Hong Kong Street Food Guide

When it comes to street food, Hong Kong certainly rules the roost! After all, there are very state or areas that not only offer a vast range of gastronomical delights right on the streets and can fill you up with just a few bucks. Moreover, no matter where you go, or which street you enter in Hong Kong, you are surprised by the vast variety of delicious street side snacks and tasty tidbits in so many different flavours.

Needless to say, your trip to Hong Kong remains incomplete without tasting those delicious eats on the streets. Sure Hong Kong boasts of some of the finest dining experience you can enjoy at its elegant restaurants. However, nothing can beat the experience of enjoying the hot and fresh food sold right on the streets.



As there are so many food choices in this culinary mecca, it is a good idea to go for one of those food tours in Hong Kong. It is an excellent way to know about the leading eateries in those humble streets and enjoy a treasuring dining experience.

Here are street foods of Hong Kong that you must try before leaving the state.

1) Curry fish balls

One of the most famous street food, you will love these very flavoursome fish balls that are served on almost every street in Hong Kong. Deep-fried in hot oil, the fish balls are then placed in a spicy curry.

2) Egg waffles

You will love those waffles with crispy, flaky edges and a soft and eggy centre. You will come across almost every local enjoying the street food with fruits, chocolate sauce or ice cream. The Egg waffles are served in various flavour and can easily fill you up.

3) Cheong fun



You will always find a long line for this favourite street food which is smooth rice noodle rolls served with sweet sauce. The smooth and savoury rolls topped with sesame seeds offer a more enjoyable experience and are a crowd favourite.

4) Fried pig intestines

Another of the most appealing street food is the fried pig intestines. However, this street food is only for the adventurous, but once you taste this snack, you will develop a craving for it.

5) Siu Mai

You can recognize this ubiquitous street food because of its bright yellow wrapper. You will love this steamed snack filed with fish meat and served with soy sauce.

6) Grilled squid tentacles

If you are looking for a perfect snack on Hong Kong streets, you will find it in those grilled squid tentacles. You will love the chewy and rubbery texture of these absolutely delicious squids.

7) Pineapple buns

Pineapple buns are a delight, and they have a bit of pineapple in them as well as some butter in their sweet centre. These buns have remained a popular street food for decades and are enjoyed with traditional teas and coffee.

8) Egg tarts



When you bite into the fluffy and light egg custard, you will feel as if you are in heaven. You are sure to fall for these egg tarts with the crispy and chewy crust on the outside and the glistening yellow custard filling inside.

9) Cheung fun

Cheung fun is simply loved for its distinct chewy taste and smooth texture. The street food comes without fillings and is made of rolling steamed rice noodle sheets. You can enjoy it with different sauces of peanut, chilli, and soy.

10) Stinky tofu

Stinky tofu is another classic food that you must try. You may get a bit put off by the rancid smell, but once you taste it, you will simply love the street food that is perfectly crunchy. You can enjoy it with sweet, chili sauce and piping hot noodles.

11) Fried chestnuts

Enjoy a healthy snack of fried chestnuts which is simple but great-tasting. The best part is that they are served at all times on the streets of Hong Kong. It is hard to resist the enticing aroma of these nuts sold with a lot of hawkers in the city.

12) Bowl pudding



The bowl pudding is available in white or brown versions. Everyone loves this ordinary bowl pudding which is like a sticky, glutinous mess with a slight sugary sweetness. Both versions are studded with red beans and remain a favourite with the locals.

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Dabeli: The World Famous Burger of Kutch

Street food of India never stops to amaze me. Wherever you are visiting in this country, you are never too far away from lip smacking street food. The hygiene might be a bit treacherous at times, but if you have a strong stomach, there is no richer gastronomic experience to be had in Incredible India. Take the rich district of Kutch that lies in India’s far north west. Most of us know of the dishes of this state that sound like war cries – Dhokla, Fafda and that iconic travel companion of Khakhara and Thepla. But, did you know that the state of Gujarat has its own burger and that this burger was invented in Bhuj, the largest city in the district of Kutch.



Referred to locally as Dabeli, this famous street food of Bhuj now goes by the trendy nickname ‘Kutchi Burger’, a term coined for the foreign travelers who visit this region. It is your simple bread or pao that is toasted on butter and stuffed with a secret tomato vegetable gravy, sweet sauce, tangy sauce, nuts, pomegranate fruit and spicy peanuts. One or two of this Dabeli and you can happily skip your meal. It is somewhere in between a Vada Pao and Pao Bhaji, but has its unique taste. And it goes fantastically well with a strong cup of Elaichi (Cardamom) chai/tea.



Another street food that is very popular in Kutch is Kadak. Made from salty wheat biscuits, it doesn’t have the pao, but it has a similar vegetable based gravy, nuts, fruits and an assortment of sauces to give that crunchy lip smacking bonanza. This street food is a bit spicy and hence goes extremely well with a glass of Chach or butter milk. Both Dabeli and Kadak can be tasted at Kishan Dabeli and Bhel on Bhuj’s main bazaar. It is one of those must have experiences of Kutch.

