Food Lover's Guide to Hong Kong

With influences from around Asia and the rest of the world (thanks to the British), Hong Kong's culinary scene is truly a melting pot. While the creative possibilities are endless, Hong Kong has developed its own distinctive food culture, with some 11,000 restaurants and several iconic dishes every visitor should try. Here are a few favorite foods and activities you won't want to miss.

Must-Try Dishes

If you only eat one thing in Hong Kong, make it dim sum, a Cantonese-style meal comprised of several small dishes like dumplings and other steamed or fried items. (Did you know the world's least expensive Michelin-rated restaurant is a dim sum joint in Hong Kong?) Walk the city streets, and you're sure to see another famous dish hanging in windows: roasted duck. The Canton region has its own barbecue style—a must-try for meat-loving visitors. Seafood and noodles, often served together,are also ubiquitous in Hong Kong.

Have a sweet tooth? Don't leave without sampling an egg tart, a small custard-filled pastry derived from a similar Portuguese dessert. Smooth and slightly sweet milk custard is another popular (and inexpensive) treat.

Must-Do Experiences

• Take a street food tour of the Temple Street Night Market to get a taste of one of the world's best street food scenes and sample a lot of dishes without blowing your budget.
• Get off the beaten path and eat like a local with a guided food tour of the Sham Shui Po, Mongkok, or Sheung Wan neighborhood.
• Try a dim sum or Cantonese cooking class to equip yourself to recreate your favorite dishes back home.
• Hop aboard a sunset cruise of Victoria Harbour for a memorable night in the city, followed by a seafood feast at Hong Kong's iconic Jumbo Floating Restaurant.