The Ultimate Guide to Hong Kong’s Best Baked Goods

Walk down any street in Hong Kong and you’ll be greeted by the irresistible aroma of freshly baked goods. From iconic egg tarts to buttery pineapple buns, the city’s bakeries offer a mouthwatering mix of East-meets-West flavors, nostalgic textures, and creative modern twists. Whether you’re popping into a local cha chaan teng or joining the queue at a trendy dessert spot, here’s our guide to the most beloved baked treats in Hong Kong.

Egg Tarts (蛋撻)

These golden custard-filled tarts are a must-try. Influenced by both British and Portuguese recipes, Hong Kong’s version features a silky egg custard encased in either a flaky puff pastry or buttery shortcrust shell. You’ll find everything from classic versions to matcha, chocolate, and even bird’s nest-infused takes at bakeries across the city.

📍 Try it at: Tai Cheong Bakery, Central

Pineapple Bun (菠蘿包)

Despite the name, there’s no pineapple inside — the name comes from its sugary, cracked topping that resembles a pineapple’s skin. Often served hot with a thick slab of butter in the middle (known as "bo lo yau"), it’s a cha chaan teng staple and one of the most comforting bites in town.

📍 Try it at: Kam Wah Café, Mongkok

Wife Cake (老婆餅)

A flaky pastry filled with sweet winter melon, almond, and sesame paste, wife cakes are steeped in folklore and beloved for their chewy, lightly sweet interior. Best eaten fresh, they strike the perfect balance between delicate and indulgent.

📍 Try it at: Hang Heung Cake Shop, Yuen Long

Egg Puffs (雞蛋仔)

Also known as egg waffles, these bubble-shaped snacks are cooked to order on street corners and smell as good as they taste. Crispy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside, they now come in a rainbow of flavors like chocolate, matcha, and black sesame.

📍 Try it at: Mammy Pancake, Tsim Sha Tsui

Mooncake (月餅)

Rich, dense, and traditionally eaten during the Mid-Autumn Festival, mooncakes are filled with lotus seed or red bean paste, sometimes with a salted egg yolk center. Today, you’ll also find modern versions with ice cream or custard fillings.

📍 Try it at: Kee Wah Bakery or The Peninsula Boutique

Sausage Bun (腸仔包)

A childhood favorite for many Hongkongers, the sausage bun wraps a savory hotdog in a soft, slightly sweet bun — the city’s answer to a sausage roll. Great for breakfast, lunch, or a quick bite on the go.

📍 Try it at: Any local bakery or Maxim’s Cake Shop

Swiss Roll (瑞士卷)

Light, fluffy, and made fresh daily, the Hong Kong-style Swiss roll is far removed from its pre-packaged counterparts. Common flavors include whipped cream, chocolate, mango, and coffee — all wrapped in a pillowy sponge.

📍 Try it at: Arome Bakery

Milk Bread (奶油包)

Also called Hokkaido milk bread or Pai Bao, this super soft and airy loaf is slightly sweet and often used for sandwiches or eaten plain. Its melt-in-your-mouth texture is what makes it unforgettable.

📍 Try it at: BreadTalk or Kowloon Restaurant

Almond Biscuit (杏仁餅)

Crumbly, nutty, and just sweet enough, almond biscuits are a staple in both Hong Kong and Macau. They're often given as gifts and pair perfectly with tea.

📍 Try it at: Koi Kei Bakery, with branches across the city

Baked Cheese Tart (焗芝士撻)

A recent favourite thanks to Japanese influence, baked cheese tarts are filled with warm, gooey cheese custard in a crispy tart shell. Rich, tangy, and utterly addictive — best eaten warm.

📍 Try it at: BAKE Cheese Tart, various locations

Whether you’re here for a festival or a food crawl, no visit to Hong Kong is complete without sampling its beloved baked goods. Be warned: you may leave with crumbs on your shirt and a new addiction in your heart.