hongkong food history
Hong Kong Food History
The colony of Hong Kong was founded in 1831, which caused British and Western merchants to relocate there for the business opportunities. Over time, Hong Kong developed and there became a greater need for places to allow entertainment for the many businessmen in the colony. There were some Chinese restaurants that were founded at the end of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th century that were branch offs of the well known established restaurants. These places offered meals that were elaborate and enjoyable. For the Chinese who were not merchants, eating out in a restaurant was unheard of, so they simply enjoyed the food of peasants.
It wasn't until 1949, when Chinese refugees began to flee to Hong Kong that Shanghai food came to the area. Foods such as egg tarts and Hong Kong style milk tea soon became favorites in the colony.
Traditional Food in Hong Kong
Much of the food of Hong Kong comes from the Cantonese culture. In addition to the native cuisine, many people enjoy French, Japanese, Italian, Thai, Korean, Indian, Vietnamese, Singaporean and Malaysian foods as well.
In general, the people of Hong Kong eat about five times each day. They might have breakfast of Hong Kong style milk tea or coffee that is served with fried eggs, ham and bread. For lunch, there is a main course that is often served with noodles or rice.
There is a meal during the afternoon tea time, or from the times of 2:00 to 6:00 pm. This might be a light snack of sandwiches with coffee or tea. There is also a late night meal in Hong Kong called Siu yeh. This meal comes after dinner and is often thought to be much like supper.
Hong Kong Dishes
Hong Kong Dish
Lai Wong Bau - This is a kind of Chinese bread that has been shaped into buns before steaming. It has a lovely soft, fluffy texture. The buns are then filled with eggs, coconut, sugar and milk.
Salt and Pepper Crusted Squid - This is a dish where fresh squid has little cuts
The colony of Hong Kong was founded in 1831, which caused British and Western merchants to relocate there for the business opportunities. Over time, Hong Kong developed and there became a greater need for places to allow entertainment for the many businessmen in the colony. There were some Chinese restaurants that were founded at the end of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th century that were branch offs of the well known established restaurants. These places offered meals that were elaborate and enjoyable. For the Chinese who were not merchants, eating out in a restaurant was unheard of, so they simply enjoyed the food of peasants.
It wasn't until 1949, when Chinese refugees began to flee to Hong Kong that Shanghai food came to the area. Foods such as egg tarts and Hong Kong style milk tea soon became favorites in the colony.
Traditional Food in Hong Kong
Much of the food of Hong Kong comes from the Cantonese culture. In addition to the native cuisine, many people enjoy French, Japanese, Italian, Thai, Korean, Indian, Vietnamese, Singaporean and Malaysian foods as well.
In general, the people of Hong Kong eat about five times each day. They might have breakfast of Hong Kong style milk tea or coffee that is served with fried eggs, ham and bread. For lunch, there is a main course that is often served with noodles or rice.
There is a meal during the afternoon tea time, or from the times of 2:00 to 6:00 pm. This might be a light snack of sandwiches with coffee or tea. There is also a late night meal in Hong Kong called Siu yeh. This meal comes after dinner and is often thought to be much like supper.
Hong Kong Dishes
Hong Kong Dish
Lai Wong Bau - This is a kind of Chinese bread that has been shaped into buns before steaming. It has a lovely soft, fluffy texture. The buns are then filled with eggs, coconut, sugar and milk.
Salt and Pepper Crusted Squid - This is a dish where fresh squid has little cuts