Best Food in Hong Kong

When people think of Hong Kong, towering skyscrapers and vibrant cityscapes often come to mind. But beyond the neon lights and shopping streets lies a culinary wonderland. This city is a paradise for food lovers — a melting pot where East meets West, tradition dances with innovation, and every corner serves up something delicious.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning traveler, here’s your ultimate guide to must-try Hong Kong dishes — from humble street snacks to iconic Cantonese delicacies.

The Best Hong Kong Breakfasts

If you want to experience the most authentic side of Hong Kong life, it all starts with a cha chaan teng (Hong Kong-style tea café) breakfast. These eateries are the epitome of the city’s spirit: efficient, pragmatic, and full of human warmth.

When I stepped into Australia Dairy Company (47–49 Parkes Street, Jordan)[1], I was taken aback by the scene. The place was packed with people, waiters weaving swiftly between tables with trays in hand, taking orders, serving dishes, and urging customers along in a fast-paced rhythm. The air buzzed with the sharp sounds of Cantonese banter and the clatter of dishes. It might feel chaotic at first, but look closer and you’ll see an orderly system of high efficiency. From sitting down to finishing your meal may take only 15 minutes, yet within that short time you instantly grasp Hong Kong’s fast tempo of life.

The signatures here are the scrambled eggs and steamed milk pudding. The scrambled eggs are incredibly soft and silky, with a rich buttery aroma, best paired with thick slices of golden, crispy toast. The steamed milk pudding has a smooth, delicate texture with an intense milky flavor—served chilled, it’s refreshing; served hot, it’s pure comfort.

Of course, no cha chaan teng experience is complete without Hong Kong-style milk tea and pineapple bun with butter (bo lo yau). A good milk tea is all about strong tea flavor balanced with a silky-smooth mouthfeel. For that, head to Lan Fong Yuen (2 Gage Street, Central)[2], said to be the birthplace of “silk-stocking milk tea,” tucked away in the old streets of Central and still hugely popular today.

And with milk tea, nothing pairs better than a pineapple bun with butter. At Kam Wah Café (47 Bute Street, Mong Kok)[3], many locals on OpenRice consider it among the very best in town. Fresh out of the oven, the warm pineapple bun boasts a crackly, golden crust made of lard, sugar, and flour. It’s sliced open and stuffed with a thick slab of cold butter that begins to melt on contact. One bite gives you a rush of hot and cold, salty and sweet—a satisfaction that’s simply irreplaceable.

Famous Noodles in Hong Kong

A seemingly simple bowl of noodles often carries decades of culinary mastery, perfectly embodying the Cantonese philosophy that “the broth is king.” And when it comes to wonton noodles, all roads lead to the legendary Mak’s Noodle (Mak An Kee Noodle Shop) (77 Wellington Street, Central)[4].

Here, the portions are intentionally small—designed so that the noodles stay springy and don’t go soggy in the broth before you finish them. The soup base is a clear yet flavorful stock made from dried flounder and pork bones. The noodles themselves are traditional bamboo-pressed noodles, celebrated for their firm and springy bite. Inside each wonton hides a whole prawn—wrapped in a thin, delicate skin, with the shrimp fresh, bouncy, and sweet.

If wonton noodles are all about refinement, then beef brisket noodles are the definition of richness. Kau Kee Restaurant (21 Gough Street, Central)[5] is the ultimate pilgrimage spot for brisket noodles, with queues that never seem to end. The first time I visited, I waited for over an hour, but one sip of the clear brisket soup made it all worthwhile. The beef brisket is stewed until it’s tender and deeply flavorful, while the broth is robust and aromatic.

Kau Kee has been featured in the Michelin Guide for years, and its decades-long popularity proves its iconic status. Apart from the signature clear-soup brisket noodles, the curry beef brisket noodles offer a spicier, richer alternative—the thick, fragrant curry sauce clings perfectly to the yi mein, delivering a deeply satisfying experience.

Afternoon Tea in Hong Kong

Yum Cha—literally “drinking tea”—is more than just a meal in Hong Kong; it’s a social ritual. A pot of fine tea and a few baskets of dim sum are all it takes to while away a leisurely afternoon.

Among the endless choices, har gow (shrimp dumplings) and siu mai (pork and shrimp dumplings) are the undisputed stars of the dim sum table, and the ultimate test of a dim sum chef’s skill. The best har gow should have translucent, paper-thin skins that reveal the pink shrimp inside. The best siu mai should be plump and springy, topped with a sprinkle of crab roe for a final touch of flavor and color.

If you want Michelin-quality dim sum at wallet-friendly prices, look no further than Tim Ho Wan (9–11 Fuk Wing Street, Sham Shui Po, with multiple branches across the city)[6]. Once dubbed the “world’s cheapest Michelin-starred restaurant,” it’s a must-visit for dim sum lovers. Beyond the classics like har gow and siu mai, their baked BBQ pork buns are legendary: a crispy, slightly sweet crust encasing savory barbecued pork filling, offering a texture and flavor combination unlike any other.

Roast Goose in Hong Kong

As evening falls, it’s hard to walk past a siu mei (roast meat) shop without being tempted by the rows of glistening roast goose and char siu hanging in the window. For many Hongkongers, the ritual of ordering “a plate of roast meat with rice” (zam liu gaa sung) is a comforting part of daily life.

