Singaporeans are evidently obsessed with Hong Kong – and the endless opening of Hong Kong gourmet brands on our sunny island is testimony to that fact. While most travellers only spend a weekend in the Pearl of the Orient, we strongly suggest you to re-visit the city this year.

From having breakfast at Honolulu Cafe, boarding a junk boat, hiking the Dragon’s Back, shopping till you drop at Citygate Outlets to partying at Lan Kwai Fong, here is a curated 4D3N Hong Kong Itinerary and 20 Tips On What To See And What To Eat.

DAY ONE IN HONG KONG

#1 HAVE BREAKFAST AT HONOLULU CAFE

Honolulu Coffee Shop is famous for their egg tarts. Having said that, do make it a point to visit in the morning to savour the freshest and tastiest egg tarts. There is a stark contrast in its quality during daytime and nighttime. We also highly recommend their Pineapple Buns.

176-178 Hennessy Rd, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2575 1823
Daily: 6am – 12am
Nearest Station: Wan Chai

#2 BARGAIN HUNTING AT LADIES MARKET

The Ladies Market is a popular night market that stretches across a few streets. Even if shopping is not on your to-do list, you should still take a stroll down the aisle and check out all the interesting items that have on sale.

Tung Choi Street
Mong Kok, Kowloon

#3 CHECK OUT THE FLOWER MARKET

Located on Flower Market Road, the Flower Market is actually a cluster of flower shops selling all sorts of flowers you ever dreamt of. Bouquets are readily available or if you would like, stalks of roses can also be bought at relatively cheap prices. It is Valentine’s Day every day here!

Flower Market Road
Prince Edward, Kowloon

#4 LUNCH AT KAM WAH CAFE

Kam Wah Cafe has a made a name for itself with its bo lo bao (pineapple bun). The local cha chaan teng is always crowded with locals and foodie tourists, but trust us, the pineapple buns are worth the wait.

G/F, 47 Bute St
Prince Edward, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2392 6830
Daily: 6.30am – 12am
Nearest MTR: Prince Edward

#5 BOARD A HONG KONG JUNK BOAT

The picture of a junk boat against the picturesque skyline of Hong Kong says everything. Cruising along the sea on a Hong Kong junk boat is an unmissable experience! So gather your friends, charter a boat and sail into the sea while singing along to Moana’s soundtrack.

#6 DINNER AT RONIN

Ronin—a speakeasy style Japanese bar-cum-restaurant—is one of Hong Kong’s best-kept secrets. The dark, mysterious 20-seated bar’s primary focus is seafood and damn, it seriously is one of the best meals we ever had in our lifetimes. Of course, the divine meal comes at a costly price.

8 On Wo Lane
Central, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2547 5263
Mon to Sat: 6pm – 12am
Sun: Closed
Nearest Station: Sheung Wan

#7 BAR HOP AT SHEUNG WAN

Admittedly, the neighbourhood of Sheung Wan is immensely gentrified. However, we certainly do not mind the new addition of exciting cocktail bars! Some of our personal favourite watering holes include Aberdeen Street Social, Sohofama and NEO Cocktail Club.

DAY TWO IN HONG KONG

#8 BRUNCH AT MAXIM’S PALACE

If you are looking for a quintessential Hong Kong dim sum experience with the comfort of a modern establishment, then head to Maxim’s Palace. They have retained its authenticity by serving dim sum on traditional trolleys like the good old days.

3/F, City Hall 5-7 Edinburgh Place
Tel: +852 2521 1303
Mon to Sat: 11am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 11pm
Sun & PH: 9am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Central

#9 HIKE DRAGON’S BACK

Located in the outskirts of metropolis Hong Kong, Dragon’s Back boasts stunning panoramic views of tall skyscrapers, coastal shores and the surrounding mountainous region. The beginner-friendly hike makes an excellent alternative for those who wish to admire Hong Kong’s scenery minus the suffocating crowds.

#10 LUNCH AT YUM CHA

If you are looking for a great yum cha meal without the scruffiness, Yum Cha is the perfect place. The dining establishment is exceptionally popular for its irresistibly adorable dim sums. It is worth mentioning that the steamed dishes were superb and service was impeccable.

3/F, 20-22 Granville Road
Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2751 1666
Daily: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Nearest MTR Station: Tsim Sha Tsui

#11 COFFEE AT OMOTESANDO KOFFEE

Fans of Japanese Omotesando Koffee can look forward to the specialty coffee bar’s high quality espresso-based beverages and baked custard cubes at Hong Kong’s outlet. Take all our money already!

G24-25, Lee Tung Ave
200 Queen’s Rd East
Tel: +852 2601 3323
Mon to Fri: 8am – 8pm
Sat and Sun: 9am – 9pm
Nearest MTR Station: Wan Chai

#12 SHOP TILL YOU DROP AT CITYGATE OUTLETS

Ladies, remember to increase your credit card’s spending limit prior to visiting Citygate Outlets. This shopping centre this is where you can find global brands such as Burberry, Club21 and OnPedder at slashed prices.

