Hong Kong is a paradise for food lovers, offering a perfect blend of Cantonese cuisine, street food, and international flavors. Whether you’re strolling through bustling night markets or sitting in a traditional cha chaan teng, there’s always something delicious to try.
Here are 10 iconic Hong Kong dishes you can’t miss!
1. Egg Waffles
One of Hong Kong’s most beloved street snacks, egg waffles are made from a batter of eggs, sugar, flour, and evaporated milk. Cooked in a special honeycomb-shaped mold, these golden, crispy treats have a soft, airy center and a delightful crunch on the outside. 
Modern variations include flavors like chocolate, coconut, and black sesame, adding a unique twist to this nostalgic treat.
2. Fish Ball Noodles
A staple of Hong Kong street food, fish ball noodles feature springy fish balls served over silky rice noodles in a rich broth. The key to its deep umami flavor lies in the slow-simmered soup base, often made with dried flounder and pork bones.
Toppings can include beef balls, fried fish cakes, and even crispy pork skin. Add some chili oil for an extra kick!
3. Wonton Noodles
A must-try for noodle lovers, wonton noodles are a signature dish in Hong Kong. Unlike regular dumplings, Hong Kong-style wontons are filled with fresh shrimp and minced pork, creating a juicy and flavorful bite.
The broth is crafted from pork bones, dried shrimp, and fish, giving it a deep, savory taste. Paired with springy, thin egg noodles, this dish is a local favorite—especially for breakfast!
4. Cart Noodles
Originating in the 1950s, cart noodles are one of Hong Kong’s most customizable dishes. Customers can mix and match ingredients, choosing from an array of toppings like beef brisket, pig’s blood, pork skin, radish, and soy-braised chicken wings.
With sauces ranging from satay and curry to braised beef gravy, every bowl is a unique experience!
5. Imitation Shark Fin Soup
Despite its name, imitation shark fin soup contains no real shark fin. Instead, it’s made with glass noodles, thickened broth, soy sauce, and mushrooms, mimicking the rich texture of the traditional delicacy.
This budget-friendly alternative has been a popular street food snack for decades and is often enjoyed with vinegar and white pepper for an extra layer of flavor.
6. Hong Kong Egg Tart
A favorite at dim sum restaurants and bakeries, egg tarts were inspired by British custard tarts but have been perfected in Hong Kong.
There are two main types:
- Flaky puff pastry crust – Crispy and delicate
- Butter shortcrust pastry – Rich and crumbly
Freshly baked egg tarts have a smooth, custard-like filling with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Best enjoyed warm!
7. Hong Kong Milk Tea
Hong Kong’s iconic milk tea gets its signature silky texture from a special brewing process. The tea is repeatedly strained through a cloth filter, resembling a silk stocking—hence its name.
Made with strong black tea and evaporated milk, this drink is a daily essential in local cha chaan tengs. A must-try is Lan Fong Yuen, a legendary spot known for serving some of the best Hong Kong milk tea.
8. Stuffed Three Treasures
A popular street food snack, stuffed three treasures features ingredients like eggplant, green peppers, and tofu, all filled with a seasoned minced fish paste before being pan-fried to crispy perfection.
Topped with soy sauce or spicy chili oil, this dish is packed with umami and makes for a great on-the-go bite!
9. Pineapple Bun
Despite its name, pineapple bun contains no pineapple. Instead, its golden, crisscrossed topping resembles the texture of a pineapple.
The bun itself is soft and fluffy, while the crust is made from sugar, egg, flour, and lard, giving it a crispy, sweet crunch. For an ultimate experience, try a butter-filled pineapple bun (bo lo yau), where a thick slice of butter melts inside the warm bun—pure indulgence!
10. Braised Beef Brisket (Ngau Lam)
While beef brisket isn’t a premium cut in Western cuisine, it’s a Hong Kong comfort food staple. Slow-braised for hours, the beef becomes tender and rich with flavor.
One of the most famous spots is Kau Kee, renowned for its clear broth beef brisket noodles. Other variations include curry beef brisket and braised brisket with radish, served over rice noodles or chewy e-fu noodles.
