Uploaded March 2025 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
I was born in Hong Kong, but after living in the U.S. for years, every trip back feels like a homecoming for my stomach! In this video, I’m revisiting my favorite childhood spots and navigating the "new" Hong Kong food scene through the eyes of a former local. I’m breaking down the essential eating etiquette—from the "chopstick wash" to the fast-paced communal tables—and sharing tips on how you can discover your own hidden gems by simply following the local crowds. Whether you're a first-timer or a returning visitor like me, let's explore the incredible variety of street food, fast food, and traditional sit-down spots that made me gain 6lbs this trip!
Q: How do I even get from the airport to my hotel? A: You've got a few great options. My personal favorite for speed is the Airport Express train. It's super fast (like 24 minutes to Central) and has free shuttle buses that can drop you right at your hotel. If you're on a tighter budget, the public buses are fantastic and way cheaper, though they take a bit longer.
Q: What's this "Octopus Card" I keep hearing about? A: Oh, you have to get one. It's the key to the whole city! It's a rechargeable tap-to-pay card that you use for everything. I use it for the MTR, buses, and ferries, but also to pay at convenience stores, fast-food spots, and even vending machines. I just grab one at the airport's MTR counter when I land and top it up with cash as I go. It even makes MTR fares a little cheaper.
Hong Kong Food & Dining:
Q: Okay, I'm at a dim sum place. What's the one trick I should know? A: My best tip is to ask the waiter for scissors!. I know it sounds weird, but you can cut the dim sum (like siu mai or har gow) in half. This lets you try way more dishes without getting full too fast. Also, if they give you a plastic bowl with hot water, that's for washing your chopsticks, cup, and bowl before you eat.
Q: I need to try the famous egg tarts. Where do I find the best ones? A: Egg tarts are a must-try!. My advice is to skip the big chain bakeries and look for the older, local ones. The best ones bake in small batches all day, so if you see a line forming around 2:30 or 3:00 in the afternoon, get in it!. Also, you'll see two types: one with a flaky pastry base (the more authentic, traditional one) and one with a cookie base (which is also delicious).
Q: How do I handle the fast pace of the local "Cha Chaan Tengs"?
A: They move fast! My tip as a former local: look at the pictures or the codes (like B2) on the menu before the server comes over. Have your choice ready, and don't be afraid to be a little assertive—it’s not being rude, it’s just the HK rhythm!
Q: Is it safe to eat the street food if I have a sensitive stomach?
A: I’ve never had an issue, but I always tell people to look for "high turnover" spots. If the food is coming off the heat and moving fast, it’s usually very fresh. Plus, the $1 fish siu mai is a must-try experience.
Q: How do you find a good restaurant? There are so many! A: Honestly, my strategy is simple: I just pick the one with the longest line. It works for everything from Japanese barbecue to noodle shops. I'll usually spot a place with a huge queue one night and then make a plan to go back the next day, but earlier, to beat the crowd.
Q: What's the deal with Chinese BBQ? What should I order? A: You have to try two things. First is the barbecue pork, or char siu. The best char siu in Hong Kong is a mix of half fatty meat and half tenderloin, so it's super tender. Second, if you like Peking duck, I urge you to try the roast goose. It has a richer, stronger flavor and incredibly crispy skin. It's just unbeatable.
Q: I'm at a local fast-food place (a cha chaan teng) and the menu is huge! Help! A: They can be really overwhelming!. The easiest thing to do is just order one of the set menus. If you're happy with what's on it, you can just tell them the order number, like "A7" or "B9". A few things to remember: they always charge extra for iced drinks (like milk tea or lemon tea), and there are no free refills.
Q: I'm sitting at a table with people I don't know. Is this normal? A: Yes, totally normal! It's called "daap toi" (sharing a table), and it's super common, especially if you're eating alone during a busy lunch hour. Just one important tip: if you're ordering with a QR code, make sure to ask for a different code than the one already on the table, or you might accidentally end up paying for their meal!.
No matter where you're staying, you'll be able to find most of the foods featured in this video. Leave me a comment and let me know which ones you've tried and what you thought of them. Also, share where you had them so others can follow in your footsteps!
