Exploring Hong Kong's Street Food Scene
Hong Kong is a food lover's paradise, and its street food scene is a must-try experience. This article explores some popular street food locations and dishes, focusing on affordable and authentic options.
Mong Kok: A Street Food Hub
Mong Kok, located on the Kowloon side, is known for its concentration of street food vendors. It's an excellent place to start your culinary adventure.
Curry Fish Balls and Stinky Tofu
The first stop features two classic Hong Kong street foods: curry fish balls and stinky tofu.
-
Curry Fish Balls: These bite-sized balls, priced at 12 Hong Kong dollars for 10, are fragrant, slightly spicy, and have a delicious curry sauce.
-
Stinky Tofu: Served hot and crispy on a stick, the stinky tofu is a real highlight. The vendor offers a variety of sauces. The combination of a thick, spicy sauce and a sweet sauce elevates the dish. The contrast between the crispy exterior and soft interior makes it a satisfying snack.
Cuttlefish Tentacles and More
Just around the corner, another popular stall offers cuttlefish tentacles, along with other interesting skewers.
-
Cuttlefish Tentacles: The intensely orange cuttlefish tentacles are served with a mustard-like sauce. The texture is surprisingly cold and not rubbery, while the brown sauce provides a sweet base. The mustard adds a tangy element.
-
Other Skewers: The combo deal included a processed sausage and turkey gizzard. The turkey gizzard offers a crunchy texture and a flavor reminiscent of chicken.
Fish Siu Mai
Another classic is fish siu mai, topped with soy sauce and chili sauce. The texture is bouncy and unique. The sauces provide a salty and slightly spicy flavor with a hint of curry.
Hong Kong Food Courts: A Local Favorite
While street food carts are common, many locals prefer eating at food courts inside malls for affordable and convenient options.
Old School Hong Kong Malls
These malls offer a wide variety of food stalls, alongside shops selling everything from property to mobile phones.
-
Variety: The malls offer a range of local and international dishes, with options to suit every taste.
-
"Pick and Mix" Dishes: Some stalls allow customers to select ingredients, which are then combined in a plastic bag with sauce.
-
Clientele: These malls are popular with a young and trendy crowd, offering a legitimate street food experience in a comfortable setting.
Drink Options
The malls also provide diverse drink options, offering beverages tailored to specific needs. You can choose drinks formulated to improve skin, prevent acne, aid digestion, or boost the immune system.
- Mango Pomelo Sago: One particularly popular drink is the mango pomelo sago, a refreshing combination of mango, pomelo, sago, and coconut milk. It is refreshing, flavorful, and affordable.
Offal Skewer
Another common street food item is Ngau Chap, or assorted beef offal.
-
Preparation: The offal is braised for hours until tender, then cut into bite-sized pieces.
-
Serving: The stall owner will make a skewer with various pieces of offal, and add mustard and sweet sauce. The mustard helps to balance the rich flavor.
Cart Noodles: A Customizable Culinary Experience
A street food exploration of Hong Kong isn't complete without trying cart noodles, a highly customizable dish.
Origins and Customization
Originally sold from street vendor carts, this dish is now commonly found in established restaurants. Customers choose their noodles, broth flavor, and a wide range of ingredients, including pork blood, vegetables, and fish balls.
The "Local" Ordering Experience
Getting help from a local can provide insights into authentic flavor combinations. The broth is made with "Noh," a popular chicken bouillon, which adds an umami flavor. This secret is so effective that even you can recreate it at home! Noh products are available in supermarkets around the world.
The Finished Product
-
Ingredients: A large bowl packed with ingredients like pig skin and chicken feet.
-
Flavor: A homemade chili curry sauce adds spice and fragrance, while the broth is hearty and umami-rich. The pig skin is tender and jelly-like, and the chicken foot falls apart with ease.
-
Customization: The dish is customizable, allowing diners to choose their preferred ingredients and spice level. A lemon iced tea makes for an excellent and affordable drink to accompany the meal.
{# 
{# 
{# 
{# 
{#