Hong Kong Food Guide – “Must-Eats” When You Travel!
Hong Kong is definitely a foodie’s paradise.
Egg Tarts, Roasted Goose, Po Lo Bao, Dim Sum, Scrambled Eggs, Milk Pudding…………. Anything.
You name it, they have it.
I almost died from an unhealthy dose of craving HK food while preparing this guide and editing the photos (from Zavier and I) of all the #foodporn I had last December.
So please, heed my word of caution, if you aren’t going to HK any time soon…. Don’t scroll down!
But if you are, here’s my comprehensive food guide of the things you DIE DIE HAVE TO TRY when visiting HongKong!!!!!!
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Australian Dairy Company
This place is legendary. If you love breakfast, EGGS, pudding or just FOOD – you have to visit this food joint.
They have snaking queues during lunch hour 12-2pm so avoid it or be prepared to line up behind maybe 50 people or so. However, although the queues are long, they move FAST.
And I mean fast as in 50 people in 30 minutes.
Of course a fast moving queue like the one at Aus Dairy Co. also means that they expect you to finish your meals, pay the bill, and leave in a matter of 15 minutes. Take their “service” with a pinch of salt.
Waiting time is almost non-existent here. Perfect for people who need to fill their bellies immediately.
Scrambled eggs with toast
THE SCRAMBLED EGGS HERE ARE THE BEST F**KING THING ON THIS UNIVERSE.
It is such a simple dish and yet no one can do it like ADC does. They must have a secret recipe for this…. Can I pay someone to steal it for me please????
I have had scrambled eggs MANY times over the past 21 years of my life. And NOTHING comes close to this. Nothing.
I have no idea how they do it so well. This dish is an absolute MUST HAVE when you visit HK.
Trust me, it will keep you coming back for more.
The French Toast was gorgeous. Deep fried in egg with a slice of butter slapped on top.
The maple syrup is placed at the table so you can pour whatever copious amounts you desire.
Do it with discretion though, we don’t want your clothing buttons to pop.
Milk Pudding
Freaking smooth and melt in your mouth goodness that they probably make with the bottled milk they sell at ADC. Theres a warm and cold version but I personally prefer the cold one because it tastes more “dessert-ish”.
YUM.
ADC is definitely my number 1 go-to place when I touch down in Hong Kong. I will never leave the country without stepping foot into this joint. Try it to believe it!!!!!!!
Address: 47-49 Parkes Street Jordan (near Jordan MTR) Tel: (852) 2730 1356 Opening Hours: Daily 730am to 11pm How To Get There: Exit C2 Jordon’s MTR Station and walk towards Parkes Street. –
Tim Ho Wan (Sham Shui Po Outlet)
This is the real THW with a Michelin Star!!!!!!!!
After trying the more convenient outlet at IFC Mall (above Hong Kong Station), I know for one thing that the queue here is WAAAAAAAAAAY longer.
We were pretty lucky because we were in a group of 8 and managed to get a private room (I think they mistook us for another group LOL) and got in after queuing for only 10 minutes max!!
I think we got there at around 10/11am which was rush hour so thecrowd outside was CRAY. There were both locals and tourists queuing outside and I think they had to wait at least an hour for a place inside.
But when locals in HK queue for something… You know you’re gonna get something pretty damn amazing. And that was the case for THW here at Sham Shui Po.
Chicken Feet aka Feng Jiao (Phoenix Leg)
Glutinous Rice with Pork
MY FAVOURITE MALAY CAKE!!!!!!!!!!!!! Super fluffy and soft!!!!! I would say they serve the best “Ma Lai Gao” at THW!
Chee Cheong Fan with Char Siew
Rarely get this in Singapore now (Crystal Jade stopped serving it wtf) and you can choose between having it plain, or stuffed with prawn and char siew.
The Siew Mai was delicious. They really do not scrimp on their ingredients at THW. I liked this a lot even though I rarely have this in Singapore.
I can’t stand how some restaurants use SHRIMP (as in the tiny hae bi kind) instead of prawns.
Pork Chops aka Pai Gu
This was so fatty and melt in your mouth perfection. YES. Order this.
