Dim sum
Classic tea houses serve bamboo baskets from morning into early afternoon. First-timers: har gow, siu mai, BBQ pork buns, rice rolls. Famous spots may use ticket systems or online booking — weekends need an early start.
Cha chaan teng
Hong Kong-style cafés: milk tea, pineapple buns, rice plates, beef chow fun. Affordable; English menus are increasingly common, or use a translate app.
Michelin street food & small shops
Hong Kong has starred restaurants and Bib Gourmand street spots (often in Sham Shui Po, Mong Kok and similar). Lists change yearly — check the official Michelin Guide; do not rely on outdated rumours.
Where to book
Fine dining: OpenRice, restaurant sites, or hotel concierge. Street stalls usually cannot take bookings — go off-peak.
Practical food tips
Tap water is generally safe. Pick busy cooked-food stalls. State peanut/seafood allergies clearly. Sit-down places often add ~10% service charge.
Dim sum
Morning tea essential.
Cha chaan teng
Milk tea & pineapple buns.
Street snacks
Fish balls & egg waffles.