New Territories Hong Kong Travel Guide
Cantonese cuisine dominates Hong Kong's culinary scene, with influences from British, Southeast Asian, and other regional Chinese traditions. The New Territories, with fishing villages and farming communities, has a strong connection to fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Expect a focus on fresh seafood, pork, poultry, rice, and various noodles. Flavors emphasize a careful balance of sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami. Ginger, garlic, brown sauce made from fermented soybeans, and oyster sauce are common seasonings. Regional variations include traditional village dishes and Hakka cuisine.
Often congee, noodles, or toast sets at local cafes.
Typically a quick affair at a cha chaan teng or dim sum restaurant.
Late-night dining is popular, with many eateries open until early hours.
Small, bite-sized portions often served in steamer baskets. Har Gow (shrimp dumplings), Siu Mai (pork & shrimp dumplings), Char Siu Bao (BBQ pork buns) are must-try items. Widely available in Cantonese restaurants.
A Hong Kong classic, popular for lunch.
Hong Kong excels at roast meats. Sample Char Siu (BBQ pork), Siu Yuk (crispy roast pork belly), and Roast Goose or Duck. You discover these in specialized shops and Cantonese restaurants.
Not sweet and sweet, a true local favorite.
Wonton Noodles: thin egg noodles with delicate shrimp wontons in broth. Congee: savory rice porridge, often with shredded pork and preserved egg, or fresh seafood.
Comforting staples for any time of day.
Small, sweet custard tart with a flaky or cookie-like crust.
Refreshing dessert soup with fresh mango, sago pearls, and often pomelo.
Fewer dedicated gourmet eateries compared to urban centers. High-end hotels like the Hyatt Regency Sha Tin offer sophisticated dining.
Abundant in all major New Territories towns, offering Cantonese cuisine, other regional Chinese dishes, and various international cuisines.
Cha Chaan Tengs (local diners), Dai Pai Dongs (open-air stalls), wet markets, and local bakeries provide traditional and inexpensive dining.
Tai Po Market, Yuen Long Market, and Sai Kung Wet Market are excellent for fresh produce, live seafood, and cooked food stalls.
A true local shopping and dining experience.
Ubiquitous in shopping malls across the New Territories, providing diverse and affordable dining options from local to international fast food.
Convenient for quick and diverse meals.
Sushi, Ramen, Izakaya
Burgers, Pasta, Pizza
BBQ, Kimchi, Noodles
Curries, Noodles, Global
Dining with gluten-free requirements can be challenging in traditional Cantonese cuisine due to soy sauce and other ingredients.
Dedicated gluten-free options are rare.
Careful communication with restaurant staff is essential for all allergens.
Consider carrying a Translation card explaining your particular requirements.
Apps like HappyCow can help locate vegetarian and vegan options.
Learning Cantonese phrases related to dietary needs (e.g., "mo yuk" for "no meat," "mo hoi sin" for "no seafood") is advisable.
Some cooking classes are available, though more focused in urban Hong Kong Island and Kowloon.
Opportunities for farm visits are limited, although some organic farms in the rural New Territories offer visits or sales directly from.
Occasional local food festivals or market events take place in various New Territories communities, especially during traditional holidays.
Walk through bustling wet markets to see fresh local produce and ingredients.
Engage with neighborhood vendors.
Sample a wide array of Hong Kong-style buns plus sweets from local bakeries.
Try traditional treats like Wife Cakes.
Eat earlier or later than peak hours to avoid crowds, especially at popular dim sum spots.
Venture into the neighborhoods around for authentic, less tourist-centric dining.
Capture the colors and unique presentation of Hong Kong cuisine.
Exploring Hong Kong's food scene in the New Territories is a delightful journey.
