food?
• The 21 Best Foods in Hong Kong
• Learn How To Cook Hong Kong Food

What Type of Chinese Food Is Hong Kong Food?

Hong Kong food is a melting pot of flavors, shaped by centuries of Cantonese tradition and international influences. While its foundation is deeply rooted in Cantonese cuisine, Hong Kong’s history as a global trading hub means its flavors go far beyond Southern China.

You’ll find everything from Shanghainese noodles to British-inspired Hong Kong food — like egg tarts and milk tea — making it one of the most diverse food regions in the world.

What sets Hong Kong cuisine apart and makes it an essential addition to every foodie bucket list is its harmonious balance of savory, sweet, and umami flavors. Small plates, like dim sum, let you sample a bit of everything, while dishes like roast goose and clay pot rice brilliantly showcase rich, satisfying flavors. 

The 21 Best Foods in Hong Kong

1. Pineapple Buns 

Don’t let the name fool you — there’s no pineapple in these buns. Instead, this Hong Kong food staple is all about contrast, featuring a soft, pillowy bun wrapped in a golden, crackly, sugar-laced crust that crumbles with every bite. Originally called “crispy-skin buns,” the new name stuck when locals noticed the checkered topping looked like pineapple skin.

The best way to eat one is hot from the oven, sliced open and stuffed with a thick slab of cold butter that melts into the bread. Pair it with a Hong Kong food favorite like milk tea, and you’ll have a cha chaan teng classic that never disappoints.

2. Chee Cheong Fun (Rice Rolls) 

A dim sum essential, Hong Kong food lovers know that chee cheong fun is all about texture. These silky, paper-thin rice noodle rolls are steamed to perfection and then wrapped around fillings like shrimp, barbecued pork or crispy fried dough. They’re slippery, slightly chewy and soak up just the right amount of sauce.

They're often topped with a sprinkle of scallions and paired with sweet soy sauce or a combination of light soy sauce and sesame oil. Hoisin or peanut sauce is also served with them in other parts of Asia. Some spots even swap traditional rice noodles for glass noodles, putting a unique spin on this Hong Kong food favorite. 

3. Milk Tea 

Hong Kong food would not be complete without its signature drink, milk tea. But this is not your average cup of tea. Made by steeping bold black tea and blending it with evaporated or condensed milk, it has a smooth, creamy texture with a hint of richness. 

For something stronger, try yuenyeung. This mix of milk tea and coffee is a go-to for those who want the best of both worlds. It’s an easy pick-me-up to go with your morning pineapple bun or afternoon egg tart.

4. Tofu Dessert

Tofu pudding, or tofu fa, is one of the simplest yet most beloved Hong Kong food creations. This velvety, melt-in-your-mouth dessert is made from fresh soy milk and a coagulant, creating an ultra-soft, custard-like texture. It’s served with a drizzle of ginger syrup and a sprinkle of yellow sugar. 

Depending on where you go, you might find it dressed up with toppings like red bean, black sesame or osmanthus. Whether warm in winter or chilled in summer, it’s a refreshing classic among Asian desserts. 

5. Dim Sum

Dim sum is one of the most iconic meals in Hong Kong. It’s a tradition, a weekend ritual and a social event staple all rolled into one. These bite-sized delights are served in small bamboo steamers or on petite plates. They feature everything from juicy dumplings and fluffy barbecue pork buns to rice rolls and golden, crispy pastries.

Some restaurants still roll out steaming hot baskets on pushcarts, letting diners pick their favorites as they pass by. Others have switched to check-list menus, where you mark your choices and wait for the Hong Kong food to arrive at your table.

6. Egg Tarts

The origins of egg tarts can be traced back to early 20th-century Guangzhou, influenced by both the English custard tart and the Portuguese pastel de nata. Today, egg tarts are a famous part of the Hong Kong food culture. 

The shell is buttery and flaky, shattering with each bite, while the silky custard inside is delicately sweet and smooth. What sets these tarts apart is their lighter, less sweet custard, unlike the Macanese version, which has a caramelized top. The Hong Kong-style crust comes in two variations — a crisp, flaky puff pastry or a firmer, crumbly short crust.

7. Wonton Noodles 

Few dishes capture the essence of Hong Kong food like a steaming bowl of wonton noodles. It’s a simple and satisfying choice for any meal of the day. Inside, the dish features dumplings, bound egg noodles and a hot, fragrant broth that’s been simmered to perfection. 

