As one of the world’s most densely populated cities, Hong Kong is often pictured by outsiders as an incredibly cramped place.

But if you are willing to venture out from the heart of the city and explore the under-the-radar New Territories, you would be surprised by the vast number of non-urban alternative attractions and activities. Yes, a whole new world awaits!

From the world’s very first Hello Kitty-themed organic farm, making a wish at Lam Tsuen Tree in a 700-year-old village to stuffing your faces at award-winning Kei Kee Dessert, here is a brief guide on what to do and what to eat on a day trip to Yuen Long and Tai Po in New Territories.

WHAT TO DO IN NEW TERRITORIES

Source: Hello Kitty Go Green Farm

Hello Kitty Go Green Farm

If Hong Kong Disneyland is considered too mainstream for you, then head over to Hello Kitty Go Green Farm instead.

This educational playground is the world’s very first Hello Kitty-themed organic farm and spans across 50,000 square feet. You can even enrol your kids in an interactive course and graduate with a Certificate of the Hello Kitty Little Farmer.

Sze Pai Shek, Yuen Long, New Territories
Tel: +852 5579 2178
Mon: 9.30am – 6pm
Thu to Sun: 9.30am – 6pm

Lam Tsuen Wishing Tree

Lam Tsuen Wishing Tree is a famous wishing tree is situated in a 700-year-old village in Tai Po. People from all walks of life would come forth and toss their written wishes at the tree – it is believed that your wish would be granted once the red paper successfully lands on a tree branch.

Lam Tsuen, Tai Po, New Territories
Tel: +852 2638 3678

Source: I Love Hong Kong

Pak Nai

While Pak Nai might not be as famous as Dragon’s Back and Sai Wan Beach, the wetland area is still a natural scenic spot that should not be missed for its stunning sunsets.The underrated attraction has also been declared a Site of Specific Scientific Interest and is rich in biodiversity. Take the green

The underrated attraction has also been declared a Site of Specific Scientific Interest and is rich in biodiversity.

Take the green mini bus #33 at Tai Fung Street in Yuen Long and alight at Tai Kok Miu.

WHAT TO EAT IN NEW TERRITORIES

Source: The Food Chapter

Ho To Tai Noodle Shop

Ho To Tai Noodle Shop is one of the oldest restaurants in Yuen Long and as its name implies, the casual Hong Kong restaurant is renowned for their noodles. The humble establishment was featured in the Bib Gourmand Restaurant in 2015 by Michelin inspectors for its scrumptious and affordable Shrimp Roe Noodles and Wanton Noodles.

No. 67, Fau Tsoi Street, Yuen Long, New Territories
Tel: +852 2476 2495

Kei Kee Dessert

Kei Kee Dessert—awarded as the Best Restaurant in Yuen Long in 2015—is extremely famous for their B-Zai Leung Fun (HK$75), which is a ginormous bowl of fruits and grass jelly.Thspecialityty dessert store’s extensive menu actually features more than 140 different types of sweet treats. Do note that they only accept cash!

The speciality dessert store’s extensive menu actually features more than 140 different types of sweet treats. Do note that they only accept cash!

Shop 7, Chi Fu Centre, Yuen Long
Tel: +852 2479 4743
Daily: 12.30pm – 2.30am

Lotus Courtyard Restaurant

Located across the revered Lam Tsuen Wishing Tree is Lotus Courtyard Restaurant—a gorgeous 200-seater restaurant that serves delectable Western delicacies. Surrounded by lush greenery and rolling hills, the serene ambience makes the garden-theme restaurant a perfect venue for private functions.

G/F, 43 Fong Ma Po, Lam Tsuen Valley, Tai Po
Tel: +852 2653 1313
Daily: 11am – 11pm

Who else besides Hello Kitty is five apples tall and has no mouth? The Japanese Sanrio character has stolen the hearts of generations across the globe since its debut a few decades ago, and today, Hello Kitty is a world-famous icon and very well-loved.

