Hong Kong, known for its dazzling skyline and bustling streets, is also a haven for food enthusiasts. Its rich history as a melting pot of cultures has given birth to an incredibly diverse culinary scene. Therefor I wanted to do a food tour in Hong Kong.
This journey tantalized my taste buds and expanded my understanding of this vibrant city’s gastronomic landscape. This blogpost describes my own experience and will describe not everything you will taste, see or learn. Most important; Go experience it yourself.
Big part of the success: The funny and knowledgeable tour guide led us to all hotspots at the exact right time; no rush-hour but always perfect fresh made dishes.
A Journey Through Hong Kong’s Food Landscape
Our adventure started at 2:00 PM at Sheung Wan Station. The tour promised an exploration of the varied and rich flavors of Central.
Central is not just a busy part of Hong Kong; it’s where the city’s long history and vibrant present come together to influence its culinary scene. Our guide began by sharing stories about Central’s evolution from a colonial outpost to a bustling, modern district, and how this transformation has made it a hotspot for food lovers.
The Art of Dim Sum and Bamboo Steamers
Our first tasting stop at Wing Lok Street introduced us to the art of dim sum. Here, we experienced the traditional way of steaming these bite-sized delights in bamboo baskets. The dim sum we tried was a mix of delicate flavors and textures, showing the skill and tradition behind this popular Cantonese culinary practice.
TIP: Make photos on the way and you can find the exact location of the shop later with your photos.
Chinese Luxury Foods and Dried Food
During our stroll through the lively streets of Hong Kong, our guide pointed out a variety of unique foods and medicines, many of which were new and quite unusual to me, coming from an European background. We didn’t actually taste any of these exotic items, but the experience was eye-opening nonetheless. The guide shared fascinating details about four luxury foods that are highly prized in Chinese cuisine.
It was intriguing to learn about these foods and their place in Chinese culinary traditions. We also encountered several authentic shops displaying an array of strange dried foods and even some very peculiar medicines. These items, so different from what I’m used to in Europe, offered a glimpse into the vast and varied palette of Chinese eating habits.
This part of the tour was a real eye-opener, showing me the stark contrasts in culinary preferences between the East and the West. It was a reminder of how diverse food cultures can be, and how what might seem unusual to some is a delicacy to others.
How Small Shops Changed the Recipes
In a little alley we had a relaxing moment trying a signature Hong Kong beverage that served with a tasty local snack. This unique drink and snack was a perfect example of how small shops in Hong Kong combine different culinary influences to create something entirely new and exciting.
Learn About Fresh Meat
In Hong Kong, the meat shops are a vivid display of the city’s culinary heartbeat. During the tour, our guide shared insightful tips on how to discern the freshness of cooked meats. As we navigated through the lively streets, we observed artfully displaying pork, duck, goose and other meats, hanging in shop windows. We learned how locals judge the quality and freshness of their cooked meat, providing us a deeper understanding of what is super fresh. The next day we came back for more fresh meat!
Hong Kong Hidden Gems and Local Brews
Throughout the tour, our guide’s humor and deep knowledge made each stop entertaining and informative. A great tip was a hidden jazz spot (BYO at night) in a barber shop (by day), a perfect example of Central’s quirky and vibrant nightlife. I also enjoyed sampling local beers, a delightful addition to the food experience, though not officially part of the tour.
Real Chinese Tea
During the tour, we had the unique opportunity to visit a knowledgeable tea trader, a true specialist in his field. Stepping into his shop was like entering a different era, surrounded by the rich aromas and loads of authentic Chinese tea. The trader, with years of experience, shared his profound knowledge about the different types of tea, their origins, and the proper ways to brew them.
A Peaceful Retreat: Man Mo Temple
Our visit to the Man Mo Temple offered us the chance to learn more about the religion and even try out fortune-telling ourselves in a traditional way.
A Feast for the Senses
For me this food tour in Hong Kong was more than just about eating; it was an immersive exploration of Central’s rich culinary heritage and contemporary food scene. For anyone passionate about food and eager to discover the heart of Hong Kong’s culinary world, this tour is an absolute must.
Don’t miss this opportunity to dive into Hong Kong’s food paradise and experience the diverse flavors and stories that make this city a haven for food enthusiasts. Go and do the Hong Kong Food Tour yourself.
Best Restaurants in Hong Kong
More questions about restaurants or other places to go while you’re in Hong Kong? Get the guides whatsapp and he is happy to share the best places he knows!
Looking into more tours in Hong Kong? Try these!
Im a big fan of streetfood and like to try all the weird and unknown Asian streedfood myself. What is the strangest thing you’ve come accross? Tell me in the comments <3
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