As our brand's hometown and a city close to our hearts, this week we wanted to show you what makes Hong Kong so special and why we love it so much. One of the most attractive things about Hong Kong is the sheer variety of food. Not just any other food but local, Hong Kong style food: egg tarts, pineapple buns, dim sum and so much more. For all you foodies out there, we have shared our 11 favourite local foods that you can go try. This is definitely an insider’s guide to Hong Kong’s local food paradise! 
Dim Sum is probably the one thing that can best represent the food culture of Hong Kong. No Hong Kong food tour is complete without having Dim Sum. There are thousands of Dim Sum places in Hong Kong but the one and only Lin Heung Tea House reigns supreme in the Dim Sum community. Located in the heart of Central, the rich and vibrant heritage of Lin Heung Tea House provides its customers with not only good food, but a real sense of belonging. With a traditional yet wide range of Dim Sum choices, Lin Heung Tea House undoubtedly won a place in the hearts of not only local regulars, but also tourists from around the world!
These shrimp dumplings, colloquially known as “wontons”, are little devils you won’t want to miss. Wonton noodles are one of the true Hong Kong staples when it comes to street food - you will find them in almost any local restaurant. But safe to say, none of them will even come close to Mak’s Noodle - opened by the original ‘masters’ of wonton noodles, who first brought them from Guangzhou to Hong Kong, Mak’s is a favourite serving the most authentic wontons loved by locals over generations.
Roast meat, locally known as “siu mei”, is one of the most loved types of meat in Hong Kong, but we think roast goose is the most underrated one. Whilst most of the attention falls on Char Siu (barbeque roast pork), roast goose should have its time to shine.
An exceptional roast goose has crispy skin, a flavourful layer of fat followed by tender and succulent meat underneath. Located on Wellington Street, Yung Kee is probably one of the most celebrated roast goose specialists in Hong Kong. Yung Kee is the go-to for roast goose lovers - with a history of over 70 years, Yung Kee has provided its diners with traditional family cuisine like no other. So next time when you are visiting, try Yung Kee’s roast goose!
Hong Kong style cafes, affectionately known as “Cha Chaan Teng”, are one of the most visited restaurants for locals. For the wide variety, low price point and efficiency they offer, Cha Chaan Teng might not be the fanciest, but definitely the most-loved cuisine in Hong Kong. Tsui Wah is a Cha Chaan Teng legend as it has expanded from a small family business into a well-known chain over the years. The most famous dishes from Tsui Wah are their Bun with Condensed Milk and Butter, and their Fish Ball Vermicelli. You can find these two signature dishes in many other local diners, but we recommend you to try them at Tsui Wah.
Unlike Taiwanese bubble tea, Hong Kong milk tea definitely has its own charm. Almost every restaurant in Hong Kong serves this sweet and soothing drink but the one from Lan Fong Yuen is said to be the best in Hong Kong. Its smooth and silky texture is well complemented by the rich combination of the flavours of milk and black tea. It is estimated that 900 million cups of milk tea were being drunk every year - so it is safe to say that milk tea is one of the most popular drinks in Hong Kong.
Hotpot is a real treat, not only in winter but also in summer! With the increasing demand for hotpot, many restaurants have adapted this into an all-you-can-eat offering. One that we feel is top notch is Nabe One. Its reasonable price, quality and wide range of food choices are a few of the many reasons we chose this restaurant. It may not be the most luxurious place, but it is definitely one of the best bargains!
Originating from Macau, Yee Shun Milk Company’s milk puddings are a ‘must-try’ for tourists. When steamed, the top part of the pudding forms a thin milky film - creating a texture that is one of a kind. Located in the heart of Causeway Bay, the restaurant is always queued up for a good reason. For those who can’t have dairy, try their egg pudding! Similar to the milk pudding, this is another quaint little dessert for those who love trying out new food.
By now, you’ve probably realised Hong Kong is a snacker’s paradise! Hong Kong is infamous for its street food offerings, mostly ready-to-eat and sold by hawkers in stalls dotted along busy streets. From egg tarts, siu mai, curry fish balls, stinky tofu to stir-fried and noodles - you name it, they will have it. We suggest going to Mong Kok Dunster Street for the best collection of street food stalls - take your pick!
These little egg puffs have officially made it global! With many restaurants around the world offering their take on the egg waffles, we are so proud that this local pastry has taken the world’s taste buds by storm. A lot of local snack shops sell them, but we think the ones from Mammy’s Pancake are the best in Hong Kong. Being a Michelin Guide Recommended Restaurant for years, this pancake shop offers a huge variety in innovative flavours such as matcha and double cheese. The crispy shells, contrasted by a soft fluffy filling, give a unique texture like no other. With explosive flavours in your mouth, these little puffs are definitely a local food to look out for.
If you thought that this dish took its roots from Switzerland - you’d be wrong. Swiss Chicken Wings are characterised by their namesake ‘Swiss Sauce’ - which has a story of its own. Legend has it that decades ago, a tourist wandered into Tai Ping Koon restaurant (one famous for its east-meets-west fusion dishes) and cluelessly ended up ordering their house special: sweet chicken wings. This tourist found the chicken wings so delicious that he attempted to find out its name from a waiter. In classic translation comedy style, the waiter’s Chinese-accented "Sweet Chicken" sounded like "Swiss Chicken" to the tourist: and thereafter, they became known as Swiss Chicken Wings. You will never find the original recipe to the said “Swiss Sauce”, but you can order them at Tai Ping Koon - they sure won’t disappoint you!
Of course we are saving the best for last. The infamous egg tarts are hands down, the most iconic local food! The crispiness of the layered pastry is a match made in heaven with the sweet egg pudding. We recommend heating them up before serving for the best tasting experience. The egg tart specialist we chose is Tai Cheong Bakery - it was the favourite bakery of the last Governor of British Hong Kong, Christopher Francis Patten. It is said that everytime he came back to visit Hong Kong, it is a must for him to grab one of these before he leaves. Tai Cheong is now a massive chain of bakeries, so just search up your nearest one and go try!
There you have it - all the best-kept foodie secrets in Hong Kong. So what are you waiting for? Come and visit to try them all out!
