Given that the city is an archipelago surrounded by water, it’s logical that seafood forms an integral part of Hong Kong gastronomy in particular and the Cantonese culinary landscape in general.
A trip to the territory wouldn’t be complete without sampling seafood in Hong Kong. Visitors to the city are positively spoiled for choice and those operating on a budget will be glad to learn that you don’t have to frequent high-end restaurants and gourmet bistros to access the seafood in Hong Kong.
With a thriving market and food stall scene, some of the best seafood in Hong Kong can be picked up on a bodget, spelling good news for foodies from all backgrounds. Here’s our rundown on some of the best spots for seafood in Hong Kong.
Yue Shi Cheung Road
Seafood markets in Hong Kong are no-frills affairs where the produce is displayed front of house in buckets or tanks and the tables are surrounded by plastic seating. Don’t be fooled, however; the catch of the day will rank among some of the freshest and tastiest dishes you’ve ever dined upon.
At Aberdeen Fish Market, Hong Kong locals rise before the crack of dawn to sample some five-star seafood before it’s passed on to the restaurants; make the effort to join them and you won’t be disappointed you did.
Lantau Island
Elsewhere, the seafood market at the Tai O fishing village is a great place to mix in some cultural sightseeing with your lunch or dinner, given that it’s a picturesque hamlet built on stilts over the water.
Both gastronomes and budding photographers will be delighted at the quaint simplicity of it all. Some of the best seafood in Hong Kong is found in this charming little village on Lantau Island.
6 Lei Yue Mun Path
Meanwhile, for more fresh seafood in Hong Kong, the fishing village of Lei Yue Mun offers the opportunity for you to buy your seafood fresh from the boats around the harbour or the Lei Yue Mun Seafood Bazaar before taking it to a nearby restaurant, where the chefs will cook it for a small supplement.
The charming slice of old Hong Kong east of the city makes for some peaceful respite from the chaotic centre. Seafood in Hong Kong doesn't get better than that sold from Lei Yue Mun.
It’s telling that the Michelin Guide for Hong Kong and Macau felt compelled to introduce a street food category to their publication in 2016; the city is teeming with excellent spots with exquisite fare at affordable prices. For some of the best seafood in Hong Kong, try the street stalls up Temple Street in Jordan.
In general, English is at a premium, so take advantage of the pictures displayed outside most stalls or simply eat what your neighbour is having. The chances are you’ll love it all the same.
Further afield, the area along Graham Street across the water is another bustling hub of good food to go, representing one of the oldest and most established markets in the city.
It's a great place to find street seafood in Hong Kong. Don’t miss out on some excellent snack options like curried fish balls, sui mai (dim sum filled with fish meat), imitation 'shark fin' broth (made from black fungus and herbs) and soy-braised cuttlefish. In Hong Kong, the culinary world is your oyster.
Shum Wan Pier Drive
Jumbo restaurant is a floating behemoth of a restaurant. It's not the cheapest seafood in Hong Kong, but the experience alone makes the journey down to Aberdeen worth the trip. You're in good hands here.
Over the years, this iconic floating eatery has been visiting by everyone from Queen Elizabeth to John Wayne. It opened in the mid-70s in the style of imperial China complete with large dragons and decorative pagodas.
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