It is the nature of foodies to learn about famous local snacks before traveling. If you have immigrated to Hong Kong and are living in Hong Kong, you would be missing out if you didn't know about these snacks!
1. French Toast
French toast consists of two slices of bread with peanut butter or kaya in between, soaked in egg wash, pan-fried in butter, and finally generously topped with butter and syrup. Eating too much of this is not healthy, but its sweet yet not cloying, crispy, and soft texture is truly a delicacy.
Address: Lan Fong Yuen, 6 Gage Street, Central
2. Scrambled Egg Sandwich
At best, it is just two slices of white bread with scrambled eggs in between. However, Hong Kong chefs turn these ordinary eggs into a warm, comforting dish that is fragrant, smooth, and layered.
Address: Kwong Shing Ice Cafe, 10 San Shing Avenue, Sheung Shui
3. Hong Kong-Style Cheeseburger
At an average price of 9 HKD, these burgers are not like typical burgers, but their taste speaks for itself. They are small enough to be held in one hand, simple to make, and contain only ketchup, mayonnaise, and a slice of cheese, served in a slightly sweet Hong Kong-style buttered bun.
Address: Denmark Bakery, G/F, Leighton Mansion, 106 Leighton Road, Causeway Bay
4. Pineapple Bun
The pineapple bun can be considered the ultimate test for a Hong Kong baker. It has a firm crust, a soft bun, and a fragrant, sweet, crispy top layer. Adding a slice of butter makes it a "pineapple bun with butter," which pairs perfectly with milk tea.
Address: Kam Wah Cafe, 47 Bute Street, Prince Edward, Mong Kok
5. Chicken Feet
Cantonese-style chicken feet are the perfect crystallization of a talented chef and humble ingredients, usually pan-fried first and then stewed in black bean sauce. The cartilage melts in your mouth; to elegantly spit out the tiny bones, one must undergo training from a grandmother at a dim sum restaurant.
Address: Lei Garden Restaurant, a well-known Michelin-starred restaurant in Hong Kong with many branches; please search for the nearest one.
6. Mini Wife Cake
Made with a blend of lard and sweet dough, with a filling of mung beans and root vegetables, these are usually too rich and greasy to be a snack. Fortunately, Hang Heung has created mini wife cakes, which solve this problem.
Address: Hang Heung Cake Shop, 64 Castle Peak Road, Yuen Long
7. Towering Meat Patty
Man Sing Restaurant has transformed the steamed pork patty with salted egg into a literal "meat patty mountain." Cooking a pile of meat half a foot high until it is soft, juicy, and delicately flavored is a trade secret!
Address: Man Sing Restaurant, 16 Wun Sha Street, Tai Hang
8. Char Siu Bao (BBQ Pork Bun)
Peel open the soft, white steamed bun to reveal the glistening red BBQ pork filling. The fragrant, savory sauce spills out, and the intoxicating aroma of wine, soy sauce, and a hint of honey wafts out, making it impossible to stop after just one bite.
Address: North Garden Restaurant, 1-2/F, Tung Ning Building, 249-253 Des Voeux Road Central, Sheung Wan
9. Fish Balls
Hong Kong people consume about 37,500,000 fish balls every day. For every two 7-Eleven stores, there is a snack shop specializing in fish balls. If you really crave fish balls, even 7-Eleven can satisfy you.
Address: Tung Tat Food Shop, G/F, 172 Fa Yuen Street, Mong Kok
10. B-Jai Grass Jelly
The signature dish of Kai Kee Dessert is the popular B-Jai grass jelly in Hong Kong. The bowl is filled with grass jelly topped with various fruits and condensed milk, and the portion is so large it can serve as a main meal. Remember to share it with three other friends, otherwise, you will have to pack it home to finish!
Address: Kai Kee Dessert, Shop 7, Fortune Centre, Yau San Street, Yuen Long