Joanna James
Hong Kong isn't just a place to experience sightseeing, shopping and nightlife, but culinary adventures too! For adventurous foodies, the city's bustling streets offer plenty of delectable dishes waiting to tantalise your taste buds. Here are some must-try treats on your visit.
The irresistible aroma of freshly baked eggettes (in Cantonese they are known as gai daan zai) will lure you in from a block away. These bite-sized wonders are made with egg batter poured onto a griddle pan, resulting in a crispy golden exterior and a soft, fluffy centre. Traditionally enjoyed plain, some vendors offer more ‘exotic’ flavours like chocolate or green tea. For the ultimate indulgence, explore the world of creative toppings offered at some stalls which can include chocolate, cheese or peanut butter!
Recognisable from its yellow wrapping, this is another popular street food in Hong Kong. Unlike their dim sum counterparts filled with a rich pork mixture, streetside siu mai boasts a unique twist; the steamed dumplings are crafted with a delicate flour dough subtly flavoured with fish, creating a contrasting yet harmonious pairing. Steamed to perfection, each dumpling is then topped with a delicious soy sauce, allowing the flavours to meld together beautifully. For those who like things spicy, a drizzle of chilli sauce adds a fiery kick, transforming this unassuming street food fave into a flavour explosion.
No Hong Kong street food experience is complete without char siu, the city's iconic barbecue pork. This succulent dish features perfectly roasted pork shoulder, boasting a delightful balance of lean and fatty cuts. The thinly sliced meat melts in your mouth, releasing a divine combination of flavours. The secret lies in the marinade, consisting of ginger, honey, and maltose, along with other key ingredients like hoisin and chu hou sauces. Perfectly balanced between sweet and salty, each bite is a revelation. Pair it with fluffy rice for a truly satisfying meal. Those staying at hotels like Dorsett Wanchai are perfectly placed for foodie adventures to sample char siu and other culinary creations.
Loved for its smooth texture and distinct chewiness, cheung fun is a textural delight that can be found across the city including Causeway Bay restaurants. Made by steaming rice noodle sheets and rolling them into bundles, these are then chopped into bite-sized pieces. Unlike the type served at some restaurants, the streetside variety usually comes without fillings. But don't be fooled by its apparent simplicity! Cheung fun truly comes alive with a variety of sauces – chilli, peanut, sweet, and soy sauce all vie for your attention. A final sprinkle of sesame seeds adds a nutty richness, making this a heavenly mix of textures and flavours in every mouthful.
Curry fish balls are a true Hong Kong street food icon. These flavourful morsels are perfect for enjoying on-the-go as you explore the city. Found practically everywhere in the city, and at a very affordable price, they are a delicious and budget-friendly option. While traditionally made with fish, most contemporary versions are primarily flour-based. However, this doesn't detract from their popularity. Deep-fried until golden and springy, these balls are then bathed in a flavourful and subtly spicy curry sauce. Expect a delightful burst of flavour with every bite, with the fish balls bobbing about in the rich curry before being skewered on a bamboo stick or ladled into a takeaway bowl.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