One of THW’s 4 Heavenly Kings…
The famous Char Siew Po Lo Bun!
The version we had here at THW was nothing short of amazing and100% worth the calories. No such thing as diet when it comes to this bun.
The crusted exterior in contrast with the soft interior overflowing with delicious Char Siew… Oh……… Take me back now. I need one to fulfill my cravings!!!!!!!!!!!!!
A must must MUST order at any THW outlet!
We over ordered (as you can see in the picture) but thank god had Zavier and Guan Wen who finished most of everything and we paid only HALF of what we would have paid in Singapore.
The total bill came up to around 20 SGD per pax and is SUPER value for money considering the quality of the food (MICHELIN STAR YO) and the amount we ordered!
I recommend coming early in the morning, maybe around 30minutes before their official opening hours to avoid the queues. Otherwise…Just share tables!!!!!!!! Very commonplace in HK and gets the queue moving a lot faster.
Address: 9-11 Fuk Wing Street, Sham Shui Po (10 min walk from Sham Shui Po MTR) Tel: +852 2788 1226 Opening Hours: 8:00am – 9:30pm (Daily) –
Mr Softee Ice Cream Truck
I remember having this when I was a kid. Mr Softee was available at 7-11 or something but it just suddenly disappeared. I blame MCD for this because they had a period where their vanilla cones were 25cents or something.
But anyway, Mister Softee (?) can be found in Hong Kong and they exist as a moving truck! They only serve 4 types of ice cream (Soft Serve, Nutty Drumstick, Large Cups and Jumbo Orange) and is a completely no-frills ice-cream establishment.
I always have a cone on my trips to HK out of nostalgia. Good times they were.
The Soft Serve is my favourite and a classic choice of mine.
You’d think it must be a total pain to find since they are “mobile”, but I always find them parked at specific places the past few trips I’ve made to Hong Kong. Address: Around Mong Kok Streets OR Star Ferry Pier (Central Wing) –
Kam Wah Bakery (Prince Edward/Mong Kok)
All HK cha chaan tengs (tea houses) usually look like the above. However, some are extremely busy and always bustling with activity. An example of this would be Kam Wah Bakery which is located very close to Prince Edward MTR.*
*Not Mong Kok MTR!
The highlight of this place would DEFINITELY be their Po Lo Bao (Pineapple Bun).
I have NEVER, tasted a po lo bao better than the one they serve here.
The turnover rate is so high here you probably get your buns served straight out from the oven.
If not, I’d advice you to order something else to keep your mouth busy (eg: Milk Tea or Yuen Yang) and let the staff know you want your buns served OUT OF THE OVEN.
Usually they will comply. And trust me…. The smell of the bun and the perfectly crumbly texture of the bun will destroy your existing idea of “Po Lo Bao” almost immediately.
Their version is so perfect I came back a second time just for this.Truly redefined my standards for such a “simple” bun and you HAVE TO EAT THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Chicken Wings
Their chicken wings were not bad as well and good for distracting yourself when waiting for an oven-fresh Po Lo Bao.
French Toast
I think this was comparable to the one at ADC and Clara actually liked this a lot more. It was sweeter and eggier I think! Not a bad choice if you’re still hungry after having the PLB!
Address: G/F, 47 Bute Street, Prince Edward Opening Hours: 6.30am – 12 midnight (Daily) –
Mak’s Noodles (Central)
I have never been a large fan of noodles. Ramen, spaghetti, maggi mee… Nope. If there was a choice on the menu I would definitely pick something other than noodles.
But the previous time I came to HK, I remember my cousins pestering me to try their Wan Ton Mee (Prawn dumpling noodles) and they swore that I would never speak badly about noodles again.
I took their advice and I was kinda mind blown.
Mak’s noodles are super springy aka QQ and very unlike the flat tasting noodles I get here in sunny Singapore! I’ve always LOVED wan ton (prawn dumplings) and the ones here BLEW MY MIND.
Large generous dumplings stuffed with full sized prawns and meat….. This is what a dumpling should be. I always remember toorder a separate bowl of dumplings for myself (without the noodles) because I LOVE IT.
