Hong Kong is an international city with a very diverse population. Therefore, this city which is famous for its skyscraper views not only has famous tourist spots to visit, but also has a variety of culinary delights that must be tried.
This time, Migrant Post summarizes some of the cheap snacks available on the streets of Hong Kong that you shouldn’t miss if you’re in the city.
- Somay
Somay or in Cantonese called Siumaii is a food made from a dough of flour and meat wrapped in a small dumpling skin, which is cooked by steaming.
Siumaii is in first place, because it has a long history. Siumaii is thought to have existed since the time between the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Until now, there have been many variations in the presentation, from a mixture of beef, pork, chicken, fish and vegetables.
For Siiumai sold in shops on the roadside, it is usually a mixed version of meat and fish. You can buy it in a bowl or choose to be skewered like satay, then eaten with soy sauce or spicy oil according to your taste.
2. Fish balls
These fish balls are almost like Siumaii, made of fishmeal and flour too. However, the fish balls are not wrapped in a dumpling skin and are simply fried in hot oil, then simmered in a delicious and spicy curry sauce before serving. There are also shops that will usually allow you to stab fish balls straight from the cauldron, so don’t hesitate to ask the seller.
3. Waflle
This sweet snack is made from a simple mixture of eggs, flour, sugar, and milk fried in a waffle iron (waffle mold). The texture and taste is like a pancake. Called Waffle, because of its boxy shape resembling a wafer biscuit.
For a way to enjoy waffles, you can add fruit, ice cream, or chocolate sauce. Sprinkle with powdered sugar or powdered milk, or you can just topped with a little condensed milk, Nutella, peanut butter or fruit jam.
4. Beef offal
Hong Kong residents also have specialties that some people may find disgusted to eat. Beef offal: lungs, liver, tripe, intestines, which have a unique taste, are usually mixed with paprika or radish which are boiled until soft in a soy-based marinade and the addition of various spices.
5. Cheong Fen
Cheong Fen is a long intestine-shaped roll made of rice flour. In serving Cheong Fen will be cut into pieces the size of the little finger. Then added with sweet sauce, sesame, peanut sauce, and soy sauce to taste. Eating it while it’s still hot in winter is the right moment.
6.Small Egg
Snacks which in Cantonese are often called Gai Daan Zai’ / Kaitan Cai or Eggettes in English are classified as very popular. The dough is made from flour, custard powder, eggs, and milk which is then put in a waffle iron into small rounds and mortar for a minute or two. The texture of this snack is crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside.
As this snack becomes more and more popular, the sellers must look for innovations to compete with other sellers. So there are various variations of Gai Daan Zai flavors, from coconut, taro, curry, chocolate, and even green tea and vegetable flavors.
7. Rotten tofu
Apart from the pungent smell like a rotten smell. Rotten Tofu is one of the tastiest snacks you can find on the streets of Hong Kong. The stench of tofu is created from a long fermentation process. The way of processing is only fried and usually served with chili sauce. The outer layer is crispy and golden brown in color, but the inside is very soft. If you can stand the smell, these treats are absolutely delicious and it would be fun if you could try them.
8. Grilled Squid Tentacles
This food does sound strange, tentacles are very rarely eaten separately from the squid’s body. But in Hong Kong this food is very popular.
The tentacles were roasted until they had a chewy texture. And what makes this snack very distinctive, in its presentation it can be smeared with teriyaki sauce, honey, barbecue or spicy oil.
9. Tiga Harta Karun (Three Treasures)
As the name suggests, this snack is a variety of fried foods. You can choose the three types of fried foods you want to buy to get a cheaper price. The most popular “Three Treasures” are sliced green peppers, eggplant and red sausage. Fried tofu stuffed with fish meat and finely ground fish skin is also usually a great choice.
10. Baked Sweet Potato
The sweet potatoes sold in these mobile carts can usually be found near MTR exits or intersections and crowded places. In addition to sweet potatoes, sellers usually also sell chestnuts, chicken eggs, quail eggs fried with charcoal and sand. This traditional snack is a popular snack that usually appears more often in winter. For now there are only a few merchants left in Hong Kong.
These foods are easy to spot, as they give off a distinct aroma and a cloud of smoke that can be seen from a distance.
Besides being easy to find, the 10 snacks above are very affordable. So, if you’re in Hong Kong, make sure you don’t miss out to enjoy it. But what you need to remember, these food shops often do not provide seating. So that requires you to eat while standing or can also enjoy the food by walking.
