Hong Kong Food Guide: 5 Iconic Delights Not to Miss.
Hong Kong despite being one of the smallest cities in the world has a boundless selection of foods. Hong Kong is so reputable that it is regarded as the world’s food capital. Bord and raised in Hong Kong, this city is jam-packed with foods that never disappoint. Choosing 5 signature dishes is impossible, from its pipping hot Hong Kong-style milk tea to its nostalgic egg tarts, the list is endless! But here we go, the 5-star dishes for your next visit to Hong Kong.
- Egg Waffles
Okay okay, I cheated. These signature street foods are 2 dishes as it comes in 2 forms: one resembling a batch of profiteroles and another a Belgium waffle (see photo). The former is best eaten plain, though if you are seeking for an extra boost in texture and flavour, opt for its doppelgänger crammed with peanut butter, condensed milk, sugar, and butter. These handheld goodies are easy to whip up, but nothing beats a dining experience among the hectic streets with patrons each holding on to their own while keeping an eye for the next street food. Every day, patrons queue and watch food hawkers bang out dozens of egg waffles skillfully, dying to get hold of an afternoon treat.
2. Traditional Egg Tarts
Influenced by the Portuguese pastel de nata and English custard tart, Hong Kong egg tarts started in the 1940s and have since secured the hearts of every Hong Kongers. It comes in a cookie-like or a flaky outer shell then filled up with silky smooth eggy custard, eventually creating this sweet and savoury blend of goodness. It is a staple in every Cha Chaan Teng and elders arrive at 3 pm sharp for this fresh goodness. Try it yourself and you may just find yourself engulfing 5 in one sitting.
3. Pineapple Bun
Derived from Engish Afternoon tea, afternoon tea is a fundamental part of Hong Kong culture. A pineapple bun is another respected afternoon tea option. This bun got its name with a crackly exterior and soft interior thanks to its resemblance to the pineapple shell (no, it is not made of pineapples, unfortunately). A cold and thick slice of butter is sandwiched in the warm bun, creating a masterful dichotomy between the coldness and heat. Accompanied with a scorching hot milk tea, you might have well gotten yourself the perfect afternoon tea combo. The best part of enjoying pineapple bun? Nibbling on the fallen-off exterior crumbs left on the plate.
4. Clay Pot Rice
It is a labour of love as lots of devotion and close monitoring are required in creating every pot. Featuring an array of toppings like fish and chicken, a must-have is dried Chinese sausages aka Lap Cheung which are packed full of fat to be melted down to the rice beneath (apologies healthy eaters). Don’t forget to top everything up with spoonfuls of pork oil for a profound flavoured dish. If you ever spot the scorched rice at the very bottom, that’s a trusted indicator of the perfect sizzling clay pot rice, don’t forget to eat that up as well!
5. Wonton Soup
As simple as it may seem, these wontons are chock-full with flavours. Seasonal vegetables and ground pork are combined with special seasonings, the mixture is then enclosed by homemade wonton wrappers. before dropping into a big pot of brewed soup. As you bite into one, everything instantly explodes into your mouth. It was like a musical, stimulating your senses with tons of flavours. Wonton soup is a heartfelt dish classically paired with a bowl of fresh thin egg noodles or if you are obsessed you are more than welcome to order a batch alone.
In a city that’s awash with delectable ancient foods and more innovative food creations than you can poke a stick at, it is reasonable to get overwhelmed and don't know where to begin. But this guide will get you sorted. Stomach grumbling? Why not mark a date and plan your first post COVID trip here to Hong Kong for an impeccable culinary journey.
Other honourable mentions include Hong Kong-style french toast, fishballs, stinky tofu (yes, it is super stinky but incredibly delicious), mango sago, and rice noodles aka Cheung Fun.
