A Guide to Seafood in Sai Kung

2 Mar

Sai Kung, known as the "Seafood Capital" of Hong Kong, is a vibrant coastal town renowned for its fresh and diverse seafood. Situated in the eastern part of the New Territories, this picturesque area offers an incredible range of seafood experiences, from bustling street markets to waterside seafood restaurants. Whether you're a seafood lover or a first-time visitor, Sai Kung is the perfect destination to indulge in Hong Kong's best marine flavors.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to enjoying the finest seafood in Sai Kung:

1. Sai Kung Seafood Street (Seafood Market)

What it is: The heart of Sai Kung's seafood culture lies in its famous Seafood Street. Here, you’ll find vendors selling live seafood ranging from crabs, prawns, and lobsters to clams, octopuses, and more.
Where to find it: The street market is located along the Sai Kung waterfront, with many shops offering tanks filled with live marine life. You can pick your seafood directly from these tanks and have it cooked on-site at a nearby restaurant.
What to try: Choose from a wide variety of shellfish, prawns, or fish. Popular choices include abalone, geoduck (large clam), and fresh lobster. Many visitors opt for "cooking with the chef" services, where you handpick your seafood, and a restaurant prepares it in multiple styles.

2. Fried Crab (蠔皇炒蟹)

What it is: A Sai Kung specialty, fried crab features large, succulent crabs stir-fried with savory, aromatic seasonings and often served with a variety of spices. The crabs are usually cooked with ginger, garlic, and soy sauce.
Where to find it: Almost every seafood restaurant in Sai Kung serves this dish, especially those located along the waterfront.
What to try: Opt for a well-known seafood restaurant like Chuen Kee Seafood or The Seafood Shack, which specializes in fresh crab dishes. Ask for the fried crab with ginger and scallions for a traditional preparation.

3. Seafood Hotpot

What it is: Seafood hotpot is a communal dish where fresh seafood is cooked in a bubbling pot of savory broth. The dish usually includes fish, clams, prawns, and sometimes squid, and is served with a variety of dipping sauces.
Where to find it: Many local restaurants along Sai Kung’s waterfront and nearby streets offer hotpot-style dishes.
What to try: For a truly authentic experience, try the Cantonese-style seafood hotpot that incorporates a blend of fresh seafood and local herbs and spices.

4. Grilled Lobster

What it is: Grilled lobster is another Sai Kung favorite. Often served with butter or garlic sauce, the lobster is perfectly charred, enhancing its natural sweetness and flavor.
Where to find it: Many restaurants along the waterfront grill lobsters to order. You’ll also see many vendors at the market offering the option to have your lobster grilled right there.
What to try: Go for the classic grilled lobster served with a rich garlic butter sauce or opt for a more adventurous version with spicy seasonings or chili.

5. Steamed Fish (清蒸魚)

What it is: Steamed fish is a staple of Cantonese cuisine, and in Sai Kung, it’s a must-try. The fish is steamed with ginger, scallions, and soy sauce, allowing its delicate, fresh flavors to shine.
Where to find it: You can find steamed fish at almost all seafood restaurants in Sai Kung, especially those known for preparing live catches from the market.
What to try: Order the local catch of the day, typically a grouper or snapper, which is known for its tender and flaky texture.

6. Prawn Dishes

What it is: Sai Kung offers a variety of prawn dishes, from simple stir-fried prawns to prawn cocktails and even salted egg yolk prawns. The prawns here are renowned for their sweetness and tenderness.
Where to find it: Prawn dishes are a specialty at many seafood restaurants along the Sai Kung waterfront.
What to try: For a real treat, go for the salted egg yolk prawns, where the prawns are coated in a rich, flavorful salted egg sauce that complements their sweetness perfectly.

7. Abalone (鮑魚)

What it is: Abalone is considered a delicacy in Hong Kong. The soft, tender meat is prized for its delicate flavor and chewy texture. In Sai Kung, abalone is often served steamed, grilled, or stir-fried.
Where to find it: Many seafood restaurants along the waterfront serve fresh abalone.
What to try: A must-try dish is steamed abalone with garlic and ginger, or try it in a stir-fry with vegetables and a light soy sauce.

8. Clams in Broth (蛤蜊湯)

What it is: Clams in broth are a simple yet flavorful dish, where fresh clams are cooked in a clear broth with herbs and spices. The natural sweetness of the clams infuses the broth, making for a light but flavorful dish.
Where to find it: Many Sai Kung seafood restaurants offer clam-based dishes.
What to try: Opt for the clams in a clear herbal broth or try a spicy version if you enjoy a bit of heat.

9. Fish Maw Soup (花膠湯)

What it is: Fish maw, or swim bladder, is a highly prized ingredient in Chinese cuisine. It's often used in soups and stews, providing a gelatinous texture and rich, nourishing broth.
Where to find it: Fish maw soup is a common dish at upscale seafood restaurants in Sai Kung.
What to try: Look for fish maw soup with other seafood additions like scallops, prawns, and abalone for a luxurious experience.

10. Seafood Platter

What it is: For a grand seafood experience, many Sai Kung restaurants offer seafood platters that feature a variety of items such as oysters, lobsters, crabs, prawns, and shellfish, all served on ice or freshly cooked.
Where to find it: Many high-end seafood restaurants along the Sai Kung waterfront offer platters that are perfect for groups or special occasions.
What to try: Go for a mixed seafood platter, which will typically include a variety of fresh raw and cooked seafood, paired with different dipping sauces.

Tips for Enjoying Seafood in Sai Kung

Pick your seafood fresh: Many restaurants in Sai Kung allow you to choose seafood directly from tanks. Be sure to pick the freshest items for the best taste.
Go during weekdays: Weekends can get crowded, especially on holidays. Visiting Sai Kung on a weekday allows for a more relaxed experience and better service.
Try different cooking styles: The chefs in Sai Kung are known for their versatility. Don’t hesitate to try a variety of cooking methods, from steaming and grilling to stir-frying.
Bring cash: While many restaurants accept credit cards, some smaller establishments and seafood markets may only accept cash, so it’s always handy to have some on hand.

Sai Kung is a paradise for seafood lovers, offering an unmatched selection of fresh, local catches prepared in every possible way. From lively street markets to picturesque waterfront restaurants, the variety and quality of seafood in Sai Kung are truly exceptional. Whether you’re in the mood for a simple dish or an extravagant seafood feast, Sai Kung has something to satisfy every palate.

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