Dining in Hong Kong is an experience that is full of etiquette, so there are certain dos and don’ts to follow. For example, it is unacceptable to leave bits of food on your plate, which can be embarrassing for the people hosting you. Another important tip is not to stick your chopsticks vertically into your food. You should also never point your chopsticks at other diners. Finally, never lay your chopsticks across each other while eating. Ideally, you will lay your chopsticks across your plate when you are finished.
If you are dining with a group, it is also important to follow proper table etiquette. In traditional Chinese restaurants, people eat together. They typically sit at long tables of 10 or 12 people, with the food in the middle. The host will often serve each person by using a large spoon or the opposite end of their chopsticks.
You can also save money by ordering set lunches. Most restaurants offer these at a reduced price. Typically, you’ll get an appetizer, main course, and side dish. You can even find some expensive restaurants offering lunch buffets, including Michelin-starred restaurants. Just remember that Hong Kong restaurants have limited space, and if you’re seated at a table for two, you’ll have to share the table with other diners.
While it is customary to tip in Hong Kong, it’s still not necessary to leave a significant amount of money. You can leave a tip if you feel that the service was outstanding. If the service was really excellent, you might want to tip more than usual. If you’d like to tip the driver, round up your fare to an even number and leave a small tip.
Another important tip to remember is to make reservations. You can use the Hong Kong directory or the Hong Kong Dinning Guide to plan your meal. Many restaurants require reservations, especially if you’re dining during lunchtime. You can also call directory enquiries on 108-1 to verify phone numbers. You can also check out which restaurants are accredited under the QTS scheme.
Dim sum is an important part of the Hong Kong dining culture. Hong Kong boasts over 1,000 varieties of these bite-sized dishes, which are often served at teahouses. As with any tradition, dim sum is best enjoyed with a cup of hot tea. The menus include everything from braised chicken feet to shrimp-filled har gao.
Another great Hong Kong dining tip is to try snake soup. It is a delicacy known for its nutritional value and medicinal benefits. It is believed to have originated over 2,000 years ago. Unlike the name, snake soup does not actually resemble a snake at all; it is more of a chicken soup. A good restaurant in Hong Kong serving snake soup is She Wong Lam.
Another great way to experience old Hong Kong is to try dim sum. Whether you prefer Chinese or Cantonese cuisine, dim sum can be a great way to experience Hong Kong cuisine. You can also sample traditional street food, such as pork chop. This is a delicious dish that is often served alongside rice, instant noodles, or cornstarch.