Spontaneity is the name of the game when it comes to street food. It’s where formal etiquette takes a back seat, and intrinsic rules established by local vendors and their patrons take over.
Newcomers and tourists won't find a copy of these unspoken rules printed in a handy booklet, but we've come up with just the guide you'll need to eat your way through Hong Kong's street food like a true local.
Let the Stall Take the Lead
Seating arrangement, payment method, where to queue up and all other basic setup of a stall varies greatly from one to another. “Don’t ask just do” is the best approach in most situations: simply follow the instructions of the staff to ensure everything comes smoothly.
Keep Up with the Speed
Hong Kong is a city which values efficiency, and this ethos can’t be more apparent in the unassuming street joints. With a constant flow of people going in and out of a restaurant, it’s best to think about what you're ordering way before you're called to the front of the queue.
Before you call for the bill, have the notes or card on hand to shorten the transaction process.
Be Decisive
Some street stalls demands the visitors to order in one go and don’t allow add-ons. In this case, pick your favourites in advance and don’t make any changes after you order.
Newcomers and tourists won't find a copy of these unspoken rules printed in a handy booklet, but we've come up with just the guide you'll need to eat your way through Hong Kong's street food like a true local.
Let the Stall Take the Lead
Seating arrangement, payment method, where to queue up and all other basic setup of a stall varies greatly from one to another. “Don’t ask just do” is the best approach in most situations: simply follow the instructions of the staff to ensure everything comes smoothly.
Keep Up with the Speed
Hong Kong is a city which values efficiency, and this ethos can’t be more apparent in the unassuming street joints. With a constant flow of people going in and out of a restaurant, it’s best to think about what you're ordering way before you're called to the front of the queue.
Before you call for the bill, have the notes or card on hand to shorten the transaction process.
Be Decisive
Some street stalls demands the visitors to order in one go and don’t allow add-ons. In this case, pick your favourites in advance and don’t make any changes after you order.
Dilly-dallying is the last thing you want at a street snack shop. Make your pick before going in and take out the exact change while paying.
Be Prepared for Different Attitudes
Certain joints are known for their assertiveness and various attitudes towards different client types. For instance, pregnant women or the elderly could receive better treatment than male customers.
Pay Attention to the Surroundings
In places such as the open-planned cooked food centre, you’re not seated by any staff but expected to sit at the table assigned to the restaurant you order from. If you can’t find a seat at the designated area of your favourite eatery, it’s acceptable to take other vacant seats at another restaurant, but remember to show respect by getting a dish or two from where you are at too.
Embrace the Table Sharing Culture
Given the lack of space, table sharing is almost mandatory at any street food destination. Don’t feel offended if your conversation is overheard by the strangers sitting right next to you. Instead, be open to the possibility to find common ground and become a temporary dining partner with them.
Patience Is Really A Virtue
When some restaurants reach their full capacity, you might have to wait behind those eating at the table and take their seats as they leave. It’s a delicate matter: you should gesture to the fellow waiting diners that you are going to take the particular seats in front of you and not post any disturbance to everyone involved. To do this perfectly without raising any dispute is surely a skill that takes some practice.
Certain joints are known for their assertiveness and various attitudes towards different client types. For instance, pregnant women or the elderly could receive better treatment than male customers.
Pay Attention to the Surroundings
In places such as the open-planned cooked food centre, you’re not seated by any staff but expected to sit at the table assigned to the restaurant you order from. If you can’t find a seat at the designated area of your favourite eatery, it’s acceptable to take other vacant seats at another restaurant, but remember to show respect by getting a dish or two from where you are at too.
Embrace the Table Sharing Culture
Given the lack of space, table sharing is almost mandatory at any street food destination. Don’t feel offended if your conversation is overheard by the strangers sitting right next to you. Instead, be open to the possibility to find common ground and become a temporary dining partner with them.
Patience Is Really A Virtue
When some restaurants reach their full capacity, you might have to wait behind those eating at the table and take their seats as they leave. It’s a delicate matter: you should gesture to the fellow waiting diners that you are going to take the particular seats in front of you and not post any disturbance to everyone involved. To do this perfectly without raising any dispute is surely a skill that takes some practice.
Table sharing is more than usual in a street eatery, and it’s far from uncommon that strangers become fast friends through sitting side by side, chatting away at a meal.
Dress Code
Considering the small size of the restaurants, it’s advised to keep your attire simple, carry minimal belongings, and keep materials that are hard to clean away. In other words, save your designer dress or suede handbag for another occasion. While eating noodles, ladies who have long hair will have an easier time with the hair tied.
Hygiene Considerations
Cleanliness is not a top priority for some street restaurants. While dealing with the utensils, you can take the situation into your own hands. Ask for a large bowl of hot tea or water to clean the serving ware, or bring your own tissues or cleaning wipes.
Where to Look?
Street food can be found in any corner of the city, and every Hong Kong diner has some secret spots they frequent. Wan Chai, Mong Kok, Tsim Sha Tsui, Sham Shui Po and Kwun Tong have the highest concentration of shops. Get recommendations from those who live or work in that particular area.
Considering the small size of the restaurants, it’s advised to keep your attire simple, carry minimal belongings, and keep materials that are hard to clean away. In other words, save your designer dress or suede handbag for another occasion. While eating noodles, ladies who have long hair will have an easier time with the hair tied.
Hygiene Considerations
Cleanliness is not a top priority for some street restaurants. While dealing with the utensils, you can take the situation into your own hands. Ask for a large bowl of hot tea or water to clean the serving ware, or bring your own tissues or cleaning wipes.
Where to Look?
Street food can be found in any corner of the city, and every Hong Kong diner has some secret spots they frequent. Wan Chai, Mong Kok, Tsim Sha Tsui, Sham Shui Po and Kwun Tong have the highest concentration of shops. Get recommendations from those who live or work in that particular area.
This story was originally written by Clarence Chan and translated by Vincent Leung. Click here for the original version of the story.