20 Tat Tung Road, Tung Chung,
Lantau, Hong Kong
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tung Chung

#13 DINNER AT YAT LOK

Yat Lok might be notorious for their atrocious service, but it is their insanely delicious roast goose meat that kept us returning religiously each time we visit Hong Kong. It has been nearly half a century since award-winning Yat Lok started serving amazing roast meat with their family secret recipe, and the rest is history.

G/F, 34 -38 Stanley Street
Central Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2524 3882
Mon to Sat: 10am – 9pm
Sun: 10am – 5.30pm
Nearest Station: Central

#14 PARTY AT LAN KWAI FONG

You have not experienced Hong Kong until you paint the town red at their nightlife district Lan Kwai Fong. There are countless of bars and clubs at this area and they open till an unearthly 6am. Not even kidding.

DAY THREE IN HONG KONG

#15 LUNCH AT HELLO KITTY CHINESE CUISINE

Hello Kitty Chinese Cuisine—the World’s First Hello Kitty-Themed Dim Sum Restaurant—has taken Hong Kong by storm and is a must-visit for all avid fans. Due to Hello Kitty Chinese Cuisine’s overwhelming popularity, we strongly recommend you to make a reservation in advance to secure a table.

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

#16 SPEND THE DAY AT OCEAN PARK

Ocean Park is one of Hong Kong’s best attractions. It houses an amusement park, an animal theme park, an oceanarium and a marine mammal park all in the 17-hectare park. An ideal place for families to spend an entire day at.

#17 DINNER AT ICIHRAN RAMEN

Ichiran Ramen is a ramen chain from Japan and boy, we are glad it has opened 24/7 outlets in Hong Kong. The dining concept is unique; diners sit in individual partitioned cubicles. The broth is unbelievably tasty—we will never get sick of it.

Lockhart House Block B
440-446 Jaffe Road
Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2152 4040
Daily: 24/7

DAY FOUR IN HONG KONG

#18 BRUNCH AT SING HEUNG YUEN

Make your way to Sing Heung Yuen—one of Hong Kong’s very last few Dai Pai Dongs—and experience the local way of life by dining at this old-school roadside food vendor. The humble Chinese alfresco eatery has been around for nearly half a century and is especially well-loved amongst locals for its signature tomato egg noodles and yummy condensed milk buns.

2 Mee Lun Street, Central
Tel: +852 2544 8368
Mon to Sat: 8am – 5pm
Closed on Sun and PH
Nearest Station: Sheung Wan

#19 VISIT DISNEYLAND HONG KONG

It doesn’t matter if you are a grown adult, because there is no age limit at Disneyland. Discover the magic, immerse yourselves in the fairytales and forget all your adult fears and unhappiness. Spend half a day at Disneyland Hong Kong and unleash the inner child in you.

#20 DINNER AT TSUI WAH

Tsui Wah is hands down the most famous Cha Chaan Teng in Hong Kong. The menu is comprehensive but you can’t go wrong with their signature Hainanese chicken rice and fishball noodles. We are amazed by how the chain has successfully managed to keep its standards consistent throughout all outlets.

15 Wellington Street
Central, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2525 6338
Daily: 24/7
Nearest Station: central

For more recommendations, read our Hong Kong Food & Travel Guides to find out more about the best places to visit.

A holiday in Hong Kong is evidently far from cheap; according to research, the Asian metropolis has been ranked as the world’s most expensive city for expats and also the most expensive Asian city for business travels.

But that doesn’t mean you should rule out a trip to Pearl of the Orient from your bucket list as some attractions and activities are completely free.

Here are 10 Free Things To Do In Hong Kong. Perfect for travellers on a budget!

Source: Globe Holidays

#1 VISIT THE MUSEUMS

Most museums in Hong Kong offer complimentary general admissions on Wednesdays so do make it a point to visit these attractions on hump day. Dr. Sun Yat-sen Museum, Hong Kong Museum of History and Hong Kong Space Museum are highly recommended.

#2 ENJOY THE VIEWS FROM THE PEAK GALLERIA

The Peak Galleria’s Observation Deck is exceptionally popular for it offers an enchanting glimpse of Hong Kong’s picturesque skyline. Be blown away by the sheer number of skyscrapers surrounded by rolling hills and glistening waters.

Read: 5 Things To Do At The Peak.

118 Peak Road, The Peak, Hong Kong Island
Tel: +852 2849 4113
Nearest MTR Station: Hong Kong

#3 EXPLORE HONG KONG PARK

Spanning across eight hectares is Hong Kong Park, a public recreational area that is interestingly surrounded by lush greenery and tall infrastructures. A leisure stroll around this park will lead you to the Edward Youde Aviary, Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware and Forsgate Conservatory.

