What to eat in Hong Kong in July: 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.
July is peak summer—very hot, humid, and stormy. Thunderstorms are frequent, and the city hosts major sales and indoor festivals. Water-based activities and beaches offer relief from the heat.
Pro tips for visiting Hong Kong in July
Thunderstorms can disrupt outdoor plans—keep flexible and have indoor options ready.
Shopping malls run major sales, drawing local crowds—visit on weekdays for less congestion.
Theme parks host summer events with extended hours—arrive early or late for cooler weather.
Beaches and pools are popular but can be crowded on weekends.
Stay hydrated and avoid strenuous activity during midday heat.
One of Asia’s largest book fairs fills HKCEC with publishers, author talks and children’s activities. Locals flock to buy discounted Chinese and English titles, so weekend sessions are extremely busy. It suits travellers who read Chinese or English and do not mind crowds; weekday mornings are the calmest time to browse the halls.
ACGHK is the city’s main anime, cosplay and gaming expo. Fans queue early for limited-edition figurines, meet artists and watch cosplay contests and e-sports matches. It is very crowded, especially on opening and closing days, so pre-buy tickets if available and be prepared for long waits at popular booths.
All through July, the Hong Kong Film Archive screens classic local films, often with English subtitles. Programmes may spotlight genres such as martial arts, comedies or 1990s drama. Tickets are modestly priced, and it is a practical way for film‑interested visitors to experience Cantonese cinema history in an air‑conditioned setting.
For one summer weekend, the Lan Kwai Fong bar district closes to traffic and fills with beer tents, snack stalls and live bands. It is noisy, dense and oriented toward adults rather than families. Entry to the area is usually free, but drinks and food are purchased from stalls or participating bars at event pricing.
Plan ahead: must-visit experiences for Hong Kong in July
