How to Set Up a Street Food Vendor Business in Hong Kong

August 6, 2025

If you’re aiming to establish a street food vendor business, then Hong Kong is the ideal location for you. Hong Kong is one of the most dynamic cities with numerous opportunities for street food entrepreneurs. It is home to a large number of foreigners and local residents. Whether you serve local favourites like siu mai or global specialities with a twist, Hong Kong accepts everything with open arms.

This guide will help you successfully launch a street food vendor business in Hong Kong. All the essential steps to set up the business are discussed in great detail in this article. You will also learn how to obtain a Hawker License in Hong Kong and a Food Truck Permit in Hong Kong. By the end of this article, you will be fully prepared to integrate AI business tools in Hong Kong’s business operations and connect with AI Startups HK for ordering systems.

How to Set Up a Street Food Vendor Business in Hong Kong

Understanding Hong Kong’s Street Food Scene

Hong Kong’s streets are filled with street food stalls. It is known for its food stalls, commonly referred to as Dai Pai Dongs. These are open-air food stalls that serve a diverse range of local and global dishes. Dai Pai Dongs are an essential part of Hong Kong’s culture and cuisine, offering a variety of exquisite dishes, including barbecue meat, noodles, and seafood. They can vary from low-tech food stands to modern food stalls.

Hong Kong is fast changing in its street food industry. The government has introduced regulations and laws aimed at assisting new vendors and regulating street food in Hong Kong. Although traditional licenses are rare these days, traditional-style food stalls remain an integral part of Hong Kong’s culinary scene.

Is starting a street food business in Hong Kong still a viable option?

The simple answer to this question is yes. Entrepreneurs can enter the street food landscape through markets like cooked food centres and food stalls. They are permitted to apply for temporary licenses to run a food stall legally in Hong Kong. However, starting a street food business in Hong Kong is highly competitive. Entrepreneurs have to come up with innovative ideas to attract customers.

Steps to Start a Street Food Vendor Business in Hong Kong

Entrepreneurs must follow a specific set of steps to establish a street food vendor business in Hong Kong. These steps are given below.

Step 1: Navigating Regulations & Rules

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) is the key authority responsible for managing street food activities in Hong Kong. Moreover, to start the street food business, you are required to comply with the street food regulations in HK and obtain various licences.

Hawker Licenses: The Fixed-Pitch Hawker license is for establishing a permanent site, while the Itinerant license is for a trolley that can be taken on the streets. The Temporary license needs to be obtained for specific events.
Food Business Licenses: Multiple Food Business Licenses are required for setting up a market stall. You can use stalls inside markets and public vendor areas by obtaining the necessary Food Business Licenses.
Food Truck Scheme: The Food Truck Scheme is a newer, competitive, and separate route to enter the street food market. It enables certified trucks to operate in designated zones.

Applicant status and high food hygiene standards are important requirements for getting the licenses. Although, applicants are required to complete the application form and attach all necessary documents, along with the business plan. Moreover, the food stall must meet strict hygiene and safety standards to operate for an extended period.

Do I need a license to operate a hawker stall in Hong Kong?

Yes, you are required to have a license to operate a hawker stall in Hong Kong. If you want to operate a hawker stall in Hong Kong without facing regulatory challenges or legal charges, then obtaining a license is essential.

Step 2: Gaining Permission (Application Process)

Obtaining the new traditional licenses might be very difficult in Hong Kong. Moreover, there is intense competition to get a hawker license. Some common alternatives to the hawker license are as follows.

FEHD Cooked Food Centres/Markets: You can rent existing spaces and stalls in these centres to start a street food business.
Temporary Bazaars/Events: Entrepreneurs can obtain specific temporary licenses for weekends, festivals, or events to operate a street food stall during these times.
Food Truck Scheme: The application process for this scheme is quite competitive. Businesses are required to submit the application, prepare their vehicle accordingly, create a food quality plan, and comply with safety standards to enjoy the benefits of this scheme.

The general steps of the application process are mentioned below:

Document Preparation: The FEHD requires several documents, including a food business registration certificate, proof of a food safety course, proposed menus, and photographs of your hawker stall.
FEHD Submission: After completing the application form, please submit it to the FEHD along with the supporting documents and the license fee.
Inspection: Hong Kong authorities may conduct various inspections, including those of the kitchen, truck, fire safety, utilities, and hygiene.

What is the process for getting a food hawker license in Hong Kong?

The process of obtaining a food hawker license generally involves seeking existing vacancies, market stalls, or specific schemes. Because, once you locate an existing vacancy, you can apply for the license by submitting the application form to the FEHD and arranging for your business to be inspected.

Step 3: Financial Planning & Costs

The cost of starting a food stall in Hong Kong depends on several factors. Similarly, the earnings from a street food vendor business also depend on the same factors. These factors are location, menu, and efficiency. However, the earnings from the food stalls can provide a decent living for family operations.

The initial costs of setting up a stall may vary depending on the location, equipment, and staff. However, the major expenses include licenses, equipment, initial inventory, rent, and insurance.

How much does it cost to start a hawker stall business in Hong Kong?

The cost of starting a hawker stall in Hong Kong varies depending on the type and scale of the stall. It generally ranges from tens to hundreds of thousands HKD due to the rent, licenses, and equipment.

Step 4: Maximizing Profitability

For street food profitability in HK, entrepreneurs are required to consider a few things.

Menu & Pricing: Street food vendors should focus on high-margin items and popular products. They can leverage competitive pricing to bring more customers into the business.
Efficiency: Businesses should focus on streamlining the preparation, inventory management, and fast services. This enhances customer satisfaction.
Location: For maximum profits, entrepreneurs can choose a location with high foot traffic, such as tourist spots or office zones.
Technology: Businesses can adopt digital payments to offer customers added convenience.
Branding: Businesses need to create a social media presence to build a brand. After all, they can use a catchy stall name and logo to create a unique identity for the stall.

Ready to Set Up Your Stall?

Starting a street food vendor business in Hong Kong is challenging, but it is possible with proper planning and adherence to regulations. FEHD knowledge, financial management, and operational efficiency are vital to running the business smoothly. If you are interested in starting a street food business in Hong Kong, you can contact Startupr. It is one of the most popular business service providers in Hong Kong, offering a wide range of services. The incorporation services of Startupr can help you set up a business and operate it without any regulatory challenges.

Begin your culinary journey with careful preparation. Contact Startupr and live your dreams!

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

How to start a food business in HK?

Obtain the proper licence (hawker, market stall, or food truck), register your business, pass FEHD inspections, and set up food hygiene measures.

Can foreigners start a business in Hong Kong?

Yes. There is no residency requirement for starting a business in Hong Kong.

What is the cost of setting up a business in Hong Kong?

The cost of setting up a business in Hong Kong depends on various factors, including location, equipment, rent, scale, and type. License requirements can also impact the cost of establishing a business.

Are food vendors legal in Hong Kong?

Yes. The government has introduced the food truck scheme, which makes them legal with approved food truck permits in Hong Kong.