Tai O Food Recommendation - A Food Lover's Guide From Seafood to Sweet Treats

Tai O may seem like just a small fishing village, but it hides many unexpected delights, particularly when it comes to food, which makes it a veritable 'gourmet paradise'. Here, we've meticulously curated a list for you, ranging from restaurants to snacks.

1. Tai O Crossing Boat Restaurant 大澳橫水渡小廚

Renowned for seafood, Tai O Crossing Boat Restaurant offers an array of Cantonese stir-fries and local seafood. Standouts include Charcoal-roasted Goose (炭燒燒鵝), Fried Cuttlefish Patties (香煎墨魚餅), and Tai O Steamed Rice Wrapped in Lotus Leaves (蝦乾荷葉籠仔飯). Vegetable enthusiasts can delight in Stir-Fried Morning Glory (大澳蝦醬炒通菜), a shrimp paste-flavored dish exemplifying the smoky 'Wok Hei (鑊氣),' hallmark of genuine Cantonese cooking.

Tai O Steamed Rice Wrapped in Lotus Leaves - looks delicious!

2. Hoi Wan Vegetarian Restaurant 海韻素食菜館

Tai O, while known for seafood, also offers vegetarian options, notably the Hoi Wan Vegetarian Restaurant. Nestled amidst greenery, it offers an authentic village dining experience. Favorites include Buddha's Delight Pan-Fried Noodles (羅漢齋炒麵), bursting with colorful, flavorful stir-fried vegetables. Also worth trying are the deep-fried taro rolls (芋頭卷) and tofu skin rolls (豆皮卷), although the latter is a bit greasy and under-filled. Despite this, the extensive menu promises a myriad of flavors for every palate, including non-vegetarian options.

Buddha’s Delight Pan-Fried Noodles - Crunchy noodles!

3. Cheung Choi Kee 張財記

Cheung Choi Kee attracts visitors in Tai O with its unique street snack, the Husband Roll (蝦豬餅). Made from Indian roti stuffed with lettuce and shrimp paste-infused pork, the snack is savory, crispy, and fluffy. Apart from its signature snack, the store also offers local souvenirs like dried shrimp and deep-fried fish maw, perfect for enhancing your home-cooked dishes.

4. Tai O Snack 大澳小食

The traditional Deep-Fried Turnip Cake (炸油糍) is a disappearing delight due to various factors including complex preparation and rising costs. Tai O Snack in Hong Kong still offers this delicacy with a crispy exterior and a soft interior full of shredded turnip, spices, celery, and minced pork, surprisingly affordable at under $30. Another must-try is the Chinese Pizza or Xiangfei Roll (香妃卷), a golden, crispy pancake filled with charcoal-grilled pork, spring onions, pickled radish, and sesame seeds, making it a taste and aroma sensation.

The Chinese Pizza - generous mix of spring onions and sesame seeds

5. Cha Guo Choi 茶果財

Craving something sweet after a meal or snack? Dessert is likely what you're after, and Cha Guo Choi is here to help! Indulge in Tai O's traditional Cantonese tea-rice-cakes, or 'Cha Guo (茶粿),' a Hakka treat similar to Japanese mochi. Visit the unmarked stall of Mr. Cha Guo Choi on Shek Tsai Po Street, known for his authentic, wood fire-steamed cakes. Filled with delightful ingredients like peanuts, shredded coconut, or mashed black-eyed peas, these warm, soft, and chewy cakes are a steal at just $8.

6. Tai O Bakery 大澳金門餅店

Not sweet enough? Try Tai O Bakery's Sugar Donuts or "Sa Yong (沙翁)," a traditional Chinese deep-fried dessert. Founded by a couple, the bakery has weathered many challenges, including the 2008 financial crisis, yet managed to thrive through determination and culinary innovation. Made from simple ingredients, their fist-sized dough balls boast a crispy, sugary exterior and soft interior, making the wait well worthwhile.