Prepare your taste buds for a culinary adventure through the vibrant streets of Hong Kong, where every bite tells a delicious story. At “Been There Done That,” we’re your expert companions in uncovering the gastronomic treasures of this bustling metropolis. Get ready to embark on a flavorsome journey as we present you with a meticulously curated list of the 15 must-try dishes that define Hong Kong’s culinary scene.

From iconic street food to lavish dim sum feasts, Hong Kong offers a tantalizing array of flavors that will leave you craving more. Our in-depth guides will lead you to the hidden gems where these culinary wonders await. Whether you’re seeking the perfect bowl of silky-smooth congee in a local cha chaan teng or the delicate intricacy of a Michelin-starred roasted goose, we’ve got you covered.

With “Been There Done That” as your trusted companion, we’ll navigate the bustling streets of Central, Mong Kok’s vibrant night markets, and the charming alleys of Sham Shui Po, ensuring you don’t miss a single gastronomic gem. We’ll reveal the secret locations, introduce you to the talented chefs behind these delectable creations, and provide insider tips for an authentic dining experience. Get ready to savor the mouthwatering delights of Hong Kong’s signature dishes, where culinary traditions meet contemporary innovations.

Join us on this flavorful journey as we uncover the 15 must-try dishes and the best places to find them in Hong Kong. From heavenly egg tarts to comforting bowls of wonton noodles, “Been There Done That” is your passport to culinary bliss in the vibrant city of Hong Kong.

1. Dim Sum

No Hong Kong visit is complete without this quintessential food. Dim Sum is a large range of small dishes often served in bamboo steamers. Traditionally people enjoy them together to be able to taste as many as possible, aka shared dining. The preparation methods and filling options are endless. Dim Sum can be sweet, savory, fried, steamed, you name it. Some of the must try Dim Sum in Hong Kong are Siu Mai (pork/shrimp dumplings), Har Gow (shrimp dumplings), Cheong Fun (steamed rice rolls) and Char Siu Bao (BBQ-pork-filled buns). The absolute best place to go for Dim Sum is the world renowned Tim Ho Wan. This restaurant received its fame by being the world’s cheapest Michelin Restaurant (2015-2017). For the most authentic Dim Sum experience go to Lin Heung Tea House.

Tim Ho Wan| Sham Shui Po

Address: 9-11 Fuk Wing St, Sham Shui Po

Opening hours: Mon-Fr 10AM-9.30PM, Sat-Sun 9AM-9.30PM

What to order: BBQ Pork Buns, shrimp dumplings, steamed beef balls

Price: 50-100HKD

Featured in: Michelin * (2015-2017) & Opinionated About Dining (OAD)

Lin Heung Tea House | Central

Address: 160號 Wellington St, Sheung Wan

Opening hours: 6AM-5PM

Featured in: CNN travels, Anthony Bourdain (Parts Unknown) & Infatuation

2. Roasted meats

There are several types of food the Chinese like to roast, with one of the most famous one being their roasted goose. Participate in the infinite discussion about who does it best: Yat Lok Roast Goose (Central) or Kam’s Roast Goose (Wan Chai). Both have obtained a Michelin, but have a different take on this local favorite. For some of the best Char Siu (roasted pork) visit Joy Hing (Wan Chai).

Yat Lok Roast Goose | Central

Address:HK 香港島 中環 士丹利街34-38號金禾大廈地鋪

Opening hours: Mon-Sat 10AM-9.30PM (closed on Sundays)

What to order: Roast goose leg over rice or noodles

Price: 70 – 360 HKD

Featured in: Anthony Bourdain: No reservations, Infatuation, Michelin * & Opinionated About Dining (OAD)

“That’s worth flying all the way to Hong Kong for.”

-Anthony Bourdain – No Reservations

Kam’s Roast Goose | Wan Chai

Address: 226號 Hennessy Rd, Wan Chai

Opening hours: 11AM-9.30PM

Price: 64 – 200 HKD

Featured in: Michelin *, Opinionated About Dining (OAD)

Joy Hing Roasted meat | Wan Chai

Address: Chong Hing Building, 265-267號 Hennessy Rd, Wan Chai,

Opening hours: Mon-Sat 9:30AM-10PM (closed on Sundays)

What to order: Char Siu

Price: 34 HKD

Featured in: Anthony Bourdain, Opinionated About Dining (OAD)

3. Egg waffles

Gai daan jai (雞蛋仔) is a Hong Kong sweet staple. In English these iconic bubble shaped waffles are known as egg waffles/egg puffs. These to go waffles are the ultimate Hong Kong streetfood. The two absolute best places to buy them are: LKK Eggwaffles and Mammy Pancake (Carnivoran Road).

