INTRODUCING HONG KONG STREET FOOD
FROM SWEET TO SAVOURY

A line-up of Hong Kong’s skewer street food is needed, because, well, if we removed everything that is to be eaten using skewer sticks, the local street food scene would feel so empty. From sweet to savory, skewer sticks have led us through every street food that we love and miss. “Poking stuff on the street” is a local lifestyle where we share yum and joy. So check out our list to immers yourself in Hong Kong street food life.

1. Fishballs

Fishballs are a classic street food favorite in Hong Kong. Usually made from fish paste, they are shaped into small spheres and have a springy and bouncy texture. They are often boiled and served on a skewer, doused in a flavorful curry sauce.

Surely you can go to Dundas Street, the street food area in Monk Kok to hold your own fishball contest. But if you happen to want to make a trip to Cheung Chau, the giant fishballs are something you shouldn’t miss. Once you have a nibble, you will not forget its bounciness. Also, try prawn balls and squid balls.

Giant curry fish balls in Cheung Cha
Giant curry fish balls in Cheung Chau

Read More: Fishball Guy (aka Yu Dan Lou)

2. Egg Waffles

This iconic snack has a unique appearance, resembling a cluster of eggs, which gives it its name. The waffle consists of a sweet, eggy batter cooked in a special mould to give it its distinctive shape: a grid of round, egg-like puffs connected at their bases.

The taste is predominantly sweet, with a hint of vanilla, and the batter often includes evaporated milk, which gives the waffles a creamy, rich flavor. Some vendors also incorporate additional flavors like chocolate, matcha, or even savory elements like cheese or ham, but the traditional plain version remains the most loved.

Egg Waffle
Each "egg" in the waffle is crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, creating a delightful contrast in textures.

Read more: Mammy Pancake

3. Three stuffed treasures

A traditional Cantonese dish consisting of three main ingredients - green bell pepper, eggplant, and tofu, which are all stuffed with minced fish or pork and then fried. The stuffed vegetables are then typically cooked in a savory black bean sauce. The combination of the different textures from the stuffed vegetables and the meat makes this dish a favorite among locals.

In the little street food kingdom of Shau Kei Wan, the King of Street Food has earned a good reputation for cheap prices and tasty street food! Amidst their wide range of street foods, the classic “Three Stuffed Treasures”(煎釀三寶) is always locals’ favorite. Well stuffed with dace fish meat, savory and with a hint of sweetness from the veggies, just YUM! Also, try the fried boneless chicken.

Picking own ingredients of Three Stuffed Treasures
Picking own ingredients of Three Stuffed Treasures

Read more: King Of Street Food

4. Rice rolls

Also known as Cheung Fun, these are a popular dim sum dish. They are made from a thin roll of steamed rice noodles that is often filled with shrimp, beef, vegetables, or char siu (barbecued pork). They are typically served with a drizzle of sweet soy sauce. Their texture is smooth, slippery, and slightly chewy.

The mecca of rice rolls hidden behind the street stalls in the old town of Sham Shui Po, Hop Yik Tai’s rice rolls are made fresh daily from fine rice batter. Silky-smooth, and flavourful with sweet sauce, sesame sauce, and soy sauce, it is just incredible that the Michelin Guide had to like it.

Hop Yik Tai - Homemade Steamed Rice Rolls Are Silky-Smooth
Hop Yik Tai - Homemade Steamed Rice Rolls Are Silky-Smooth

Read More: Hop Yik Tai

5. Siu Mai

The dumpling wrappers are usually made from wheat flour and egg, which gives them a yellow hue, and are filled with ingredients such as minced pork, shrimp, and mushrooms. They are steamed to perfection, resulting in a tender and juicy bite.

An all-time favorite eatery widely recognized for its homemade local eats with everything made from scratch, Lui Zai Kee is standing strong in Shau Kei Wan with its outstanding flavourful mince fish Siu Mai. Served with soy sauce and chili sauce, the Siu Mais will surely offer a burst of savoriness.

Lui Zai Kee - Homemade Siu Mai, Local's All-time Favorite Fish Dumplings
Lui Zai Kee - Homemade Siu Mai, Local's All-time Favorite Fish Dumplings

Read More: Lui Zai Kee

6. Satay

Satay typically refers to skewered and grilled meat, served with a peanut sauce. In the context of Hong Kong street food, satay sauce (a spicy peanut sauce) is often used as a flavoring for a variety of skewered street foods, including seafood, meats, and even vegetables.

Not the typical BBQ meat, Fishball Guy’s satay had won a place in the local street food scene, representing Sai Wan Ho. Its incredible satay sauce turns Hong Kong’s classic street eats into extra tempting treats. Sausages, beef meatballs, and beef omasum are the bestsellers.

Fishballs with Satay sauce
Fishballs with Satay sauce

Read More: Fishball Guy (aka Yu Dan Lou)

7. Beef offals

Beef offal refers to the internal organs and entrails of a cow. In Hong Kong, these are commonly stewed in a flavorful broth with spices like star anise, ginger, and five-spice powder. The result is a rich and complex flavor, with each type of offal providing a unique texture.

Legendary beef offals specialist selling arguably the best-assorted offals for 5 decades, Temple Street Beef Offals is the only shop should go to when you want to broaden your horizon of food sensation. Their secret marinade-brine turns things into magic.

 Beef Offal - Ngau zap in Cantonese
 Beef Offal - Ngau zap in Cantonese

Read more: Temple Street Offals

8. Sticky rice pudding

Also known as Put Chai Ko, this is a traditional Hong Kong dessert. It is made from glutinous rice flour, wheat starch, and sugar, and is typically steamed in small bowls, which gives it its distinctive shape. The texture is sticky, sweet, and slightly chewy. It can be enjoyed plain or with a variety of toppings such as red beans or black sesame seeds.

Stick rice pudding with red beans
Stick rice pudding with red beans (middle)
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