Admission to all these places in Hong Kong Park are free of charge.

#4 HIKE ALONG DRAGON’S BACK

Located in the outskirts, Dragon’s Back boasts breathtaking views of Hong Kong’s magnificent skyscrapers, coastal shores and its surrounding mountainous region. It was ranked by TIME Magazine in 2004 as Asia’s Best Urban Hiking Trail.

The beginner-friendly hike makes an excellent alternative for those who wish to admire Hong Kong’s scenery without the crowds.

#5 PARTY AT LAN KWAI FONG

This one is for the ladies. Lan Kwai Fong is a legendary nightlife district that has truly lived up to its hype. However, a big night out could be a wallet-damaging experience as drinks in Hong Kong are incredibly pricey.

But thanks to Ladies Night which happens every Thursday, ladies don’t have to pay for cover charges to nightclubs. In addition to that, most of the clubs offer free drinks too.

#6 PRAY AT MAN MO TEMPLE

Constructed in 1847, Man Mo Temple is a popular tourist attraction and a place of worship. It pays tribute to both the God of Literature and God of War. This historic building – which happens to be Hong Kong’s oldest temple – is a Declared Monument. It is very common for parents to take their children to Man Mo Temple to pray for good academic results.

124-126 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong Island
Tel: +852 2540 0350
Nearest MRT Station: Sheung Wan

#7 TAKE AN OOTD AT SAIWAN SWIMMING SHED

You would have seen this on Instagram several times by now. If you are still wondering what and where it is, it is Sai Wan Swimming Shed in Kennedy Town. Despite being a swimming shed, Sai Wan Swimming Shed is actually very much a popular photography spot. There is even a queue to have your photos taken at the now-iconic “bridge”!

Read our guide on Kennedy Town – Where To Eat And What To See.

Source: Wikimedia

#8 VISIT TEN THOUSAND BUDDHAS MONASTERY

The premises of Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery comprise five temples, four pavilions and one pagoda. The Buddhist temple is located in Sha Tin, New Territories and one would have to conquer 430 uphill steps for approximately 20 minutes before arriving at the religious site.

Sha Tin, New Territories, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 852 2691 1067
Daily: 9am – 5pm
Nearest MTR Station: Sha Tin

Source: Hong Kong Hotels

#9 WATCH THE SYMPHONY OF LIGHTS

A spectacular 13-minute long laser light show takes place every night at 8pm and the glitzy performance showcases Hong Kong’s cityscape at its very best. This brilliant multimedia show is recognised by the Guinness World Records as the ‘World’s Largest Permanent Light and Sound Show’, where more than 40 buildings from both sides of the harbour are involved.

Avenue Of Stars is currently closed till the end of 2018, but you can still catch the Symphony of Lights from Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai.

#10 WINDOW SHOP AT MONGKOK’S STREETS

We aren’t expecting you to purchase pets or lug plants home, but it is nevertheless an unmissable experience to take a walk down Mongkok’s Flower Market and Goldfish Market. The former sells a splendid variety of flora while the latter is home to commercial aquariums and pet shops. Should neither of these interests you, then head over to Ladies Market.

It interesting to window shop through Ladies Market’s chaotic crowd. The “luxury goods” sold here are ridiculously cheap only because they are counterfeit. Police raids do happen – though not often – and it is incredible how the makeshift stalls could disassemble instantaneously.

Read: 29 Reasons To Love Hong Kong

So they say, when in Hong Kong, just eat and shop all day long. It is true. Two of life’s greatest pleasures is what one should indulge in when taking a holiday in the Pearl of the Orient. Apart from the mass availability of food, there is a lot to shop too – shops by the streets, in random alleys, huge malls, night markets… I could use a shopping trip to Hong Kong on an annual basis.

Whether you are a fan of luxe fashion and high street labels, or have a thing or two for Taiwanese/ Japanese fashion, Hong Kong will not disappoint.

For a start, here is a Beginners’ Guide to Shopping in Hong Kong.

Ladies, get your credit cards ready.

Mongkok

This is the world’s most densely populated area. Located in the Kowloon side, Mongkok is perpetually packed and very happening. You can find almost anything and everything in this area – street snacks, book cafes, dessert shops, manicure parlors, gyms, offices, night markets, hotels… and the best part about hanging out at Mongkok is that operation ends as late as 1am.

When in Mongkok, check out:

Langham Place Shopping Mall – an uber chic one-stop destination. Apart from its restaurants and entertainment offerings, expect to find an array of shops that will easily keep you occupied for half a day – beauty brands like Nars, Lush and Jill Stuart, high street labels and cult brands like H&M, i.t., une nana cool and :Chocoolate, shoes and bags specialists like Staccato, Rabeanco and Dr. Martens etc.