Each wonton is filled with a juicy mix of shrimp and pork, wrapped in delicate skins. Served in a rich, flavorful broth with leafy greens like gai lan, or dry-tossed with shrimp roe and oyster sauce, this dish is popular in most noodle shops. 

8. Siu Mei (Roasted Meats) 

Step into any siu laap shop and you’ll be greeted by a carnivore’s dream. It’s filled with glazed, glistening char siu (barbecue pork) with a caramelized crust, siu yuk (crispy roast pork), and whole roasted ducks and geese hanging temptingly in the window. The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water.

The secret is all in the roasting, with each cut of meat slow-cooked over an open flame or in a rotisserie oven. This Hong Kong food is best enjoyed with rice or slurped up with noodles. 

9. Egg Waffles 

These golden, bubble-shaped waffles are a street food classic. Crisp on the outside with soft, pillowy pockets inside, they practically beg to be torn apart, one puff at a time. First cooked over charcoal stoves in the 1950s, they were a resourceful way for street vendors to use up cracked eggs.

The batter, made with sugar, evaporated milk and custard powder, transforms into airy pockets of sweetness when poured into a special egg-shaped waffle press. This popular Hong Kong food has evolved beyond its classic vanilla roots, with modern stalls offering flavors like matcha, chocolate and cheese. 

10. Curry Fish Balls 

Soft, springy and drenched in a thick, spicy sauce, curry fish balls are Hong Kong’s ultimate grab-and-go snack. Skewered on sticks or swimming in a steaming cup of sauce, they’re a staple of chaotic street corners, where the air is thick with the scent of spice and nostalgia.

This Hong Kong food took off in the 1950s when vendors found a clever way to stretch cheap fish paste into irresistibly springy morsels. Complement it with radish, squid or a side of noodles for additional flavor. 

11. Claypot Rice

At first glance, it’s just rice in a pot. But once you dig in, you’ll realize there's much more to this simple-looking dish. The moment the lid is lifted, the aroma of sizzling meats, soy sauce and toasted rice hits you like a warm embrace.

Juicy cuts of chicken, preserved meats or velvety eel release their flavors into the rice, coating every grain in umami-rich goodness. Pair this Hong Kong food with a drizzle of sweet soy sauce, and you’ve got a comforting, flavor-packed experience that keeps locals and visitors coming back for more.

12. Beef Brisket Noodles 

Beef brisket noodles are the kind of Hong Kong food that hooks you in immediately. This dish brings together tender, slow-braised beef and perfectly chewy egg noodles in a broth that’s been simmered for hours. 

Unlike the heavier, soy-based beef noodle soups found elsewhere in Asia, this Hong Kong food takes a lighter approach while still delivering a bold, beefy flavor. Some places take it up a notch with a curried broth, adding a warm, fragrant heat. It’s best enjoyed with a side of pickled radish, a drizzle of chili oil or simple greens. 

13. Hot Pot

Few things bring people together like Hong Kong food, and hot pot is the ultimate communal feast. Picture a bubbling cauldron of broth at the center of the table, surrounded by an endless spread of thinly sliced meats, fresh seafood, crisp vegetables and handmade dumplings. 

Unlike the fiery Sichuan hot pot, this Hong Kong food takes a more balanced approach. Broths range from light herbal infusions to rich, peppery pig-stomach soup, often paired with an array of dipping sauces for a fully customized bite.

14. Mango Pomelo Dessert

Invented in the 1980s at Lei Garden, this Hong Kong food quickly became a favorite, and for good reason. This chilled, velvety treat combines juicy mango, tangy pomelo and chewy sago pearls, all swimming in a rich coconut-mango soup. 

The contrast between the smooth mango purée, the slight bitterness of pomelo and the pop of sago pearls makes every spoonful a delicious blend of sweetness. You’ll find this Hong Kong food in dessert shops all over the region, often with creative twists like ice cream, pudding or even mooncakes.

15. Fried Beef Noodles 

A sizzling plate of stir-fried beef noodles is the kind of Hong Kong food that makes heads turn the second it hits the table. The glossy rice noodles glisten under a rich soy glaze, mingling with tender beef slices, crisp bean sprouts and the unmistakable aroma of wok hei. 

Unlike other stir-fried noodle dishes in Asia, this version prioritizes a signature cooking style. It requires skill, speed and just the right amount of oil to keep everything silky yet separate. 