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10 Iconic Vegetarian Food Joints of Jaipur

Don’t visit the pink city of Jaipur just for its iconic Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar, Jal Mahal, Amer Fort and other forts and palaces, but also for its sumptuous food. When I think of food in Jaipur, I think of iconic ghewar, thick creamy lassi, hot piping pyaz kachori, dal baati choorma, kulfi, gatte ki subzi, missi roti, bajra roti, lehsun chutney and so many more mouth watering dishes that can be had all through the day. So whether you are exploring the top attractions of Jaipur while eating your way through Jaipur heaven or you on a specific foodie trip to Jaipur, food is always on the top of things to do in Jaipur.



Here are a list of 10 iconic vegetarian food joints in Jaipur that offer a slice of heaven to all food lovers. Do make it a point to include some of these places in your itinerary on your next Jaipur holiday or even better if you experience all these places as part of a foodie trip to Jaipur.

Lassiwala

Lassi is possibly one of the most popular drinks of India. Even though it is most popular in the state of Punjab, I like the Lassi of Jaipur the best. And no better place to have it than iconic Lassiwala who started lassi operations way back in 1944. Served in earthen pots, this thick creamy yoghurt drink is a sure shot way to experience paradise.



Do note that there are a bunch of lassi shops on MI road just beside the original lassi wala. While all of them dish out these tasty yoghurt drinks, the original Jaipur lassi is to be had at the Lassiwala (1944 – Kishan Lal Govind Narian Agarwal).

Laxmi Misthan Bhandar or LMB



Popularly known as LMB, the Laxmi Misthan Bhandar is one of the best places in the city to taste the iconic Ghewar dessert. Known for its snacks and sweets, do remember to try out their Mawa Kachori and Mirchi bada. Most of the LMB chains have an in-house restaurant where you can try out the traditional Rajasthani Thali or the traditional Marwari Thali which includes the famous Dal Baati Choorma. Personally, I think they offer the perfect thali experience without the drama of a staged dance environment where the food is sub standard and the prices are exorbitant. If you wish to go a-la-carte, try out their Lehsun chutney, Govind Gatta, Kher Sangri and Rasmalai.

Niros

A slightly more upmarket restaurant, Niros is known for its food served in a rich environment. While it is not a pure vegetarian joint, they do serve delicious Indian, continental and Rajasthani cuisines. This is a perfect place to head to with your family for a long lunch. For all meat lovers, this place is famous for its Laal Maas.

Ramchandra Kulfi Bhandar



While the Faluda Kulfi at Bapu Nagar and Pandit Kulfi at Bhagwan Das road are the well known ones, I like the Ramchandra Kulfi Bhandar located on MI road. A simple road side stall, this place serves amazing kulfi and gajar ka halwa cooked in desi ghee. A true iconic street food joint of Jaipur!

Rawat Misthan Bhandar

Located near the bus stand (Sindhi Camp), the Rawat Misthan Bhandar, like its competitor, Laxmi Misthan Bhandar is known for its sweets and snacks. It’s specialty is the Pyaz Kachori, Ghewar and Mawa Kachori. Whether you are going for a traditional Halwayi breakfast or for an evening snack, Rawat is bound to offer you a lip-smacking experience.

Indian Coffee House

Masala chai is more the norm in Jaipur, but if you are a coffee lover, especially the traditional Indian filter coffee, head to Indian coffee house on MI road, a place with an old world rustic charm. And while you are sipping on the filter coffee, chomp into their famous cutlets, toasts, dosas or other snack items.

Falahaar

Extremely popular with locals for its iconic dishes of Sabudana Khichdi and Shrikhand, this food joint located in the Saraogi Mansion is known for its delicious treats and affordable prices. In addition to their iconic dishes, I liked their sabudana dahi vada and makkan lassi.

Jal Mahal Ice cream Parlor

If you feel like having ice cream in Jaipur, Jal Mahal Ice cream parlor is the place to go. Located right opposite the famous Lassiwala, Jal Mahal specilizes in all kinds of ice creams, especially sundaes. Their italian shakes, Ice cream pizzas and ice cream cakes are also extremely popular. And all this comes in so many flavors that it will take you multiple visits to try them all.

Purana Pandit Pav Bhaji

Another street food icon of Jaipur, the mobile cart of Pandit Pav Bhaji, located on JLN mark right opposite Birla Mandir is the place to head to for some of the most mouth watering Pav Bhajis of Jaipur. With rich dollops of butter, specially made Garlic chutney and very affordable prices, the pav bhaji here is supremely famous. Again, like lassiwala, there are a lot of phonies with the same name doing business, so when you head to the place, ask the locals for advice or head to the shop that has the most crowd.

Chawla’s PaniPuri and Nand’s Golgappa

Whenever you find a need to take a break while shopping on fashion street, head to Chawla’s PaniPuri or Nand’s Golgappa (located right opposite) for some mouth watering pani puri, golgappe, chat items and sweets.

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10 Yummy Amritsar Experiences the Foodie in you should not miss!

