A DAY IN HONG KONG

 

START THE DAY WITH BREAKFAST AT A CHA HAAN TENG

Secure a seat at a local cha haan by bumping elbows with the breakfast crowd for a robust morning tea-set meal. Literally translates as “tea restaurants”, these universal Hong Kong diners are as essential of local dining culture and can be seen on every block of every district in this busy city. Western dishes such as French toast, macaroni and ham and scrambled eggs are given an Asian twist to them that has been satisfying local appetites since the culture of cha haan teng exploded on the scene in the 50s.

MORNING STROLL THROUGH SHEUNG WAN

Failing to provide an unanticipated surprise around the corner, this fast redeveloping neighbourhood mixes the old with the new with art galleries, curios, traditional medicine shops and temples. Begin walking along the section of Des Voeux road also known as Dried Seafood Street and have a peek into traditional stores and stalls where you can buy edible and medicinal ingredients such as “wind-dried” sausage, salted fish, century eggs and more. The go up towards the Upper Lascar Row or Cat Street, where antique shops and stalls selling bric-a-brac and second hand items can be found. Walk a few steps and you’ll find the Man Mo Temple on Hollywood Road, which dates back to 1847.

EAT LUNCH LIKE A LOCAL WITH DIM SUM

Your trip to Hong Kong will not be complete without trying the traditional yum cha or dim sum, so head on over to Tim Ho Wan at IFC Mall in Central, which is one of the cheapest Michellin-starred restaurants in the world. The place always has a long queue so try to go outside of standard lunch and dinner hours.

THE PEAK AND ITS EXTRAORDINARY SKYLINE

Once you’re full to walk, hop on the Peak Tram next and take in the amazing harbour views as this funny little funicular winds its way in the impossibly sharp mountainside. The stunning skyline view from the Peak never fails to impress, but a walk through the Lugard Road and Harlech Road circuit offers just as many spectacular vantage points and only half the tourists.

EXPERIENCE THE FRAGRANT HARBOUR FROM THE STAR FERRY

The Star Ferry, for more than 120 years has been transporting commuters back and forth between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, and still remains the cheapest way to cross the harbour. These pretty green and white, open-air ferries best seats can be located along the sides of the top deck, providing an amazing panoramic views of towering skyscrapers.

A LOW KEY AND LOCAL DAI PAI DONG DINNER

There are only about a dozen officially licensed dai pai pong existing in the city to date, the word is now used more commonly to mean open-air food stalls characterized by their folding tables, questionable cleanliness and roadside atmosphere. Some can also be found indoors into cooked food centres found in every district.

 

HAVE A DRINK ON TOP OF THE WORLD

Finish your day in Hong Kong with a fancy cocktail at Ozone, which is the highest bar in the world. Miles away from the budget-friendly food stalls along the street, the glitz and glamour of your environments truly put into viewpoint the massive divide between rich and poor in Hong Kong. Stay and appreciate the scenery as long as you like, the neon skyline remains forever fascinating in an Asian city that never sleeps.

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