Where to Get the Best Taro Desserts in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a city that never sleeps, especially when it comes to food. While dim sum and egg tarts often steal the spotlight, there’s another superstar quietly winning hearts: taro. With its earthy sweetness and stunning purple hue, taro has become a cornerstone of Hong Kong’s vibrant dessert scene. From traditional tong sui (sweet soup) to modern fusion creations, the city offers an incredible range of taro-infused delights. For travelers with a sweet tooth, hunting for the best taro desserts isn’t just a culinary adventure—it’s a way to experience the city’s culture, history, and innovative spirit.

Why Taro is a Must-Try in Hong Kong

Taro, known as wu tau in Cantonese, has been a staple in Southern Chinese cuisine for centuries. In Hong Kong, it’s more than just an ingredient—it’s a cultural icon. You’ll find it in savory dishes like taro cakes and steamed puffs, but its real magic shines in desserts. The natural sweetness and creamy texture of taro make it perfect for everything from pastries to icy treats. For visitors, trying taro desserts is a delicious way to connect with local traditions while exploring the city’s dynamic neighbourhoods.

The Rise of Taro in Modern Dessert Culture

In recent years, taro has experienced a renaissance. Social media platforms like Instagram have turned vibrant purple desserts into viral sensations, drawing both locals and tourists to cafes and dessert shops across the city. This trend isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about flavour innovation. Hong Kong’s chefs are masters at balancing tradition with creativity, offering everything from classic taro mochi to taro lava toast. For food-loving travellers, this means an endless array of photogenic and delicious options to discover.

Top Neighbourhoods for Taro Dessert Hunting

Yau Ma Tei: The Heart of Tradition

Yau Ma Tei is where old Hong Kong comes alive. Here, you’ll find family-run shops that have been serving traditional desserts for decades. A must-visit is Guang Dong Lao Hao, a tiny spot known for its taro sago soup—a warm, comforting bowl of creamy taro puree with sago pearls. Another iconic place is Yee Shun Milk Company, which offers a surprising twist: taro flavored steamed milk pudding. The texture is silky smooth, with a subtle earthy sweetness that keeps customers coming back.

Causeway Bay: Trendy and Innovative

For those who prefer modern twists, Causeway Bay is the place to be. This shopping and entertainment hub is packed with dessert cafes that push boundaries. Happy Dessert is a local favorite, famous for its taro ball shaved ice. Towering bowls of fluffy ice are drenched in taro syrup and topped with chewy homemade taro balls, fresh fruit, and condensed milk. It’s a shareable masterpiece that’s as Instagrammable as it is delicious. Another standout is Lady M, where you can indulge in a slice of taro mille crêpes—layers of delicate crepe and taro-infused cream that melt in your mouth.

Sheung Wan: Where East Meets West

Sheung Wan has become a hotspot for fusion cuisine, and desserts are no exception. Bubble Lab offers a unique taro bubble waffle—a Hong Kong street food classic reimagined with taro batter and stuffed with taro ice cream and mochi. The contrast between the crispy waffle and cold ice cream is pure magic. For something more refined, head to Teakha, a cozy tea house that serves taro matcha cheesecake. The combination of earthy taro and bitter matcha is unexpectedly harmonious.

Mong Kok: Street Food Paradise

No food tour of Hong Kong is complete without a visit to Mong Kok. This bustling area is famous for its street stalls and casual eateries. Here, you can grab taro fish balls—a savory-sweet snack that’s deep-fried to perfection. For dessert, don’t miss Hui Lau Shan, a chain specializing in fresh fruit and taro desserts. Their taro mango combo is legendary: layers of taro puree, fresh mango, and coconut milk create a tropical delight that’s both refreshing and satisfying.

Must-Try Taro Desserts and Where to Find Them

Taro Balls (Yuan Zi)

These chewy, QQ-textured balls are a hallmark of Taiwanese influence in Hong Kong desserts. Made from steamed taro and sweet potato starch, they’re often served in soups or shaved ice. The best place to try them is BlackBall in Causeway Bay. Their taro ball series includes options with grass jelly, red beans, and taro chunks—a hearty dessert that feels like a meal in itself.

Taro Paste (Wu Tau Wu)

Smooth, velvety taro paste is a classic Cantonese dessert, often served warm with ginkgo nuts or coconut milk. For an authentic experience, visit Honeymoon Dessert in Tsim Sha Tsui. Their steamed taro paste with sago is rich but not overly sweet, allowing the natural flavour of taro to shine. It’s comfort food at its finest.

Taro Ice Cream

Creamy and vibrant, taro ice cream is a popular treat, especially during Hong Kong’s humid summers. Gelato-go in Sheung Wan offers artisanal taro ice cream made with real taro chunks. The flavour is intense and natural, without artificial coloring. For a nostalgic twist, look for street vendors selling taro soft serve in egg waffle cones—a perfect snack while exploring the city.

Taro Pastries

Hong Kong’s bakeries are famous for their innovations, and taro pastries are a prime example. Tai Cheong Bakery offers a taro egg tart that combines the flakiness of a traditional tart with a creamy taro filling. Another must-try is the taro puff from Xiang Gang Ji Dan Dan, a fluffy pastry filled with sweet taro paste. These are great for on-the-go eating while sightseeing.

Tips for Taro Dessert Hopping in Hong Kong

• Timing Matters: Many traditional dessert shops close early, around 10 PM, while modern cafes may stay open until midnight. Plan accordingly.
• Share Portions: Dessert portions in Hong Kong are often generous. Sharing allows you to try more varieties without overindulging.
• Explore Night Markets: Places like Temple Street Night Market offer unique taro snacks late into the evening, combining dessert hunting with cultural immersion.
• Use Public Transport: MTR stations are conveniently located near most dessert hotspots, making it easy to hop between neighbourhoods.

Beyond Desserts: Taro in Hong Kong’s Food Culture

While desserts are the main attraction, taro appears in many savory local dishes. Taro dumplings (wu tau gow) are a dim sum favorite, featuring steamed taro paste wrapped around savory fillings. Another classic is taro rice, where glutinous rice is cooked with taro and Chinese sausage. For travelers interested in a deeper culinary exploration, these dishes offer a fuller understanding of how taro is woven into the fabric of Hong Kong’s food identity.

A Sweet Journey Through the City

Hong Kong’s taro dessert scene is a reflection of the city itself: traditional yet innovative, local yet global. Whether you’re wandering through the historic streets of Yau Ma Tei or the trendy alleys of Sheung Wan, there’s always a new taro delight waiting to be discovered. So grab a spoon, follow the purple trail, and let your taste guide you through one of the world’s greatest food cities.