When it comes to food, Hong Kong is a veritable paradise. With diverse and delicious offerings from all over the world, it's no wonder that the city has become a foodie hotspot. But if you're looking for something extraordinary, you need to check out the restaurants and street stalls in the Sham Shui Po district. This district is located in Kowloon, and is home to some of the best street food in the city – here are our top 8 picks!
Tim Ho Wan, a Michelin-starred restaurant established by a former Chinese chef, transformed the dim sum scene by offering a small selection of expertly crafted and affordable delicacies in a casual setting. With iconic dishes such as Crispy BBQ bun (酥皮焗叉燒包), Siu Mai (燒賣), and traditional Steamed Rice Roll with Pork Liver (黃沙豬潤腸), Tim Ho Wan has won global recognition, expanding its presence worldwide, yet some still argue the original Hong Kong location offers the best taste.
Read more: Tim Ho Wan 添好運
Goose King is celebrated for its fresh-off-the-grill roast goose, served with house soy sauce in an old school setting where guests can watch the chef at work. Known for grilling their geese in-house, locals particularly enjoy their signature goose leg with rice, seen as a "luxurious" meal despite occasional inconsistency in service due to various factors.
Read more: Goose King 燒鵝大皇
Kung Wo Tofu Factory, an iconic tofu establishment with a history of over 100 years, offers a wide variety of tofu dishes and has been recognized in the Michelin guide. The shop is divided into a takeout and dine-in area, offering favorites like beancurd pudding with brown sugar, soy milk, and savory stuffed beancurd with fish paste and fried tofu skin.
Read more: Kung Wo Beancurd Factory 公和荳品廠
Hop Yik Tai is renowned for its traditional, homemade steamed rice rolls (Cheung Fan), which are served with a distinctive mix of sauces and enjoyed by both locals and food enthusiasts. Despite changes in the street food landscape, Hop Yik Tai remains true to its roots, crafting up to 5,000 of these beloved snacks daily, earning local popularity and recognition from the Michelin Guide.
Read more: Hop Yik Tai 合益泰小食
Sun Heung Yuen, an iconic Cha Chaan Teng, is renowned for its simple yet delectable egg and beef sandwich, made with fluffy scrambled eggs, juicy marinated beef, and toasted bread. Alongside their famed sandwiches, the eatery also offers traditional Cantonese dishes like their popular pork trotter noodles (豬手麵).
Read more: Sun Heung Yuen 新香園
Wai Kee Noodle Cafe is famous among locals for its distinctive pork liver noodles and Kaya French Toast - a non-traditional adaptation of the French dish, with coconut jam replacing the usual toppings. Although the cafe is typically crowded and may require shared seating, it is a beloved staple of the area, showcasing the richness of local cuisine despite the neighborhood's modest means.
Read more: Wai Kee Noodle Cafe 維記咖啡粉麵
Man Kee Cart Noodle offers a true taste of Hong Kong's culinary culture, featuring both traditional and modern noodle toppings to cater to various preferences. Providing a fast-paced eat-and-go concept in its original shop, and a more relaxed dining atmosphere in its modernized outlet, Man Kee ensures an authentic and diverse food experience for all visitors.
Read more: Man Kee Cart Noodle 文記車仔麵
San Lung, a traditional Chinese bakery established in 1998, serves an impressive array of handmade pastries and sweets, including a unique mooncake filled with mung bean paste and chicken fat. Offering an authentic and affordable taste of Hong Kong's culinary heritage, this local gem provides a culturally rich experience for visitors, despite potential language barriers.
Read more: San Lung Cake Shop 生隆餅家