When it comes to Aberdeen, many people first think of the traditional fishing boats and seafood sampans in the typhoon shelter, but this neighbourhood full of old Hong Kong charm actually hides plenty of street food worth discovering. Located in Hong Kong's Southern District on Hong Kong Island, Aberdeen is one of the most traditional fishing communities in Hong Kong. The food here retains the most authentic Hong Kong flavours, with affordable prices and uncompromised quality, making it a secret hunting ground for discerning food lovers.
The biggest characteristic of Aberdeen's street food is its "接地氣" (down-to-earth nature). There is no commercialised packaging found in tourist areas here - instead, you'll find decades-old reputable stalls and the warmth of human connections. From morning congee and noodle stalls to evening dai pai dong (open-air food stalls), from traditional Chinese desserts to innovative snacks, each dish carries the owner's craftsmanship and neighbourhood memories. Due to its remote location in the Southern District, rents are relatively lower, allowing owners to reinvest savings into food quality - this is why Aberdeen's street food offers such excellent value for money.
When it comes to must-try food in Aberdeen, the first recommendation is "明記潮汕牛丸" (Ming Kee Teochew Beef Balls). This hidden gem in an alley is famous for hand-made beef balls. The owner gets up every day at dawn to make them by hand - the beef balls are springy and juicy, with a sweet and rich broth. A bowl of beef ball noodles costs around HK$35-45, with generous portions, making it a popular breakfast choice for many commuters. The fish balls in the shop are equally excellent, with a crisp texture - a classic taste that has accompanied Hong Kong people through their growth.
The second recommendation is "珍珍大排檔" (Zhen Zhen Dai Pai Dong), a rare Michelin-selected dai pai dong in the Aberdeen area. Their signature dish "招牌乳鴿" (Signature Roast Pigeon) has crispy skin with tender meat, glistening with an enticing sheen. A single pigeon costs about HK$48, perfect paired with an ice-cold beer. The owner couple has been operating for over thirty years, witnessing Aberdeen's transformation. Now the second generation has taken over, yet they still preserve their father's craftsmanship and flavours.
The third not-to-be-missed is "明記糖水店" (Ming Kee Dessert Shop). This dessert shop at the street corner has over forty years of history. Their signature Mango Pomelo Sizzling Rice Soup is creamy and smooth, while the Black Sesame Paste has an aromatic fragrance - each bowl costs only HK$20-25. Every night before closing, long queues form, all seeking this traditional taste. The red bean ice and grass jelly are equally popular - the perfect choice for beating the heat.
If you want to experience a more authentic Aberdeen vibe, visit "洪記海鮮" (Hung Kee Seafood) for their Typhoon Shelter Fried Crab. The essence of this classic Cantonese dish lies in the dry-frying technique that creates wok hei (breath of the wok), sweet crab meat, and rich garlic flavour. A medium portion of Typhoon Shelter Fried Crab costs about HK$280-350, suitable for three to four people to share. The owner personally visits the fish market every day to select fresh crabs - never frozen - ensuring quality.
The final recommendation is "阿婆豆腐花" (Granny's Tofu Pudding), a mobile stall that appears around 3 PM each afternoon near the MTR station. The tofu pudding is silky smooth, served with brown sugar syrup or ginger juice - warming the heart, each bowl costs only HK$12. Granny speaks with a thick Teochew accent, serving the tofu pudding unhurriedly - this scene has become a unique landscape of Aberdeen.
Getting to Aberdeen is very convenient. You can take the MTR South Island Line to Aberdeen Station, Exit A2, and walk about five minutes to reach the main restaurant area. There are multiple bus routes connecting to and from Central, Causeway Bay, and Tsim Sha Tsui, making it very convenient. If you want to experience the most Hong Kong-style transportation, you can also take the tram (叮叮車), traveling southward from Causeway Bay while admiring the urban scenery of Hong Kong Island's Southern District.
The best time to visit Aberdeen is from evening to night. During twilight, you can watch the sunset at the typhoon shelter, seeing fishing boats return one after another, experiencing the peaceful moments of a traditional fishing village. When darkness falls, it's the perfect time for food hunting. The lights of the dai pai dong gradually come on, and the lively night market atmosphere makes your appetite soar. It is recommended to avoid the busy weekend evening periods - the golden time for food tasting is between 7 PM and 9 PM on weekdays.
Tips: Most restaurants in Aberdeen only accept cash, so please prepare sufficient Hong Kong dollars. Most dai pai dong do not accept reservations, so it is recommended to arrive early. Additionally, some older establishments may be closed during public holidays - it is recommended to call ahead to confirm before setting out. If you want to taste a variety of foods in one go, you can choose the "free exploration" method, eating from one end of the street to the other, discovering surprises at every corner.
