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Hong Kong food guide: Five must-try sweets

We’ve all heard of the usual suspects: the juicy dim sum, the hearty beef noodle soup, the flavorful stir-fry noodles. All of these dominate the Hong Kong food scene, and it’s not really difficult to look for them. So, this feature will go focus on the sweets instead—snacks, drinks, and street treats that will leave any sweet tooth satisfied.

If you’re visiting Hong Kong soon, here are some sweet food items that you should be on the lookout for.

Egg Waffles

These waffles, made of egg batter cooked in a special mold, is easy to find in the streets—all you need to do is follow the smell of freshly-made smell of sweet bread. Usually wrapped in paper, these come in a wide range of flavors and toppings like chocolate, strawberry, and fruits. Specialty shop even add ice cream.

Must try: Lee Keung Kee North Point Egg Waffles Restaurant, 178 Nathan Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong

Egg Tart

In Hong Kong, you’ll find two kinds of egg tarts, or pastry crust with egg custard: those that are similar to English custard cakes, and Portuguese style, which has a flakier crust (the former is usually cheaper).

Must-try: Honolulu Coffee Shop, 33 Stanley St., Central, 2526-8063

Hong Kong Milk Tea

For those who are looking for something creamy to sip on, this would definitely deliver. Silky and sweet, Hong Kong-style milk tea is usually made using the stocking filter that creates a smooth consistency. The mixture of black tea and milk (evaporated or condensed) creates a wonderful sweet and bitter flavor that’s great with bread.

Must try: Lan Fong Yuens, 2 Gage St, Central, Hong Kong

Pineapple Bun

The name could be misleading (and perhaps devastating, if you’re a big fan of pineapples), as it doesn’t really contain actual pineapples. This sweet snack got its name from its checkered top that resembles pineapple skin. It’s generally made from Chinese-style bread dough, with the top half using dough similar to that used in making sugar cookies. Many restaurants and cafés add a pat of butter on top.

Must–try: Kam Wah Cafe, 47 Bute Street, Mongkok, Hong Kong

Wife Cake

This cake/biscuit is not difficult to find, as almost all bakeries have it. Legend has it that once upon a time, some winter melon bread was made by a woman from the Guangdong province, and her husband was so proud that he told everyone that it was made by his wife, thus the name (and this is just one of the many versions of the story!). Also known as Sweetheart Cake or Lou Po Bing, this traditional Cantonese pastry is a fragile, flaky pastry made with winter melon, almond paste, sesame, and some spices.

Must-try: Hang Heung Cake Shop, 66 Castle Peak Road (Yuen Long), Yuen Long, Hong Kong

/// Written by Lia Tizon