11 Hong Kong Snacks Worth the Hype (From Someone Who’s Tried Them All)
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I’ll be honest, Hong Kong snacks are half the reason I keep coming back.
They’re cheap, quick, and easy to eat standing up, on the go, or perched on a curb somewhere watching the world go by.
Some are nostalgic. Some are weird. Some are flat-out delicious. And, yes, I’ve tried them all. More than once. Usually in the same day.
🍜 Want the short cut? Book a Hong Kong food tour. That’s what I did recently and totally loved it!
👉 Best for first-timers: Central & Sheung Wan Foodie Tour
👉 Best for local feel: Sham Shui Po Foodie Tour (I did this one at my own cost and it was a really fun experience)
👉 Best for evening: Temple St Night Foodie Tour
This list isn’t about what looks good on Instagram. It’s about what locals actually eat, and what’s worth trying if you want to taste the city without sitting down for a full meal.
Whether you’re new to Hong Kong or just hungry between stops, these 11 snacks are where I’d start.
✨ Hungry Already?
If you’re planning a food-focused trip to Hong Kong, these guides will help you find the city’s best food experiences:
1. Siu Mai 燒賣
One of my favorite street food snacks in Hong Kong has to be Siu Mai.
These tasty little dumplings, filled with a mix of pork and shrimp and often topped with a bit of fish roe, are steamed to juicy perfection.
They’re a must-try Hong Kong snack: a savory, flavorful bite that’s incredibly satisfying.
You’ll find Siu Mai at street food stalls and dim sum shops all over the city. Sham Shui Po Markets are good for street food.
But here’s an insiders tip: if you have cooking facilities where you’re staying, pick up a pack of fresh Siu Mai from the grocery store. They’re just as delicious and super easy to prepare.
Are you’re concerned you might get sick from eating street food?
While it’s good to be cautious, I can’t think of a time in my 45 years of coming to Hong Kong when I have ever fallen ill from eating street food.
The hygiene standards in Hong Kong are pretty good, and the sector is well-regulated. If locals are eating at a stall it’s a sure sign the food will be good quality.
Want Someone To Show You Where Locals Actually Eat?
Finding great street food in Hong Kong is easy once you know where to look, but many of the best spots are tucked away in neighbourhoods most visitors never explore.
If you’d rather skip the guesswork and sample Hong Kong’s most famous snacks with a local guide, start with my guide to the Best Food Tours in Hong Kong.
👉 Not sure if a tour is worth the money? Read Is a Food Tour Worth It in Hong Kong? first.
2. Portuguese Egg Tarts
If you’re in Hong Kong and looking for a snack that’ll totally hit the spot, you’ve got to try the Portuguese egg tarts.
Seriously, these little pastries are a game-changer.
Imagine a flaky, buttery crust holding a silky, sweet custard filling with a perfectly caramelized top.
It’s the kind of treat that’s just right when you want something sweet but not too much—basically, heaven in a few bites.
Now, you can find these egg tarts all over Hong Kong, but let me give you an insider tip: the best place to get them is this old-school bakery in Kennedy Town on Belcher’s Street.
It’s one of those spots that’s always packed with locals, and for good reason: they absolutely nail it every time.
They’re super cheap, usually around HKD $6-7 each, so you can easily treat yourself (or grab a few, because trust me, you’ll want more). Note that it is closed on Sundays.
Love Hong Kong’s Sweet Treats?
Portuguese egg tarts are just the beginning. If you’re looking for a more indulgent food experience, Hong Kong is famous for its luxury hotel afternoon teas.
👉 See my guide to the Best Afternoon Tea in Hong Kong or read my Madame Fu Afternoon Tea Review.
3. Maxim’s Cakes
Continuing with the baked goods theme…it would be amiss of me if I didn’t mention Maxim’s Cakes.
You have to try them.
They’re one of the best sweet Hong Kong snacks you can get, and they’re perfect for a little treat while you’re exploring.
Maxims has been around since 1956, so they’re basically a local institution. Their cakes are light, fluffy, and oh-so-delicious. Think airy sponge with creamy fillings or fresh fruit toppings.
On a Sunday, it’s very common to see locals carrying Maxim’s boxes around (in Hong Kong, it’s tradition to bring something to eat when you are visiting a friend or relatives).
Maxims are everywhere, especially in MTR stations, so you can just hop off the train and get your cake fix.
They’ve got everything from classic chiffon cakes to fruity tarts, and everything is super affordable, usually between HKD $8-24 a piece.
Next time you’re passing through an MTR station, pick up something delicious to scoff back at your hotel.
