“People who love to eat are always the best people.” -Julia Child
If you love food (and who doesn’t?), then Hong Kong street food should be at the top of your list. There are many places to visit in Hong Kong, and this city is like a giant food ground where every street corner serves up something tasty, exciting, and often downright addictive.
From crispy egg waffles that look like little bubbles to spicy curry fish balls that hit just the right kick, there’s something here for every craving. Don’t forget to include the markets in the itinerary to sample the best street food in Hong Kong.
The best part? You don’t need a fancy restaurant- just a hungry stomach and a sense of adventure. Street food in Hong Kong is all about quick bites, big flavours, and eating on the move while enjoying the buzzing city vibes. But it is very important to know the best time to visit Hong Kong to make memories to the fullest.
In this guide, I’ll show you the must-try street snacks and where to find them, so you can taste your way through Hong Kong like a pro. Ready to join the foodie fun? Let’s dig in!
Some Cantonese Phrases Used in Communication
- Gei chin? – “How much?”
- Ngo yiu yat go – “I want one (of this).
- Hou mei ah! – “Delicious!”
- Hou jing! -“Awesome!” / “So good!”
- Hou yit ah! – “It’s really hot!”
- Ngo jung yi! – “I like it!”
- Do je sai – “Thank you very much”
- Bong ngo mai dan – “Please help me with the bill”
List of the Best Street Food in Hong Kong
Here’s your list of the best Hong Kong street food that you must try-
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Egg Waffles (Gai Daan Jai)
When you walk through the streets of Hong Kong, you may see people holding a unique treat called a bubble waffle. That’s Gai Daan Jai, or egg waffles– one of the most popular Hong Kong street foods.
These golden, egg-shaped bubbles are made using a simple batter of eggs, flour, sugar, custard powder, evaporated milk, and baking powder. The batter is poured into a special waffle mould and cooked until the outside turns crispy. Bite into it, and you’ll get a mix of crunchy edges with soft, slightly chewy insides. It’s light, warm, and super comforting.
The traditional flavour is plain and eggy, but you can now find all sorts of versions– from chocolate and matcha to cheese and even durian! Some stalls stuff them with ice cream, fruit, or mochi for an extra treat.
Shops to Try:
- Mammy Pancake (Tsim Sha Tsui or Central).
- Lee Keung Kee in North Point
Street Markets to Visit:
- Mong Kok
- Sham Shui Po
- Temple Street Night Market
Egg waffles are great to eat on the go. Give them a try– you won’t regret it!
Curry Fish Balls
When it comes to iconic Hong Kong street food, curry fish balls are a true local favourite. You’ll often see them skewered on sticks or served in small cups, steaming hot and coated in rich, spicy curry sauce.
These bouncy little balls are made from pureed fish meat, mixed with starch and seasonings to give them a smooth yet springy texture. They’re boiled, then simmered in a bold, fragrant curry sauce that’s slightly spicy, a little sweet, and full of flavour. It’s messy, satisfying, and incredibly addictive.
The taste? Think of a soft, chewy bite that soaks up that warming curry kick. The texture is unlike regular meatballs– they’re firm yet bouncy, and they’re best eaten hot, straight from the stall.
You’ll find classic versions as well as modern twists, like cheese-stuffed fish balls or ones served with spicy chilli oil. Some stalls even let you pick your spice level.
Shops to Try:
- Wai Kee Snack Shop (Sham Shui Po)
- Keung Kee (Mong Kok)
Street Markets to Visit:
- Temple Street Night Market
- Fa Yuen Street (Mong Kok)
- Kwun Tong street stalls
Curry fish balls are cheap, fun to eat, and packed with flavour– a true street food experience. Don’t leave Hong Kong without trying them!
Cheung Fun
One of the most comforting and satisfying snacks you’ll find on Hong Kong streets is Cheung Fun, or steamed rice noodle rolls. Whether you’re at a dim sum restaurant or a roadside stall, this dish is a local staple that’s light, smooth, and full of flavour.
Cheung Fun is made from a batter of rice flour, water, and a bit of tapioca starch, steamed into thin sheets, then rolled up into soft ribbons. Street-style versions are usually served plain, chopped into bite-sized pieces, and topped with a mix of sweet soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame paste, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
The texture is what makes it special- silky, slightly slippery, and melt-in-your-mouth soft. It’s warm, mildly savoury, and the sauces add a lovely sweet and nutty kick.
Some stalls also offer fillings like shrimp, BBQ pork, or beef, but the plain version is still a favourite for many locals.
Shops to Try:
- Hop Yik Tai (Sham Shui Po)
- Kung Wo Soy Bean Factory (Sham Shui Po)
Street Markets to Visit :
- Sham Shui Po’s Pei Ho Street
- Wan Chai Road Market
- Mong Kok food alleys
Cheung Fun is both light and satisfying, ideal for a mid-day or late-night snack. Give it a try and discover why it’s a local favourite!
