What to eat in Hong Kong in March: Seasonal delicacies
1/7
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.
March brings early spring warmth, with temperatures rising above 20°C. Humidity and fog increase, and the city’s arts season kicks off with festivals and exhibitions. Crowds are moderate, and parks bloom with spring flowers.
Pro tips for visiting Hong Kong in March
Fog and drizzle are common, so pack a rain jacket and check weather before outdoor plans.
Major arts events like Art Basel and the International Film Festival draw visitors—book tickets early.
Parks and gardens are lush with spring blooms, perfect for photography.
Humidity can make days feel warmer—dress in breathable fabrics.
Fewer tourists mean easier access to popular attractions.
For 15 days over Lunar New Year, visitors travel to Lam Tsuen in the New Territories to write wishes on joss paper tied to oranges and symbolically throw them at a wishing tree. The square fills with food stalls, folk performances and lanterns. It is largely free, but allow extra time for transport and expect weekend congestion.
Marking the end of Lunar New Year, the Spring Lantern Carnival lights up Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza and other parks with lantern installations, folk performances and games. Families stroll after dark to view displays and lion dances. It is free, but harbourfront promenades can be extremely busy around the lantern finale.
Across four weeks, the Hong Kong Arts Festival presents opera, orchestral concerts, theatre and dance at major venues. International companies appear alongside leading local artists. Tickets for headline shows can sell out, especially weekends, so book early if you want specific productions or good seats in the Cultural Centre or City Hall.
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.
Art Basel’s Hong Kong edition brings leading galleries from Asia, Europe and the Americas to HKCEC. Collectors, curators and art professionals attend, and the fair also features public talks and installations. Tickets often have timed entry slots; casual visitors may prefer less crowded weekday sessions to explore booths at a slower pace.
Each November, the Tourism Board launches Great Outdoors Hong Kong to promote hiking and coastal trips through maps, themed routes and guided walks. Between late 2026 and early 2027, expect extra signage and occasional free guided hikes to locations such as Dragon’s Back or geopark islands. Spots on guided walks usually require advance sign-up.
Plan ahead: must-visit experiences for Hong Kong in March
