Hong Kong
Hong Kong Food Guide for Travelers
Hong Kong is one of the world's great eating cities. Michelin-starred dim sum coexists with legendary street stalls, and a cha chaan teng serves some of the most satisfying meals you'll ever eat.
Cha Chaan Teng Culture
Noisy, fast, incredible food. Milk tea, pineapple buns, macaroni soup, toast with condensed milk. Don't expect service with a smile; expect amazing food at rock-bottom prices.
Dim Sum Tradition
Yum cha is a Hong Kong institution. Families gather weekends over steamers and tea. Classic order: har gow, siu mai, char siu bao, cheung fun, egg tarts to finish.
Roast Meat Shops
Glistening goose, char siu, and crispy pork in every window. Michelin-starred siu mei proves world-class food can cost under $10.
Late Night Eating
Hong Kong never stops eating. Dai pai dongs, congee shops, 24-hour cha chaan tengs. Temple Street and Mong Kok are best for late-night grazing.
Must-Try Dishes
Dim Sum
$$Small steamed and fried dishes with tea: har gow, siu mai, char siu bao, cheung fun.
Varies widely
Roast Goose
$$Crispy-skinned, juicy roast goose. Yung Kee on Wellington Street is legendary.
Contains meat; naturally gluten-free
Char Siu
$BBQ pork glazed with honey, served over rice.
Contains meat, soy
Wonton Noodle Soup
$Springy egg noodles in clear broth with shrimp-filled wontons.
Contains gluten, shellfish, eggs
Egg Tart (Dan Tat)
$Flaky pastry with wobbly egg custard.
Contains gluten, dairy, eggs
Pineapple Bun (Bo Lo Bao)
$Sweet crumbly-topped bun sliced with a thick slab of cold butter.
Contains gluten, dairy, eggs
Claypot Rice
$Rice in clay pot with Chinese sausage or chicken, finished with soy sauce. Crispy bottom is the prize.
Contains meat, soy
Milk Tea
$Strong black tea with evaporated and condensed milk, strained through a silk stocking.
Contains dairy
Menu Vocabulary
| Term | Meaning | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Cha chaan teng | Local diner/cafe | Dining |
| Dai pai dong | Open-air stall (few remain) | Dining |
| Siu mei | Roast meat counter | Dining |
| Dim sum | Small dishes with tea | Dining |
| Yum cha | Going for dim sum | Dining |
| Chao | Stir-fried | Cooking Methods |
| Zheng | Steamed | Cooking Methods |
| Fan | Rice | Staples |
| Mai dan | The bill | Dining |
Dietary Restriction Guide
Vegetarian
Dim sum has vegetarian options. Buddhist vegetarian restaurants exist. Cha chaan tengs serve egg dishes and vegetable noodles.
Vegan
Challenging: Cantonese cooking uses oyster sauce, fish sauce, meat stock extensively. Buddhist vegetarian restaurants are safest.
Gluten-Free
Rice, roast meats without sauce, steamed fish, claypot rice are naturally gluten-free. Soy sauce in most dishes. Noodles and dumplings contain gluten.
Common Allergies
Shellfish in many sauces and dim sum. Soy ubiquitous. Peanuts and sesame in sauces. Communicate allergies in written Chinese.
Ordering Tips
- •Dim sum: arrive before 11am for best selection. At traditional places, flag down carts.
- •Cha chaan teng set meals include a drink: best value.
- •At siu mei shops, point at the meat you want. Chopped and served over rice instantly.
- •Tipping: 10% service charge usually included.
- •Octopus card works for transport and many food shops.