What to eat in Hong Kong in September: 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.
September transitions from late summer to autumn. Early in the month is still hot and typhoon-prone, but conditions improve by mid-month. The Mid-Autumn Festival lights up the city with lanterns and dragon dances.
Pro tips for visiting Hong Kong in September
Early September can still see typhoons—keep an eye on forecasts and have indoor plans.
The Mid-Autumn Festival brings lantern displays and the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance—arrive early for the best spots.
Crowds increase around festival dates, so book accommodations and event tickets in advance.
Weather becomes more comfortable by late month, ideal for outdoor exploration.
Mooncakes are a seasonal treat—try different flavors at local bakeries.
Hong Kong in September at a glance
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Weather
Maximum temperature: 30°C
Minimum temperature: 26°C
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Daylight
Around 12 hours 10 minutes of daylight
Sunrise: 6:10am
Sunset: 6:20pm
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Key events
Mid-Autumn Festival, Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance, Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival, Green Hong Kong Film Festival
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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
Light layers, umbrella, camera for lanterns, insect repellent, sunblock.
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Seasonal treats
Mooncakes at Kee Wah Bakery, lantern-shaped pastries, street snacks at festival carnivals
Festivals and events in Hong Kong this September 2026
On the evening of Mid-Autumn, families gather under the full moon to share mooncakes and carry lanterns. Parks and promenades feature themed displays, with Victoria Park traditionally hosting one of the most elaborate. It is a photogenic night, but expect very heavy foot traffic around main lantern areas and transport hubs.
For three nights around Mid-Autumn, villagers in Tai Hang perform a UNESCO-listed fire dragon dance. A long straw dragon studded with burning incense winds through narrow streets accompanied by drums and firecrackers. Spectator areas are crowded and smoky, so arrive early, wear closed shoes and be ready for brief road closures nearby.
For roughly two weeks from late September, a large marquee at Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel recreates a Bavarian beer tent with German bands, food and imported beer. It is popular with residents and visitors, especially on Friday and Saturday nights. Tickets and table reservations are essential for peak sessions.
From late September through October, both major theme parks add seasonal Halloween programming. Ocean Park emphasizes haunted houses and scare zones, while Disneyland offers family-friendly costumes and themed shows. Evening tickets and priority passes are popular, and weekend nights can feel more like peak-season Saturdays than shoulder season.
Over several evenings, the Wine & Dine Festival gathers wineries, breweries and food vendors at Central Harbourfront. Visitors purchase tasting tokens to sample international wines and local dishes against a skyline backdrop. It is popular after work and on weekends, so entry queues and busy MTR carriages are common at peak times.
This niche festival screens documentaries and films on environmental themes at arthouse venues like Broadway Cinematheque. Post‑film discussions with NGOs or filmmakers are common. It is suited to visitors with a strong interest in sustainability and who prefer smaller, quieter cinemas over blockbuster multiplexes.
Plan ahead: must-visit experiences for Hong Kong in September