Cutesy Hello Kitty-themed cafes are already sprouting across Asia, with another kawaii Hello Kitty-themed cafe set to open in Singapore Changi Airport next month. Evidently, the world just cannot seem to get enough of this Japanese cat with no mouth.

If you thought that the restaurant industry would halt at just Hello Kitty cakes and coffees, you are absolutely wrong. Hello Kitty Chinese Cuisine, the World’s Very First Hello Kitty-Themed Dim Sum Restaurant has taken Hong Kong by storm and is a must-visit for all avid fans.

It has been about a year since Hello Kitty Chinese Cuisine first opened its doors but till date, the Hong Kong restaurant faces no lack of eager patrons. It’s like the novelty of Hello Kitty Dim Sums never worn off.

Hello Kitty Chinese Cuisine’s diverse clientele consists of an interesting mix of locals, Western expatriates, Japanese tourists, screaming toddlers and young couples from all over the world. While everyone comes from a vastly different background, they are all dining at the restaurant for the same reason: the love for Hello Kitty.

No expense has been spared to ensure that every single item – edible or non-edible – at Hello Kitty Chinese Cuisine is imprinted with Hello Kitty’s face, iconic bow or its silhouette. From dim sums, wet tissue packets, teacups, teapots, chairs, windows to even ceiling lamps, you are completely surrounded by the cuteness.

Hello Kitty Chinese Cuisine is undoubtedly a media darling. However, we have to be honest with you that Hello Kitty Chinese Cuisine – despite its global hype – is not a gourmet destination, but a go-to place to fulfil one’s Hello Kitty fantasies.

When the steamed baskets of Hello Kitty dim sums were presented to us, we were squirming in delight – how could anything look so damn adorable? We almost couldn’t bear to eat them.

Har Gow (HK$68) and Liu Sha Bao (HK$62) are Hello Kitty Chinese Cuisine’s bestselling dim sums. The former comes in a steamed basket of four dainty shrimp dumplings, while the latter comprises three delicate custard buns stuffed with molten salted egg yolk.

Well, they may be signature dishes and tasted decent, but don’t expect anything out of the world. And don’t be too carried away with taking photos that you forget about your buns! The molten salted egg yolk will harden if left for too long.

While many lament about Hello Kitty Chinese Cuisine’s exorbitant prices, customers have to acknowledge the extreme efforts taken to craft these Kitty-themed treats. In fact, chefs take about 17 more steps (compared to traditional dim sums) to make these Kitty delights. Well, as the saying goes, time is money.

Man Kwong – the founder of Hello Kitty Chinese Cuisine – is an advocate of healthy eating, hence only locally grown organic ingredients and all-natural dyes are used in this family-friendly restaurant.

The Kitty dim sum’s eyes and whiskers have been dyed black with squid ink, while her pretty bow is coloured pink with beetroot, and minuscule nose dotted yellow with carrot.

For something more substantial, order the Hello Kitty Red Apple Chicken Rice (HK$108). The main course is essentially a hearty portion of saffron fried rice complemented with a myriad of organic vegetables and shredded chicken in scrumptious apple sauce.

Needless to say, the Instagram-worthy food is a huge draw and we see everyone snapping away endlessly. Due to Hello Kitty Chinese Cuisine’s overwhelming popularity, we strongly recommend you to make a reservation in advance to secure a table.

Hello Kitty Chinese Cuisine
Shop A-C, G/F, Lee Loy Mansion
332-338 Canton Road, Kowloon
Tel: (852) 8202-8203
Daily: 11am – 3.30pm, 6pm – 11pm (last order 10pm)
Nearest MTR Station: Jordan

Remember those adorable Gudetama dumplings with molten centers that everyone was posting photos and videos of on social media? Well, to kickstart the new year, Dim Sum Icon has changed its Gudetama concept to a Little Twin Stars one with adorable dim sum items.