Hong Kong is a city that is known for its vibrant culture, stunning skyline, and bustling streets. But one of the things that truly sets this city apart is its food. From traditional Cantonese dishes to international fusion cuisine, Hong Kong has something to offer for every palate. As a culinary destination, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together this in-the-know culinary travel guide to the best things to eat in Hong Kong, along with recipes for making some of the city’s most iconic dishes at home.
Dim Sum
No trip to Hong Kong is complete without indulging in some delicious dim sum. These bite-sized portions of food are typically served in bamboo steamers and are perfect for sharing with friends and family. Some must-try dim sum dishes include har gow (shrimp dumplings), siu mai (pork and shrimp dumplings), and char siu bao (barbecue pork buns). For those looking to recreate these dishes at home, here is a recipe for char siu bao:
Ingredients:
– 1 pound of pork shoulder, cut into small cubes
– 2 tablespoons of hoisin sauce
– 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce
– 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons of honey
– 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
– 1 tablespoon of rice wine
– 1 teaspoon of five-spice powder
– 1 teaspoon of grated ginger
– 1 teaspoon of minced garlic
– 1 package of store-bought steamed buns
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, mix together the hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, rice wine, five-spice powder, ginger, and garlic.
2. Add the pork cubes to the marinade and let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
3. Heat a pan over medium-high heat and add the marinated pork. Cook until the pork is fully cooked and caramelized.
4. Steam the buns according to package instructions.
5. Assemble the buns by placing a spoonful of the cooked pork inside each bun.
6. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade char siu bao!
Roast Goose
Roast goose is a popular dish in Hong Kong and is often served during special occasions. The meat is tender and juicy, with a crispy skin that is full of flavor. The traditional way of cooking roast goose involves hanging the bird in a charcoal oven, but you can achieve similar results at home with this recipe:
Ingredients:
– 1 whole goose (about 8 pounds)
– 2 tablespoons of salt
– 2 tablespoons of five-spice powder
– 1 tablespoon of white pepper
– 1 tablespoon of sugar
– 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon of rice wine
– 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
– 1 tablespoon of grated ginger
– 1 tablespoon of minced garlic
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. In a bowl, mix together the salt, five-spice powder, white pepper, sugar, soy sauce, rice wine, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic.
3. Rub the mixture all over the goose, making sure to get it inside the cavity as well.
4. Place the goose on a roasting rack and roast for about 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
5. Let the goose rest for 15 minutes before carving and serving.
Egg Waffles
Egg waffles, also known as “gai daan jai,” are a popular street food in Hong Kong. These crispy, golden waffles are made with a batter that includes eggs, flour, sugar, and evaporated milk. They are often eaten as a snack or dessert and can be found at many street vendors throughout the city. Here is a recipe for making egg waffles at home:
Ingredients:
– 1 cup of all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup of cornstarch
– 1/4 cup of sugar
– 1 teaspoon of baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon of salt
– 2 eggs
– 1/2 cup of evaporated milk
– 1/2 cup of water
– 1/4 cup of melted butter
– 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. In a bowl
