Hong Kong is a global food paradise, blending Cantonese traditions with international influences. Whether you’re a traveler or a language enthusiast, mastering food-related English vocabulary will deepen your appreciation for the city’s gastronomy. Here’s a curated list of must-know terms, organized by category.
Dim Sum (点心)
Dim sum, meaning "touch the heart," is a cornerstone of Hong Kong’s food culture. These bite-sized dishes are perfect for sharing. Key terms include:
- Har Gow (虾饺): Steamed shrimp dumplings with translucent wrappers.
- Siu Mai (烧卖): Open-topped pork and shrimp dumplings.
- Char Siu Bao (叉烧包): Fluffy buns filled with sweet barbecued pork.
- Cheung Fun (肠粉): Rice noodle rolls, often stuffed with beef or shrimp.
- Lo Bak Go (萝卜糕): Pan-fried turnip cake with savory toppings.
Roast Meat (烧味)
Hong Kong’s roast meat shops display glazed meats hanging in windows. Essential words:
- Char Siu (叉烧): Honey-glazed barbecued pork.
- Siu Yuk (烧肉): Crispy-skinned roast pork belly.
- Roast Goose (烧鹅): Aromatic, tender goose with crispy skin.
- White Cut Chicken (白切鸡): Poached chicken served with ginger-scallion oil.
Noodles & Rice Dishes (粉面饭)
From street stalls to high-end restaurants, carbs rule Hong Kong’s menus:
- Wonton Noodles (云吞面): Springy egg noodles with shrimp-filled dumplings.
- Beef Brisket Noodles (牛腩面): Slow-cooked beef with noodles in rich broth.
- Clay Pot Rice (煲仔饭): Rice cooked in a clay pot with toppings like preserved sausage.
- Fried Rice (炒饭): Wok-tossed rice with eggs, veggies, or meat.
Street Food (街头小吃)
Hong Kong’s bustling streets offer quick, flavorful bites:
- Egg Waffles (鸡蛋仔): Crispy, bubble-shaped waffles.
- Fish Balls (鱼蛋): Bouncy fish paste balls on skewers.
- Stinky Tofu (臭豆腐): Fermented tofu with a pungent aroma.
- Curry Fish Balls (咖喱鱼蛋): Spicy, curry-coated fish balls.
Desserts (甜品)
Sweet treats are a must-try:
- Mango Pomelo Sago (杨枝甘露): Chilled mango soup with pomelo and sago pearls.
- Egg Tarts (蛋挞): Buttery pastry cups filled with custard.
- Red Bean Soup (红豆沙): Sweet soup made with red beans.
- Tong Yuan (汤圆): Glutinous rice balls in ginger syrup.
Beverages (饮品)
Local drinks complement every meal:
- Milk Tea (奶茶): Strong black tea with evaporated milk.
- Yuenyeung (鸳鸯): Coffee-tea hybrid.
- Lemon Tea (柠檬茶): Iced black tea with fresh lemon.
- Herbal Tea (凉茶): Traditional medicinal brews.
Cooking Styles & Terms
Understanding preparation methods enhances ordering confidence:
- Stir-fried (炒): Quick-cooked over high heat.
- Steamed (蒸): Light and healthy.
- Deep-fried (炸): Crispy and indulgent.
- Braised (焖): Slow-cooked in sauce.
Dining Phrases
Useful English phrases for restaurants:
- "Can I see the menu, please?"
- "What do you recommend?"
- "No spicy, please."
- "Bill, please."
Hong Kong’s food scene is a linguistic adventure as much as a culinary one. By learning these terms, you’ll navigate menus like a local and savor every bite. The city’s flavors tell stories of tradition and innovation—each dish is a gateway to its vibrant culture.
