The origins of Hong Kong’s iconic egg tart are often debated, with some tracing its roots to British custard tarts and others to Portuguese pastéis de nata. What is certain, however, is that egg tarts became firmly embedded in Hong Kong’s food culture in the 1940s, thanks to cha chaan tengs serving affordable, Western-inspired comfort food. Today, this humble pastry has evolved into countless variations across the city, from classic renditions to modern, creative interpretations. Below are some of the best places to enjoy outstanding egg tarts in Hong Kong.
Hashtag B
Hashtag B is a trendy bakery with several branches across Hong Kong, widely known for its creative approach to classic pastries. Its signature Napoléon egg tart stands out with a flower-shaped puff pastry shell that is light, crisp, and delicately flaky. The custard filling is smooth and refined, offering a gentle egg flavor without being overly sweet. Due to its popularity, freshly baked batches sell out quickly each day.
Bakehouse
Established in 2018, Bakehouse has become one of Hong Kong’s most recognizable artisanal bakeries. Its sourdough egg tart features a laminated, buttery crust with an exceptionally crisp bite, supporting a generous amount of creamy custard. Despite its modest size, the tart delivers rich flavor and texture, making it a must-try for both locals and visitors.
Baker by LUBUDS
Baker by LUBUDS is a boutique bakery in Quarry Bay that blends European baking traditions with Japanese influences. Its egg tart is made with a croissant-style base, topped with a lightly caramelized surface for added depth. Inside, the custard is silky, rich, and indulgent, best enjoyed fresh from the oven during the bakery’s daily baking times.
Shun Hing Restaurant (順興餐廳)
A long-standing cha chaan teng in Kowloon City, Shun Hing Restaurant has been serving classic Hong Kong comfort food for over 40 years. Its egg tarts are simple, affordable, and nostalgic, featuring golden, flaky pastry and a smooth, well-balanced custard. Served warm, they capture the essence of traditional Hong Kong café culture.
Tai Cheong Bakery
Founded in 1954, Tai Cheong Bakery is one of the most famous names associated with Hong Kong egg tarts. Its original version uses a buttery shortcrust pastry shell filled with rich, egg-forward custard and a subtle sweetness. While the bakery now also offers puff pastry versions, its classic cookie-crust egg tart remains a timeless favorite.
Queen Sophie
Created by celebrity singer Sarah Wong, Queen Sophie focuses on premium ingredients and preservative-free baking. Its egg tarts are made with intricately layered puff pastry, resulting in a light yet crisp texture. The custard is smooth and luxurious, and the bakery also offers a Portuguese-style tart for those who enjoy comparing the two iconic styles.
Gold Garden Cafe (金園茶餐廳)
Gold Garden Cafe is a family-run establishment well known for its long queues and loyal following. Its egg tarts are praised for their ultra-flaky, multi-layered puff pastry crust and rich, gently sweet custard filling. The balance of texture and flavor has earned it widespread acclaim among both chefs and food enthusiasts.
Soft Thunder
Soft Thunder is a modern artisanal bakery with locations in Kennedy Town and Wan Chai. Continuously refining its recipe, the bakery’s latest egg tart features a sturdy yet flaky crust made with Japanese flour and premium French butter. The custard combines different types of eggs to achieve a notably silky and rich consistency.
San Hing Bakery & Cakes (生興麵包西餅)
Hidden in Sham Shui Po, San Hing Bakery is a tiny local shop known for producing excellent Hong Kong–style pastries at remarkably low prices. Its egg tarts may look modest, but they offer a light, airy texture with delicate layers and restrained sweetness. Despite their simplicity, they remain a standout example of traditional craftsmanship.
Hong Kong’s egg tart scene reflects the city’s unique blend of tradition and innovation. From historic bakeries to modern artisanal shops, each version tells a story of evolving tastes while preserving a beloved local classic.