New Town Mall @ Agryle Centre – a heaven for females. I always have this belief that if locals can be seen at that place (be it a restaurant or a mall), it should be substantial. And here at NTM, or Wang Jiao Zhong Xin, more than half the shoppers are actually locals. Think of this place as Bugis Village or Far East Plaza, but with much better offerings at more competitive prices. 4 levels of crazy shopping, mainly Japanese and Taiwanese inspired fashion – apparels, accessories, bags, shoes, lingerie, costumes, cosmetics, toiletries, stationery and random whatnot. Prices begin as low as HK$20 for a top and HK$50 for a pair of shoes.

Tip: Bargain. The shopkeepers will always quote a marked-up price, especially for tourists. But for shops that have price tags displayed, they are pretty much fixed and will only be subjected to a small discount if you buy at least 2 pieces. And, bring (lots of) cash. The shops here only accepts cash payment.

Ladies’ Market – a highly popular night market that stretches across a few streets and opens till late night. Even if you are not a shopaholic, it is fun to just take a stroll down the stalls and you will be enthralled by all that they have to offer – from little accessories and to mobile casings, from an insane amount of counterfeit commodity to unbelievable ranges of sex costumes. No joke.

Causeway Bay

Over at the Hong Kong Island, locals flock to Causeway Bay for a more sophisticated shopping experience. Generally a more expensive area, Causeway Bay is home to the luxe Times Square and Sogo. You may also find shopping malls like Island Beverly, where local designers congregate to offer alternative fashion options, and less expensive mainstream fashion at random zones like Jardine’s Crescent.

Tsim Sha Tsui

A classier version of Mongkok, Tsim Sha Tsui is less crowded, but nonetheless bustling. Also with a lot to offer and serving all sorts of commercial purpose, this area in Kowloon is popular with both locals and tourists alike. And you will be thrilled to know that Tsim Sha Tsui is another fascinating shopping spot.

When in Tsim Sha Tsui, check out:

Harbour City – A large shopping mall where international and local brands congregate. You may find fashion giants like Christian Louboutin, Chanel, Mulberry and Vivienne Westwood, and smaller & mainstream labels like Superdry, Zara, Adidas Originals and Club Monaco. Yes, it is like a complete paradise to feed all your fashion needs and to inspire a wardrobe revamp.

On a side note, Harbour City is destination for food lovers, boasting more than 60 restaurants and cafes – perfect for meals in between shopping, or just a nice cuppa and some delectable desserts for a midday boost. If there is one place to dedicate a whole day to when you visit Hong Kong, it is undisputedly Harbour City.

The One – A favourite among the younger crowd, The One stands at 29 floors, and is Hong Kong’s tallest retail complex with a comprehensive store listing from luxury jewellery and watches, to beauty bazaars, to a premium supermarket. And if you fancy alternative fashion and street style, The One houses many cult brands and local designers’ boutiques.

Kimberley Road – Brides and Grooms-to-be will be keen to know that this is an enclave of gowns and suits boutiques. Whether you are looking to have your wedding photos taken, or on a search for the gowns and suits for your Big Day, or to simply get inspiration, this street will have something for you.

Tung Chung

If you are at the Lantau Island, you won’t want to miss Citygate Outlets. As the name has suggested, this is a mall of discounted goods. Citygate Outlets excites with a diverse tenant mix, and definitely has something to offer for anyone at any age. Here, you can find brands that stocks discounted past season merchandises for both adults and children – Esprit, Nike, Roxy and Guess, just to name a few. The females will be delighted to know that there are also popular names like OnPedder, Club 21, Anteprima and Burberry.

Tip: Citygate Outlets only opens at 12pm, so there is no rush to get there.

I hope this guide gets you excited! Now you see why I go to Hong Kong every year, and you see why it is compelling for you to make a trip there too?

Words by Melody Yap, photographs by ladyironchef

The coffee trend in Hong Kong is starting to catch up, and there are quite a number of independently owned cafes that are hip and trendy. During my recent trip, I had the chance to visit many of them, and here’s a list of cafes and coffee places in Hong Kong that are worth checking out.

I hope that this list will be useful to you when you are visiting the city. And if you have more places to add to the list, please leave a comment and let us know.

Cafe Corridor

Cafe Corridor by Coffee Assembly Roastery is strategically located opposite Times Square in Causeway Bay. They serve food like all day breakfast (HKS$65), sandwiches (HK$45), and French toast (HK$45), but what regulars come back for is the excellent coffee. It is a spot where executives meet clients over coffee, or visitors taking a break in between shopping.

G/F, 26A Russel Street
Causeway Bay
Tel: +852 2892 2927
Mon to Thu: 8.30am – 11pm
Fri: 8.30am – 12 midnight
Sat: 12pm – 12 midnight
Sun: 12pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Causeway Bay

C’est La B

C’est La B is opened by the folks who are behind Ms B Cakery, and it currently has three outlets at Tai Hang, Pacific Place and Harbour City. The name is inspired by the French phrase “C’est la vie (such is life)” and it is a charming and intimate cake shop which offers a delectable range of whimsical-looking desserts.

