Guide to Hong Kong Traditional Desserts

By Time Out Hong Kong

In Cantonese cuisine, dessert serves as the perfect ending to a full feast or even a quick dim sum meal. And the local cuisine in Hong Kong is nothing if not varied. Forget ice cream or spongey puddings, traditional desserts here often – though not exclusively – come in the shape of warm, sweet soups. Here are the must-haves when you’re in town and looking to eat like a local.

Egg tarts

A Hong Kong sweet staple, the buttery pastry crust of an egg tart paired with its creamy egg custard centre is a heavenly combo. These humble treats can be found at most local bakeries and cha chaan tengs including Tai Cheong Bakery, which happens to be a favourite of former governor Chris Patten.

Address:	Shop A Ground Floor of Luen Tai Building, Nos. 93, 95, 97 and 99 Wanchai Road, Hong Kong Island
Tel:	+852 8300 8028
Website:	www.taoheung.com.hk
How to Get There:	Nearest MTR Station: Wan Chai, Exit A3

Tofu pudding

Tofu pudding is essentially a bowl of the smoothest and softest bean curd served in clear syrup and sweetened ginger. Its melt-in-your-mouth silky texture makes it one of the most beloved desserts in Hong Kong. Kung Wo Tofu Factory’s offering is top draw, with a rich soy bean flavour.

Address:	118 Pei Ho Street, Sham Shui Po, Kowloon
Tel:	+852 2386 6871
How to Get There:	Nearest MTR station: Sham Shui Po, Exit B2

Black sesame sweet soup

Though it may look ominous, this thick, charcoal-coloured sweet soup is the perfect treat to combat any chills. A slurp of its hot, sticky broth can warm you down to your soul. Restaurants like the lauded dessert joint Gai Gai Dessert give you the option to add glutinous rice balls for extra texture.

Address:	29 Ning Po Street, Jordan, Kowloon
Tel:	+852 2384 3862
How to Get There:	Nearest MTR station: Jordan, Exit A

Mango sago pomelo pudding

This delightfully sweet and refreshing dessert is particularly popular during summer. Packed with flavours, scoop up thick mango and pomelo chunks – which provides a nice citrusy tone – nestle in a bed of cool, creamy puree. Honeymoon Desserts is king when it comes to mango desserts. Head there for a mouth-watering portion.

Address:	10A-C Po Tung Road, Sai Kung, New Territories
Tel:	+852 2792 4991
Website:	www.honeymoon-dessert.com
How to Get There:	Nearest bus station: Sai Kung Bus Terminus

Sweet red bean soup

Red bean soup is slow-cooked to create a thick, creamy texture, and can be found in most Hong Kong dessert shops such as Luk Lam Dessert in Sham Shui Po. The beans are packed with iron and, according to Chinese medicine, they’re full of yang-replenishing nutrients, too. Luk Lam allows you mix-and-match any extra ingredients you want including glutinous rice balls, ice cream, sweet potato and fruits.

Address:	77-79 Un Chau Street, Sham Shui Po, Kowloon
Tel:	+852 2361 4205
How to Get There:	Nearest MTR station: Sham Shui Po, Exit D2

Beancurd sheet sweet soup

Another local delight with tofu, this dessert utilises tofu skin boiled with white rock sugar. It’s a light and smooth treat, often prepared with ginkgo nuts and barley, and occasionally with a boiled egg depending on preferences. Chiu Chow Hop Shing Dessert makes a killer version, served either hot or cold, and can be a welcome relief for any dry throats.

Address:	9 Lung Kong Road, Kowloon City, Kowloon
Tel:	+852 2383 3026
How to Get There:	Nearest MTR station: Lok Fu, Exit B

Information in this article is subject to changes without advance notice. Please contact the relevant product or service providers for enquiries.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board disclaims any liability as to the quality or fitness for purpose of third party products and services; and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy, adequacy or reliability of any information contained herein.