Due to the region’s long history of being an international port of commerce, Hong Kong cuisine is influenced by a range of different cultures, making its food highly diverse and delicious. Hong Kong is known for blending its rich history with modern advancements, just as its sky scrapers meet centuries-old temples. Its food is no exception, as traditional dishes from all over the world are modified and given the Hong Kong flair to create a bold, flavoursome experience with each bite. Read on to discover some of the iconic Hong Kong dishes that the destination has become known for.
Pineapple bread
Irrespective of its name, this popular bakery treat does not contain any pineapple ingredients at all. In fact, it is actually due to its physical appearance that this Hong Kong cuisine was given its name, as the sugary crust cracks when being cooked, resembling the exterior of a pineapple. The food is favoured by many, as the crust is crunchy, creating a contrasting shell to the inside which is soft and light. When passing a local bakery on your travels, make sure to pick up a loaf of this staple of Hong Kong cuisine; the government even listed the pineapple bun as a part of Hong Kong’s Intangible Cultural Heritage Inventory, meaning it really is a must try to truly experience Hong Kong living.
Pheonix Talons
There are many fascinating facts about Hong Kong that may surprise you, one of these being the fact that chicken feet is a speciality dish. Referred to by locals as either braised chicken feet, phoenix claws or phoenix talons, whatever you refer to them as, be assured a plate of deep-fried chicken feet braised with oyster sauce, soy sauce, sake, pepper, garlic, black bean sauce, and sesame oil will be placed in front of you. Although seemingly unappetising and daunting for many, those who brave the unusual Hong Kong cuisine will be met with a melt in the mouth texture that is flavoursome and, arguably, incredibly delicious.
Roast goose
There is no denying that roast goose is one of the most iconic Hong Kong dishes, and has made its way through the doors of fine dining throughout Hong Kong, being served up in many restaurants across the province. The glistening crisp skin is enough to get any food lover’s stomach rumbling, with its melt in the mouth texture confirming its highly acclaimed reputation as it provides a sweet and uncompromised flavour. When dining in Hong Kong, head to Yung Kee’s to experience roast goose royalty; a spot that lives up to the hype and delivers quality Hong Kong cuisine.
Snake soup
For those daring enough to try the uncommon delicacy of snake soup, Hong Kong is the place to sample it. This Hong Kong cuisine favourite is incredibly popular due to its claimed medicinal benefits and high nutritional value which dates back 2,000 years. Many claim it tastes like a chicken and mushroom soup, and for those worrying about its appearance there is no need to be hesitant; there will be nothing that resembles a scale in the mixture. Imagine being able to say you’ve sampled a snake dish - that’s definitely one for the bucket list! Visit She Wong Lam in Sheung Wan; it’s the ideal spot for those staying in The Mercer, one of our many serviced apartments in Hong Kong.
Sweet and sour pork
A dish many readers will recognise, this Hong Kong cuisine provides delicious flavours which have helped it to make its way onto many Chinese takeaway menus all over the world, alongside its regular appearance on menus for those dining in Hong Kong. Much of Hong Kong cuisine has been greatly influenced by Cantonese cooking, and there is no denying that sweet and sour pork has a lot of similarities to the Chinese version. Adapted to become, arguably, the national dish of Hong Kong, this version uses tender spare ribs or pork loins which has allowed it to quickly become as a staple favourite for many. Sweet and sour sauce is one of the most sought after items within Cantonese variant cuisines, so these no doubt a taste of this dish should be on the cards for your Hong Kong trip to sample the vibrant flavours in its origin home.
Milk tea
Hong Kong cuisine doesn’t stop with food options, as many iconic beverages are also associated with the Pearl of the Orient. Known as ‘lai cha’, Hong-Kong style milk tea originates from the British colonial rule over Hong Kong. Similar to the tea we drink on British soil, milk tea is similar in flavouring and the production process, however, it substitutes traditional milk for evaporated or condensed milk. A reputable drink which can be found in many eateries for those dining in Hong Kong, set up your laptop in either Chung Kee Café or Wah Nam Bing Sutt, to work in an alternative setting whilst enjoying true Hong Kong cuisine.
Alternative cuisine to try
When dining in Hong Kong, you can expect a wide range of flavours and authentic cuisines that originate from outside the region. Restaurants line the light-flooded streets with dishes boasting Japanese, Korean, Thai, European and American food, to name a few. With such a broad variety of plates on offer, the destination has genuinely became a gourmet eating paradise. Eateries such as Mono, inspired by Latin American ingredients, and the Michelin star Tate Dining Room, which provides diners with an avant-garde take on Chinese cuisine that is infused with French flavours, are just a few examples of the exceptional dining experiences that Hong Kong has to offer.
On your next visit to one of our best serviced apartments in Hong Kong, make sure you head out and try some of the fantastic Hong Kong cuisine on offer; it truly wouldn’t be a trip to Asia’s World City without a few mouthfuls of each dish.