G111, G/F, Harbour City
17 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
Tel: +852 3102 2838
Daily: 9am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Tsim Sha Tsim

Classified

Launched in 2006, Classified is a European-style neighbourhood cafe that focuses on homemade artisanal food, gourmet coffee, cheese and handmade bread. For such a stylish concept, we were actually surprised that the decent-tasting dishes are so pleasantly affordable. There are currently nine outlets in different neighbourhoods like Stanley, to Tai Hang and Wan Chai.

108 Hollywood Road, SOHO, Sheung Wan
Tel: +852 2525 3454
Daily: 8am – 12 Midnight
Nearest Station: Sheung Wan

Library Cafe

Within a corner of Lane Crawford at HarbourCity Shopping Mall is Library Cafe, a stylish coffee place (opened by the same owners behind Yardbird yakitori bar) which serves simple and well-executed comfort food like sandwiches and salad. Try the Tuna Melt (HKD78), and during tea time, they have a cake set for HKD70.

G/F, Lane Crawford
3 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest MTR: Tsim Sha Tsui

Mana Cafe

Another cafe that you should visit in Central is Mana. It focuses on vegan, organic, and gluten freefood. Go for the organic oven-baked flatbreads (HKD50) which are wheatmeal or gluten free. There are also hearty vegetarian main courses like Tofu Burger (HKD65), and Mezze Platter (HKD100), a box of hummus, olives, salad and flatbread.

92 Wellington Street
Central, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2851 1611
Mon to Fri: 8am – 10pm
Nearest MTR: Central

The Coffee Academics

The Coffee Academics is a chic and modern venue where coffee lovers and professionals gather to share their knowledge about the beverage. Any coffee geek would love to spend a day here.

G/F, 38 Yiu Wa Street
Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2156 0313
Mon to Thu: 10am – 11pm
Fri & Sat: 10am – 2pm
Sun: 12 noon – 9pm
Nearest MTR: Causeway Bay

Simplylife

If you are at International Finance Centre (IFC), drop by Simplylife and grab a quick bite. The bakery cafe offers sandwiches, salads, soups, and pizza.

Shop 1081, Level 1, ifc mall
1 Harbour View Street, Central.
Tel: +852 2234 7356
Daily: 8am – 10pm
Nearest MTR: Hong Kong

Teakha

Whenever we hear about a new café, it is more often than not a coffee speciality house. Yet, Teakha at Sheung Wan chose a different path which offers the world an impressive range of organic tea like Masala Chai, Thai iced tea, Jasmine Blossoms, and Hoji au Lait, and Forest Black Tea.

This tea specialist is housed in a little shophouse on a quiet alley off Tai Ping Shan Street, which is slowly becoming one of the hippest streets in Hong Kong lined with cafes, galleries, studios and lifestyle boutiques.

Shop B, 18 Tai Ping Shan Road
Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2858 9185
Wed to Sun: 11am – 7pm
Nearest MTR: Sheung Wan

Via Tokyo

Located on Leighton Road at Causeway Bay, Via Tokyo is a dessert cafe which specialises in traditional Japanese sweets. It’s definitely a nice change from the usual Chinese desserts that you will find in Hong Kong.

Shop no 1A-1B, G/F Leishun Court
106-126 Leighton Road, Causeway Bay
Tel: +852 2895 1116
Mon to Thu, & Sun: 9.30am – 10.30pm
Fri, Sat & PH: 9.30am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Causeway Bay

18 Grams

18 Grams is a espresso café with fresh, locally-roasted coffee beans. The outlet at Causeway Bay is a tiny and cosy shop with a few tables, while the new location at Mongkok, has a bigger kitchen to serve a wider selection of food like breakfast, pasta and salads.

Unit C, G/F, 15 Cannon St
Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2893 8988
Nearest MTR: Causeway Bay

B04, 56 Dundas Street, Gala Place Basement
Mong Kok, Kowloon
Tel: +852 2770 1339
Nearest MTR: Mong Kok

On my recent trip to Hong Kong, I had one of my best meals this year. I’ve heard about the restaurants at Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, but somehow, I didn’t get the chance to go there during my previous trips. Boy am I glad I finally had the chance to go Mandarin Grill. And I think you should make an reservation if you’re going to Hong Kong soon.

Mandarin Grill is an one Michelin Star restaurant at Mandarin Oriental, one of the best hotels in Hong Kong. The lunch that I had was amazing. A-m-a-z-i-n-g. Even though it’s only April, I can confidently say that this is definitely going into my list of Best Meals in 2012.

Having fun is an often over-looked part of fine dining. So it’s really nice to know that the chefs at Mandarin Grill are enjoying playing with their food, and at the same time, we get to have fun while we eat.