4. Tropical Fruit
If there’s one thing I always make time for in Hong Kong, it’s pigging out on the amazing tropical fruit, especially the velvety smooth mangoes. Then there’s the juicy pineapple and sweet, buttery papayas. Oh my.
These fruits are more than just healthy snacks, they’re like little bites of sunshine.
Lord knows, I certainly make the most of them when I’m in Hong Kong because they are so darn expensive, even impossible, to get back home in New Zealand.
Here, they’re available year-round, but the best time to enjoy them is from late spring to early autumn when the flavors are absolutely bursting.
The mangoes in Hong Kong are especially amazing in Summer, especially the Taiwanese ones.
The best places to get snackable tropical fruit are the local grocery stores like Wellcome Shop, where you can find pre-cut trays of freshly sliced mango, pineapple, and papaya ready to go for around HKD $30-35.
A large Taiwanese mango on it’s own (in my opinion, better than the Philippines varieties) will set you back about HKD $18-19.
Of course, you can get them at your local street market, too. But make sure you bring a knife and some tissues because you’ll need to slice them up by hand.
For the best quality, look for fruit that’s perfectly ripe. Mangoes should be soft and fragrant. Pineapples golden and slightly firm. Papayas should yield gently when pressed.
Whether you’re taking a break in a park, or just need a quick pick-me-up between sightseeing, these tropical fruits are the perfect affordable snacks to buy in Hong Kong, or at least balance out all those Portuguese egg tarts.
Want To Try More Than Just Snacks?
If you’re planning to eat your way around Hong Kong, buffets can be one of the best ways to sample local dishes, seafood, desserts and tropical fruit all in one sitting.
👉 Read Are Hong Kong Buffets Worth It? or check out my Grand Buffet Review.
The Grand Buffet
- 360° revolving restaurant
- Panoramic Hong Kong views
- Huge buffet (seafood, roasts, desserts)
- Great for a first-timer splurge
5. Roast Goose 烧 鹅
If you’re looking for something savory and satisfying, you’ve got to try roast goose.
This is one of those traditional Hong Kong foods that you can’t leave without tasting.
Imagine succulent, tender meat with crispy, golden-brown skin that’s bursting with flavor. The seasoning is a perfect mix of sweet and savory, with just a hint of smokiness from the roasting process.
You’ll find roast goose all over the city, from street vendors to grocery stores, so it’s super easy to grab a portion while you’re out exploring.
Whether you’re in the mood for a quick snack or want to pick up something to eat later, this dish is a winner.
It can be eaten hot or cold, and is usually served with plum sauce on the side. You can get a huge portion for around HKD $40-60, which is perfect for lunch or a large snack.
Want To Try Hong Kong’s Most Famous Dishes In One Day?
Roast goose is one of Hong Kong’s iconic foods and often features on guided food tours. I recently did the Hong Kong Foodie Tour in Sham Shui Po and loved it.
6. Char Sui 叉燒 (BBQ Pork)
Another Hong Kong roasted meat I highly recommend trying is Char Sui.
This sweet and savory delight is basically barbecued pork, but trust me, it’s so much more than that.
We’re talking about juicy, tender slices of pork that have been marinated in a mix of honey, soy sauce, and Chinese five-spice before being roasted to perfection.
The result is a sticky, caramelized crust and tender melt-in-your-mouth meat. It’s the kind of snack that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.
You can find Char Siu all over Hong Kong, from street vendors to grocery stores, so it’s super easy to get your hands on some while you’re out exploring.
A generous portion will set you back around HKD $30-50.
7. Sausage Bun
If you’re looking for a quick and tasty bite while exploring Hong Kong, you’ve got to try a sausage bun.
They’re essentially Hong Kong’s equivalent of a hot dog.
It’s one of those classic Hong Kong snacks that’s perfect when you need something filling but don’t want to sit down for a full meal.
Imagine a soft, fluffy bun wrapped around a savory sausage. It’s comfort food on the go.
The bun is just slightly sweet, and the sausage has that nice, juicy snap when you bite into it.
Sometimes they’re covered in cheese (like my one in the photograph) and can come with mayo underneath the sausage. Whichever one’s for you, they are simple, satisfying, and totally hit the spot.
You can find sausage buns pretty much everywhere in Hong Kong, but they’re especially common in bakeries and those little shops inside the MTR stations.
I’ve often grabbed one of these when I needed a quick lunch or just wanted to take a break from sightseeing. It’s the kind of snack that’s perfect for enjoying in a park or while people-watching on a bench.