Siu Mai
You might know Siu Mai from dim sum restaurants, but the street version in Hong Kong is a totally different experience– and a must-try for snack lovers on the go.
Unlike the pork-and-shrimp Siu Mai found in restaurants, the street-style version is usually made from fish paste, shaped into bite-sized dumplings, and lightly steamed. Some are topped with a bit of soy or chilli sauce for extra flavour, while others come with spicy curry or sweet hoisin drizzle.
The taste? Soft, bouncy, and slightly chewy with a mildly savoury and seafood-like flavour. Add a splash of chilli oil or a dab of sweet sauce, and you’ve got a tasty little snack that’s incredibly addictive.
They’re super easy to eat- served on a skewer or in a cup- making them a go-to choice for busy locals and hungry travellers alike.
Shops to Try:
- Keung Kee (Mong Kok)
- Kwun Tong Snack Stalls
Street Markets to Visit:
- Ladies’ Market (Mong Kok)
- Temple Street Night Market (Jordan)
- Sham Shui Po snack stalls
Street-style Siu Mai is hearty and packed with local flavour, making it a small bite with a big impact!
Pineapple Buns
Don’t be fooled by the name- there’s no pineapple in Pineapple Buns, or Bo Lo Bao. The name comes from the bun’s golden, crackly top that looks like the skin of a pineapple. Soft, fluffy, and sweet, it’s a beloved treat across Hong Kong.
The bun itself is made with a rich dough of flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and milk, and topped with a crumbly cookie crust that hardens when baked. The inside stays warm and pillowy, while the top is crisp and sweet, creating the perfect contrast in every bite.
Locals love the “bo lo yau” version, which includes a thick slice of cold butter stuffed inside. The hot bun melts the butter slightly, giving you that incredible mix of salty and sweet. It’s the ultimate Hong Kong comfort food.
You can enjoy it as a snack, light breakfast, or paired with milk tea in a local cha chaan teng (tea café).
Shops to Try:
- Kam Wah Café (Mong Kok)
- Sai Kung Café & Bakery
Street Markets to Visit:
- Mong Kok
- Wan Chai
- Causeway Bay
Pineapple buns are warm, buttery, and totally addictive. Whether you try it plain or with butter, it’s a bite of Hong Kong you’ll remember.
Egg Tarts
Egg tarts, or dan tat, are one of the most loved pastries in Hong Kong. You’ll find them in bakeries, cafes, and street stalls all over the city. Warm, buttery, and filled with silky egg custard, they’re the perfect bite-sized treat.
Each tart has a golden base made from either flaky puff pastry or crumbly shortcrust pastry, and it’s filled with a smooth, sweet custard made from eggs, sugar, and evaporated milk. They’re baked until the top just sets, giving you a glossy yellow surface and that soft, jiggly centre everyone craves.
It has a mild, slightly sweet, and eggy taste, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. They’re best enjoyed warm, straight out of the oven, with a cup of milk tea or coffee.
There’s even a bit of a friendly debate in Hong Kong: puff pastry vs. shortcrust- try both and see which one you prefer!
Shops to Try:
- Tai Cheong Bakery
- Honolulu Coffee Shop
- Bakehouse (Wan Chai & Tsim Sha Tsui)
- Street bakeries in Mong Kok or Sham Shui Po
Soft, warm, and full of flavour, egg tarts are a must on any foodie’s Hong Kong list.
Stinky Tofu
Stinky Tofu is one of Hong Kong’s most daring street foods- and trust us, it’s way better than it smells! Loved by locals and brave foodies alike, this crispy snack packs a punch of flavour and aroma that you won’t forget.
Made by fermenting tofu in a brine of vegetables, milk, and sometimes meat stock, the tofu develops a strong, cheesy smell- hence the name. Once it’s nice and pungent, it’s deep-fried until golden and crunchy on the outside, but still soft and creamy inside.
The smell might hit you first (some say it’s like blue cheese or socks!), but the taste is surprisingly mild- crispy, savoury, slightly salty, and delicious when dipped in chilli sauce or sweet hoisin.
Some stalls also serve it with pickled cabbage or garlic sauce, which adds an extra zing to the experience.
Shops to Try:
- Kai Kei Snack Shop
- Tofulicious
Street Markets to Visit:
- Temple Street Night Market (Jordan)
- Mong Kok & Fa Yuen Street
- Kwun Tong street vendors
Stinky tofu is a true street food legend. Smelly? Yes. Delicious? Absolutely. So, don’t miss it!