Dining at Mandarin Grill is not just about the food; it is the ambience, the service, the creativity – it is about the complete dining experience.

I was talking to Chloe – social media manager of Mandarin Oriental – as the staff served us the Garden (HKD$178 or SGD$28) I was speechless for about five seconds when I turned around and saw the flower pot on the table. “Is this a pot of plant? Is this a salad? Wow!”

I immediately knew that this was the start of a very good meal. And true enough, I was continuously surprised throughout the meal.

We also had the Forest Walk (HKD$308 or SGD$50) – an appetiser consisting of foie gras, truffle, and mushroom.

The Onion Soup (HKD$168 or SGD$27) was equally impressive. The server patiently explained the dish to me. Hot consomme was poured into a transparent teapot with a sachet inside. It was then transferred into a bowl which contained a perfectly poached egg, with bacon bits on top. I finished everything. Fantastic.

Next, we had the chef’s interpretation of Beef Wellington. The Venison – British, Puff Pastry, Mushroom, Jus – was visually stunning, but I thought that it was only decent.

The Lamb ($HKD$508 or SGD$82) came together, and it was really fun to see the preparation of the dish. It’s quite difficult to describe the process, so you really have to go there to experience it yourself. Anyway, both mains were good. Not life changing, but good.

I was happy with the meal up till this point, but the dessert completely blew me away.

Words failed me as the chefs came to our table to prepare the dessert – Krug on the moon (HKD$298/pax or SGD$48). Curious diners were equally stunned by the action. Reactions like “gasp” and “oh my god” were heard. It took them around 10-15 minutes to make our dessert, and by the time they were done, I felt like I was in outer-space.

WE ATE FROM THE TABLE!!!

This creation, is at a completely different level. There’s no way I can see desserts in the same light again. What am I supposed to do now that the bar has been raised so high?

If you were impressed by the photos, just imagine how mind blowing it was for me to witness it all unfold right in front of my eyes.

In case you are wondering, Krug on the moon is composed of Chocolate Dome, Chocolate Mousse, Chocolate Pudding, Chocolate Sauce, Oreo Crumble, Brownies Crumble, Dried Coconut, Violet Sugar, Pops Rock Sugar, Raspberry Marinated in Raspberry Liquor, Coconut sauce, and Cassis sauce.

Note: it is not available on the ala carte menu, advance reservations are required.

Since going there, I’ve been telling my friends about Mandarin Grill at Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong. It is a place that I’d buy a ticket and fly off to Hong Kong just to eat there. But of course, it’s not quite possible to do that all the time since a meal there with wine is probably more expensive than an air ticket.

I’d definitely recommend Mandarin Grill if you want to splurge on a good meal in Hong Kong. Go for the Chef Tasting menu – HKD$1188 for 4 course, HKD$1588 for 5 course, and HKD$1888 for 8 course – and I am sure you will have a memorable experience.

Kudos to the team at Mandarin Grill. Well-deserved one Michelin Star.

Mandarin Grill
5 Connaught Road, Central
Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2522 0111

Note: This was an invited media tasting.

After my trip to Hong Kong in September, I wasn’t expecting to see the vibrant city so soon, at least not within this year. But things always happen when you are least expecting them, so when an invitation came from the Novotel Group to gather a few bloggers from all over Asia for a short holiday in the land of dim sum and roast goose — my answer was short and sweet: YES! I want to eat egg tarts!

On my previous trip, we were scrambling around Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and Lautau Island and it was more of a touch-and-go as we wanted to see as many places we could. This time round, I did a lot more eating and shopping at a much relaxed pace — so to add on to my earlier guide, here’s another 10 Things to Do in Hong Kong.

I was there during the Halloween week in end October, and the notable difference was the change in weather. Back in September, it was warm and slightly humid, but this time round, the weather was good great fantastic. It was windy, and starting to get cold. Everyone was out in their semi-winter clothing: coats, scarfs and boots. It’s a nice change to be able to dress up without having stares as though I’m a weirdo. I love Hong Kong!

Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival 2010

If you are planning a holiday to Hong Kong next year, why not go during the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Month during November? With a diverse assortment of unique traditional Chinese festivals and Western cultural celebrations, there will be plenty to see and EAT.

We got passes for the opening Gala of the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival, and it was a magnificent event with wine and food from all over the world. The picture of the burger you see above, is the best burger in the world, only because it was the first proper food that I had for that day. Imagine being surrounded by crates of wine when you are on an empty stomach.

The Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival was held at Kowloon and the venue had a brilliant view of Victoria Harbour. The yearly festival is organized by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, with more than 160 wine booths and another 60 food booths participating for the event.

I must have like what, five, or six samplings of dessert wine. Minh and Boo were amused by my sweet tooth as they opted for glasses of white wine instead. After many glasses of wine (priced at 1-2 voucher tickets, 10HKD each voucher), nibbles of cheese, and a few bites here and there, we decided to call it a day to prepare for the next day.

