Hong Kong is a food lover’s paradise. The city is famous for its bustling streets, neon lights, and sky-high buildings, but the true beauty of Hong Kong is in its food. Cantonese cuisine is the star of the show here, and there are so many delicious dishes to try that it can be overwhelming. To help you navigate the culinary delights of Hong Kong, we’ve put together a list of 8 famous dishes that you cannot miss.
8 Hong Kong Chinese Food you can’t miss
1. Cantonese spareribs
This dish is a classic and a great introduction to the cuisine of Hong Kong. The sweet, salty, garlicky spare-ribs are far from the Chinese-American version that you may have had before. The taste of the soy sauce is more refined, and the dish is not as sticky. If you’re looking for a delicious appetizer or a light meal, this is a great choice.
2. Roasted suckling pig
Roasted suckling pig is one of the best meals on the planet, and if you’re in Hong Kong, you simply have to try it. The simplicity of the dish is what makes it so delicious. The chef roasts the pig whole, then hangs it up to dry. It’s then coated with a sweet syrup and hit with the fire of a blowtorch to make the skin crispy and warm up the meat and fat. The three layers – crispy skin, melting fat, and tender meat – are equally important. You can’t go wrong with this dish.
3. Roasted goose
Roasted goose is another famous dish in Hong Kong that you can’t miss. It’s roasted using a similar method to the roasted suckling pig, but the goose has a more mature taste. The skin is thinner, and the goose fat renders and glistens on each bite. This decadent and delicious dish is a must-try.
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4. Sweet and Sour Pork
This Chinese-American dish is a staple in Hong Kong as well, and it’s the perfect introduction to Cantonese cuisine. The secret is in the sauce, which is made with a generous amount of tomato ketchup. For the full experience, head to a Dai Pai Dong, where you can enjoy this dish in an exotic, rustic atmosphere.
5. Dim sum
Dim sum is a must-try when you’re in Hong Kong. This style of dining involves small plates of food, almost like Chinese tapas. There are dozens of different dishes to choose from, including steamed dumplings, breaded buns, and soups. Tim Ho Wan is a cheap and cheerful Michelin-starred restaurant that specializes in dim sum, but you can find this style of dining all over the city making it one of the famous dishes in Hong Kong.
6. Guilinggao
If you’re feeling adventurous, give guilinggao a try. This jelly-like dessert is made from a turtle shell broth and a variety of medicinal herbs. It’s believed to be good for the skin, but the flavor and texture might be a bit challenging for Western palates.
7. Seafood – Famous Dishes in Hong Kong
Hong Kong is surrounded by the China Sea, which makes it the perfect place to indulge in some seafood. You’ll find a wide variety of fish, shellfish, squid, and shrimp in seafood restaurants all over the city. If you’re feeling brave, try the mantis shrimp – just be aware that it needs to be kept alive until you’re ready to eat it!
8. Anything with egg noodles – Famous Dishes in Hong Kong
Egg noodles are the base for many Cantonese dishes, and there are plenty of variations to try. Chow mein is a classic Chinese-American dish, but there are many other dishes that use egg noodles as well. Try the lo mein dishes, or the many variations of wonton soup.
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