7 Hong Kong desserts you need on your buds

Forget the Michelin-starred meals in Hong Kong! For us, it's all about the dessert platter afterwards that's the most important.

An array of classic Hong Kong desserts Source: Instagram/pandali7788

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1. Milk pudding (雙皮奶)

Soft silky puddings are prized in Cantonese cuisine, and milk puddings have acquired quite a fan base in Hong Kong! Set with egg whites, these bowls of snowy-white custards can be had plain, or flavoured lightly with ginger syrup.

2. Red bean soup (紅豆沙)

If you're a fan of the azuki bean desserts, then you'll love red bean soup. Literally translating to "red bean sand", red bean is basically cooked in water and sugar until it breaks down into a thick, lava-like mush. Variations are also commonly available - pumpkin, lotus seeds and ginkgo can be added for a more satisfying dessert.

3. Black sesame soup (芝麻糊)

Have we mentioned that we really like soups? Black sesame is also ground and cooked into a thick paste, and this rich, black bowl can be had at any time from breakfast to a little after-dinner somethin'-somethin'. If you're a black sesame super-fan, you'll probably be able to finish the bowl on your own, or you could also order this mixed with the milder almond paste dessert, for a little yin-yang deliciousness!

Hong Kong Day Dessert

Shop 8, 405-411 Sussex St, (Enter from, Little Hay St, Sydney NSW 2000

4. Egg tarts (蛋撻)

You didn't think we'd talk about sweets from Hong Kong without mentioning egg tarts, did you? Whether you love the ones with puff pastry, shortcrust pastry, or the Portuguese versions that are popular in Macau, there's no denying that a box of these marigold-yellow tarts is a must-eat when in Hong Kong!

5. Sweet silken tofu (豆腐花)

There's no better argument for the versatility of tofu than having it for both your main and your dessert. This tofu is usually served from large steaming barrels and topped with fragrant ginger syrup.

6. Glutinous rice balls (湯圓)

Traditionally served at a family table to signify togetherness and union, these chewy little dumplings come plain (and in cute colours like pastel pink and green), or filled with flavours like black sesame, peanut, salted egg yolk, and chocolate!

7. Mango pudding with sago and pomelo (楊枝甘露)

At yum cha, the typical 'safe' dessert to order for a child would be the mango pudding. Creamy pudding set in a cup or glass would often be topped with a drizzle of evaporated milk. This variation brings the classic dessert to a whole new grown-up level: sago pearls and a fresh citrus hit of pomelo add another level of flavour to this summer classic. 

The Dessert KitchenShop1/78 Harbour St, Haymarket NSW 2000