No trip to Hong Kong is complete without spending time at the world famous Hong Kong Victoria Peak. You may argue that it is touristy and cliche, but you cannot deny its beauty.

We frequent Hong Kong, and we never get sick of The Peak. There is this sense of familiarity when at The Peak – glimpses of scenes that we see in Hong Kong dramas (our favourite!), and places that we see in photos, they always ignite comfort.

Have no clue on what The Peak has to offer? Well, apart from the luxurious mansions that the wealthiest in Hong Kong owns, there are other viable experiences we mere mortals can enjoy.

From the wax museum to Wildfire Pizzabar & Grill that offers a resplendent view of the city skyline, here is our take on 5 Things To Do At Hong Kong Victoria Peak.

REACH THE PEAK VIA THE PEAK TRAM

This is the quintessential way of getting to The Peak – via The Peak Tram, a 127-year-old funicular railway that departs from its terminus on Garden Road and has served Hong Kong since 1888. It is one ride that takes you back to the older Hong Kong days, and it is one ride that evokes sentiments; we are suckers for all things retro like that.

As the tram climbs to the top, go through the time tunnel and be introduced to the 200 exhibits that take you back to Hong Kong in its journey of growing from the 19th to 21st century. It is one exhilarating experience that offers you an alternative perspective of the cosmopolitan city, the kind of experience that you will not soon forget.

#1 DINE AT WILDFIRE PIZZABAR & GRILL

Enjoy the best of both worlds by dining at Wildfire Pizzabar & Grill – enjoy an unobstructed 270-degree panoramic view of Victoria Harbour while feasting on Wildfire’s signature pizzas. This restaurant has the best spot in The Peak, with prized seats by the window for the ultimate dining experience.

The menu is a comprehensive one, and while some dishes were hits and some were misses for us, we still love the idea of dining at Wildfire Pizzabar & Grill. Let’s zoom in to the dishes we enjoyed.

The Lobster Risotto wowed us with the plump rice and even consistency, with generous chunks of lobsters stirred in to the rice dish. Our friends enjoyed the Wildfire Supreme Pizza (HK$168 for 12″), while our attention was actually on the Grilled Wagyu M5 Tomahawk Steak (HK$1,380). Damn, the beef was awesome!

There is also a platter to share – Wildfire Mixed Grill (HK$488), which comes with Sirloin Steak, Pork Rib, Bratwurst Sausage, Lamb Chop and Chicken Breast. And behold, the Wildfire Tiramisu (HK$178) is gigantic; it serves up to four!

Wildfire Pizzabar & Grill
Shop 2, Level 1, The Peak Tower, 128 Peak Road, The Peak
Tel: +852 2849 5123
Daily: 12pm – 11pm

#2 GO FOR A LEISURE STROLL ALONG THE PEAK’S NATURE TRAIL

We are no hikers ourselves but we will not say no to a leisure stroll along The Peak’s nature trail. It is one incredible walk, we promise – even better when done in the morning. Breathe in the fresh morning air that is dewy and cool, and take the hand of your loved one as Nature wows you with its unfiltered beauty.

The nature trail starts from Mount Austin Road, and it winds up a mountainous landscape. Enchanting tropical trees and an extensive birdlife awaits.

#3 MADAME TUSSAUDS HONG KONG WAX MUSEUM

If we can never have the chance to get up close and personal with Brangelina, Lady GaGa and Donnie Yen, our only other alternative to feed our curiosity is the world famous Madame Tussauds’ museum, where wax figurines are made to look so similar to real-life people.

Madame Tussauds’ Hong Kong outpost is huge and enthralling, and it houses wax figures of superstars, accomplished sports people, politicians and royalties.

Apart from scrutinising everyone’s features from head to toe (literally), we enjoy reading about the process and fun facts of creating wax figures. And if you think you have been once and seen it all, you still need another trip back because they introduce new figures every 3-4 months, and there might be “surprise visitors” from other museums; we’d like to think of the figures going around on “exchange programmes”. You might not know, but the permanent figures are also given regular makeovers so that they stay relevant and are closest to the original personality’s current state and look.

#4 TAKE A BREAK AND HAVE A DRINK AT HONG KONG DAY

Who says there are only touristy restaurants up at The Peak? Hong Kong Day is a typical but no less popular cha chaan teng, and they have several outlets across the city, including one strategically at The Peak.

This is where we love to rest our feet from all the walking, and to quench our thirst with popular cha chaan teng-style drinks such as Milk Tea, Yuan Yang and Lemon with Honey. Sometimes, we treat ourselves to the Red Bean Fleecy with ice cream when we need something sweeter to complete the day. And of course, you can get your usual French Toast and Wanton Noodles here at Hong Kong Day as well!

