13 Hong Kong must-eats!

M
Sep 22
10 min read

Heading to Hong Kong soon? There's so much to eat in this foodie paradise - from dim sum to roast meats, we can never get enough of these! Thinking of what to eat in Hong Kong? Aside from the usual Tim Ho Wan and Australian Diary Co, we are also bringing you some of these underrated dishes!

1. Cha Chaan Teng

No trip to Hong Kong is complete without a visit to a cha chaan teng, the city’s beloved local cafés that blend Western and Cantonese flavors in a uniquely Hong Kong way. These cafés are famous for serving hearty comfort food like Hong Kong-style milk tea, French toast, baked rice with cheese, and instant noodles with luncheon meat — all at wallet-friendly prices.

Some of the city’s most iconic cha chaan tengs include Australia Dairy Company in Jordan, known for its scrambled eggs and silky milk tea; Kam Wah Café in Mongkok, a must-visit for pineapple buns and egg tarts; and Tsui Wah Restaurant, a popular chain where you can sample classic Hong Kong dishes with a retro café vibe. Whether you’re grabbing a quick breakfast or sitting down for a casual meal, a cha chaan teng offers a true taste of everyday life in Hong Kong.

Australian Diary Company

Many would be familiar with the snaking long lines outside this joint and a lot of people have said that this is overrated. But we still love their buttery scrambled eggs! The queue moves quickly and if you absolutely do not want to wait, you can order their scrambled egg sandwich for takeaway!

Otherwise, squeeze with the rest of the patrons for their breakfast sets! It comes with macaroni soup with ham, eggs and buttered toast, and a choice of coffee/tea. It really doesn't look like much but it is really affordable and tasty. We just can't get enough of the scrambled eggs!

Even though they also serve the steam milk pudding, as well as milk... You can get them elsewhere and focus on just their scrambled eggs! X)

Kam Wah Cafe & Bakery

Kam Wah is known for its Bo Luo Pao (Pineapple Polo Bun) that has a crispy and buttery biscuit like crust with a thick slab of cold butter stuck in it. There's something so comforting of having a hot bun with a cold butter.

Tsui Wah Restaurant

This place is almost like an upgraded "swensens" for the locals. You can get almost any cuisine here and have them at any time of the day! Yes, it is opened 24/7! There's also multiple outlets islandwide!

Kam Fong Restaurant

This is a smaller one-outlet Cha Chaan Teng but equally as good as the others. Walk past the cafe and you can smell the freshly baked buttery chicken pies that would draw you in! These chicken pies are to-die-for! The buttery and flaky pastry is crispy when you first bite into it and then it melts in your mouth! The custard in the egg tart is absolutely delicious too! Again, it is another simple and humble eatery with seriously good pies and tarts!

Mido Cafe

Known as the oldest char chaan teng which is one stop you can head to to experience the atmosphere. However, we felt that the food was nothing much to shout about.

2. Hong Kong Style Desserts

Hong Kong-style desserts, known locally as tong sui (糖水), are a must-try for anyone visiting the city. These sweet treats range from light and refreshing to rich and comforting, often served warm or chilled depending on the season. Favorites include steamed milk pudding, mango sago, red bean soup, black sesame dumplings, and egg tarts. Many of these desserts are available at specialized shops or dessert cafés, such as Yee Shun Milk Company for its silky steamed milk custard, or Honeymoon Dessert, which offers a modern take on classic favorites. Whether enjoyed as a post-meal treat or a midday snack, Hong Kong-style desserts are the perfect way to experience the city’s sweet side and a delicious reflection of its culinary creativity.

Yee Shun Milk Company

The steamed milk pudding is served in many Hong Kong cafes, but we still think Yee Shun does the best! We've tried 4 of their flavours but the best are these two - chocolate and the original. Other flavours include ginger and coffee. You can also select from hot or cold options.

If you are heading there for the first time, definitely try the original. It is creamy and milky and simply melts in your mouth. The cocoa is chocolatey and is sufficiently flavoured throughout the milk pudding. The coffee one wasn't quite to our liking because it has a slight sour tinge. Otherwise, the ginger is a great option should you enjoy the taste of ginger.

They have multiple outlets and opens from 12pm - 12am so you can have them for lunch, dinner, or even as supper!

3. Beef Noodles

Tender beef brisket stewed in a rich, aromatic broth served over egg noodles. Perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner. Kau Kee, Mak’s Noodle and Sister Wah Beef Brisket Noodles are popular options.

Kau Kee Restaurant

Be ready for a long queue here. This restaurant is located on the other side of the island. Kau Kee Restaurant is famed for its Beef Brisket Noodles. You can have it in broth or a curry version. The beef is really tender and falls apart really easily. The broth is also flavourful but the curry tastes more fulfilling!