The soup was good as well and my only issue with Mak’s is that their servings are TOO SMALL!!!!!!!!! The bowls are quite small and you’d get a shock when they arrive on your table. It is quite expensive as well in terms of quantity, I think around $5 per bowl.But with that said, I will be back!!!!!!
The guys were not full after Mak’s while the girls felt just right. Big eaters might need 2 servings to fill their bellies, but HEY, you’re in HK!! Save that space for something else!!!!!!!!!!
Address: G/F, 77 Wellington St, Central, Hong Kong. Opening Hours: Mon to Sun 11am – 10pm
PS: They have quite a few outlets but this is the one I tried in HK! You’d probably see their branches around the island so try them out and let me know!
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Tsim Chai Kee (Central)
Wellington Street hosts my two favourite wan ton mee. Right opposite Mak’s Noodles is Tsim Chai Kee.
I ventured over while walking through Wellington Street deciding that I wanted something soupy for breakfast on a cold morning. I sat down in TCK and I was blown away.
In my opinion, TCK has a much more flavourful soup base as compared to Mak’s while their noodles are just as QQ!
Tsim Chai Kee also offers more variety and you can choose to havefishballs and beef slices with your wan ton mee!
The beef slices were tender and the fishballs bouncy and full of flavour. Why can’t I find the same in Singapore?? WHY!!!!!!!!!! *sobs*
I really love variety when it comes to food so ordering an “all-in-one” bowl of noodles scored TCK some brownie points.
I would visit either Mak’s or TCK based on my mood/feel when I’m in HK I guess.
Address: 98, Wellington St. Central, Hong Kong Opening Hours: Daily: 8am – 10 pm –
Honolulu Coffee Shop (Central)
I love this joint because it reminds me of the HK dramas I watch and it is a great place to people watch over lunch. You’d see old couples and young families with children flood this place.
I think this is one of the bigger “cha chaan tengs” in HK and make it easier to dine in big groups without having to split up.
People sing high praises for their egg tarts (if you like the flaky version) but I come here mainly for the atmosphere and their set meals which are very cheap and value for money!
Pineapple Bun aka Po Lo Bao
The famous Egg Tarts which you can takeaway if there are no seats inside!
Pork Buns which came as a part of a set meal
Me looking happy outside with egg tarts and pineapple buns!!
Address: G/F, 33 Stanley St, Central Opening Hours: Daily: 7am to 2am –
Tai Cheong Bakery (Central)
These are the. Best. F**king. Eggtarts.
On the planet.
It’s final.
Every single time I head over to HK I make sure I bring at least 2 boxes (24 pieces) back home.
The crust is so buttery and melt-in-your-mouth and the egg custard is crazy yummy and smooth!!! I cannot find a version that comes close to this in Singapore. Please tell me where I can find something like this. PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!
You can try this “donut” that they sell at TCB as well, but I find it quite normal and pretty average. I’d rather spend my calories on another eggtart.
Address: G/F, 35 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central Opening Hours: Daily: 7.30am to 9pm –
Yat Lok Roasted Meat (Central)
On my previous trips to HK, I have always had roasted goose (the signature of HK) at Yung Kee with my family. But the thing about Yung Kee is that they are quite an “atas” restaurant which explains their ridiculous prices.
I asked my cousins (crazy foodies) where else I could get damn good roasted goose or meat in HK. They immediately told me in unison,
Yat Lok.
I made a trip over during 11am in the morning and saw a queueoutside the shop and thus my group of 8 decided to split up andshare tables in order to get our seats ASAP.
ROASTED GOOSE LEG!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh god, my cousins were right. Again.This was freaking good!!!!!!!!
Only problem was that I should have told them “BU YAO ZHAN”.Which means not to chop it up!!!!!!!!!!
It would have been so much better if I could pick up the drumstick and devour it like a hungry animal……. Hahahaha.
I totally recommend this.
I also ordered roasted duck with noodles. I didn’t really dig this and it would have been better with rice because my duck skin became soggy.
Such a shame because it was roasted PERFECTLY.
