How to Eat in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is an exciting, dynamic and fast-paced city that takes food very seriously. Don’t expect to find your typical American take-out Chinese food anywhere in this fantastic metropolis. You will find subtly flavored steamed fish, sweet and savory dim sum, delicate vegetable dishes, and rich, boldly seasoned noodle soups. It’s truly a diner’s paradise, and the more you explore, the happier your taste buds will be.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. If possible, travel with a local who knows the dining scene well, otherwise, you may fall pray to tourist trap restaurants that will not give you the true Hong Kong taste experience.
2. If you don’t know a native Hong Kong resident, look to the guide books, newspapers and websites. Fortunately, there are many English language publications in this former British colony that you can easily consult.
3. Explore the nightlife. Hong Kong has a thriving bar scene, where you can easily socialize and get restaurant recommendations from locals. You may even make new friends who can join you for late night noodles at any one of the hundreds of restaurants open until the wee hours.
4. Look for crowded eateries. If it’s chock full of people, it’s probably worth the wait.
5. Eat at least one thing that scares you. Don’t like the idea of chowing down on a plate full of chili oil seasoned jelly fish? Then make sure you order it. You just might learn to love it.
6. Try something from at least one hawker stand on the street. For just pennies, you can get delicious skewers of sometimes unidentifiable, yet savory and satisfying dishes.
7. Steer clear of chain restaurants and anything familiar. Sure, you will see plenty of well known American restaurants, but when in Hong Kong, make the most of your experience and at sample as much as you can of the local cuisine

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure to practice your chopstick skills before you go to Hong Kong.
• Don't expect your restaurant experience to be exactly the same as at home.