7 Must-Try Hong Kong Foods for US Travelers

A Culinary Adventure Awaits US Travelers in Hong Kong Food Scene

Hong Kong, a vibrant metropolis where East meets West, is a culinary paradise for food lovers. For US travelers, navigating the diverse and exciting food scene can be an overwhelming yet rewarding experience. This guide highlights seven must-try Hong Kong foods that will tantalize your taste buds and offer an authentic glimpse into the city's rich culinary heritage. Prepare your stomachs and get ready for a delicious adventure!

Dim Sum Delights Exploring Hong Kong's Iconic Food Culture

No trip to Hong Kong is complete without indulging in dim sum. These bite-sized portions of steamed, fried, or baked delicacies are typically served in bamboo steamers. It's a social affair, best enjoyed with a group of friends or family over endless cups of tea.

What to try:

• Har Gow (Shrimp Dumplings): Translucent wrappers filled with succulent shrimp, a dim sum classic.
• Siu Mai (Pork Dumplings): Open-topped dumplings filled with ground pork, shrimp, and mushrooms.
• Char Siu Bao (Barbecue Pork Buns): Soft, fluffy buns filled with sweet and savory barbecue pork.
• Xiao Long Bao (Soup Dumplings): (Technically Shanghainese, but widely available) delicate dumplings filled with hot broth and seasoned pork. Eat these carefully to avoid squirting!
• Chicken Feet (Fung Zao): Braised and deep-fried chicken feet. An acquired taste, but a local favorite!

Where to find it:

• Tim Ho Wan: Michelin-starred dim sum at affordable prices. Expect long queues.
• One Dim Sum: Another popular and affordable dim sum spot.
• Lung King Hee: A more upscale dim sum experience with stunning harbor views.

Wonton Noodles A Comforting Classic Hong Kong Noodle Soup

Wonton noodles are a quintessential Hong Kong comfort food. These thin, springy egg noodles are served in a clear broth with delicate shrimp and pork wontons. Often garnished with chopped green onions, it's a simple yet satisfying meal.

What to try:

• The classic Wonton Noodle Soup: Look for wontons that are plump and filled with a generous amount of shrimp and pork.
• Dry Wonton Noodles (Lo Mein): Noodles tossed in a savory sauce, served with wontons on the side.

Where to find it:

• Mak's Noodle: A legendary noodle shop known for its authentic wonton noodles.
• Tsim Chai Kee Noodle: Another popular spot with multiple locations.
• Wing Wah Noodle Shop: A local favorite with a long history.

Product Recommendation: Lee Kum Kee Shrimp Paste Want to try recreating the taste of Wonton Noodles at home? Lee Kum Kee Shrimp Paste is a key ingredient for adding umami to the broth. Available at most Asian grocery stores for around $5-8 USD. Use sparingly, as it's quite potent!

Roast Goose A Crispy and Flavorful Hong Kong Delicacy

Roast goose is a Hong Kong specialty, known for its crispy skin and juicy, flavorful meat. The goose is typically roasted in a traditional oven, resulting in a rich and smoky flavor.

What to look for:

• Crispy skin: The skin should be thin, crackling, and a deep mahogany color.
• Juicy meat: The meat should be tender and moist, not dry or tough.
• Flavorful sauce: The goose is often served with a plum sauce or other dipping sauce to complement the rich flavor.

Where to find it:

• Yat Lok: Michelin-starred roast goose. Expect a queue, but it's worth the wait.
• Joy Hing Roasted Meat: A popular spot known for its affordable and delicious roast meats.
• Kam's Roast Goose: Another highly-rated roast goose restaurant.

Milk Tea A Creamy and Refreshing Hong Kong Drink

Hong Kong milk tea, also known as "silk stocking milk tea," is a unique blend of black tea and evaporated milk, known for its smooth and creamy texture. The tea is traditionally brewed in a cotton tea sock, giving it its distinctive flavor.

