Hong Kong’s beloved street snack gets a fresh spotlight — UFOOD has scoured the city to bring readers a curated list of five essential curry fish ball shops, spanning Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories. Whether you crave a classic spicy-sweet curry or an inventive tangerine-peel twist, these local gems promise that iconic, bouncy bite for just a few dollars a skewer.
Why Curry Fish Balls Matter
For generations, the humble curry fish ball has been the quintessential Hong Kong street food — affordable, portable, and packed with flavour. A skewer of springy fish balls drenched in a glossy, aromatic curry sauce is comfort on a stick. The shops below have earned their reputations through years of loyal customers, secret family recipes, and queues that snake around the block.
1. Yudan Lo (魚蛋佬) – Sai Wan Ho
Hidden inside Tai On Building, this decade-old stall draws a nightly crowd that spills onto the pavement. The star attraction is a secret satay sauce — a blend of over 20 ingredients prepared daily, free of preservatives, offering a rich, mildly sweet heat with a hint of spice. The fish balls themselves are delightfully bouncy, and prices start at just HK$7 per skewer. Beyond fish balls, Yudan Lo also serves beef balls, tripe, squid, and sausages, all doused in the same addictive sauce.
Address: Shop A28B, G/F, Tai On Building, 57-87 Shau Kei Wan Road, Sai Wan Ho
Hours: Daily, 6:00 PM – midnight
2. Tung Tak Food Shop (通達食店) – Yau Ma Tei & Mong Kok
A household name for Hong Kong-style curry, Tung Tak serves up fish balls in a golden, glossy sauce that balances spice with a subtle sweetness — distinct from Indian or Thai curries. The fish balls are fresh, firm, and soak up the sauce perfectly. The shop also offers a nostalgic lineup of other street eats: rice noodle rolls, siu mai, fish soup, and even “bowl-shaped” shark fin soup. With two convenient locations, it’s a reliable stop for a quick fix.
Address (Yau Ma Tei): G/F, 48 Pit Street (near MTR exit A2)
Address (Mong Kok): G/F, 172 Fa Yuen Street
Hours: Yau Ma Tei – daily 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM; Mong Kok – daily 9:00 AM – 8:30 PM
3. Dan Wang (旦王) – Mong Kok
Dan Wang’s signature is the “Mala Tangerine-Peel Fish Ball” — a bold fusion that brings together the citrusy fragrance of aged tangerine peel and the numbing heat of Sichuan pepper. The curry base is thick and fiery, coating each firm, chewy fish ball in layers of flavour. This is a shop for those who like their snack with a serious kick. Open late until half past midnight, it’s perfect for a post-dinner treat.
Address (main): G/F, 72 Beat Street, Mong Kok (near MTR exit B3)
Address (second location): G/F, 50 Shantung Street, Mong Kok
Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM – 12:30 AM
4. Keung Kee Snacks (強記小食) – Kwai Fong
Just steps from Kwai Fong MTR station, this bustling stall is a magnet for office workers and locals after work. Keung Kee specialises in small-sized tangerine-peel fish balls — denser and more compact than standard versions. The curry sauce is spicy-sweet with a pronounced citrus note, creating a complex but never cloying taste. Alongside fish balls, try their beef balls, spicy siu mai, and tripe, all served with a house-made sweet-chilli sauce.
Address: Near Exit D, Kwai Fong MTR Station
Hours: Monday – Saturday, 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM (closed Sundays)
5. Chan Kee Fish Balls (陳記魚蛋) – Mong Kok & Sham Shui Po
Chan Kee’s curry sauce is a closely guarded family recipe — rich with spices, subtly sweet, and with a lingering warmth. The sauce clings evenly to the springy fish balls, making every bite intensely flavourful. The tangerine peel adds an extra dimension that locals rave about. With a late-night Mong Kok branch open until 5:00 AM, Chan Kee is the go-to spot for a post-party snack.
Address (Mong Kok): Shop 2A, G/F, 44 Mong Kok Road (near MTR exit B3)
Address (Sham Shui Po): G/F, 114 Yen Chow Street (near MTR exit D2)
Hours: Mong Kok – daily noon–5:00 AM; Sham Shui Po – daily noon–10:00 PM
What’s Next for Hong Kong’s Favourite Snack?
As street-food culture evolves, these five shops prove that the classic curry fish ball remains a beloved staple — adaptable, affordable, and deeply rooted in local identity. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a lifelong resident, these stalls offer a taste of Hong Kong that’s both nostalgic and surprising. Grab a skewer, dip it in the sauce, and join the queue — the flavour is worth the wait.
Prices and hours are subject to change. Always check with the vendor before visiting.