T_T
I thought the Char Siew was very normal. But the Xio Ba.…. The skin was cripsy and crackled when I chewed through my meal.
I loved this so much. Rice is the way to go with roasted meats.Period.
Yat Lok I will definitely be back for you!
Address: G/F, 34-38 Stanley Street, Central Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 7.30am to 9pm Sat – Sun: 9am to 5.30pm –
Lan Fong Yuen (Central)
This place is known for their Milk Tea aka Dong Nai Cha because they are supposedly the founder of “pantyhose milk tea”. You can read more about this here! Quite an interesting read I must say.
I religiously made a trip down to Central for their Milk Tea and Yuan Yang (coffee with tea) every day I was in HK.
This is how much I like it. And it isn’t as cheap as those you get at other stores… Heh. I am a loyal fan!
They are quite famous for this Chicken Chop Maggi Mee dish which they serve. But don’t go too early in the morning or you won’t be able to have it!
The pork buns were good too! But damnit they have mayonnaise I think.
Yi Nai Cha (Hot Milk Tea)
Only the best at LFY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ice Yuan Yang and Horlicks
Lan Fong Yuen is LITERALLY a hole in a wall shop and you might miss it if you are not careful. They always look “closed” but venture deeper behind their stand and you’d see that they’re cozily located within the walls!
Address: 2 Gage Street, Central Opening Hours: 7:30am – 11:00pm (Closed Thursdays) –
Kau Kee (Central)
This is the place you’d want to be at if you love beef brisket noodles.
Kau Kee does it so well that I’m willing to climb up a long way through Central and queue for 30minutes before opening hours to get a bowl of this goodness.
You HAVE to be here early if you want to get a seat in this popular joint. I suggest going before opening hours (like many popular restaurants in HK) and being open to the idea of sharing tables.
Eating in pairs make things A LOT faster and it’s always quite fun to mingle with the locals!
Beef Brisket
This is the “normal” version where you get a clear soup and beef slices that is just god damn amazing. I cannot get over how tender and soft the beef slices are. You can also pick your choice of noodlesbut I usually go for kuay tiao (flat noodles).
The portions here are substantial and enough to fill up the bellies of one adult. I always have one for myself. You will not get enough of this, I swear.
And ask for Beef Tendons!! They do it very well here at Kau Kee. You will not get slimey overcooked versions, or hard un-chewable varieties here at Kau Kee. Try it!
I also like the Curry Version a lot and it is flavourful and thick. You can either ask for an extra bowl of curry (at a cost) so you get the best of both worlds.
Kau Kee is not the easiest to find, but 100% worth the climb and effort even for people who do not dig noodles as much as they should (eg: ME). I shall plan a trip right now……………
Address: 21 Gough St, Hong Kong Opening Hours: Mon – Sat: 12.30pm to 10.30pm MTR: Central/Sheung Wan –
Tsui Wah (Central)
Hot Milk Tea
The cups used at Tsui Wah are a signature of the brand. When in America, you have Mcdonalds. When in Hong Kong, you have Tsui Wah.
It is almost an equivalent to MCD because you see this popular joint almost EVERYWHERE in Hong Kong. Even with many outlets scattered around the island, I love the one at Central because it is huge with 2 storeys and I’ve had some of my best “fast-food” experiences here.
Fish Ball Noodles
They offer many set menus that last throughout the day and you will NOT have to pay through your nose when dining at Tsui Wah.
Condense Milk Bun
This is my FAVOURITE dish at Tsui Wah. I was hooked the first time I took a bite into their condense milk bun. HK is very famous for this dish which is poorly replicated in Singapore.
For some reason we just can’t get our versions right when it comes to the perfect balancing of salty, sweet and fluffy buns.
WHY SINGAPORE WHY?
Yang Zhou Fried Rice
We ordered this because we missed SG food a little and we just wanted something that tasted like home.
Tsui Wah did it right and took us back to Singapore momentarily with a dish that wasn’t too oily or heavy on our stomachs. I would have this again I believe!
Tsui Wah is also very famous for their Chicken Rice (similar to those in SG) but I have never tried it as I think it’s a waste to have something so homely when in HK. I can have it anytime here! But give it a try and let me know if it’s any good!