I was born in Hong Kong, but after living in the U.S. for years, every trip back feels like a homecoming for my stomach! In this video, I’m revisiting my favorite childhood spots and navigating the "new" Hong Kong food scene through the eyes of a former local. I’m breaking down the essential eating etiquette—from the "chopstick wash" to the fast-paced communal tables—and sharing tips on how you can discover your own hidden gems by simply following the local crowds. Whether you're a first-timer or a returning visitor like me, let's explore the incredible variety of street food, fast food, and traditional sit-down spots that made me gain 6lbs this trip!
Q: How do I even get from the airport to my hotel? A: You've got a few great options. My personal favorite for speed is the Airport Express train. It's super fast (like 24 minutes to Central) and has free shuttle buses that can drop you right at your hotel. If you're on a tighter budget, the public buses are fantastic and way cheaper, though they take a bit longer.
Q: What's this "Octopus Card" I keep hearing about? A: Oh, you have to get one. It's the key to the whole city! It's a rechargeable tap-to-pay card that you use for everything. I use it for the MTR, buses, and ferries, but also to pay at convenience stores, fast-food spots, and even vending machines. I just grab one at the airport's MTR counter when I land and top it up with cash as I go. It even makes MTR fares a little cheaper.
Hong Kong Food & Dining:
Q: Okay, I'm at a dim sum place. What's the one trick I should know? A: My best tip is to ask the waiter for scissors!. I know it sounds weird, but you can cut the dim sum (like siu mai or har gow) in half. This lets you try way more dishes without getting full too fast. Also, if they give you a plastic bowl with hot water, that's for washing your chopsticks, cup, and bowl before you eat.
Q: I need to try the famous egg tarts. Where do I find the best ones? A: Egg tarts are a must-try!. My advice is to skip the big chain bakeries and look for the older, local ones. The best ones bake in small batches all day, so if you see a line forming around 2:30 or 3:00 in the afternoon, get in it!. Also, you'll see two types: one with a flaky pastry base (the more authentic, traditional one) and one with a cookie base (which is also delicious).
Q: How do I handle the fast pace of the local "Cha Chaan Tengs"?
A: They move fast! My tip as a former local: look at the pictures or the codes (like B2) on the menu before the server comes over. Have your choice ready, and don't be afraid to be a little assertive—it’s not being rude, it’s just the HK rhythm!
Q: Is it safe to eat the street food if I have a sensitive stomach?
A: I’ve never had an issue, but I always tell people to look for "high turnover" spots. If the food is coming off the heat and moving fast, it’s usually very fresh. Plus, the $1 fish siu mai is a must-try experience.
Q: How do you find a good restaurant? There are so many! A: Honestly, my strategy is simple: I just pick the one with the longest line. It works for everything from Japanese barbecue to noodle shops. I'll usually spot a place with a huge queue one night and then make a plan to go back the next day, but earlier, to beat the crowd.
Q: What's the deal with Chinese BBQ? What should I order? A: You have to try two things. First is the barbecue pork, or char siu. The best char siu in Hong Kong is a mix of half fatty meat and half tenderloin, so it's super tender. Second, if you like Peking duck, I urge you to try the roast goose. It has a richer, stronger flavor and incredibly crispy skin. It's just unbeatable.
Q: I'm at a local fast-food place (a cha chaan teng) and the menu is huge! Help! A: They can be really overwhelming!. The easiest thing to do is just order one of the set menus. If you're happy with what's on it, you can just tell them the order number, like "A7" or "B9". A few things to remember: they always charge extra for iced drinks (like milk tea or lemon tea), and there are no free refills.
Q: I'm sitting at a table with people I don't know. Is this normal? A: Yes, totally normal! It's called "daap toi" (sharing a table), and it's super common, especially if you're eating alone during a busy lunch hour. Just one important tip: if you're ordering with a QR code, make sure to ask for a different code than the one already on the table, or you might accidentally end up paying for their meal!.
No matter where you're staying, you'll be able to find most of the foods featured in this video. Leave me a comment and let me know which ones you've tried and what you thought of them. Also, share where you had them so others can follow in your footsteps!
