8 Foods for Kids to Try in Hong Kong

Andrew Schofield
3 hours ago
4 min read

One of the things we love most about visiting Hong Kong with kids is the food. There’s always something familiar to fall back on, but always something new to try too.

Hong Kong also feels a little like a second home to us. Susie was born here, and we’ve returned many times over the years, so we’ve had plenty of opportunities to explore the city’s food scene, both with and without kids.

Hong Kong is an easy place to eat as a family, whether you’ve got adventurous eaters or those who prefer to stick to their comfort zone.

If you're short on time: Rather than hunting down spots yourself, the Hong Kong Tramways "Ding Ding" Foodie Tour is a genuinely fun way to combine two Hong Kong classics in one go, riding the historic Ding Ding trams while stopping along the way to sample some of the city's best street food. A great option if you want the food scene and one of Hong Kong's most iconic rides covered in a single afternoon.

Here are 8 of our favourite foods to try in Hong Kong with kids.

1. Dim Sum

No trip to Hong Kong is complete without sampling some dim sum - those small, shareable baskets of dumplings, buns and other bites.

Over the years, we’ve enjoyed it in all sorts of settings, from large dim sum halls with trolleys rattling past to tiny hole-in-the-wall spots with just a handful of tables.

On our most recent visit, we tried a new experience, opting for a bottomless spread at The Dim Sum Library. But however you choose to enjoy it, dim sum is sure to be amazing.

2. Egg Waffles (Gai Daan Jai)

These bubble-shaped waffles have become a Hong Kong street food icon, and these days you're almost as likely to spot them on Instagram as you are on the streets of Hong Kong.

They are crisp on the outside and soft and eggy in the middle, and a fun treat for kids, especially with all the different fillings.

They're a popular grab-and-go treat, with stalls serving them fresh throughout Hong Kong.

3. Egg Tarts

Egg tarts are a genuine Hong Kong bakery classic. They are flaky, buttery pastry filled with smooth, lightly sweet egg custard, and are incredibly moreish.

They're about as universally kid-friendly as it gets, and you'll find them everywhere across the city, from neighbourhood bakeries to busy street corners.

They’re a small but perfect reflection of Hong Kong’s baking culture.

4. Noodle Soup

Simple noodle shops are everywhere in Hong Kong, and they're a cheap, easy option that kids tend to enjoy. Many specialise in classic Hong Kong wonton noodles, where you'll get egg noodles served in a light broth with plump shrimp wontons.

Some of our favourite noodle spots over the years have been the ones we've simply stumbled across while walking around the city.

That’s exactly what happened this time, when we passed a tiny spot on Wellington Street selling just one thing: noodles, ladled out of a huge pot at the front of the shop. And the kids slurped them up!

5. Roast Meats: Char Siu, Roast Goose & Three Treasures Rice

Hong Kong's roast meat shops are everywhere, and they're a must-try while you're here, unless you're vegetarian!

Char siu is the bright red, sweet-and-savoury barbecued pork you may have tried back home. I wouldn't ask too many questions about the food colouring... but trust me, it's delicious.

Roast goose is a true Hong Kong specialty. It’s richer and generally considered more of a special-occasion dish than char siu.

If you can’t decide, you’re in luck: order Three Treasures Rice, which is a plate combining three different roast meats over rice (usually roast duck, char siu, and crispy pork belly), so everyone gets to try a bit of everything.

6. Claypot Rice

Claypot rice is one of Hong Kong's most loved comfort foods. Cooked in a traditional clay pot over high heat, the rice develops a crispy, golden crust on the bottom while soaking up the rich flavours of toppings such as Chinese sausage, marinated chicken, spare ribs, or salted fish.

With plenty of topping options available, even picky eaters can usually find a version they'll enjoy.

7. Sweet and Sour Pork

When our kids think of 'Chinese food', they tend to picture the Westernised versions we get at home. Sweet and sour pork is probably the most popular of those familiar favourites, and of course you can find it in Hong Kong too, only it's so much better.

Order a dish with fried rice or noodles and a side of stir-fried greens for a feast the whole family can share, which is the best way to do it.

8. Fish Balls

Fish balls might not sound like the most appetising snack to everyone, but they’re a genuine Hong Kong street food staple and well worth trying, they're delicious!

You’ll find them at carts and small stalls all over the city, usually skewered and served with a curry or sweet sauce. They’re not usually too spicy, making them an easy snack for kids to try while wandering around.

Final Thoughts on the Best Food For Kids to Try in Hong Kong

Hong Kong's food scene genuinely has something for everyone: familiar comfort food, iconic street snacks, and a few genuinely special local dishes worth building a meal around.

If you're planning your own trip, be sure to check out our guide to the best things to do in Hong Kong with kids, our detailed 5-day Hong Kong itinerary, and our review of what we think is one of the best hotels in Hong Kong for families.

We also have dedicated guides to visiting Lantau Island and the Big Buddha, as well as a full review of Hong Kong Disneyland if you're looking for ideas for a family day out.

You can also browse our full 100-day diary for more stories, tips, and reflections from our time in Hong Kong and beyond.

We're a Calgary-based family that travelled for 100 days, documenting each step so other families can get an honest, real-life look at long-term travel with kids.

You can browse the full 100-day daily diary contents list here.