7 Authentic Dishes You Need To Try In Hong Kong

A trip to Hong Kong just isn’t complete without a foray into its sprawling food scene — but where to begin? Here are some suggestions on how to sate your palate in Hong Kong.

1. Siu Mai

Siu Mai This staple of Cantonese cuisine is also the hallmark of a dim sum brunch. Typically stuffed with ground pork (though there are other incarnations, including a ground shrimp version), this open-faced dumpling is frequently garnished with crab roe and offers the perfect opportunity to practice your chopstick technique.

2. Yellow Fish Balls

Look no further than the nearest street-food stall for this treat. Yellow fish balls are made from a mixture of fish and flour pounded into a paste, rolled into a ball, then boiled in a spicy curry sauce until it reaches golden perfection; this snack is an excellent energy booster for travelers on the go. Fish balls are typically served on a bamboo skewer in sets of five to eight, which makes them easily shareable — though you’ll probably want to keep them all to yourself.

3. Pineapple Bun

Fun fact: Pineapple buns, a calorie-filled confection that's wildly popular in Hong Kong, don’t actually contain any pineapple. Instead, the pastry gets its name from the puffy, sugar-covered top half, which some say bears a strong resemblance to the tropical fruit. Slice one open and add a dollop of butter before eating for maximum flavor.

4. Char Siu

Get your daily dose of protein by digging into a plate of char siu, otherwise known as Cantonese-style barbecue pork. The meat is grilled, cut into thin strips, and then coated with a special mixture of honey, soy sauce, and hoisin sauce. Though best accompanied with rice, char siu is so good, it can stand on its own.

5. Milk Tea

Satisfy your thirst with milk tea, the afternoon drink that originated in Hong Kong. It's a mix of black tea with evaporated or condensed milk, and is said to be most authentic when the tea leaves are filtered by a sackcloth bag.

6. Egg Tart

There’s no better way to indulge your sweet tooth in Hong Kong than by having a piping hot egg tart. This ubiquitous creation — not to be confused with pastel de nata, the Portuguese version found in neighboring Macau — entices with its wobbly custard center and pastry crust. If you have the time (and space in your stomach), be sure to try both types of the Hong Kong egg tart: one has a crumbly shortbread crust, while the other’s base is of the flaky, puff pastry variety.

7. Chicken Feet

Given their gelatinous texture and plethora of small bones, chicken feet might not be the most convenient thing to eat in Hong Kong. But if you’re an adventurous foodie, this dish comes highly recommended. Eat them in a soup, or deep-fried and stewed in black bean or abalone sauce.