Egg tarts, dim sum or claypot rice? What dishes define Hong Kong and where to try them – we ask 5 experts

Aug 21 , 2020

What do you think Hong Kong’s most famous dish is? Egg tarts and Hong Kong milk tea is a popular choice for local foodies and a former governor. Photo: SCMP

Hong Kong is world famous for dim sum, char siu and wonton soup noodles, and while Covid-19 has curtailed our love for eating out, we asked local foodies and chefs for their must try dishes to inspire our next order

It's no secret: Hongkongers love to eat and eat – in normal times, that is. The coronavirus pandemic has been a catastrophe for restaurants, but we’re hoping that the food scene will return to its glory days before too long.

Looking ahead to when we can relax and dine out again in droves, we asked five food professionals to tell us in their own words what are the dishes that define Hong Kong?

We hope it doesn’t make you too hungry.

David Lai, founder and executive chef, Neighbourhood

David Lai loves to dine out on old-school dim sum. Photo: Neighbourhood

“Dim sum, particularly old-school dim sum, I recommend Seventh Son and Kowloon’s Fook Lam Moon.

“Char siu [barbecue pork]; I was going to say siu mei, barbecue meats in general, including suckling pig and roast goose, but they are not as ubiquitous.

“I like fatty char siu with burnt edges. The Chairman has a killer smoky version, Sun Kwai Heung Barbecue Food in Chai Wan is popular and I like the marinade at Joy Hing Roasted Meat in Wan Chai. I also like Flower Drum, also in Wan Chai. I vacuum pack its char siu as souvenirs for friends when I travel.

Wonton soup noodles from Wing Wah Noodle Shop in Wan Chai are a must try for foodies. Photo: SCMP