Hong Kong, the international metropolis, is renowned for its diverse culinary culture. From authentic street food to traditional Hong Kong-style tea restaurants, the city’s cuisine always leaves people yearning for more. In this article, I will recommend ten must-try Hong Kong dishes that will make your trip worthwhile.
1.Kau Kee Beef Brisket
Reason for recommendation: With over a century of history, Kau Kee Beef Brisket is world-famous for its unique beef brisket dishes. During meal times, long queues always form outside the restaurant. The clear broth beef brisket and curry beef brisket are particularly renowned, attracting celebrities like Eason Chan, Tony Leung, and Stephen Chow.
Address: 21 Gough Street, Central, Hong Kong
Transportation: 6-minute walk from Exit A2 of Sheung Wan MTR Station
Suggested time: Avoid peak hours and visit between 2-4 PM.
2.Australia Dairy Company
Reason for recommendation: This restaurant is known for its smooth and moist scrambled egg toast and rich, creamy steamed egg white with milk. Despite the seemingly simple dishes, the high quality and quick serving speed attract a large number of customers.
Address: 47 Parkes Street, Jordan, Hong Kong
Transportation: 2-minute walk from Exit C2 of Jordan MTR Station
Suggested time: Breakfast or brunch is the best choice to experience the lifestyle of Hong Kong locals.
3.Sister Wah Snack Shop
Reason for recommendation: Sister Wah Snack Shop is famous for its variety of chilled braised dishes, especially the cuttlefish, pork intestines, and turkey kidney in the “Signature Set,” paired with mustard and special sauce. The rich and varied textures make it a standout among street food.
Address: Shop 4A, 55 Dundas Street, Mong Kok, Hong Kong
Transportation: About a 5-minute walk from Exit A2 of Yau Ma Tei MTR Station
Suggested time: In the evening when the crowd is smaller, suitable for leisurely tasting.
4.Hong Kong Tea House
Reason for recommendation: As a representative of Hong Kong’s local food culture, Hong Kong Tea House offers a wide variety of Hong Kong-style delicacies. The most popular combination is the pineapple bun and red bean ice, which is perfect for afternoon tea.
Address: 7B Cameron Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Transportation: Exit B2 of Tsim Sha Tsui MTR Station
Suggested time: Around 3 PM to avoid the lunch rush.
5.Under Bridge Spicy Crab
Reason for recommendation: Under Bridge Spicy Crab is famous for its spicy typhoon shelter-style fried crab. Although the price is relatively high, it still attracts a large number of diners. The delicious crab is stir-fried with an abundance of garlic and chili, resulting in a rich and unforgettable flavor.
Address: G/F & 1/F, Kam Hei Building, 391 Lockhart Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
Transportation: 3-minute walk from Exit C of Causeway Bay MTR Station
Suggested time: It can be crowded during dinner time, so it’s recommended to make a reservation in advance.
6.Bakehouse
Reason for recommendation: This bakery is known for its European-style egg tarts, which are freshly baked in limited quantities daily. The crispy exterior and aromatic filling make it a must-visit spot in Hong Kong. The store also offers other exquisite pastries, croissants, and baguettes that are worth trying.
Address: G/F, 44 Hankow Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Transportation: About a 1-minute walk from Exit A1 of East Tsim Sha Tsui MTR Station
Suggested time: Purchase in the morning when freshly baked for the best taste.
7.Wing Kee Noodle Shop
Reason for recommendation: As a long-established cart noodle shop in Hong Kong, Wing Kee Noodle Shop offers a variety of toppings to choose from, with a rich and aromatic soup base. The fish balls, beef balls, radish, and pig’s blood are particularly memorable.
Address: G/F, 27A Sugar Street, Causeway Bay
Transportation: About a 5-minute walk from Exit E of Causeway Bay MTR Station
Suggested time: Visit during lunchtime to avoid queues.
8.Mak Man Kee Noodle Shop
Reason for recommendation: Known for its unique wonton noodles, Mak Man Kee Noodle Shop has been recommended by the Michelin Guide for several consecutive years. The whole shrimp wonton and the braised pork knuckle noodles are its signature dishes, with a fresh taste and a strong shrimp flavor.
Address: 51 Parkes Street, Jordan, Hong Kong
Transportation: 2-minute walk from Exit C2 of Jordan MTR Station
Suggested time: During breakfast or brunch, to avoid queues and experience two delicacies at once.
9.Mammy Pancake
Reason for recommendation: The original store is located in Hung Hom and is famous for its crispy egg waffles. Freshly made egg waffles come in various flavors, including original, chocolate chips, and cheese. They have a crispy texture and an enticing aroma.
Address: Shop D2, G/F, 181A-181G Wan Chai Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Transportation: 7-minute walk from Exit A3 of Wan Chai MTR Station
Suggested time: During afternoon tea, when the freshly made egg waffles are the most delicious.
10.Tei Mou Koon
Reason for recommendation: Located in Kowloon City, Tei Mou Koon is a well-known traditional dessert shop in the area. It offers a wide range of Hong Kong-style desserts, such as mango pomelo sago, sesame paste, and almond tea. The soft and smooth glutinous rice balls are particularly popular.
Address: 47 Fuk Lo Tsun Road, Kowloon City, Hong Kong
Transportation: About a 5-minute walk from Exit B3 of Sung Wong Toi MTR Station
Suggested time: After dinner, to enjoy desserts as a perfect ending to your meal.
Travel Tips
- Transportation Card: It is recommended to purchase an Octopus card, which is convenient for taking the MTR, buses, and other public transportation. It can also be used in convenience stores and some restaurants.
- Map Apps: Download local Hong Kong map apps, such as Google Maps or Baidu Maps, for easy navigation and locating restaurants.
- Avoid Peak Hours: Restaurants in Hong Kong are usually very crowded during peak dining hours (12:00-14:00, 18:00-20:00). It is recommended to visit during off-peak hours.
- Language: Most Hong Kong people can speak Mandarin and English, but learning a few simple Cantonese phrases will make your trip more interesting.
- Currency: Hong Kong uses the Hong Kong Dollar (HKD). It is recommended to exchange some cash in advance, but most places also accept credit cards and mobile payments.
- Hong Kong’s food culture is rich and diverse, from street food to traditional restaurants, with every bite full of authentic flavors. We hope this guide will provide some inspiration for your Hong Kong food journey, allowing you to fully enjoy the delicacies in this charming city.
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