It is a huge bowl of noodles and one person can't really finish it, but you'll have to still order two bowls as Kau Kee has a minimum spending for each person! Again, as with all crowded restaurants, head there during the non-peak hours!

Mak's Noodle

Even though this section says beef noodle, Mak's Noodle also sell the traditional wanton noodle. The portion of the noodles is what makes it worth mentioning. Sometimes, you're just slightly hungry and don't really want to order an entire meal. This is where you can head to for a mid-day snack or even for tea! There are multiple outlets all over Hong Kong so you'll be sure to find one!

3. Hong Kong Silk Stockings Milk Tea

When you think of Hong Kong Milk Tea, Lan Fong Yuen is one that is a popular choice - a fuss-free establishment that is great if you would like to try their authentic Silk Stockings Milk Tea! It is said that this drink originated here so where better to taste this Silk Stockings Milk Tea. They are also known for their pork chop bun. They know have several outlets all over Hong Kong so you'll certainly be able to spot it!

4. Hong Kong Egg Tarts

Egg tarts and pastries are quintessential Hong Kong treats, beloved for their buttery, flaky crusts and smooth, silky custard filling. These baked delights can be found in local bakeries, cha chaan tengs, and dessert shops across the city. For a classic experience, Tai Cheong Bakery in Central is famous for its rich and creamy egg tarts, while Kowloon’s Kam Wah Café serves up both the iconic pineapple buns and perfectly caramelized egg tarts. Other popular spots include Lord Stow’s Bakery at Macau-style outlets and Honolulu Coffee Shop for a nostalgic cha chaan teng twist. Whether enjoyed warm from the oven or paired with Hong Kong-style milk tea, these pastries are a delicious symbol of the city’s vibrant culinary heritage.

Most of the Cha Chaan Teng usually also sell these tarts and pastries!

5. Da Pai Dong

Dai Pai Dong are traditional open-air food stalls in Hong Kong, famous for their lively atmosphere, affordable prices, and classic Cantonese dishes. These street-side eateries serve everything from stir-fried noodles and congee to roast meats and seafood, giving visitors a taste of authentic local flavors in a bustling, communal setting. Some of the most famous Dai Pai Dong spots include Sing Heung Yuen in Central, known for its tomato beef noodles; Lan Fong Yuen, celebrated for its milk tea and Hong Kong-style French toast; and Tung Po at the Java Road Market in North Point, which is perfect for seafood lovers who enjoy dining with a lively crowd. Dining at a Dai Pai Dong is more than just a meal — it’s an immersive experience that captures the energy, flavors, and spirit of Hong Kong’s streets.

Sing Heung Yuen

Sing Heung Yuen is located right opposite Kau Kee. Being one of the last few Da Pai Dong's in Hong Kong it is frequented by many of the locals. It is a simple affair, almost like a push cart next to the road, with portable tables and chairs.

Try their tomato noodles. It doesn't sound like much, but we were surprised by the flavour and richness of the broth!

6. Roasted Meats

Hong Kong is famous for its roasted meats, with crispy roast pork (siu yuk) and roast goose (siu ngoh) topping the list of must-try dishes. Siu yuk is loved for its crackling golden skin and tender, flavorful meat, often served over rice or with other roast meats. Roast goose, on the other hand, offers succulent, juicy meat with perfectly crispy skin, traditionally roasted over charcoal for a rich, aromatic flavor. Some of the city’s most iconic spots to try these classics include Yat Lok in Central, a Michelin-recommended favorite for both roast goose and pork, Kam’s Roast Goose in Wan Chai, and Joy Hing Roasted Meat, which is celebrated for its authentic, time-tested flavors. Sampling these roasted meats is an essential part of experiencing Hong Kong’s culinary heritage, offering a perfect balance of texture, taste, and tradition.

7. Claypot Rice

Claypot rice is a comforting Cantonese dish that has become a staple in Hong Kong. Rice is cooked in a clay pot over a flame, creating a fragrant, slightly crispy bottom layer called socarrat, which is highly prized. Topped with ingredients like Chinese sausage, chicken, salted fish, or pork belly, the flavors seep into the rice, making each bite rich and satisfying. Famous spots to try claypot rice include Four Seasons Claypot Rice in Sham Shui Po and Hing Kee Restaurant. It’s the perfect hearty meal for both locals and visitors seeking authentic home-style Cantonese cooking.

8. Dim Sum

No visit to Hong Kong is complete without dim sum, the city’s beloved tradition of bite-sized Cantonese dishes served with tea. Staples like har gow (shrimp dumplings), siu mai (pork dumplings), char siu bao (BBQ pork buns), and turnip cakes make for a flavorful morning or lunch. Classic dim sum experiences can be found at Maxim’s Palace in Central for a traditional tea house vibe, or Tim Ho Wan, the Michelin-starred “cheapest dim sum in the world,” for top-quality dumplings at wallet-friendly prices. Dim sum is best enjoyed slowly, paired with a pot of Hong Kong-style tea and shared among friends or family.