Cart Noodles
Cart Noodles, or Che Zai Min, are the ultimate Hong Kong comfort food. Originally sold from pushcarts in the 1950s, this humble dish lets you build your own noodle bowl with your favourite toppings and sauces. It’s cheap, fast, and endlessly satisfying.
It starts with a base of noodles- usually instant, egg, rice vermicelli, or udon. Next, it’s time to pick your toppings! Popular picks include fish balls, beef brisket, pork intestines, pig’s blood curd, luncheon meat, squid, and boiled egg. You can add as few or as many as you like, and choose your broth- mild, spicy, or curry-flavoured.
The result is a hot, slurpy, flavour-packed bowl that’s totally your own creation. The broth is rich and fragrant, the noodles springy, and the toppings a mix of textures and bold tastes.
Perfect for lunch, late-night snacking, or when you just want something warm and filling.
Shops to Try:
- Wing Kee Noodles (Causeway Bay)
- Lau Sum Kee Noodles (Sham Shui Po)
Street Markets to Visit:
- Sham Shui Po
- Mong Kok
- Wan Chai Market
Cart noodles are fun, flavourful, and made just how you like them. A must-eat for anyone who loves a hearty bowl with personality.
Grilled Squid & Skewers
If you’re wandering through Hong Kong’s night markets, you’ll soon spot the tempting aroma of grilled squid and meat skewers sizzling over open flames. These smoky, savoury snacks are a street food staple, loved for their bold flavours and easy-to-eat style.
Also, note that in the night markets, you can find many things to buy in Hong Kong. So, shop and eat.
Grilled squid is fresh, tender, and lightly charred, often brushed with a mix of soy sauce, garlic, chilli, and sometimes a sweet glaze. The skewers come with all kinds of goodies- from chicken wings and pork belly to beef and even vegetables- all marinated and grilled to perfection.
Each bite is juicy, smoky, and packed with a little kick, making these skewers perfect for sharing (or not!). They’re quick, affordable, and full of that irresistible street food charm.
Street Markets to Visit:
- Ladies’ Market (Mong Kok)
- Temple Street Night Market (Jordan)
- Fa Yuen Street Market
Grab a skewer, enjoy the lively market vibes, and savour the smoky flavours of Hong Kong’s night streets.
Tofu Pudding (Douhua)
If you’re looking for a light and refreshing treat after all the savoury snacks, Tofu Pudding, or Douhua, is the perfect choice. It’s a popular traditional dessert that’s silky, soft, and naturally sweet.
Tofu pudding is made from soft, freshly made soy milk curds that are steamed or chilled until they form a smooth, custard-like texture. Served either warm or cold, it’s usually topped with ginger syrup, brown sugar syrup, or sweet osmanthus sauce. Sometimes, toppings like red beans, peanuts, or tapioca pearls are added for extra flavour and texture.
The taste is mild and comforting, with a gentle sweetness that’s easy on the palate. It’s light, dairy-free, and a great way to cool down or warm up, depending on the season.
Shops to Try:
- Kung Wo Dou Bun Chong (Sham Shui Po)
- Yee Shun Dairy Company (Jordan)
Street Markets to Visit:
- Mong Kok
- Causeway Bay
- Central
Tofu pudding is a simple yet satisfying way to end your street food adventure. Give it a try- you might just find your new favourite dessert!
Conclusion
I hope this ultimate guide to Hong Kong street food- packed with the best local dishes, famous snacks, must-visit food stalls, night markets, and useful Cantonese phrases- helps you eat like a local. Whether you’re craving egg waffles, curry fish balls, or tofu pudding, this Hong Kong food guide will lead you to the tastiest spots across the city. Get ready to explore, eat, and fall in love with Hong Kong’s vibrant street food culture!
So, if you’re heading to Hong Kong, bring your appetite and a sense of adventure. Try as many dishes as you can, chat with the vendors, and enjoy the buzz of the streets to enjoy Hong Kong’s nightlife. After all, food is the best way to connect with any place, and Hong Kong’s street food scene makes it downright fun.
Happy eating!
FAQs on Hong Kong Street Food
Where can I find the best street food in Hong Kong?
Popular spots include Mong Kok, Sham Shui Po, Temple Street Night Market, and Fa Yuen Street Market.
Is it safe to eat street food in Hong Kong?
Yes, most street food vendors follow strict hygiene standards, but it’s best to choose busy stalls with fresh ingredients.
Are Hong Kong street foods spicy?
Some dishes, like curry fish balls and grilled skewers, can be spicy, but many are mild or customizable.
Are there any vegetarian options in Hong Kong street food?
Yes, there are vegetarian-friendly snacks like egg waffles, tofu pudding, and certain rice noodle rolls.
What’s the best time to try street food in Hong Kong?
Evening is ideal, especially at night markets when most stalls are open and lively.
