Hong Kong has long been considered to be the brightest pearl in China’s coastal necklace, rivalled only by nearby Macao. Over the years this spectacular city by the sea has evolved from a sleepy fishing village to a bustling hub of international trade and economic activity! The skyline stretches on seemingly forever, skyscrapers lining the bay like glittering sculptures of glass and steel, but there are still sleepy side streets that have barely changed since the turn of the century!
The territory is one of the world’s most highly populated, with nearly 8 million residents inhabiting just 105,000 kilometres, but despite this, the pace of modern life still feels casual and relaxed. It’s easy for foreign companies to acquire a Hong Kong business registration helping Hong Kong hold its place as one of the world’s most international commercial districts! Hong Kong is a city that never sleeps, which also happens to make it one of the best places in the world to eat! let’s take a mouthwatering look at the scrumptious cuisine that keeps this amazing metropolis fed and thriving!
Dragon and Phoenix Balls – The “dragon” is what the shrimps are called, while the “phoenix” is made of chicken. The name goes back to ancient Chinese royalty, the emperor was the dragon, and his queen the phoenix. The finely chopped shrimp and chicken meat are mixed together and formed into balls, then deep fried with a coating of bread crumbs, making a delicious, tender and crispy appetizer. They are often dipped in sweet and sour Chinese “salad sauce”. The dish is a classic part of a traditional Chinese wedding dinner.
Egg Tarts – This is one of Hong Kong’s most popular pastries, but it didn’t actually originate there! These charming egg tarts made from flour, butter, and a creamy sweetened egg filling came from Macau, which was colonized by the Portuguese, which is where the dish originated! By the 1940’s it was a staple in Hong Kong’s tea cafes, and is usually served with tea in the afternoons, a British tradition. You can see why Hong Kong is so international!
Pineapple Bread – This sweet bread was invented in Hong Kong and is a popular item found in every bakery. To be clear, the bread does not actually have any pineapple fruit or juice in it, the name comes from the hard, cracked crust that resembles the unpeeled fruit! The dough contains eggs, flour, sugar, and lard, which are baked to form an odd-looking crust with soft, sweet, doughy bread beneath it. Get them while they are hot!
Clay Pot Rice – This steamed rice in a clay pot is a traditional Hong Kong dish. White rice with goose sausage, barbecue pork slices, chicken, and fresh shallots is cooked over an old-style charcoal fire to make this delicious, slightly smoky-tasting dish!
Roast Goose – This traditional Hong Kong speciality roasts a whole goose coated with five spice until it is tender, then sliced into bite-size pieces and served with sweet and tangy plum sauce!
The Chinese 5 spice blend, which is typically a combination of star anise, cloves, Chinese cinnamon, Sichuan pepper, and fennel seeds, can add such a deep, aromatic flavor that it can linger on the tongue long after the first bite, perfectly complementing the rich meat and crispy skin.
Check out the Hong Kong Tourism Board website for more wonderful Hong Kong treats! Bring your appetite!