LKK North Point Egg waffles| Tsim Sha Tsui

Address: Kun Lock Building, Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui

Opening hours: 11AM-2AM

Price: 15 HKD

Mammy Pancake | Tsim Sha Tsui

Address: 8-12 Carnarvon Road, Tsim Sha Tsui

Opening hours: Mon-Thurs & Sun 11AM-11PM, Fri&Sat 11.30AM-10.30PM

Price: 30HKD-40HKD

Featured in: Michelin Streetfood guide,

4. Milk tea

If Hong Kong would have an official national drink it would be the milk tea (奶茶). This combination of black tea and strong condensed milk can be enjoyed either hot or cold. The milk tea is typically enjoyed at a Cha Chaan Teng(茶餐廳), translated as tea restaurant, intended for locals and expats to eat as an alternative to the high-end European restaurants. Lan Fong Yuen started in 1952 as a Dai Pai Dong (street cart) and is therefore one of the oldest Cha Chaan Tengs in Hong Kong. Their classic milk tea is typically enjoyed with their just as famous pork chop bun and toasted condensed milk bun. They consider themselves to be the creators of the pantyhose milk tea. This is a version of the popular drink that gets strained through a pantyhose-like mesh. Their milk tea has become so popular that it is even sold at 7/11 and shops all around the world.

Lan Fong Yuen | Central

Address: 2 Gage St, Central

Opening hours: 7.30AM-6PM (closed on Sundays)

What to order: Milk tea, pork chop bun, toasted condensed milk bun

Price: 50 HKD

5. Beef Brisket

Beef brisket noodles are famous for their tender brisket topped over rice or wheat noodles swimming in a delicious broth. The legendary brisket is slow cooked till perfection in a broth of Chinese spices. At the notorious Kau Kee Food Café you can find the best beef brisket in Hong Kong, if not in the world. The store originated in the 1930’s and has been added to the Michelin guide Hong Kong recently. Like many of our favorite hotspots expect a large queue and to share a table, however the delicious broth and the tender meat make up for any possible discomfort.

Kau Kee Food Cafe | Central

Address: Ground Floor, 21 Gough St, Central

Opening hours: 12.30 PM-10.30PM (closed on Sundays)

Price: 40-50 HKD

Featured in: Michelin guide Bib Gourmand, Opinionated About Dining (OAD)

6. Wonton noodle soup

Wonton noodle soups are a staple in several Asian cuisines. The wonton noodle soup in Hong Kong traditionally exists of a noodle soup with prawn-filled wontons and some vegetables. At Mak Man Kee (Jordan) they have a special take on this popular food. Their see through wontons are filled up with the most delicious shrimp and floating alongside duck egg noodles in the most flavorful broth. This 60-year-old establishment specializes in this type of Cantonese wonton soup noodles.

Mak Man Kee | Jordan

Address: 51 Parkes Street, Jordan

Opening hours: 12PM-12.30AM

Price: 34 HKD

Featured in: Michelin guide Bib Gourmand & Opinionated About Dining (OAD)

Mak’s Noodles | Central

Address: 77 Wellington St, Central

Opening hours: 11AM-9PM

Price: 36 HKD

Featured in: Infatuation, Anthony Bourdain & Opinionated About Dining (OAD)

7. Tofu pudding

Dou Fu Faa is a traditional Chinese dessert made with incredibly soft tofu. This ‘silk tofu’ is made mostly with sweetened syrup or brown sugar. To the question who does it best only one answer is possible: Kung Wo Dou Ban Chong. A local hotspot that is increasingly popular with tourists. In the western world we have a very limited view of tofu where it is seen mostly as a food eaten by vegetarians. (tv-show the Tofus). However, in China tofu is an extremely diverse food item and one of the examples is this insanely popular tofu pudding.

Kung Wo Dou Ban Chong | Sham Shui Po

Address: Sham Shui Po, Pei Ho St, 118號號地下

Opening hours: 7AM-9PM

Price: 10-30HKD

Featured in: Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand

8. Milk pudding

Yun Shee Milk Company is one of the classics in Hong Kong to go for your milk pudding. The chain originated in Macau, but has several stores in Hong Kong. Their signature is the ‘Double skin’ Steamed Milk Pudding. They use special techniques of steaming their buffalo milk which creating a smooth milk pudding with a thin layer on top. There are several variations such as Ginger Milk Pudding (37HKD) and Coffee Milk Pudding(37HKD), however first-timers should definitely go for the original Double Skin Steamed Milk Pudding (36HKD).

