Those who grew up in the 852 will know these iconic Hong Kong snacks by taste alone. Take a trip down memory lane with these nostalgic munchies!
Hong Kong is well-known for its amazingly indulgent street food, hot pot restaurants, and Cantonese desserts. But have you tried these iconic Hong Kong snacks? As childhood staples for all those who grew up in Hong Kong, these irresistible munchies have accompanied us through the highs and lows (and pre-deadline all-nighters!). Let our guide help you recall your fondest memories, or introduce you to the wonderful world of simple, authentic Hong Kong treats.
Hong Kong snacks that everyone knows and loves
1. Four Seas Biscuit Sticks
Four Seas Biscuit Sticks have been a favourite amongst kids since they made their entrance into Hong Kong’s snack market. These sticks might look rather plain on the outside, but they actually manage to contain the ultimate combo of crunch and savouriness in neat little packages. They come in a tomato flavour, too, but we all know the original flavour is the bomb!
2. Koala’s March
Originating in Japan, Koala’s March is one of the most iconic Hong Kong snacks and is a firm favourite of Team Honeycombers to this day. Crunchy, koala-shaped (and koala-stamped!) biscuits are filled with smooth chocolate on the inside. Needless to say, these were (and still are) all the buzz among the little ones in the playground. WIth a range of flavours like strawberry chocolate and double chocolate, Koala’s March also puts out unique seasonal flavours at different times during the year.
3. Dried shredded squid or fish
Here’s a Hong Kong snack that truly resonates with locals of all ages. Not only is this savoury treat a fave amongst children, but you’ll also see adults enjoying dried shredded squid or fish with a beer in hand. And it’s easy to see the appeal: flavourful fish air-dried (or roasted) to chewy goodness – what’s not to love? Even if you’re not a fan of seafood, we reckon you should still give this a try.
4. Meiji Gummy Choco
Also hailing from Japan, Meiji Gummy Choco is still at the top of the game today when it comes to nostalgic Hong Kong snacks. Basically a chocolate-coated chewy gummy, the most common flavours of this bite-sized treat are muscat grapes and strawberry. Trust us when we say Meiji Gummy Choco is a crowd favourite – kids (and sometimes even adults!) swamp to whoever has the tube, like bees to honey.
5. Mamee Noodles
Anyone growing up in the 852 will remember Mamee Noodles and its blue mascot (whom we see as a quirky combo of Cookie Monster and Sulley from Monsters, Inc). This iconic treat is best enjoyed uncooked – and we argue it’s the only way to consume it because, trust us, the cooked version is far from appetising. Simply crunch up your noods, sprinkle in the flavour pack, then shake it up thoroughly to coat the noodle bits with all the MSG goodness. Considered a “forbidden” Hong Kong snack by many parents due to its addictiveness, Mamee Noodles remains a source of guilty pleasure for us, even till today.
6. Dried plums
Known locally as waa mui (話梅), dried plums may not be the most popular amongst kids or adults, but they’re definitely one of the OG snacks in Hong Kong. They have a complex flavour profile that spans from salty to sweet to sour. As such, it’s usually an acquired taste and enjoyed by the older generation. That being said, its unique tanginess is surprisingly good for relieving nausea and improving the appetite, making it a household and travelling staple for many.
7. White Rabbit candy
The White Rabbit candy is another Hong Kong snack that traverses generations. This milk candy has a creamy, taffy-like texture and comes wrapped in a thin sheet of rice paper (which is also edible, BTW). Apart from the original vanilla, exciting new flavours such as matcha, coffee, and lychee have been introduced in recent years. Many classic Hong Kong movies and TV shows feature White Rabbit candy as a prop, too. So, look out for the iconic red, white, and blue wrapping during your next binge!
8. Haw flakes
While often administered as a sweet relief for the lingering bitterness of liang cha and traditional Chinese medicine, haw flakes are also a popular snack that can be consumed on the regular. Made from Chinese hawthorn fruits, this treat usually comes as small, thin discs, wrapped in neon pink, green, and yellow packaging. Though this Hong Kong snack has not made us playground-famous, its sweet and tangy flavour has certainly got us hooked!
9. Ginbis Animal Biscuits
Another beloved Hong Kong snack is Ginbis Animal Biscuits. This Japanese import just hits different from its international counterparts. Not only are these biscuits shaped like adorable animals, but each of them also comes imprinted with the animal’s English name, so the little ones (and English students) can learn while they eat! Ginbis Animal Biscuits are offered in a range of flavours, but we think the seaweed is best.
10. Sachima
Known locally as maa zai (馬仔), sachima is a sweet and chewy traditional Hong Kong snack. Don’t be fooled by its simple appearance – making sachima by hand includes a laborious process of working, cutting, frying, and tossing dough in thick syrup. You don’t have to be a discerning sachima fan to be able to taste the difference between handmade and factory-made variants!
