Hong Kong has many unique and delicious traditional foods. The culinary diversity in Hong Kong is rich, covering various Chinese, international, and fusion dishes. Here are some examples of traditional Hong Kong foods:
Main Dishes:
Dim Sum
Dim Sum is a variety of small and diverse dishes served in bamboo baskets or small plates. Some famous dim sum dishes include siu mai (shrimp dumplings), har gow (steamed shrimp dumplings), char siu bao (barbecue pork buns), and cheong fun (rice noodle rolls).
Roasted Goose
Goose meat that is roasted will result with crispy skin and tender meat, is a highly popular dish in Hong Kong. It has a delicious taste and is typically served with hoisin sauce. There are two common roasting techniques used for roast goose: 1) Traditional Technique: The goose is roasted on a hanging rack inside an oven, allowing the heat to circulate evenly around the bird. This technique creates a very crispy skin. 2) Modern Technique: Some restaurants use specialized ovens that direct high-temperature heat directly onto the goose. This can expedite the roasting process and result in crispy skin and tender meat.
Wonton Noodles
Wonton noodles are a dish consisting of noodles and carefully folded shrimp dumplings that are boiled. The noodles are served with a delicious broth and green vegetables. It is a popular dish and available in many noodle shops throughout Hong Kong. The noodles served with wonton noodles are typically very small and thin but still have a chewy texture. The flavorful and rich broth makes this Hong Kong specialty dish highly sought-after and popular among people.
Congee
Congee or rice porridge is also a signature dish in Hong Kong! Although porridge is also found in Indonesia, there are some differences between Hong Kong-style congee and Indonesian porridge. Some differences include the type of sauce used, the texture, and the toppings. Due to these variations, congee is a must-try food if you want to experience the unique flavors of Hong Kong cuisine.
Clay Pot Rice
Rice cooked in a clay pot with various ingredients such as meat, sausages, and vegetables. This imparts a rich aroma and delicious flavor. This dish is commonly enjoyed during the winter season by the locals as it provides warmth and comfort to the body.
Snacks From Hong Kong:
Egg Tart
Egg tart is a type of pastry with a crispy crust filled with sweet egg custard. Egg tarts are popular as desserts or light snacks in Hong Kong. This Hong Kong specialty can be found in various places, from bakeries and restaurants to cafes. Egg tarts can also be brought home as souvenirs for family or friends.
Pineapple Bun
Pineapple bun Or more commonly known as Bo Lo Bao, it is a sweet bun with a crispy outer texture and soft interior. The name “pineapple bun” comes from its crust texture that resembles a pineapple’s skin. Despite being called a “pineapple bun,” this bread does not contain pineapple. There is also a variation of this bun called Bo Lo Yau, where the Bo Lo Bun is served with a slice of butter inside. This snack is very popular for breakfast or a light lunch.
Egg Waffle (Gai Dan Jai)
It is a waffle with a unique texture, shaped like small bubbles. Egg waffles usually have a sweet and crispy taste and are often enjoyed as a street snack. This Hong Kong specialty is perfect to satisfy cravings when you’re not too hungry but just want something to munch on. It’s also great for sharing with friends and family.
Hong Kong-style French Toast
Hong Kong-style French toast is a toasted sandwich made with bread dipped in egg, then fried, and served with butter and syrup. It is typically enjoyed as a breakfast or snack. The crispy egg fried bread combined with the sweetness of the syrup makes this dish a favorite and well-known Hong Kong specialty
Stinky Tofu
It is not exactly expired or rotten tofu, but rather fermented tofu that has a strong and unique aroma. Stinky tofu can be prepared in three different ways: fried and served with spicy sauce or peanut sauce, boiled in broth and spices for added flavor, or grilled over charcoal. Not everyone may enjoy this dish due to its strong smell. Despite the strong odor, this Hong Kong specialty has a delicious and complex flavor, making it a must-try Hong Kong snack for those who enjoy culinary challenges.
Fish Balls
Fish balls are fish meatballs made from ground fish meat shaped into small balls. They are typically cooked in soup or stir-fried with spicy sauce. One famous sauce to accompany fish balls is the savory and flavorful curry sauce. This Hong Kong specialty is a popular snack often sold in street food stalls.
