Traditional Hong Kong Breakfast- Breakfast in Hong Kong to Try
Hong Kong, a bustling city known for its dazzling skyline, is also home to a food lover’s paradise. When the sun rises, the city awakens to the aroma of delicious breakfast dishes being served on every corner, from street-side stalls to lavish restaurants. What’s on the menu, you might ask?
A tantalizing array of both traditional and fusion dishes reflect the city’s unique blend of Eastern and Western cultures. In this guide, we’ll delve into the world of traditional Hong Kong breakfasts, exploring the top 15 dishes that you simply must try.
So whether you’re a digital nomad planning your next trip or a foodie craving an international culinary adventure, sit back, relax, and let’s embark on this gastronomic journey!
Where to Stay in Hong Kong
If you’re looking for a cheap place to crash, there are dorm rooms in Hong Kong that can go for $25 USD and you can get rooms for $40-50 USD.
Those who want to treat themselves can always book luxury hotel rooms starting at around $200 USD per night. You can read our luxury experience at Ritz Carlton Hong Kong celebrating Rachel’s Birthday.
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Related Travel Guides for Hongkong – Traditional Hong Kong Breakfast
Traditional Breakfast in Hong Kong
1. Dim Sum
The phrase “Dim Sum” literally means “touch the heart” in Cantonese, and these bite-sized treats do just that! A classic Hong Kong breakfast, Dim Sum includes a variety of dumplings, rolls, and buns, each with its unique fillings and flavors. From succulent shrimp dumplings (Har Gow) to BBQ pork buns (Char Siu Bao), there’s something for everyone. Usually, Dim Sum is enjoyed in a teahouse setting, served from a roaming cart.
2. Congee and Youtiao
Congee, a type of rice porridge, is a comforting and hearty breakfast dish in Hong Kong. Paired with Youtiao, a deep-fried dough stick, you’ve got a classic and fulfilling breakfast. The congee can be plain or include various ingredients like fish, pork, or preserved egg.
3. Pineapple Bun with Butter (Bolo Bao) – Traditional Hongkong Breakfast
Don’t be fooled by the name; there’s no pineapple in this bun. The name comes from the crispy, sugar-crusted top that resembles a pineapple’s texture. Slice it in half, add a slab of butter, and voila – a simple, sweet, and delicious breakfast!
4. Milk Tea and French Toast
Influenced by British colonial rule, Hong Kong-style milk tea, also known as “silk stocking tea,” is a must-try. Combine this with a slice of deep-fried French toast filled with peanut butter or kaya (a type of coconut jam), and you have a perfect fusion of East and West.
5. Egg Tart (Dan Tat)
Round off your breakfast with a delightful egg tart. These little treats have a sweet, creamy egg custard center encased in a flaky, buttery crust – a perfect way to end your morning meal.
6. Cheung Fun (Rice Noodle Rolls)
Usually enjoyed as a Dim Sum dish, Cheung Fun can also be a standalone breakfast item. These silky, steamed rice noodle rolls can be filled with shrimp, beef, or BBQ pork and served with a sweet soy sauce.
More Traditional Breakfast in Hong Kong
7. Macaroni Soup with Ham
This is a common and simple breakfast dish in Hong Kong often served in cha chaan teng (Hong Kong-style cafes). Macaroni is boiled until soft and served in a brothy soup with slices of ham. It’s simple, heartwarming, and oh so satisfying!
8. Wonton Noodle Soup
Another comforting noodle dish, wonton noodle soup, features delicate dumplings filled with shrimp or pork, served in a clear, flavorful broth with thin egg noodles.
9. Claypot Rice
A typical Hong Kong style breakfast for those with a bigger appetite in the morning. It’s a one-pot dish with rice, meats (like chicken, Chinese sausage or spare ribs), and vegetables, all cooked together in a clay pot for a rustic and hearty breakfast.
10. Rice Dumplings (Zongzi)
Sticky rice filled with a variety of ingredients like beans, lotus seeds, chestnuts, pork, and salted egg yolk, all wrapped in bamboo leaves and steamed. It’s a filling, flavorful, and fun breakfast dish to unwrap!
11. Soy Sauce Western Breakfast
An East meets West experience, this breakfast includes eggs, a slice of luncheon meat, sausage, and macaroni or spaghetti, all drizzled with soy sauce.
12. Steamed Rice Rolls (Chee Cheong Fun)
Another Dim Sum classic, these rice rolls are silky smooth, often filled with BBQ pork, shrimp or vegetables, and served with a sweet soy sauce.
13. Roast Meat on Rice
In Hong Kong, even breakfast can be a meaty affair! A plate of fluffy rice topped with succulent roast meats such as char siu (barbecue pork), siu yuk (roast pork belly), or roast duck is a meat lover’s delight.
14. Satay Beef Instant Noodles
This is a quick and flavorful dish where instant noodles are stir-fried with tender slices of beef in a rich satay sauce.
15. Lo Mai Gai
Another delightful Dim Sum dish that also serves as a great breakfast in Hong Kong. It’s a steamed glutinous rice dish filled with chicken, Chinese mushrooms, sausage, or other ingredients, wrapped in lotus leaf. It’s like a surprise gift in the morning.
This expanded list should give you a comprehensive taste of a traditional Hong Kong breakfast. Remember, the Hong Kong breakfast scene is all about variety and flavor. So, take this as an invitation to a great culinary adventure. Enjoy your meal, or as they say in Cantonese, ‘Sik Fan’!
Final Thoughts on Traditional Hongkong Breakfast
Sampling a city’s traditional breakfast is like embarking on a cultural journey, and in Hong Kong, that journey is nothing short of extraordinary. From the comforting warmth of Congee to the diverse flavors of Dim Sum, the traditional Hong Kong breakfast offers an impressive range of dishes to suit every palate.
This culinary adventure isn’t just about filling your stomach; it’s a chance to immerse yourself in the city’s rich history, heritage, and lifestyle. As you sit down to your meal, know that you’re participating in a long-standing tradition of food that defines Hong Kong’s vibrant spirit.
So next time you find yourself in a city that never sleeps, remember to start your day the Hong Kong way – with a hearty, delicious breakfast. Happy eating!
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.