Household items

Aluminium Foil

An opaque metal foil, commonly called 錫紙 in Hong Kong, that must not be used in a microwave oven.

3 identity clues

Opaque metal foil
Silver and easily creased
Package states aluminium or aluminum foil

Reading language:

Names in other languages

繁體中文: 錫紙
English: Aluminium Foil
Bahasa Indonesia: Aluminium Foil (錫紙)
Tagalog: Aluminum Foil (錫紙)

Name in Cantonese (Jyutping): sek3 zi2

What is it?

Modern household 錫紙 is normally aluminium foil sold on a roll. Food contact and heating uses must follow the package, appliance and cookware instructions.

How to identify it

Look for an opaque silver metallic sheet that creases easily and a box labelled aluminium foil or aluminum foil.

Common confusion

This item

Aluminium Foil

Opaque metal foil
Silver and easily creased
Package states aluminium or aluminum foil

Compare

Cling Film

Clear flexible film
Normally supplied on a roll with a cutter
Food and heating uses are defined by the package

Compare

Baking Paper (Parchment Paper)

Package states food-grade baking use
Opaque or slightly translucent paper, not metal foil
Package gives heat and use limits

How to identify it

Aluminium foil is opaque metal; cling film is clear and flexible; baking paper is opaque food-grade paper.

Common Hong Kong household uses

Wrapping, covering or lining food and containers only as the package permits.

Use & cleaning

Check the oven, cookware and foil instructions. Never place aluminium foil or other metal in a microwave oven.

Storage & care

Keep clean in the original box, with the cutter protected and away from children.

Helper tip

The Hong Kong name literally says tin paper, but the modern household product is normally aluminium. Confirm the aluminium foil label.

What Ma’am or Sir may say

用錫紙包住，但唔可以放微波爐。

The employer wants foil used for wrapping but explicitly forbids putting the metal in a microwave.

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Last reviewed: 2026-08-22

Sources (4)