Shop P102, P1/F.
The Peak Tower
Tel: +852 2849 7855
Daily: 12pm – 10pm

#5 ENJOY THE BEST VIEW OF HONG KONG’S MESMERISING SKYLINE

The Peak Galleria’s Free-Entry Observation Deck is where most people head to to catch a glimpse of Hong Kong’s mesmerising skyline. That iconic skyline that people from around the globe flock to to see with their own eyes, because it is only with seeing that you would believe just how gorgeous Hong Kong is. That sick view that always have us falling in love with over and over again; there is no return for our love for Hong Kong.

Whether you are at The Peak in the day or when night falls, enjoy the best view of the city from the observation deck all the same. By the way, are we the only ones who always look for Bank of China’s building first? We can never identify every single tall building, but if we see Bank of China, we know it is Hong Kong.

This post is brought to you by Maxim’s Group.

Hong Kong is such a paradise for food lovers, and is always among the first in Asia to launch trends from across the globe. Whatever you are feeling – casual fast meals to fine dining – Hong Kong always has something to offer.

And to embrace this love for food, Maxim’s Group www.maxims.com.hk celebrates the Tastes of Life and we joined them on a journey to discovering the bests of what this F&B giant has to offer. Visitors to Hong Kong would be all too familiar with this household name, but do you know that they have an impressive of 70 brands under their belt, with 840 outlets all over Hong Kong, China and Vietnam?

Think about Cantonese cuisine and you’d think of Maxim’s; think about cakes and breads and you’d think of the familiar red signboard in every single MTR stations. Maxim’s always promises an epicurean journey to titillate every sense, and it is by no surprise that they are the top-of-mind brand when it comes to F&B in Hong Kong.

Earlier this month, we had the privilege to feast at some of the best house brands by Maxim’s, and we are already looking forward to our next trip to Hong Kong for more good food. The next time you take a holiday to the Pearl of The Orient, read this guide to Maxim’s Group restaurants like it is your bible and visit the bests of Maxim’s.

DONDONYA HONTEN

DONDONYA Honten has several branches in Hong Kong, and connoisseurs would be happy to know that a meal at its flagship store at Elements is highly recommended for they serve really premium Japanese cuisine in a really cosy space.

The Premium Wagyu Tobanyaki Gozen (HK$358) features Japanese wagyu beef with excellent marbling, and beef lovers must not miss this for the world. Another one that we enjoyed was the DONDONYA Gozen (HK$388) that comes complete with king crab legs and so much food that no one does not go into a food coma after. Our favourite, however, is the Premium Fisherman’s Rice Bowl (HK$268). It is among the best chirashi-don that we have had, and we made a pact to revisit DONDONYA on our next trip – especially for the chirashi-don.

Shop 2103-04, Level 2, Elements
1 Austin Road West Kowloon, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2196 8589
Daily: 11.30am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Kowloon

HONG KONG DAY

Counting sheep is easier than counting the number of cha chaan teng (Hong Kong local cafes) there are in Hong Kong. But let’s just say we have our favourites and Hong Kong Day is a recent addition to our list. We never knew, but we were happy to find out that Maxim’s Hong Kong Day has many outlets all over the city. Dishing out comforting casuals like soya sauce chicken and wanton noodles, this is one casual dining option when you need affordable and good eats.

Your wallet does not need to take a beating when you dine at Hong Kong Day. And oh, do not forget your Iced Yuan Yang, too!

#02-242 Ocean Terminal
Harbour City, 17 Canton Road
Tel: +852 2375 3789
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tsim Sha Tsui

MAXIM’S PALACE

If you had told us this was a palace with food fit for the royalty, we would really buy it. Maxim’s Palace is renown for its fine dimsum, and it is an even better experience when you have Hong Kong ladies pushing plates of dim sum around in old school pushcarts and you pick your favourites from the endless selection. The posh interior with high ceiling and crystal chandeliers and a view of the Harbour complete the impeccable experience.

And it is really quite unlike any other dimsum restaurants, because the 500-seater Maxim’s Palace has over a hundred varieties of dishes that are all prepared fresh from the kitchen daily. Its series of accolades is also a testament to their consistency in delivering only the finest Canton-style cooking. Wonderful theatrics and satisfying food; it can only be Maxim’s Palace.

Just a note that they do not take in reservations, so be prepared to queue. But we promise you it would be worth the wait.