What to look for:

• Smooth texture: The tea should be smooth and creamy, without any grittiness.
• Strong tea flavor: The tea flavor should be strong and bold, balanced by the sweetness of the evaporated milk.
• Proper tea sock: Traditionally, the tea is brewed using a tea sock, adding to its unique flavor profile.

Where to find it:

• Lan Fong Yuen: The birthplace of silk stocking milk tea.
• Australia Dairy Company: Famous for its milk tea and scrambled eggs. Expect a fast-paced, no-nonsense atmosphere.
• Many local cafes (Cha Chaan Tengs): Milk tea is a staple in Hong Kong and can be found in almost every local cafe.

Product Recommendation: Black & White Evaporated Milk This brand is practically synonymous with Hong Kong Milk Tea. It's the preferred brand for achieving that signature creamy texture. Easily found in Asian grocery stores or online for $2-4 USD per can.

Egg Tarts A Sweet and Savory Hong Kong Pastry

Egg tarts are a beloved Hong Kong pastry, consisting of a flaky crust filled with a smooth and creamy custard. There are two main types: shortcrust pastry and puff pastry. Both are equally delicious!

What to look for:

• Flaky crust: The crust should be flaky and buttery, not soggy or greasy.
• Smooth custard: The custard should be smooth and creamy, without any lumps or bubbles.
• Golden brown color: The tart should be a golden brown color, indicating that it is perfectly baked.

Where to find it:

• Tai Cheong Bakery: A legendary bakery known for its egg tarts.
• Honolulu Coffee Shop: Famous for its egg tarts and other pastries.
• Lord Stow's Bakery: (Technically in Macau, but worth a side trip!) Known for its Portuguese-style egg tarts.

Pineapple Bun (Bo Lo Bao) A Sweet and Savory Hong Kong Bun

Despite its name, the pineapple bun doesn't actually contain any pineapple. The name comes from the bun's crust, which resembles the texture of a pineapple. The bun is typically sweet and slightly savory, and is often served with a slice of butter inside (Bo Lo Yau).

What to look for:

• Crumbly crust: The crust should be crumbly and sweet, with a slightly rough texture.
• Soft bun: The bun should be soft and fluffy, not dry or hard.
• Butter (optional): For the ultimate experience, try a Bo Lo Yau – a pineapple bun with a cold slice of butter in the middle.

Where to find it:

• Kam Wah Cafe: Famous for its pineapple buns.
• Many local bakeries: Pineapple buns are a staple in Hong Kong and can be found in almost every local bakery.

Curry Fish Balls A Spicy and Flavorful Hong Kong Street Food

Curry fish balls are a popular Hong Kong street food, consisting of fish balls simmered in a flavorful curry sauce. They're typically served on a skewer and are a cheap and satisfying snack.

What to look for:

• Springy texture: The fish balls should be springy and bouncy, not mushy or soft.
• Flavorful curry sauce: The curry sauce should be rich and flavorful, with a hint of spice.
• Fresh ingredients: The fish balls should be made with fresh ingredients and cooked properly.

Where to find it:

• Street food stalls: Curry fish balls are readily available from street food stalls throughout Hong Kong. Look for stalls with long queues – that's usually a good sign!
• Local snacks shops: Many local snacks shops also sell curry fish balls.

Product Comparison: Pre-made Curry Fish Balls vs. Making Your Own Pre-made curry fish balls can be found in Asian supermarkets (brands like King of Chef are decent) for around $6-10 USD per bag. They're convenient but often lack the freshness and flavor of homemade. Making your own allows for customization of the curry sauce and ensures higher quality ingredients, but requires more effort. For a quick snack, pre-made is fine. For a truly authentic experience, try making your own!

So, there you have it – seven must-try Hong Kong foods for US travelers. From dim sum to curry fish balls, Hong Kong's culinary scene is sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more. Happy eating!