8 Essential Street Foods In Hong Kong

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The best part of travelling isn’t just restricted to sightseeing tours and exploring a different culture. Wherever you go around the world, every country has their own speciality. And that speciality in question is food. Hong Kong is no exception. More than just a shopping paradise and a city of entertainment, this bustling metropolis is also a home to some of the best street foods in the world. Keep reading below as we explore different types of street foods you have to try in Hong Kong.


1) Bo Lo Bao (Pineapple Bun)

Despite the obvious name of the bun, there is no pineapple filling of any kind whatsoever. Instead, bo lo bao is named as such due to the pineapple-like pattern on the outer skin. This bun is particularly popular during breakfast hours and can be easily found in cha chaan teng (teahouse). Best served with a thick layer of butter in the middle.

Where to get it?

  • Kam Wah Cafe, 47 Bute Street, Prince Edward, Hong Kong.
  • Honolulu Cafe, Ground Floor & First Floor, 176-178 Hennessy Rd, Wan Chai.
  • Kam Fung Cafe, Ground Floor, Spring Garden Mansion, 41 Spring Garden Lane, Wan Chai.
  • Tsui Wah Restaurant, 15-19 Wellington Street, Hong Kong.
Image Credit: commons.wikimedia.org

2) Stinky Tofu

The name of this local delicacy says it all. It is seriously smelly, it can be off-putting to some people and it’s definitely for the acquired taste. But if you are adventurous enough, do this give a try. Beyond its distinct smell due to the mixture of fermented milk, meats and vegetables, stinky tofu (or cau dou fu in Cantonese) is actually worth a bite. They are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Best served with chilli sauce.

Where to get it?

  • Delicious Food Shop, Shop 10, Ground Floor, 30-32 Nullah Road, Prince Edward, Hong Kong.
  • Various food stalls along Temple Street, Yau Ma Tei.
  • Kai Kei Snacks, 41 Dundas Street, Mong Kok.
  • 星星美食 (literally “Star Food”), Shop 8-9, Mei Shing Building, 30-32A Nullah Food, Prince Edward, Hong Kong.
Image Credit: cdn.cnn.com

3) Curry Fish Balls

These appetising, yet filling go-to snack is popular among many locals of all ages. They are made from minced fish meat (or something in between) and deep fried till golden brown. The fish balls are then drenched in curry sauce and served on a bamboo stick in a Styrofoam cup.

Where to get it?

  • Tung Tat Food Shop, Ground Floor, 172 Yuen Street, Mong Kok.
  • Yuen Mai Dessert, 1-7 Wu Kwong Street, Hung Hom, Kowloon.
  • Welcome Food Court, 150 San Hing Back Street, Cheung Chau Island.
  • Kai Kei Snacks, 41 Dundas Street, Mong Kok.
Image Credit: asianinspirations.com.au

4) Egg Tarts

Words like “sweet”, “creamy” and “crispy” are best described for these heavenly morsels known as egg tarts. They are typically made from a simple combination of egg, milk and sugar before baked to crispy perfection. Best enjoyed when they are still warm and fresh from the oven.

Where to get it?

  • Tai Cheong Bakery, 35 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central, Hong Kong.
  • Hoover Cake Shop, 136 Nga Tsin Wai Road, Kowloon City.
  • Mido Cafe, 63 Temple Street, Yau Ma Tei.
  • Honolulu Cafe, Ground Floor & First Floor, 176-178 Hennessy Rd, Wan Chai.
Image Credit: alphacityguides.com

5) Egg Waffles

Here is another popular eggy-licious snack in the form a waffle known as gai dan zai, which literally means “little chicken egg” in Cantonese. Egg waffles are made from a mixture of eggs, flour, evaporated milk and sugar. They are reminiscent of a big bubble wrap that popped on the surface. The waffles are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, while the taste is sweet and aromatic at the same time. Today, you can get all sorts of flavour ranging from chocolate to peanut butter.

Where to get it?

  • Lei Keung Kee, 492 King’s Rd, North Point, Hong Kong.
  • Master Lowkey Shop B3, 76A, Shau Kei Wan Main Street, Hong Kong.
  • Mammy Pancake, Carnarvon Mansion, 8-12 Carnarvon Road, Tsim Sha Tsui.
Image Credit: trover.com

6) Cheung Fun (Rice Noodle Rolls)

Cheung fun or rice noodle rolls are one of the most popular street-food staples that appeal mostly to breakfast and lunch crowds. They are typically served with sweet sauce alongside a sprinkle of sesame seeds as a topping. You can also add a dollop of chilli sauce if you like your cheung fun spicy.

Where to get it?

  • Hop Yik Tai, 121 Kweilin St, Sham Shui Po.
  • Fat Kee, 67 Kin Yip Street, Yuen Long.
Image Credit: willflyforfood.net

7) Fried Pork Intestines

Here’s the thing about pork intestine: not everyone, even for a Chinese, can stand its unpleasant smell as well as its overall distinct taste. In Hong Kong, fried pork intestines is a must-try for adventurous food lovers. They are deep-fried in large cut pieces and served on a bamboo stick. Best eaten with a dipping sauce of your choices such as hoisin, chilli or mustard sauce.

Where to get it?

  • Sang Kee, 501-515 Jaffe Road, Causeway Bay.
  • Various food stalls along Temple Street, Yau Ma Tei.
  • Delicious Food, Shop 10, Ground Floor, 30-32 Nullah Road, Prince Edward, Hong Kong.
Image Credit: lucylovestoeat.com

8) Siu Mai (Chinese Steamed Dumpling)

Siu mai needs no introduction. These savoury morsels are, of course, usually served in dim sum restaurants. But in Hong Kong, you can get to enjoy them on the go from a street stall. They are usually made from minced pork or fish paste and served on a bamboo stick. Best consumed with a mix of sweet soy sauce. You can add chilli oil if you prefer some spiciness to go along with your siu mai.

Where to get it?

  • Tung Tat, 48 Pitt Street, Yau Ma Tei.
  • Fai Kee’s, 9-17 Tin Lok Lane, Wan Chai.
Image Credit: theloophk.com

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