3/F, City Hall 5-7 Edinburgh Place
Tel: +852 2521 1303
Nearest Station: Central

M&C. DUCK

One of the newest dining concepts by Maxim’s Group is M&C. Duck, which offers a refreshing take to Chinese cuisine and at very reasonable price points. First, the brand is youthful and vibrant, with a modern European-style décor. Nothing too fancifully Chinese, but nothing too unpretentious too. We’d say this is a decent option when you need to treat your date to some good Chinese cuisine.

Second, it offers its signature Barbecued Peking Duck in two options – whole (HK$288) and half (HK$150) duck. Couples and small families usually have problems when it comes to Peking Duck because there would be food wastage for sure, but rejoice, for the half duck option is perfect for sharing even in small groups. Most of the dishes are given a modern twist to surprise your taste buds, and the chefs take pride in the presentation of every dish. We do not really think Chinese food could be sexy, but we take our words back now.

Shop 3319, level 3, Gateway Arcade
Harbour City, 17 Canton Road,
Tsim Sha Tsui
Tel: +852 2347 6898
Daily: 11.30am – 4pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Tsim Sha Tsui

URBAN BAKERY WORKS

Sexy. Artsy. Fuss-free. Comfort. Altogether, URBAN Bakery Works presents itself as the it place for all-day casual dining. The concept shop at The Landmark is a stunner, and it promises nothing but a hip and fun experience.

The bakery focuses on croissants, with no less than seven different flavours – like almond, Belgian chocolate, cheddar cheese, and brulee – available every day. URBAN bakery Works’ latest creation, the Ball Law Cowssant, will blow your mind. It is a hybrid of croissant and po luo bao (pineapple bun), and complete with a slab of French butter, this is nothing but sheer indulgence. Warning: one might not be enough!

The cakes are worth a try, too. Check out the decadent options like What The Fudge and See You In Hell. Yes, the names summarise ‘em all. Go ahead and sin; we won’t tell.

Room 322, 3/F The Landmark
12-16 Des Voeux Road Central
Tel: +852 3565 4320
Mon to Fri: 7.30am – 8pm Sat, Sun & PH: 8.30am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Central

SIMPLYLIFE

Among all the different dining concepts that we went to during this trip, simplylife is our favourite place. We fell in love with it, more than what we thought we would. The space is one that have you slow down, relax and breathe in the simple pleasures of life. simplylife, indeed.

With a bakery that produces an amazing range of bread, pastries and cakes, everything is of premium quality, and no additives are added. Interaction with the chefs and servers is encouraged, and the open kitchen concept is quite a show to boast. Patrons can take a few minutes to watch the creaming of a cake, or the cutting of fresh homemade pasta. The display of fresh bakes is so seductive that breakfast has never been better; and it is impossible to order only one.

For lunch and dinner, the kitchen dishes out fresh salads, pastas, burgers and other savoury main courses.

There are 8 branches in Hong Kong, but go to the biggest restaurant at Festival Walk in Kowloon Tong. We can go on and on about why we are in love with the concept, but the best way is for you to include it in your itinerary when you are in Hong Kong.

Shop 30, L2, Festival Walk
80 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong
Tel: +852 2777 5168
Daily: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Kowloon Tong

THE SQUARE

The crown jewel under Maxim’s Group, The Square has retained its One Michelin Star for six consecutive years, which is no mean feat given the competitiveness of the dining scene in Hong Kong. Its consistency and commitment to excellence are the key reasons for regulars’ loyalty, and the indulgent experience makes it the perfect choice when you need to throw a feast during a special occasion.

Standout dishes include the signature Steamed Lobster Dumpling, and the Golden Crispy Prawns with Strawberry Sauce, which was specially created for Gwyneth Paltrow when she was in Hong Kong in June 2014.

4/F, Exchange Square II, Central
Tel: +852 2525 1163
Daily: 9am – 4.30pm, 5.30pm – 11.30pm
Nearest Station: Central

MAXIM’S CAKES

Last but most certainly not the least, this is the red signboard that monopolises all MTR stations, and is more often than not our answer to breakfasts and suppers. Maxim’s Cakes is a well-loved bakery that offers fresh selections daily, from buns to cakes to biscuits. And nothing is exorbitantly costly.

This mid-autumn festival, do not forget to pick up a box of traditional baked mooncakes for your family, too! They have some real deal at the mooncake plant that we were so very honoured to have visited and will share more soon, but for now, grab that Chinese delicacy and enjoy it over your favourite Chinese tea while soaking in some moonlight.

For the latest updates, go to www.maxims.com.hk, and like Maxim’s Group on Facebook.

This feature is brought to you by Maxim’s Group.