16. Eggplant With Minced Pork

Eggplant with minced pork is a rich, savory dish you won't get enough of. Tender, stir-fried eggplant soaks up a garlicky, umami-packed sauce, while minced pork adds a satisfying depth. The contrast between this Hong Kong food's silky eggplant and flavorful meat makes it a favorite.

Unlike spicier Sichuan variations, the Hong Kong version leans into a balance of sweetness, smokiness and subtle heat. A long simmer allows the sauce to seep in even more. Whether enjoyed with steamed rice or spooned over crispy noodles, this classic remains a must-try for Hong Kong food lovers.

17. Char Siu Bao

Forget the dainty tea sandwiches or plain bread rolls; you've just found a bite-sized snack to blow all others out of the water. Char siu bao is the kind of food that commands attention, stuffed with sticky, caramelized barbecue pork and wrapped in a soft, pillowy exterior. 

But what makes this Hong Kong food so special is the filling. Char siu, or Cantonese-style barbecue pork, is slow-roasted until glistening with a sweet-savory glaze of hoisin, soy sauce, honey and five-spice. The rich, smoky meat is then diced and coated in a thick, glossy sauce before getting tucked inside the bao. You’ll find this Hong Kong food in just about every dim sum restaurant and Chinese bakery. 

18. Snake Soup 

Snake soup is a centuries-old Cantonese dish known for its rich, savory broth. Made with at least two types of snake meat, along with chicken, mushrooms and aromatic spices, the soup is slow-cooked for hours until the flavors meld into a thick, hearty consistency. 

Beyond its unique ingredients, this dish has long been associated with health benefits in traditional Chinese medicine. This Hong Kong food is believed to warm the body, boost circulation and nourish the skin. 

19. Hairy Crab

Hairy crab is a seasonal delicacy prized for its sweet, tender meat and rich, buttery roe. Typically harvested from September to late November, these crabs are a highlight of Hong Kong food culture, appearing on menus at high-end Cantonese restaurants and seafood banquets. 

The best way to enjoy it is steamed whole and paired with aged black vinegar to enhance its natural sweetness. Hong Kong’s top dining spots take things to another level, featuring hairy crab in dishes like dumplings, gold-leaf jelly and even sweetened ginger soup. 

20. Phoenix Claws (Chicken Feet) 

While some may hesitate at the sight of this Hong Kong food, it has been a cherished dim sum classic for generations. In true Cantonese fashion, the feet are deep-fried to puff up the skin, braised to soak in the fragrant sauce and steamed until perfectly tender.

Each bite is a mix of gelatinous, tender skin with just enough chew to make it satisfying. You'll usually find this Hong Kong food bathed in a glossy, umami-rich sauce infused with black beans, soy and aromatic spices. 

21. Har Gow Shrimp Dumplings

A dim sum cart rolls by, and there they are — har gow, gleaming like little pearls in a bamboo steamer. These Hong Kong food icons are the gold standard of dumplings, with their translucent wrappers hinting at the plump, juicy shrimp wrapped inside.

One bite and the wrapper softens, revealing sweet, briny shrimp with a hint of bamboo crunch and a touch of sesame oil. Unlike thicker-skinned dumplings in Asia, this version uses a combination of wheat starch and tapioca or potato starch, creating a thin yet sturdy wrap. 

Learn How To Cook Hong Kong Food

While eating out is great, you can also bring the taste of Hong Kong food straight to your kitchen. Imagine whipping up silky wonton noodles, char siu baos dripping with flavor or the perfect egg tart, all without having to wait in line. With cooking classes in Hong Kong, expert chefs will guide you through the techniques that make the region's cuisine so irresistible, from dim sum folding to wok mastery.

But even if you’re not in Hong Kong, you can sharpen your skills with cooking classes near you or learn more about the culinary arts from anywhere with online cooking classes. These expert-led sessions break down the secrets behind the best food in Hong Kong and beyond, from getting the perfect caramelization on roast goose to mastering the bouncy texture of fish balls. 

From sizzling Hong Kong street food stalls to legendary dim sum houses, this region is packed with flavors that reflect its deep traditions. The beauty of Hong Kong food is that small plates let you sample a bit of everything, presenting you with the opportunity to tick off many items on this list. 

Whether you’re chasing the flakiest egg tart, slurping up silky beef brisket noodles or hunting down the crispiest roast goose, there’s something for every craving. Now that you know where to start, you’re ready to dig in and experience the best Hong Kong food like a true insider. 

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