They’re super affordable. You can usually pick one up for around HKD $10-15, making it a great option for a budget-friendly snack.
8. Fish Balls 魚蛋
if you’re looking for something quick, tasty, and authentically local, you’ve got to try Fish balls. They are basically little round bites made from minced fish, mixed with a bit of flour and spices, and they’re usually boiled or fried.
They’ve got this springy, bouncy texture that’s super satisfying, and they’re often served in a flavorful curry sauce or broth that can pack a punch. But don’t worry, they’ll ask you if you want them spicy or not.
You’ll find fish balls everywhere in Hong Kong, from street markets to cozy little food stalls tucked away in alleys. If you’re in Causeway Bay, you’ll find a place that sells fish balls right outside the Times Square Mall.
They are often sold alongside Sui Mai so you can buy both at the same time (Lord, knows I do, a bit too often!).
They’re the perfect grab-and-go snack when you’re out exploring the city, and you can usually get a skewer of them for around HKD $10-20.
9. Mango Mochi
Yep, you guessed it, my obsession with mango continues.
I had never heard of mango mochi and then saw a post on Instagram and decided to try them on my latest visit to Hong Kong. I’m so glad I did. They were lovely.
This yummy treat is a perfect mix of soft, sticky rice dough wrapped around a juicy, sweet piece of mango.
The combination is dreamy. The mochi is smooth and stretchy, while the mango adds a burst of tropical flavor.
Mango Mochi can be difficult to find, so if you come across it, grab one. I found these when I was visiting Cheung Chau, one of Hong Kong’s outer islands.
These little treats are usually sold individually or in packs. One Mango Mochi costs around HKD $15-18. It’s best to eat them straight away given the heat in Hong Hong, especially if you are visiting in Summer.
So, if you’re wondering what snacks to buy in Hong Kong, Mango Mochi should definitely make the list.
It’s a fun, flavorful treat that’s easy to enjoy on the go, and it’s a great way to experience a little bit of Hong Kong’s dessert culture.
10. Pineapple Bun 菠蘿包
Like Mango Mochi, I had only heard about Pineapple Buns recently on Instagram.
I’d seen them over the years but never knew what they were, so never tried them.
Man, I was missing out because these babies are soooo darn good.
Despite the name, there’s no pineapple in these buns. Instead, they’re named for the golden, crackly top that looks like a pineapple’s surface.
The bun itself is soft and fluffy, with a slightly crunchy, sugary crust that melts in your mouth.
They’re even better with butter. The vendor will ask you if you want the bun with or without. I recommend having it with butter.
It’s totally yummy without it, but if you haven’t picked up by now, I’m a bit of a glutton and I like nothing more that a lovely hit of buttery goodness.
You can find pineapple buns in pretty much every bakery in Hong Kong, and they’re especially popular in the mornings or as an afternoon treat.
There is a great little teahouse that sells them in Causeway Bay, located just behind the Times Square Mall in Sharp Street East (one of Hong Kong’s best shopping malls), just before you get to to Canal Road East. It’s worth checking out.
They’re super affordable. Usually around HKD $14 each (that’s with butter), so you can easily grab one (or a few) without breaking the bank.
11. Vita Lemon Tea
No, it’s not healthy. It’s full of sugar and you definitely wouldn’t want to down one every day.
But if you are looking for a little pick me up (like I was when I visited Hong Kong in the middle of a record breaking heat wave), a hit of sugar might be just what you need to counter the effects of the heat.
It’s fizzy, a little tart, and just sweet enough. Think lemon soda with a bit of attitude. Super refreshing, especially on a hot day when you’re walking the city and need a pick-me-up.
You can find Sparkling Vita Lemon Tea pretty much everywhere in Hong Kong. Convenience stores, grocery shops, and even vending machines.
It’s one of those snacks to buy in Hong Kong that’s perfect if you need to something to sip while you’re wandering around (or wash down that Sui Mai).
It’s usually around HKD $10-15 per can, so it’s totally affordable and well worth it for a little burst of refreshment.
🍜 Ready To Eat Your Way Through Hong Kong?
These snacks are just the beginning.
If you want to experience even more of Hong Kong’s incredible food scene, start here:
Food Tours
- Best Food Tours in Hong Kong for First-timers
- Hong Kong Foodie Tour Review: Is It Worth Booking?
- Is A Food Tour Worth It In Hong Kong?
Afternoon Tea
- Best Afternoon Tea in Hong Kong (What’s Actually Worth It + My Honest Picks)
- Madame Fu Afternoon Tea Review
