Introduction

One value holds true despite these changes: Hong-kongers love to eat. From street food hawkers to bustling dim sum houses to large banquet-style restaurants, there’s a meal suitable for every occasion. With a population of 7.6 million, or 17,311 people per square mile, homes in this metropolis tend to be quite compact. It’s often easier to meet people outside for a quick bite, whatever the time. A day of eating in Hong Kong could include at least five meals, with a congee or dim sum breakfast in the morning, a rice box lunch from around noon until 2 p.m., an afternoon tea baked treat, a family-style dinner in the evening, and a late-night meal, or siu yeh 宵夜, from 10 p.m. onward. Some of the most quintessential Hong Kong dishes can be found at a cha chaan teng 茶餐廳.