Visit during the Halloween week and watch Lang Kwai Fong comes alive

It was so much fun looking at all the people who dressed up for Halloween! Everyone was in their crazy outfits, and I swear all of them flocked to Lang Kwai Fong – the most happening nightlife place in Asia. The Hong Kong police was there to cordon the area and we had to take a huge detour just to get to Lang Kwai Fong.

Queue up for the World’s cheapest Michelin-Star restaurant

Is Tim Ho Wan Dim Sum Restaurant worth queuing up for? Yes. Is it true that they are the cheapest Michelin-Star restaurant? Yes. Are their dim sum really so good? Yes.

The dim sum at Tim Ho Wan are so good that they deserve a post on its own, but I’m too lazy to blog a few separate posts. I shall attempt the impossible and try to squeeze everything within my list of 10 things to eat in Hong Kong.

My fellow food bloggers Minh and Boo went early at 9.30am to queue up for a table. By the time I got there at 9.50am (don’t judge me, my hotel was much further away), and lo and behold — a long queue forming outside the restaurant. There was a sense of relief as the restaurant opened its doors at 10am and we were the first batch of 29 people to get into Tim Ho Wan that day.

Baskets and baskets of dim sum started to arrive on our table, and there was “ooh” and “whoa” all around. I’m not going to go into details of everything that we had, but some of the must-try dim sum at Tim Ho Wan are:

The Baked bun with BBQ pork (Char Siu Bau). How can something so simple taste so good? The char siew filling was perfect, it hit the right tones for savoury and sweet, and the deep-fried bun was crisp around the edges but not too oily. I actually exclaimed “oh my god” aloud. The Steamed Prawn Dumpling was very well executed with thin and translucent skin, and fresh crunchy prawn. I managed to grab a Siew Mai from the folks who shared a table with us. It  had the right proportion of lean meat, I put the whole thing into my mouth and swallowed it. Oh the tasty little thing!

I’m not a fan of ham siu kok, but very few dim sum restaurants serve this nowadays, so you may want to try it at Tim Ho Wan. It was also my first attempt on Chicken Feet as I always thought that it’s disgusting. But since I’m already at Tim Ho Wan, there’s nothing to lose so I decided to give it a shot. I hate to say this, but it was surprisingly delicious.

I was having one of the best meals of my life, and somehow I managed to eat so much dim sum even though my stomach was protesting. “Just one more, just one more dim sum. I promise to eat less for dinner.”

Between the three of us, we had 15 dim sum dishes and paid only HKD 210 (SGD$37)! Can you imagine paying just SGD$12 for top quality dim sum? It’s dirt cheap! Is Tim Ho Wan really worth the hype? Yes, I’ll willingly queue up for their dim sum every time I’m in Hong Kong.

I recommend going to Tim Ho Wan early in the morning. They open at 10am so you decide what time you want to be there. If you are there after 10am, they will give you a queue number so you can walk around the area and come back later.

Getting there: From Mong Kok Station, find Tung Choi Street/Women Street, turn right and walk all the way to the end of the street and turn left. If you get lost, scream for help get directions from the locals.

Tim Ho Wan
2-8 Kwong Wah St
Mong Kok, Hong Kong, China

Eat at many Michelin Star Restaurants if you have the money to splurge

Maybe it’s just me, but I didn’t particularly enjoyed the Michelin Star experience. Well, I mean they are great, in the sense that you are feeling: “whoa, I just ate at this Michelin Star Restaurant!” But other than that, there’s really nothing to shout about. My first michelin star restaurant was Yung Kee during my previous trip to Hong Kong earlier in September this year. The Roast Goose was good, but I wouldn’t pay that kind of money or queue up half an hour for it.

After eating at Tim Ho Wan, we went to Island Tang Restaurant the next day to have lunch with the folks from the Hong Kong Tourism board. To be fair, the dining experience at the Michelin Star restaurant is pretty good: impeccable service, good food – but it wasn’t really out-of-this-world. Maybe it’s just me.

Island Tang Restaurant
Shop 222, The Galleria,
9 Queen’s Rd, Central
Tel: 2526 8798

Take the Cable Car and visit Ngong Ping 360

If you have some time to spare after shopping at Citygate outlets, take the 25 minutes cable car ride to Ngong Ping 360 — one of Hong Kong’s must-visit tourist attractions on Lantau island. There, you get to see the spectacular Giant Buddha, and visit the Po Lin Monastery. The Ngong Ping village has a couple of interesting eateries and it incorporates two major themed attractions: Walking with Buddha and Monkey’s Tale Theatre.