Yee Shun Milk Company | Causeway Bay

Address: 506 Lockhart Road, Causeway Bay

Opening hours: 12PM-12AM

Price: 36HKD

9. Egg tarts

Although originally invented in Lisboa, the Portugese egg tarts have found their way to Asia. Especially in Macau and Hong Kong the sweet is now known as a local staple. This custard minipie is still recognized by its creamy inside and crusty exterior. The Portugese original is however known to be a bit sweeter and to have a more buttery flavor. Make sure to always get them fresh from the oven. For the best of the best pay a visit to Tai Cheong Bakery.

Tai Cheong Bakery | Central

Address: 35 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central

Opening hours: 9.30AM-7.30PM

Price: 6 HKD

10. Typhoon Shelter Crab

Typhoon Shelter Crab is said to be originated in one of the many Sampan (boat) villages in Hong Kong. They brought the fresh crab home, set up a shop in Typhoon Shelters and fried the crab with lots of spices and garlic. Typhoon Shelter is actually a cooking style that can be used for many kinds of seafood. The main ingredients are scallions, chili peppers, fried garlic and a fermented bean sauce. Under Bridge Spicy Crab specializes in this style with their Typhoon Shelter Crab being the absolute king.

Under Bridge Spicy Crab| Causeway Bay

Address: Causeway Bay, Lockhart Rd, 391號地下及一樓 Golden Jubilee House

Opening hours: 11AM-3AM

Price: 300-490HKD

Featured in: Infatuation & Anthony Bourdain

11. Claypot rice

This is dish is especially popular in the winter months and exists basically of rice and various toppings. The claypot bowl is traditionally, slow-cooked over charcoal stoves which causes some unique flavors. There is a huge range of toppings like for example chicken, pork, duck, Chinese sausages and vegetables. The best place in town to get this hearty dish is the Four Season Claypot rice (not to be confused with the hotel chain).

Four Seasons Clay Pot Rice | Yau Ma Tei

Address: 50-52 Arthur Street, Yau Ma Tei

Opening hours: 4.30PM-1AM

Price: 45-75HKD

Featured in: Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations

12. Pineapple Bun

Kam Wah is known to serve one of the best Bolo Bao(菠蘿包) in Hong Kong. The soft pineapple bun, that received his name because of their exterior not the ingredients (this I found out after my first bite), is a real treat for people with a sweet tooth. With a melting stick of butter inside this is the ultimate comfort food. Very important (!): make sure you get them fresh from the oven.

Kam Wah Cafe & Bakery| Mong Kok

Address: 45-47 Bute Street, Mong Kok

Opening hours: 6.30AM-11.30PM

Price: 30 HKD

13. Hong Kong style French toast

Hong Kong has put its own twist on the famous French Toast. Hong Kong style French Toast is caracterized by a deep fried, milky, egg-battered sandwich, stuffed with peanut butter, and topped with sweetened condensed milk. It is more consumed as a dessert than as a breakfast dish.

Man Wah Restaurant | Mong Kok

Address: 153-159 Tung Choi Street, Mong Kok

Opening hours: 7AM-3AM

Price: 19HKD

14. Egg sandwich

The egg sandwich is one of Hong Kong’s breakfast favorites. At first eye the sandwich looks to simple to be that good. The eggs are scrambled till perfection and spread in between two soft white breads. For the signature in town pay a visit to the Australia Diary Company.

Australia Diary Company | Jordan

Address: 47 Parkes Street, Jordan

Opening hours: 7.30AM-11PM (closed on Thursdays)

Price: 28 HKD for a set breakfast menu

Featured in: Opinionated About Dining (OAD

15. Intestines on sticks

A local favorite is the streetfood on sticks. There is large variety of braised skewered seafood, meat and innards. It is the perfect bite to grab to go. In Mong Kok you will find a lot of stalls selling these local favorites. Fei Jie Snack Shop is a local favorite and can be recognized by the long queue.

Fei Jie Snack Shop| Mong Kok

Address: Shop 4A, 55 Dundas Street, Mong Kok

Opening hours: 2PM-11PM

What to order: Octopus, Pork Intestine

Price: 5 USD