Hong Kong Street Food Recipes

Imagine this: you’re wandering the bustling streets of Hong Kong, the air thick with tantalizing aromas. From the sizzle of skewered meats to the sweet scent of pastries, each corner beckons with a promise of culinary delight. Whether you’re a street food aficionado or a curious novice, these recipes will transport you straight to the heart of Hong Kong's vibrant food scene.

1. Fish Balls
A beloved staple, Hong Kong’s fish balls are chewy, flavorful, and perfect as a snack or meal accompaniment. To recreate this dish, you’ll need:

• 500g white fish fillet (like cod or tilapia)
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• Salt to taste
• Water for boiling

Instructions:

1. Prepare the fish: Blend the fish fillet in a food processor until smooth.
2. Mix ingredients: In a bowl, combine the fish paste with the egg, cornstarch, fish sauce, and salt.
3. Shape balls: Wet your hands and shape the mixture into small balls.
4. Boil: Bring a pot of water to a boil and drop the fish balls in, cooking for about 5 minutes or until they float.
5. Serve: Enjoy with a sweet chili sauce or in a noodle soup.

2. Egg Waffles
Known for their unique bubble-like structure, egg waffles are a popular street snack. Here’s how to make them:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Make the batter: Whisk all ingredients together until smooth.
2. Heat the waffle maker: Preheat your egg waffle maker and lightly grease it.
3. Cook: Pour the batter into the maker, close it, and cook for about 3-5 minutes until golden brown.
4. Serve: Dust with powdered sugar or fill with fruits and ice cream.

3. Char Kway Teow
This iconic stir-fried noodle dish is packed with flavors and textures. For a taste of this classic:

• 200g flat rice noodles
• 100g shrimp, peeled
• 100g Chinese sausage, sliced
• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• Garlic and scallions for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare noodles: Soak the rice noodles in warm water until soft, then drain.
2. Stir-fry: Heat oil in a pan, add garlic, then the shrimp and sausage. Once cooked, push to the side and scramble the eggs.
3. Combine: Add the noodles, soy sauce, and oyster sauce, tossing everything together.
4. Garnish: Top with scallions before serving.

4. Pineapple Bun
Contrary to its name, this bun doesn’t contain pineapple but is known for its sugary crust resembling a pineapple’s skin. To make:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon baking powder

Instructions:

1. Dough preparation: Mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, and butter until crumbly.
2. Combine: Stir in the milk and egg until a dough forms.
3. Chill: Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
4. Shape and bake: Shape into buns, place on a baking sheet, and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes until golden.

5. Stinky Tofu
For the adventurous eater, stinky tofu is a must-try. Here’s how to prepare it at home:

• 300g firm tofu
• 2 cups fermented brine (you can find this at Asian grocery stores)
• Oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Marinate: Soak tofu in the fermented brine for at least 24 hours.
2. Fry: Heat oil in a pan and fry the marinated tofu until golden brown and crispy.
3. Serve: Pair with a chili dipping sauce and pickled vegetables.

6. Mango Pomelo Sago
A refreshing dessert perfect for warm days. Here’s a simple recipe:

• 1/2 cup sago pearls
• 1 ripe mango, diced
• 1/2 cup pomelo, segmented
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1/2 cup sugar (to taste)

Instructions:

1. Cook sago: Boil sago pearls until transparent, then rinse under cold water.
2. Mix: In a bowl, combine mango, pomelo, sago, coconut milk, and sugar. Adjust sweetness as desired.
3. Chill and serve: Refrigerate before serving for a refreshing treat.

7. Sweet and Sour Pork
An adaptation of the classic Cantonese dish, this recipe brings home the flavor:

• 400g pork tenderloin, cut into cubes
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup pineapple chunks
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sugar

Instructions:

1. Cook pork: Deep fry pork until golden brown, then set aside.
2. Stir-fry vegetables: In the same pan, stir-fry bell pepper and onion until soft.
3. Combine: Add pork, pineapple, ketchup, vinegar, and sugar, mixing well. Cook for another 5 minutes.
4. Serve: Serve hot over rice.

8. Cheung Fun
These rice noodle rolls are a dim sum favorite. Here’s how to create them:

• 1 cup rice flour
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Filling options: shrimp, char siu, or vegetables

Instructions:

1. Make the batter: Mix rice flour, water, and salt until smooth.
2. Steam: Pour a thin layer of batter onto a greased steaming tray and add your filling. Steam for about 3-5 minutes.
3. Roll: Carefully roll the noodle sheet and slice into pieces.
4. Serve: Drizzle with soy sauce and sesame oil.

9. Bubble Tea
No street food tour of Hong Kong is complete without bubble tea. To make your own:

• 1 cup tapioca pearls
• 2 cups brewed black tea
• 1/2 cup milk
• Sweetener to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook tapioca: Boil tapioca pearls until they float, then rinse under cold water.
2. Combine: In a glass, mix brewed tea with milk and sweetener.
3. Add pearls: Stir in cooked tapioca pearls and enjoy with a wide straw.

10. Red Bean Pancake
A delightful dessert made with red bean paste. Here’s the simple recipe:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 cup red bean paste
• Oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Make the batter: Combine flour and water until smooth.
2. Cook pancakes: Heat a pan with oil, pour in the batter, and add a spoonful of red bean paste in the center.
3. Flip: Cook until golden brown on both sides.
4. Serve: Serve warm as a sweet treat.

Conclusion:
From savory snacks to sweet delights, Hong Kong street food offers a rich tapestry of flavors and experiences. These recipes bring the essence of this culinary culture to your kitchen. So roll up your sleeves and embark on a cooking adventure that will not only satisfy your cravings but also immerse you in the vibrant spirit of Hong Kong.