Getting there: Tung Chung Station, and go to the Ngong Ping cable car station (round trip tickets for standard cabin is 107HKD)

Temple Street Night Market

I didn’t get to visit Temple Street during my previous trip to Hong Kong, which was a shame since there’s so much to see at the famous night market. Temple Street is known as one of the busiest flea markets in Hong Kong, it’s interesting to walk around and see the different stalls that sell cheap & random merchandise, and there’s also food stalls along the way.

We were having beef brisket by the roadside during the evening, and it’s amazing to see how the street slowly came alive as the vendors started to set up their stalls. Anyway, if you are in the Temple Street area, there’s a pretty famous Claypot rice place at Arthur Street.

Getting there: Yau Ma Tei MTR in Kowloon.

Gong Zai Mian – Hong Kong Style Instant Noodle

“You must have the Gong Zai Mian!” my friend repeatedly emphasized this when I told her I was going Hong Kong for the second time this year. I refused to go to any Hong Kong Cafes in Singapore because of this dish. I thought it’s ridiculous to pay $6 for a bowl of instant noodle with sunny side up and luncheon meat.

Mr Gadget and I had breakfast at a random place near Temple Street, and we ordered Gong Zai Mian. I swear it’s so yummy! And the best part? They are so much cheaper than the Hong Kong Cafes in Singapore.

Shopping Paradise in Hong Kong

Mong Kok is definitely on the top of the list for Shopping in Hong Kong. There’s Fa Yuen Street which is famous for selling sports wear and equipments. If you are into photography, PLEASE get your camera stuff in Hong Kong! It’s probably around 15-20% cheaper than what it is in Singapore. Mr Gadget introduced me to Wing Shing Photo Supplies, which is supposedly one of the most reliable camera shops that locals go to. I was almost tempted to get a lens there which is SGD$200 cheaper. There’s also Langham Place shopping mall within walking distance from the Mong Kok MTR.

Anyway, moving on from Mong Kok, there’s Causeway Bay, one of Hong Kong’s major shopping districts. Otherwise, check out  the largest shopping mall in Hong Kong (not sure if it’s still the largest, but it’s definitely one of the biggest) Harbour City at Tsim Sha Tsui (TST). If you like big shopping malls, I’d suggest going to the new Elements Mall at West Kowloon – the place is huge and spacious, and like the other Hong Kong shopping malls, they have all the big brands under one roof.

But when I talk about shopping in Hong Kong, all I can think of is H&M!

This may sound crazy, but I actually went to four different H&M within a day. As the Men Clothing at H&M Langham Place has very limited stuff, I went to H&M at Canton road, TST (which was located directly opposite Harbour City), and H&M Queen’s Road Central. Both outlets are very crowded, and there are at least a dozen people eying the same thing at one time. Of the four H&M locations in Hong Kong that I went to, my favorite is definitely the H&M at Elements Mall. The place was practically empty and I could shop at ease without having to ‘fight’ with anyone to grab the clothes.

Wing Shing Photo Supplies
55-57 Sai Yeung Choi Street
Mongkok Kowloon, HK
Tel: 2396 6886

H&M Hong Kong
30 Canton road
Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
Tel: +852-3521 1171

68 Queen’s Road Central
Central, Hong Kong
Tel: +852-2110 9546

Elements
Kowloon Station
Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
Tel: +852-2196 8391

Langham Place
Mong Kok Station
Mong Kok, Kowloon
Tel: +852-3580 7621

Eat, eat, eat, eat, eat, eat, eat, eat, eat, eat, eat, eat, eat and eat

You are in Hong Kong! There’s only eating, and shopping, and eating, and more shopping on the agenda. I had my favorite Mango ice from Hui Lao Shan, feasted on Beef Brisket by the roadside, ate countless Egg Tarts and Po Luo Bao in random bakeries, enjoyed a leisure afternoon tea after a whole day of shopping, tasted some of the famous Hong Kong street food like Curry Fish Balls and Siew Mai while having Gong Cha bubble tea.

Travelling is just another excuse for me to eat more.

Stay in Novotel Hotel Hong Kong

I stayed in the Novotel Citygate at Tung Chung during this trip. If you are in Hong Kong mainly for shopping at the Citigate factory outlets, it makes sense to stay at Novotel Citygate since they are just located within the shopping mall. Otherwise, the Novotel Group has another two hotels – Novotel Nathan road in Kowloon, and Novotel Century at Wanchai. All three Novotel hotels are conveniently located within walking distance to the MTR stations.

Novotel is extending an offer to readers of my food blog: Simply quote ‘Novotel blgr’ when you make a direct booking with any of Novotel hotels in Hong Kong, and get a free upgrade to the next room category. Valid until end of August 2011. (Novotel Century Hong Kong: booking@novotelcenturyhk.com; Novotel Nathan Road Kowloon: h6771-re1@accor.com; Novotel Citygate Hong Kong: H6239-RE1@accor.com).

// Many thanks to the team at Novotel Hotel Hong Kong and PRDA who hosted us for this trip. No payment was received, only the air-ticket and accommodation were sponsored.