Hong Kong is renowned for its succulent roast goose, a Cantonese delicacy that combines crispy skin, tender meat, and a sweet-sour plum sauce. This beloved dish has been a staple of the city’s culinary scene for decades, with many restaurants vying for the title of best roast goose in town. In this guide, we’ll take you on a journey to discover the top places to indulge in this mouth-watering delicacy.

A Michelin-Starred Institution: Yat Lok Roast Goose

Yat Lok has been a Michelin-starred institution since 1957, and its Central branch continues to draw crowds. This iconic restaurant is famous for its crispy-skinned roast goose and tender meat. Anthony Bourdain once praised it, calling the dish “the best roast goose I’ve ever had.” The goose drumstick over rice or noodles is a must-try at Yat Lok.

A Modern Twist on a Classic: Ho Lee Fook

Ho Lee Fook offers a unique take on the traditional roast goose. The goose is marinated in a brine of star anise, ginger, and peppercorns before being roasted to perfection. This innovative approach results in a complex, flavorful dish that’s unlike anything else in town. If you’re looking for something new and exciting, Ho Lee Fook is the place to go.

The Perfect Blend: Kam’s Roast Goose

Kam’s earned its Michelin star within four months of opening, and it’s easy to see why. The goose is roasted in a gas oven, resulting in juicy meat and slightly less crispy skin. This balance of flavors is what makes Kam’s roast goose stand out from the rest. Try the roast goose over rice for an authentic experience.

The Smoky Delight: Yung Kee

Yung Kee has been serving up its signature smoked geese since 1942, making it one of Hong Kong’s oldest and most revered restaurants. The meat is infused with a unique fragrance that sets it apart from other roast goose dishes in town. Don’t miss their century egg and plum sauce – they’re the perfect accompaniments to your meal.

The Hidden Gem: Yue Kee Roast Goose Restaurant

Located in Sham Tseng, Yue Kee uses geese from its own farm in Guangdong. The birds are roasted in charcoal ovens, creating smoky, crispy skin and juicy meat. It’s a trek out to this quiet neighborhood, but trust us – it’s worth the trip for this iconic dish.

A Taste of Tradition: Joy Hing Roasted Meat

Joy Hing has been around since the last century, making it one of Hong Kong’s oldest and most respected establishments. This family-owned restaurant is known for its traditional roasting techniques, which result in tender and flavorful meat that’s simply divine. Try the “Three-Treasure Rice” for a mix of roast meats – you won’t be disappointed.

The Unassuming Champion: Chan Kee Restaurant

Sham Tseng’s Chan Kee is a no-frills eatery that serves up one of the city’s best roast geese. The skin is bronzed to perfection, with crispy edges giving way to tender meat beneath. This unassuming restaurant may not have all the frills and thrills of its competitors, but it more than makes up for it in terms of flavor.

The High-End Option: Duddell’s

For a more upscale experience, head to Duddell’s in Central. This renowned restaurant sources geese from Foshan and roasts them to perfection. The result is crispy skin and tender meat that’s served with a side of sweet-sour plum sauce – the perfect accompaniment to your meal.

Tips for Enjoying Roast Goose

When it comes to enjoying roast goose, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, be prepared to order a quarter, half, or whole goose, depending on your appetite and preferences. Pair it with rice or noodles for a complete meal – trust us, you won’t go hungry. Secondly, timing is everything when it comes to roast goose. Popular spots like Yat Lok and Kam’s often have long queues, so visit during off-peak hours if possible.

Lastly, don’t forget to dip your goose in the sweet-sour plum sauce for an authentic experience. This may seem like a no-brainer, but trust us – it’s a game-changer.