Egg waffle
This popular snack is the quintessence of street food in Hong Kong. Suffice to say, egg waffle is one of Hong Kong’s most iconic dishes and you’ll easily find it in shops along the streets. Made by pouring batter into a heated dimpled iron, this humble dish reminds one of an oversized bubble wrap. Bite through the crisp shell into the soft chewy middle and enjoy as the play of textures come together in the mouth.
Red bean soup
In a list of popular desserts, how can we forget the traditional delights? A longstanding household favorite, red bean soup is not only quick and easy to prepare, but it is also highly nutritious. Red beans are a rich source of essential minerals and it’s believed to rid the body of toxins amongst many other health benefits. To provide a variety of textures, the creamy base is traditionally served with crunchy lotus seeds and gingko nuts. In recent times, innovative chefs have even paired red bean soup with grass jelly and its cousin, green bean soup.
Streamed milk pudding
Streamed milk pudding, is also known as steamed milk in two films steamed milk custard, double boiled steamed milk, double skin milk, and steamed milk with egg white, among other names. Made of milk, egg white, and sugar, it can be served cold or piping hot. For a little spin, try the pudding with red bean or ginger for that extra kick.
Almond tea
Made solely from Chinese sweet almonds, it can be served hot or cold and is sometimes mixed with rice or egg white for a more creamy texture. Not only it is good to taste, but it’s also good for your health too and is believed to help nourish the skin as well as alleviate coughs, colds and asthma.
Egg tarts
The outer pastry crust is filled with egg custard and is then baked to form these Hong Kong egg tarts that are based on both the British custard tart and the Portuguese pastel de nata. In Hong Kong, they are commonly eaten in tea houses known as cha chaan tengs, as an accompaniment to tea, though you’ll find them in bakeries as well. These days, there are several variations of egg tarts including chocolate-flavored tarts, green-tea-flavored tarts, and even bird’s nest tarts.
Black sesame sweet soup
Though it may look ominous, this thick, charcoal-colored sweet soup is the perfect treat to combat any chills. A slurp of its hot, sticky broth can warm you down to your soul. It’s particularly enjoyable for fans of black sesame. Restaurants like the lauded dessert joint Gai Gai Dessert give you the option to add glutinous rice balls for extra texture.
Mango Sago Pomelo
This delightfully sweet and refreshing dessert is particularly popular during summer. Packed with flavors, scoop up thick mango and pomelo chunks – which provides a nice citrusy tone – nestle in a bed of cool, creamy puree. Honeymoon desserts are king when it comes to mango desserts. Head there for a mouth-watering portion.
Durian Pancake
At first glance, this looks nothing like the durian fruit or the good old-fashioned pancakes we know, but there’s more than meets the eye. One bite into these heavenly durian pancakes and you’ll find the sweet flesh of durian coupled with a creamy filling that reels you right in, compelling many more bites.