3 Hong Kong Dining Habits That Surprise Travelers (But Locals Love!)
- MASX
- 6 hours ago
- 2 min read
Hong Kong is full of unforgettable food experiences — dim sum carts, roast goose, egg tarts, milk tea… But one of the most charming parts of dining in Hong Kong isn’t just the food. It’s the local habits and customs that make the city’s culture so unique!
Here are three everyday Hong Kong dining traditions that often surprise (and delight!) travelers.
1. Table Sharing — A Very Hong Kong Solution to Crowded Cities
In Hong Kong, space is limited and restaurants fill up fast — especially in cha chaan tengs and dim sum shops. So instead of waiting for an empty table, locals simply share. This is called “daap toi” (搭枱).
What to expect:
You sit with strangers
No need to talk (don’t worry!)
Everyone minds their own meal
It’s efficient, friendly, and totally normal
Locals do this every day!
Why tourists love it:
Once you get used to it, table sharing feels warm — like you’ve joined a city that eats together.
2. The Double-Tap Tea Gesture — A Silent “Thank You”
When someone refills your tea at a dim sum restaurant, don’t just sit there quietly. Locals show gratitude by tapping two fingers on the table. Tap-tap = “Thank you!”
The meaning:
According to Cantonese tradition, the finger tap represents a bow.Instead of interrupting conversation, this small gesture says thanks politely and quickly.
When to use it:
When someone pours you tea
When the kettle is refilled
When a server tops you up
It’s simple, respectful, and fun to learn — and locals love when visitors try it!
3. The Hot Tea Rinse — Cleaning Cups & Chopsticks Before Eating
First-time visitors are often confused when they see locals:
Pour hot tea into bowls
Rinse the chopsticks and cups
Swirl everything around
Then dump it into a waste bowl
No, they’re not making soup.They’re doing the traditional utensil cleansing ritual.
Why they do it:
It started as a hygiene habit from old-style restaurants
It shows mindfulness and cleanliness
It’s now cultural, even though restaurants are clean today
Should tourists do it?
You can, but you don’t have to.If you want to blend in like a true Hongkonger — give it a try!
Why These Customs Make Hong Kong Special
These habits might seem surprising at first, but they reflect what Hong Kong is all about:
✨ Fast-paced efficiency
✨ Respectful communication
✨ Practical daily life
✨ Tradition mixed with modernity
Whether you're sharing a table with friendly strangers, giving a quick tea-tap thank you, or rinsing chopsticks with steaming oolong… You’re experiencing Hong Kong exactly the way locals do.
Embrace the Culture, Enjoy the Meal
Hong Kong’s dining culture isn’t just about eating delicious food — it’s about the small rituals that bring people together.
So on your next visit:
Don’t be afraid to share a table
Tap your fingers to say thanks
And watch the tea rituals unfold like a dance