9. Seafood

Seafood in Hong Kong is as fresh as it gets, thanks to the city’s coastal location and bustling fish markets. From grilled lobster and crab to steamed fish and clams, seafood lovers are spoiled for choice. For the freshest experience, head to Lei Yue Mun, a fishing village where you can select live seafood and have it cooked on-site at nearby restaurants, or Sai Kung, another hotspot for seafood feasts with scenic harbor views. Whether served simply or in Cantonese-style sauces, Hong Kong seafood offers a taste of the city’s maritime heritage and is an unmissable part of any culinary adventure.

10. Congee

For something heartwarming, try Hong Kong congee, or rice porridge, a comforting staple of Hong Kong cuisine, perfect for breakfast or a light meal. This simple yet satisfying dish is usually served with savory toppings like century egg and pork, fish slices, or beef, and often accompanied by fried dough sticks (youtiao) for dipping. Some of the city’s most famous spots to enjoy congee include Tsim Chai Kee for hearty portions of fish ball or beef congee, Sang Kee Congee Shop in Wan Chai for a traditional, no-frills experience, and Luk Yu Tea House in Central, which offers congee alongside dim sum in a classic Hong Kong setting. Smooth, flavorful, and warming, congee is a quintessential Hong Kong comfort food that showcases the city’s ability to turn simple ingredients into a beloved culinary experience.

11. Rice Noodle Rolls (Cheung Fun, 腸粉)

Although you can find these in dim sum restaurants, I thought I'll put them in a separate category because rice noodle rolls, or cheung fun, are a beloved Hong Kong breakfast and snack item, known for their silky, delicate texture and versatile fillings.

Typically served steamed and drizzled with sweet soy sauce, they can be filled with shrimp, beef, BBQ pork, or even vegetables. These rolls are light yet satisfying, often enjoyed as part of a dim sum spread or as a quick snack from local vendors. Some of the best places to try cheung fun include Tsim Chai Kee in Central, famous for its generous fillings and Lei Garden, which offers a more refined, restaurant-style version. Whether at a bustling street stall or a classic tea house, rice noodle rolls are a must-try for anyone wanting to taste authentic Hong Kong flavors.

12. Hong Kong Bars & Nightlife Bites

Though not exactly a food item, but Hong Kong’s vibrant nightlife is just as much of a culture than the rest of these foods. And it's nightlife isn’t just about cocktails — it’s also a chance to sample local bar snacks that are uniquely Hong Kong. Many bars serve salted peanuts, fried squid, deep-fried tofu, and spicy stir-fried dishes alongside your drink, offering a casual way to experience local flavors after dark.

Popular nightlife areas include Lan Kwai Fong and SoHo on Hong Kong Island, where both expats and locals gather for drinks and bites, and Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon, known for rooftop bars with stunning harbor views. Places like The Pawn, Ozone at The Ritz-Carlton, and The Old Man are famous not only for their creative cocktails but also for their elevated versions of Hong Kong-style snacks, making a night out a full culinary experience.

13. Street Snacks

Last but definitely not the least is Hong Kong's street snacks! Hong Kong’s street food scene is legendary, offering quick, tasty, and affordable bites that capture the city’s vibrant culture. Favorites include curry fish balls, egg waffles, stinky tofu, and cheung fun (rice noodle rolls). Popular places to explore these treats are Mong Kok’s Ladies Market, Temple Street Night Market, and Sham Shui Po, where local vendors line the streets with sizzling snacks. Sampling street food is not just about eating — it’s about soaking in the bustling energy, neon lights, and smells of Hong Kong’s lively neighborhoods.

Have you tried any of these restaurants or food items? Which are your favourites?

Where to stay in Hong Kong?

Hong Kong offers a wide range of accommodations to suit every traveler, from luxury hotels with stunning harbor views to budget-friendly options in bustling neighborhoods.

The Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel is perfect for families wanting a magical experience, while the Hong Kong Ocean Park Marriott Hotel provides comfort and convenience near Ocean Park.

In Mongkok, I’ve stayed at Dorsett Mongkok (read my experience here) and Hilton Garden Inn Hotel Mongkok, both offering modern rooms and easy access to shopping streets, local food spots, and public transport. For travelers seeking a simpler, more affordable option, Silka Seaview Hotel provides clean and cozy rooms in a central location, making it easy to explore both Kowloon and Hong Kong Island. Having stayed at all these properties, I can confidently say that Hong Kong has a hotel for every type of traveler, whether you’re seeking luxury, convenience, or budget-friendly comfort.