Street Food - Food of the People
Written by Nadia S · Editor: Kaylee K · Graphic Designer: Joey W
2 minute read · 7th November 2024, Thursday
Top 5 Street Food to Try in Hong Kong
Dating back ten thousand years, street food has become a way to showcase traditions and explore new cuisines. Let's explore some of the must-tries of Hong Kong!
Hong Kong is known to be a world-renowned food destination, ranging from Michelin-star restaurants to local street food. It offers a unique blend of traditional Chinese cuisine with a blend of Western influences. Through food, you can understand the city's multicultural heritage. Apart from having a great social experience with the vendors and viewing the traditional techniques used to make street food, it is very accessible, as each destination is located in a convenient spot!
The historical development of street food in Hong Kong is also significant to note. Its origins date back to the late 19th century. Street food flourished in the colonial era (1842-1997) since the city became a melting pot for all culinary influences. Post WW2, the increase of refugees from China caused more vendors to sell cheap food. From this, the Guangdong province in China is the primary influencer of Hong Kong's street food. Lastly, in modern times, vendors have developed street food to be more modernised by improving their techniques and adapting new dishes/flavours.
Let’s dive into which street food you must try as a local or tourist!
Spicy Fish Balls
Fish balls are one of the most iconic street snacks in Hong Kong! Despite it mostly being made from flour and containing little to no fish nowadays, it hasn’t affected the snack's popularity. It is springy in texture and commonly served with a curry-based spicy sauce. They are usually served on skewers, making it easy to eat on the go. Whether it is enjoyed along with a meal, snack or noodle soup, they will always be a timeless treat.
Where can it be found?
They can be found almost everywhere, even in 711! But to receive the best cultural experience, I would recommend stopping by Fishball Gor, located near Mong Kok's Langham Place. You can also visit the fishing village (Tai O), where you can find unique jumbo spicy fish balls at the Fuk Hing Hong stall.
Figure 1: Image representing curry fish balls (Kaitlin, 2017)
Figure 2: Original flavoured egg waffle from Mammy Pancakes. (dumbo. foodlover., 2023)
Egg Waffles (Gai Daan Jai)
Vendors usually sell fresh roasted sweet potatoes, chestnuts and sometimes salt-baked quail eggs side by side in a cart. There are very few vendors left in HK due to the difficulties of getting a lesson and the restrictions placed on where they can sell these items. However, this issue makes the food even more traditional as vendors have been selling the same items for generations, following the same recipe and techniques. If you ever see these vendors, be sure to grab something, as you don’t know when they will stop selling!
Where can it be found?
Vendors don't have a specific time or space where they sell their goods, but they can commonly be found next to busy MTR stations, such as Tung Chung, Sham Shui Po or Tin Shui Wai. They are also more commonly seen during the festive seasons.
Stinky Tofu
Some people may not like stinky tofu's strong, pungent odour, but the flavour is delicious for some. If you can withstand the smell, this tofu is a delicacy to try. It is created from the lengthy fermentation process of bean curds. They are then deep-fried, creating a crispy outer layer but leaves the inside soft - much like the egg waffles.
Where can it be found?
For a traditional approach, street vendors near Ladies Market/ Nathan in Mong Kok provide authentic stinky tofu. Other Cantonese restaurants may also serve it as part of their menu.
Figure 4: Stinky tofu with sauces (Shutterstock, n.d.)
Figure 5: Sui Mia (Nagi, 2020)
Siu Mai
Last but not least, how could I forget about the street food that HK is most known for? Which is, of course, Siu Mai! Easily recognisable by its yellow wrapping, Siu Mai is made from flour mixed with a bit of fish meet. After creation, they are usually served eaten with soy sauce.
Where can it be found?
Siu Mai can be found in almost any savoury snack store in Hong Kong. Opening in 1926, Lin Heung Lau located at 160號 Wellington St, Central, is one of the oldest dim sum parlours in Hong Kong.
Reference List
dumbo.foodlover. (2023, January 27). [Mammy Pancake Egg Waffle]. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cn6kSm2v_uB/?igsh=cjY1MjNjbjRncmcy&img_index=1
Kaitlin. (2017, February 26). [Hong Kong Curry Fish Balls]. https://thewoksoflife.com/hong-kong-curry-fish-balls/
Nagi. (2020, February 7). [Siu Mai (Shumai) – Chinese steamed dumplings]. https://www.recipetineats.com/siu-mai-shumai-steamed-dumplings/
Roasted sweet potato and chestnuts [Photograph]. (n.d.). Tatum Ancheta. https://www.timeout.com/hong-kong/restaurants/hong-kong-street-food-essentials
[Stinky Tofu street food]. (n.d.). https://www.timeout.com/hong-kong/restaurants/hong-kong-street-food-essentials
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