What to Eat in Hong Kong: Dim Sum, Cha Chaan Teng, Roast Meats and Street Snacks

Dim sum and yum cha etiquette

Dim sum (點心) are small dishes eaten with tea, a meal known as yum cha (飲茶). Locals favour late morning to lunchtime and often go as a family. Once you sit, staff first ask which tea you want.

1. 1Choose tea and take the order sheetName a tea and take the order sheet with a pen, then tick the number of each dish. Trolley-style places wheel dishes to your table instead.
2. 2Tap the table to say thanksWhen someone pours your tea, tap two fingers lightly on the table as thanks, with no need to interrupt the conversation.
3. 3Signal a refillRest the teapot lid ajar and staff will bring hot water.
4. 4Ask for the billRaise a hand or mime signing, then check the sheet matches what you ate.

• Popular dishes include har gow (shrimp dumplings), siu mai, cheong fun (rice noodle rolls) and char siu bao.
• If you avoid pork or need halal food, ask staff or check the menu at the entrance before ordering.

Cha chaan teng and dishes to try

A cha chaan teng (茶餐廳) is a Hong Kong-style café that blends Western and Chinese dishes. Menus are long, service is quick, and it suits breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea.

Tip: try the set lunch many places offer, which usually includes a drink, and point at menu photos to order.

Roast meats, wonton noodles and sweets

• Roast shops hang goose, char siu and duck in the window; eat them over rice or noodles.
• Wonton noodles (雲吞麵) feature thin springy noodles, small shrimp dumplings and clear broth, a light local meal.
• Egg tarts (蛋撻) come in shortcrust and puff-pastry styles, best bought warm from a bakery.
• Chinese desserts such as tofu pudding and red bean soup are sold at dessert shops across the city.

Menus and prices change by shop and season, so none are listed here. Read the menu at the door or in a review app, and ask staff which dishes are good for sharing.

Dai pai dong and night-market snacks

A dai pai dong (大排檔) is an open-air street kitchen cooking food on the spot. Few remain and they cluster in places such as Central and Sham Shui Po. Night markets such as Temple Street near Jordan and Yau Ma Tei MTR and Ladies' Market in Mong Kok offer both snacks and souvenirs.

Some Michelin-listed places are small neighbourhood noodle or roast shops that locals eat at regularly. Check the latest list and allow extra time for the queue.

Where to eat by area

For planning around these districts, also read “Hong Kong on a Small Budget: Stays, Transport and Food Without Overspending”.

Queues, shared tables and paying

• Popular places hand out queue tickets or take your party size at the door, so do not walk in ahead.
• Sharing a table is normal; take a free seat, with no need to chat to strangers.
• Many small shops take Octopus, cash or Alipay HK / WeChat Pay HK, while larger restaurants accept credit cards.
• Some restaurants add a service charge shown on the menu; no extra tip is expected on top.

Breakfast, drinks and a one-day eating route

Hong Kong mornings start easily at a cha chaan teng or bakery. A popular breakfast is scrambled eggs and ham with toast and hot tea or coffee. In the afternoon locals often have milk tea with a sweet bun, a habit known as afternoon tea.

1. Late morning: dim sum in Central or Sheung Wan.
2. Afternoon: wander Sham Shui Po and try old-style desserts and snacks.
3. Early evening: wonton noodles or roast meat rice in Mong Kok.
4. Night: walk Temple Street or Ladies' Market for snacks.

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Frequently asked questions