What to eat in Hong Kong in April: Seasonal delicacies
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Dim sum
Dim sum are bite-sized Cantonese dishes, from shrimp dumplings and siu mai to rice rolls and steamed cakes, usually shared over tea in the late morning. Families treat weekend dim sum as a social ritual. Try old-school trolley service at Lin Heung Tea House or budget Michelin baskets at Tim Ho Wan in Sham Shui Po.
Choosing live seafood from tanks and having it cooked to order is a classic Hong Kong experience. In coastal towns like Sai Kung, open‑air restaurants prepare steamed fish, typhoon shelter crab and clams in black bean sauce, while Temple Street’s dai pai dongs focus on stir‑fries. Prices are by weight, so always confirm cost before ordering.
Wonton noodles pair springy egg noodles with shrimp-filled wontons in a clear, fragrant broth made from dried seafood and pork bones. Locals eat it as a quick meal at any time of day. Mak’s Noodle on Wellington Street is a famous stop for compact bowls, while Ho Hung Kee in Causeway Bay offers a more modern, air‑conditioned setting.
Hong Kong-style milk tea blends strong black tea with evaporated milk, served in cha chaan teng diners and paired with snacks like egg tarts, pineapple buns and curry fish balls. Try milk tea with freshly baked egg tarts at Tai Cheong Bakery off Lyndhurst Terrace, then sample skewered fish balls from nearby street stalls in Central or Mong Kok.
Hong Kong’s bar scene ranges from casual craft beer pubs to experimental cocktail dens. Spots like Quinary in Central reinterpret local flavours such as milk tea into modern drinks, while beer bars pour local and imported brews. Prices include a service charge in many venues, and tipping beyond that is optional rather than expected.
Typhoon shelter crab is stir-fried with garlic, chili, and fermented black beans. Originally linked to fishing communities, it is now a staple of Cantonese seafood restaurants. While available year-round, it is commonly eaten during cooler evenings.
The pineapple bun contains no pineapple; its name comes from the crackled sugar crust resembling pineapple skin. Served warm with a thick slice of butter, it is a staple of Hong Kong bakeries and cha chaan teng cafés year-round.
April is warm and humid, with sporadic showers and blooming jacaranda trees. Easter brings local holidays, but tourist crowds remain manageable. Outdoor activities are popular, especially early in the day before the heat builds.
Pro tips for visiting Hong Kong in April
Showers are frequent, so keep an umbrella handy and plan indoor backups.
Easter brings family events at theme parks—book tickets in advance.
Jacaranda blooms add color to city parks and streetscapes.
Start hikes or outdoor sightseeing in the morning to avoid peak heat and humidity.
UV levels rise, so use sun protection even on cloudy days.
Hong Kong in April at a glance
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Weather
Maximum temperature: 26°C
Minimum temperature: 20°C
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Daylight
Around 12 hours 50 minutes of daylight
Sunrise: 5:55am
Sunset: 6:45pm
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Key events
Hong Kong International Flower Show, Tin Hau Festival, Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF), Hong Kong Rugby Sevens
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Crowds
Balanced crowds, with manageable queues and a mix of tourists and local visitors in the city.
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What to pack
Umbrella, sunhat, water bottle, light layers, sunscreen, rain jacket.
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Seasonal treats
Easter egg tarts at bakeries, spring rolls at dim sum, fresh sugarcane juice in Central
Victoria Park becomes a temporary garden with themed floral displays, landscape designs and plant stalls. Amateur photographers and families wander through show gardens and educational exhibits. Weekend afternoons are especially crowded; visiting on a weekday morning offers a slower pace and easier photo opportunities.
On Tin Hau’s birthday, fishing communities honor the sea goddess with temple ceremonies, lion dances and boat blessings. The largest celebration is at Joss House Bay, where worshippers arrive by sea and land. It is an authentic cultural day rather than a tourist show, so expect limited English signage and simple temporary facilities.
HKIFF showcases over 200 films from around the world at cinemas across the city. The 2026 edition marks a significant anniversary with retrospectives, premieres and director Q&As. English subtitles are common on Asian titles, making it accessible to visitors. Tickets for gala screenings sell quickly once the programme is released.
The Hong Kong Sevens is a three-day international rugby tournament and one of the city’s best-known sporting parties. Fast-paced matches run from morning to night at Hong Kong Stadium, especially in the lively South Stand. Tickets sell out quickly, and nearby bars and hotels in Causeway Bay and Wan Chai see higher prices during the event.
During the Easter long weekend, Hong Kong Disneyland and Ocean Park add seasonal family activities such as egg hunts, themed parades and children’s games. Parks extend operating hours and can reach peak capacity. Families should pre-book tickets, arrive early and factor in extra time for transport and queuing at flagship rides.
Hong Kong’s Thai community celebrates Songkran, the Thai New Year, with a small cultural fair in Kowloon City. Visitors encounter water-splashing rituals, Thai food stalls and traditional dance. It is informal and street-based, so comfortable footwear and waterproof bags are sensible if you plan to join the water activities.
Plan ahead: must-visit experiences for Hong Kong in April