Thinking of delicious Punjabi food? Think Amritsar! Dreaming of hitting a street food trail in Punjab? Think of Amritsar again! Amritsar is one of those places in India that is a foodie’s absolute delight. When people think of Amritsar, they think of the Golden temple and the Wagah border, but when I think of Amritsar, I think of those mouth watering kulche, pind de chole, jalebi, kulfa and much more. It’s streets offer some of the best street food of India and is a must explore and taste for the food lover in you. From dhabas to the langar in the golden temple and from the iconic shops in the small alleys of Amritsar to the floating street vendors, this is one place where all kinds of foodies will find peace.

Below are 10 top food experiences from this holy city that you should experience on your next trip. As I am a vegetarian, these experiences are from a vegetarian’s perspective. If you are a meat eater, you will find an even better range as Amritsar is also one of the meat food capitals of India.

A Glass of Fresh Lassi in the Morning



Some people start their day with a cup of coffee. For some it is a cup of tea. When you are in Amritsar, it is a big glass of freshly made lassi. This sweet yoghurt drink is available almost everywhere in the city and available from as early as half past six in the morning. My favorite lassi moment was from the streets of Shastri market where I would drink a glass of fresh lassi every morning (my power charger) just before I went for my morning walk around the old corridor of Amritsar.

Puri Chana for Breakfast

Most of India associates Puri with Alu Gravy. In Amritsar, it is Puri served with Pind de Chole, onions and tangy radish. And this combo is like a traditional breakfast choice and one that you should not miss at any cost. Whether you are relishing them at the iconic Kanha Sweets, Goenkar Sweets or at any of the small thela walas on the streets of old city, you are bound to absolutely enjoy this iconic Amritsari breakfast.

True Ghee Experience at Kesar da Dhaba



If there is one dhaba that you have to visit in Amritsar, this has to be it. Kesar da Dhaba, located in the old city of Amritsar and not far away from the Golden temple is an iconic restaurant here. They do not use oil to cook the food. Instead, they use ghee. Their dal makhani, gulab jamun, lassi and kulches are to die for. But, let me warn you. Do not expect to feel hungry for a long time as the rich ghee food takes you to food heaven and keeps you there for a long while.

Langar at Golden Temple



Another iconic eating joint of Amritsar. Called the Guru ka Langar or the community Kitchen, this place serves food to thousands daily. And did I say that food here is free of cost? People from all walks of life come here, sit on the floor and eat the delicious food cooked in the community kitchen. Food served here is simple and traditional, but its taste is top class. A must visit after offering your prayers at the Durbar Sahib (Golden Temple).

Gurdas Ram de Jalebi Wale



The name says it all. A small and non-descript joint, this place whose history traces to 1956, dishes out some dreamy jalebis and gulab jamun. They only make these 2 desserts and make it right in front of you. Not set in the most enterprising atmosphere, but the food is as good as it can be. As it is located very close to Jallianwala Bagh and the Golden temple, it offers the perfect excuse to recover those lost calories and get closer to heaven.

Kaala Khatta at Ramkaran Cool Spot



Chuski le lo! Chuski le lo! These calls from my school days still ring loud in my head even today. The different colored Chuskis and the Kaala Khatta are two super popular summer drinks/sip ons. Ram Karan Cool-Spot, a popular name in Amritsar is a mobile vehicle that serves these treats on a tri cycle. Located in the posh residential area of Amritsar, Ram Karan has served his treats on destination weddings for Punjabis worldwide. I was lucky to discover this mobile cool-spot thanks to a Sardarji friend of mine. The Kaala Khatta here is legendary and one that I would always recommend.

A-One Kulfa



Falooda, Rabri, Gond Kathira and Kulfi ice cream put together make the Kulfa. Created in a mighty big tin device, the A-One Kulfa on Queens road is the best place to enjoy this sweet treat. Open between 3 and 11 pm, if you having a craving for something sweet and if you wish to try something iconic, then the cold Kulfa definitely makes the cut.

Chungi de Kulche for your afternoon Kulche Lunch



A small dhaba that only locals know, Chungi de Kulche is one of the best places in town to enjoy your Kulche lunch. Much cheaper than the other dhabas, this place is known mainly for its Kulche. Go here for your Kulche craving!

Family Dinner at Brothers Dhaba

A name that every Amritsari family knows is Brothers Dhaba. Insanely popular during weekends, this place serves all the top food attractions of Amritsar. It’s dal makhani, chole, Kulche and Parantha are famous. I had one of my dinners there and was very happy with the quality of food served.

Bade Bhai ka Brothers Dhaba

With a name that makes you take notice, the Bade Bhai ka Brothers Dhaba is another Amritsari restaurant that commands great status for its tasty food. Be it breakfast, lunch or dinner, this Amritsari Dhaba chain offers great food value. Paranthas, Kulche, Chole, Paneer, Dal Makhani and much more are on offer here. I had Kulche, Chole and Lassi here for breakfast and thoroughly enjoyed it. One of its branches is located close to Jallianwala Bagh and not too far away from the Golden Temple.

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