One of the hottest names in recent years is Kam’s Roast Goose (226 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai)[7]. The owner is the third-generation heir of the legendary Yung Kee restaurant. Remarkably, Kam’s earned a Michelin star within just four months of opening, and has maintained it for years. Their roast goose is irresistible—crispy skin, a thin layer of aromatic fat beneath, and tender, juicy meat that keeps you coming back for more.

For a more down-to-earth Michelin experience, head to Yat Lok Roast Goose (G/F, 34–38 Stanley Street, Central)[8]. Its goose skin is famously crisp, shattering like glass with each bite.

Of course, roast goose isn’t the only star of a siu mei shop—char siu (barbecued pork) is equally essential. A perfect char siu should have a balance of fat and lean meat, edges slightly caramelized, and just the right amount of sweet, sticky glaze. At Joy Hing Roasted Meat (265–267 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai), while the roast goose is excellent, many seasoned foodies believe the char siu steals the show.

Sweet Treats and Dessert Drinks in Hong Kong

No night in Hong Kong feels complete without a comforting bowl of tong sui (Cantonese sweet soup).

Hong Kong’s dessert culture is rich and varied, turning the post-dinner sweet into an essential ritual. For authentic traditional Chinese-style tong sui, head to Kai Kai Dessert (29 Ning Po Street, Jordan)[9]. Recommended by the Michelin Guide as a street food gem, it is famous for classics like black sesame soup, walnut paste, and Ningbo-style glutinous rice dumplings. My personal favorite is their black sesame soup—ground to a silky smooth texture, deeply aromatic, and perfectly balanced in sweetness.

Of course, no guide to Hong Kong desserts would be complete without mentioning Mango Pomelo Sago (Yangzhi Ganlu). Made with mango, pomelo, sago, and coconut milk, it’s refreshing, fruity, and sweet—arguably the most iconic Hong Kong dessert to gain global fame. You’ll find it featured in many of the city’s modern dessert shops.

Practical Information Overview

To help you plan your food journey, here’s a summary of the key details for all the restaurants mentioned:

Conclusion

Food in Hong Kong tells the story of the city—its history, its culture, and its rhythm of life. Whether you’re sitting on a plastic stool at a street corner or dining under crisp white tablecloths in a banquet hall, every dish reflects a piece of the city’s soul.

We hope this carefully curated and verified food guide serves as a trusted companion on your journey. May it help you navigate Hong Kong’s vast culinary ocean and discover the flavors that truly capture your heart.

Information Sources & Traceability

To ensure the credibility and reliability of this guide, all key information is drawn from authoritative public platforms and verified user reviews.

1. Australia Dairy Company – User Experience Source
   • Platform: OpenRice
   • Supporting Review: “雖然伙計好惡 (the staff may be rude)，但係個炒蛋真係冇得頂 (but the scrambled eggs are unbeatable)，為咗佢我願意再來！ (I’d come back just for them!)”
   • Link: OpenRice
2. Lan Fong Yuen – Authoritative Source
   • Platform: TripAdvisor
   • Supporting Evidence: Recognized as the birthplace of “silk-stocking milk tea,” consistently ranked among top visitor recommendations, considered a must-visit for authentic Hong Kong milk tea culture.
   • Link: TripAdvisor
3. Kam Wah Café – User Reputation Source
   • Platform: OpenRice
   • Supporting Review: “金華嘅菠蘿油，個皮真係脆到掉渣 (the pineapple bun crust is so crispy it crumbles)，牛油夠厚 (the butter slab is thick)，每次嚟旺角都一定要食返個 (I always get one when in Mong Kok)。”
   • Link: OpenRice
4. Mak’s Noodle (Mak An Kee) – Authoritative Source
   • Platform: Michelin Guide (Official Website)
   • Supporting Evidence: Repeatedly listed as a Michelin Recommended Restaurant.
   • Link: Michelin Guide
5. Kau Kee Restaurant – Authoritative Source
   • Platform: Michelin Guide (Official Website)
   • Supporting Evidence: Repeatedly listed as a Michelin Recommended Restaurant.
   • Link: Michelin Guide
6. Tim Ho Wan (Sham Shui Po) – Authoritative Source
   • Platform: Michelin Guide (Official Website)
   • Supporting Evidence: Previously awarded one Michelin star, now consistently listed as a Michelin Recommended Restaurant.
   • Link: Michelin Guide
7. Kam’s Roast Goose – Authoritative Source
   • Platform: Michelin Guide (Official Website)
   • Supporting Evidence: Awarded one Michelin star since 2015, maintaining its rating consecutively.
   • Link: Michelin Guide
8. Yat Lok Roast Goose – Authoritative Source
   • Platform: Michelin Guide (Official Website)
   • Supporting Evidence: Holder of one Michelin star since 2015.
   • Link: Michelin Guide
9. Kai Kai Dessert – Authoritative Source
   • Platform: Michelin Guide (Official Website)
   • Supporting Evidence: Repeatedly listed as a Michelin Recommended Street Food.
   • Link: Michelin Guide

Note: Information last updated on 19 August 2025. Content is based on team experiences and verified public data. Restaurant operations, menus, and prices are subject to change. It is strongly recommended to confirm with the venue directly or via official platforms before visiting.