A journey through the culinary delights of Hong Kong is incomplete without savoring its delightful baked goods. Amidst the cosmopolitan food scene of this former British colony, unique creations like egg tarts (蛋撻), pineapple buns (菠蘿包), and Sa Yong (沙翁) offer a perfect blend of Eastern traditions and Western influence. From traditional pastries that continue to flourish to hybrid treats loved by locals, these baked goods are a must-try experience. Discover 8 top-rated venues to witness this delightful fusion of cultures and flavors.
Established in the 1950s, Tai Cheong Bakery has been endorsed by Chris Patten, the last governor of Hong Kong, as having the city's best egg tarts. The bakery serves traditional snacks and desserts that are hard to find elsewhere, including black sesame pudding and salted egg yolk pastry. It also offers a delectable red bean paste pastry, which, along with the warm egg tarts, make unique souvenirs for friends and family.
Read More: Tai Cheong Bakery (Central) & Tai Cheong Bakery (The Peak)
Door Door Bakery, a mainstay in the vintage neighborhood of Mei Foo Sun Chuen in Hong Kong, has been serving fresh-baked Western-inspired goods with a unique Chinese touch for nearly 50 years. The bakery is particularly known for its variety of nougats and cookies, offering distinctive flavors like Ginger and Almond Nougat and Coffee Butter Cookies. Despite a Western influence, the bakery expertly infuses Chinese flavors into its offerings and also excels in traditional and Portuguese egg tarts.
Read More: Door Door Bakery
King Bakery, a beloved Hong Kong establishment established in 1993, is renowned for its iconic egg tarts, a derivative of British custard tarts, filled with a rich egg custard. With over 20 outlets across the city, the bakery maintains a standard of serving warm, freshly baked egg tarts, ensuring an optimal taste experience for its diverse clientele.
Read More: King Bakery (Wan Chai), King Bakery (Admiralty), King Bakery (Yau Ma Tei), King Bakery & Cafe (Shau Kei Wan), King Bakery (Airport), King Bakery (To Kwa Wan)
Selling freshly handmade Chinese baked treats for more than 30 years, Ki Tsui attracts folks from close and afar every day for its traditional delights. Wife cake (老婆餅), Mor Lor So (摩囉酥), Gai Jai Beng (雞仔餅), Cow Ear (牛耳) never disappoint and become even more popular as the shop was featured on a Netflix series.
Read More: Kee Tsui Cake Shop 奇趣餅家
Founded in 1998, San Lung Cake Shop is an integral part of Hong Kong's Sham Shui Po district, known for its variety of traditional sweets like black sesame cakes and pastries filled with lotus seed paste. Despite potential language barriers, the bakery's vibrant, traditional atmosphere and balanced, affordable offerings provide a captivating cultural immersion for visitors.
Read More: San Lung cake shop 生隆餅家
Kam Wah Cafe in Hong Kong offers a memorable experience with their signature Hong Kong-style tea sets, featuring delights such as pineapple buns and egg tarts. This family-owned café, recognized as "Best Cha Chaan Teng 2011" and "Best Restaurant in Mong Kok 2012-2014," has been delighting locals and tourists alike with its comfort food menu since 1973.
Read More: Kam Wah Cafe 金華冰室
Tai O Bakery, founded by a married couple over 30 years ago, is famed for its traditional Chinese deep-fried dessert, Sugar Donuts or "Sa Yong" (沙翁). Despite numerous challenges including falling sales during the 2008 financial crisis and an exodus of villagers due to urban development, the bakery thrived by adapting their business model and creating new recipes. The bakery's Sa Yong, made from simple ingredients and praised for its irresistible crispy, fluffy texture and sugary golden-brown exterior, has become a must-have street food in Tai O.
Read More: Tai O Bakery 大澳金門餅店