For just one city, Hong Kong has managed to carve out its own culinary niche, full of a diverse range of flavors that exemplifies the city's spirit. One thing Hong Kong cuisine excels in is amazing sweet snacks perfect for teatime. Here are 5 of the Pearl of the Orient's best treats.
1. Hong Kong-style Milk Tea
Ah, where to start? A classic afternoon food, milk tea is an iconic symbol of Hong Kong culture and is enjoyed all around the world. One cannot claim to have been to Hong Kong without trying this timeless drink. Wondering where to experience it? Visit Lan Fong Yuen, a historic Cha Chaan Teng in Central and famous across the city for its silky, smooth milk tea.
2. Pineapple Buns
The pineapple bun is a staple of Hong Kong bakeries. Contrary to its name, it contains no pineapples, but rather, the sugar on top of the plain bun is burnt to give the cracked appearance of a pineapple's skin. The Hong Kong government has made the pineapple bun one of Hong Kong's Intangible Cultural Heritage Inventory, and for good reason. Not only are pineapple buns delicious, but it is a signature of Hong Kong culinary culture, second perhaps only to milk tea.
3. Egg Waffles
The egg waffle. The ultimate Hong Kong street food snack. Made by pouring waffle batter into a special molding griddle, they're the perfect thing to munch on while walking down a busy city street. They're amazing plain or with condiments, as our picture displays. Lee Keung Kee North Point Egg Waffles is one acclaimed place to try them, but they're sold pretty much everywhere in Hong Kong.
4. Tofu Pudding
Tofu pudding, the Cantonese translation pronounced something like "Taufufa", is the epitome of Hong Kong treats. Consisting of slightly sweet, very silky tofu dipped in a light gingery syrup, it's a great late-night snack. The skill of the cook is measured in how unified the tofu is, rather than as crumbly bits.
5. Egg Tarts
The only way to end this compilation, egg tarts are ubiquitous all across Hong Kong. You'd be hard-pressed to find a bakery that doesn't serve these pastries. Made of a sweet eggy filling in a flaky or crunchy tart crust, they are eaten as part of a dim sum meal or as their own sweet treat. We don't have to tell you to try it–in Hong Kong, it's nearly impossible not to have it! The best restaurant for egg tarts is Tai Cheong Bakery in Central. Even Chris Patten, Hong Kong's last British governor, was a frequent patron of the bakery!
Cover picture: "HK Wan Chai North 灣仔北 HKCEC 香港會展 Bakery breads n Cakes May-2012" from https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:HK_Wan_Chai_North_灣仔北_HKCEC_香港會展_Bakery_breads_n_Cakes_May-2012.JPG by Sunbeamprowce. License (and license of cover picture since it was edited): CC BY-SA 3.0
