10 Popular Street Foods in Hong Kong Reporter Mila Novita November 27, 2025 | 10:58 pm TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Amid the perpetual hustle and bustle of the city, the aroma of street food, from Mong Kok to Sham Shui Po, has become an inseparable part of life for both residents and tourists in Hong Kong. From the enticing scent of egg waffles to the curry fish balls that serve as a favorite quick snack, the variety of Hong Kong street food offers a familiar, simple, yet always nostalgic culinary experience.Here are the most popular street foods in Hong Kong, as reported by Lifestyle Asia:1. Fish Balls / Curry Fish Balls Almost every corner of Hong Kong sells fish balls, which are available in both the classic savory style and the spicy curry version. Their chewy texture, drenched in savory curry sauce, makes them an iconic city snack. Popular locations for these culinary delights include Mong Kok, Yau Ma Tei, Cheung Chau, Pitt Street, and Tai O.2. Siu Mai Siu Mai is one of the most recognizable street foods, easily spotted thanks to its bright yellow wrapper. Unlike the restaurant dim sum versions, which typically contain pork or shrimp, the street food siu mai is made primarily from a mixture of flour and a small amount of fish meat. After being steamed, it is served with a drizzle of soy sauce. For those who enjoy heat, chili sauce is an optional addition. Like fish balls, steamed siu mai can be found at nearly every savory snack stall in Hong Kong, with popular spots in Sham Shui Po, Mong Kok, and Shau Kei Wan.3. Cheung FunThis delicate street food is made from steamed sheets of rice noodles that are rolled and cut into small pieces. Unlike the restaurant dim sum versions, which are usually filled with meat or shrimp, the street-style cheung fun is generally served without filling. To enhance the flavor, vendors usually complement it with various sauces. One of the most well-known places that serves authentic cheung fun is Hop Yik Tai in Sham Shui Po, which is crowded with customers daily.4. Egg Waffles / Gai Daan ZaiThe irresistible aroma of egg waffles (Gai Daan Zai) being baked in their special molds makes them hard to resist. While the original flavor is a classic, modern variations now include matcha, chocolate, and salted egg. Popular locations include Mammy Pancake and Master Low-Key Food Shop.5. Cold Mixed NoodlesCold mixed noodles are a popular choice due to their simple and customizable preparation. Customers simply choose the type of noodles and various fillings, from sausages to quail eggs, before everything is tossed with chili sauce or garlic. This practical dish can be enjoyed at various Pak Mei Foods stalls scattered across Hong Kong.6. Roasted Chestnuts & Roasted Sweet PotatoRoasted chestnuts and roasted sweet potato are snacks that signal the arrival of winter. Roasted over charcoal, these warming treats offer a nostalgic sensation. They are often found in areas like Causeway Bay, Prince Edward, Sham Shui Po, and Tai Po.7. Tea EggsTea eggs are one of the most traditional snacks in Hong Kong. These eggs are boiled, cracked slightly, and then soaked in a tea infusion. Once peeled, they reveal a beautiful marbled appearance and offer a gentle tea aroma. Besides being affordable, these snacks are practical and easy to find, especially at herbal drink shops throughout the city, including popular spots in Sheung Wan and Sham Shui Po.8. Three Fried Stuffed Treasures (San Bo)Three Fried Stuffed Treasures or San Bo refers to a snack traditionally consisting of green peppers, aubergines (eggplant), and red sausage, though some sellers substitute fried tofu or chili. Each ingredient is filled with fish paste before being deep-fried until crispy and oily. As market tastes evolve, this popular dish now comes in more variations. One of the well-known places that serves a superb version is Fish Ball Gor.9. Stinky TofuDespite being known for its intense aroma, stinky tofu remains one of the most popular snacks in Hong Kong. Its unique smell comes from a long fermentation process in a solution of milk, vegetables, or meat. The pieces are then fried to achieve a crispy exterior and a soft interior. Usually served with chili sauce, this snack offers a much more intriguing taste than its initial impression suggests. To try the traditional version, visitors can go to Ladies Street Sik Fan Co. in Mong Kok, which serves authentic Cantonese flavors.10. Beef/Cow Offal & Pig IntestinesDishes made from offal, whether crispy fried pig intestines or various beef organs boiled in fragrant soy sauce, represent the authentic nose-to-tail dining experience in Hong Kong. Renowned locations for these flavorful dishes include Temple Street Beef Offal and Fei Jie in Mong Kok.Where to Find Best Street Food in Hong KongAccording to a report by TimeOut, several areas are the main hotspots for street food lovers in Hong Kong:- Temple Street Night Market in Yau Ma Tei is one of the busiest destinations, especially at night, offering unique dishes such as claypot rice and oyster omelette.- Sham Shui Po is known as an affordable street food area. Cheung fun from Hop Yik Tai is a favorite dish that is often sought after in that area.- For visitors who stop by the Ladies Market in Mong Kok, shopping activities are usually accompanied by popular snacks such as Chinese sausages and curry fish balls.- Not far from there, Fa Yuen Street and Tung Choi Street present a row of vendors offering egg waffles, stuffed vegetables, and cold mixed noodles.- Meanwhile, Tai Po Hui Market & Cooked Food Centre, although now indoors, still maintains the traditional flavor of snacks that continue to attract local culinary enthusiasts.ANNISA NUR ALIMAHEditor’s Choice: 10 Best Breads in the World, According to TasteAtlasClick here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Source: en.tempo.co