Address: G-2/F, 15-19 Wellington Street, Central Opening Hours: 24/7 –
Dim Dim Sum
Stumbling across this Dim Sum place was a complete accident this trip. We wanted to have roast goose somewhere around Mong Kok at this very famous joint but it was a little too pricey and crowded for our liking.
We were starving and continued walking until we saw this very crowded dim sum restaurant and decided to give it a try. I’m quite glad we did because……
THEY HAVE LIU SHA BAO!!!!!!!! (custard buns)
Liu Sha Bao
The presentation itself already wins me over. LOOK AT HOW CUTE THE LITTLE PIGGIES ARE!!!!!!!!!!!!
If you didn’t know, it is actually pretty damn hard to find liu sha bao in HK. I have no idea why because I am pretty sure it originated in HK. Maybe I went to all the wrong places. Idk. I only remember having LSBONCE in HK and that was in a fancy restaurant.
I was pretty happy with the liu sha bao here as the custard was smooth and silky when it oozed out of the pig’s head (LOL). A very sadistic meal but I LOVED IT.
Jiawei went crazy with his favourite Feng Jiao again. He said this was good but not comparable to the one at THW.
Xiao Long Bao is also pretty hard to find when in HK! Surprising how these common dishes in Singapore are so rare in HK. Am I going to the wrong places?!?!
I liked my Har Gao but also I prefer THW’s to this. Bigger and fresher prawns there.
But for the price we paid? This was damn good and equivalent to the standard we get at Crystal Jade.
I will definitely come back for Dim Dim Sum for my Liu Sha Bao the next time I’m back in HK. I liked it very much and there’s no need to queue when you are here! No 30-60minute wait for a hungry soul like myself.
Address: 112 Tung Choi Street, Mong Kok, Kowloon Opening Hours: Mon -Sun: 11 am to 2 am –
Chung Kee Dessert House
To end this guide on a sweet note (pun intended), I recommend checking Chung Kee (not Sheng Kee!) out when you’re in HK.
I know that there are other famous stores like Sheng Kee, Hui Liu Shan and what not, but Chung Kee was very near Aus Dairy Company at Jordan and super close to my apartment which made it my number 1 choice for midnight desserts.
They do not have snaking long queues like HLS and also have several branches across Hong Kong.
Mango sago pudding was (Y)!!!!!!! Loved it. The mangoes were sosweet and so much better than the hard versions I get at bad dessert stores….
I vaguely remember that this was a “Tofu Cheesecake“? I am not sure but EVERYTHING at Sheng Kee was good so this qualifies too!
You absolutely CANNOT leave Hong Kong without having their shaved ice. The shaved ice they have is soft, in shreds (not like ice kachang texture) and super damn smooth!
Throw on some mango (you can choose strawberry or others) syrup and flesh and feast up!!!!!!
This was a Coffee Cheese Cake. I am very sure and I dug this so much. I love coffee….. When you put it with cake and cornflakes???
Ok. Give it.
Tang Yuan with ginger soup. MMMMMMMMMMM…….. Peanut and sesame please!
Molten Chocolate Lava Cake
The picture speaks for itself.
Molten chocolate lava cake with Mango ice cream at the side. It was such a pleasure to watch the chocolate ooze out….. Almost died of pure chocolate bliss. Almost.
Address: Shop 23, Parkes Street, Jordan, Kln. Opening Hours: Mon – Sat: 12 pm – 1.30 am –
AHHHHHHH……… So glad I finally finished this guide after procrastinating since December 2013!! LOL.
I hope this Hong Kong food guide will be a great help to those of you heading to HK in the summer or in the future.
Hong Kong is truly the land of pure, adulterated, damn good chinese delicacies and a destination you MUST-GO to at least once in your life!
Scoot usually has pretty awesome deals so there’s no excuse NOT to visit the country over a long weekend.
Enjoy!!!!!!!!!!
Writer Shanice Lim is a Celebrity Blogger with The Influencer Network
Check out her link: http://datblondechick.wordpress.com/2014/06/10/hong-kong-food-guide-must-eats-when-you-travel/