5 lesser-known Hong Kong street foods to try: roasted chestnuts, eggs and more

What are your favourite street snacks? While egg waffles, siu mai and fish balls are some of Hong Kong’s most popular foods, there are some other traditional treats that might not be as well-known. You should give them a try!

Roasted chestnuts

These are usually sold by hawkers from their carts. Stirring every few seconds with a long metal spatula, a vendor roasts the chestnuts for about 45 minutes with sand and sugar. This process makes them sweet and soft with a touch of smokiness.

Currently, there are still about 20 chestnut vendors operating in Hong Kong.

Baked sweet potatoes

Often sold alongside chestnuts are sweet potatoes that have been baked over charcoal. There are usually three kinds of potatoes to choose from: yellow, orange or purple.

Roasted quail eggs

The shells of these eggs are creamy-white with black spots all over them. The bite-sized snack tastes like a richer version of chicken eggs. Some hawkers even roast the quail eggs with salt to give them extra flavour.

Iced pineapple

Sellers pack a fresh pineapple slice in a small plastic bag, before placing it in a freezer. Not only does this icy treat cool us down, but it is also healthy and affordable.

Steamed rice cakes

Boot jai goh, which are steamed rice cakes, are traditionally topped with red beans and come in two flavours. The white ones are made with white sugar, while the brown version uses brown sugar – but both are tasty and chewy. Other modern flavours include pandan, cheese and even chocolate.

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