When in Hong Kong - Places to Eat + Sights to See
A lot of people have been mentioning that they're visiting Hong Kong soon so I've compiled a list of restaurants and activities from my past two visits! My most recent visit was hosted by Hong Kong Airlines and Shangri-La Hotels, which you can read about HERE, so a lot of the food and activities were organized by them. If you have any other recommendations, please share them in the comments below so I can hit them up next time!
THE FOOD
Hung Tong (Kerry Hotel) - My favorite restaurant at the Kerry Hotel! Hung Tong serves elevated dim sum and traditional Chinese food in a modern setting. All of their dishes are beautifully crafted and their dim sum is almost too pretty to eat. Plus, the food tastes just as good as it looks.
Dockyard (Kerry Hotel) - A cool food hall concept containing ten unique eateries located next to the hotel's lobby. The eateries range from Korean dumplings to sushi to beef brisket noodles to much more! There are so many choices that it's almost a bad thing if you're an indecisive person but at the same time a good thing since you can just order everything you're craving. Dockyard also has an app so you can skip the line and order everything from your phone and have it all dropped off right at your table.
Big Bay Cafe (Kerry Hotel) - The restaurant's buffet that is equipped with seven distinct stations: The Nook (charcuteries, cheeses, and baked goods), Chill (sushi, seafood, and salad), International Grill, Wok-Fry, Stews & Casseroles, Noodles & Dumplings, and the Pastry & Dessert Lab. The offerings at each station are constantly changing but with so many choices, there is always something for everyone!
Mott 32
Red Sugar (Kerry Hotel) - The Kerry Hotel's bar and lounge that also has an outdoor terrace overlooking the harbour. The terrace truly makes you feel like you've escaped to an urban oasis and has a beautiful view at all times of the day. The cocktails are also beautifully presented and change weekly.
Mott 32 (Hong Kong Island) - Some of the best dim sum I've had in one of the coolest designed restaurants. Every room in the restaurant (even the bathroom) has a different theme and design. Just like how this is not your typical restaurant, this is also not your typical dim sum. Instead, it has a modern twist with ingredients you wouldn't normally see in Chinese cuisine, such as Iberico pork, caviar, gold leaf, and truffle. That being said, just be prepared for a hefty bill (it's worth the splurge).
Dear Lilly (Hong Kong Island) - Located on the roof of the IFC Mall, Dear Lilly is a restaurant and lounge with an outdoor terrace overlooking Victoria Harbour. The interior of the lounge is very whimsical with a ceiling made of dried flowers and a design that looks like it came straight out of a fairy tale. Additionally, every cocktail is artfully crafted and the presentation of each one has a unique touch to it. This is a cool spot to grab some drinks and hang out at night but beware of the strong floral smell (if it bothers you, just sit outside and enjoy the view!).
Tung Po Restaurant (Hong Kong Island) - Party central! You just have to find it first... Tung Po is located on the second floor of a wet market and when the market closes, Tung Po takes over for dinner. The restaurant attracts both locals and tourists looking for a wild time. With the music blaring and the boss dancing (and doing the splits), everyone is there to have a good time and eat good food (and get drunk). Based on my initial impression when I walked in and saw plastic stools and tables, I was not expecting the food to be very good but boy was I wrong. Must haves include the squid ink spaghetti (will turn your mouth black) and the razor clams with vermicelli. Also, they only serve beer (in bowls instead of cups) but you can bring your own alcohol. Make sure to make a reservation because this place books up every night!
Little Bao (Hong Kong Island) - I only tried the Sloppy Chan (vegetarian) bao but it certainly left me wanting more. Don't make the same mistake as me and make sure to get the ice cream bao as well (and then let me know how it is because everyone has been telling me that I missed out). If you don't want to wait, get there 10 minutes before opening because the line forms super fast and the restaurant is pretty small with all counter seats.
Jasmine Place (Hong Kong Island) - When you want good dim sum but don't want to wait in line at the popular Maxim's Palace, head to Jasmine Place (also part of the Maxim's Restaurant Group).
Lan Fong Yuen (Hong Kong Island) - The original creator of Hong Kong milk tea. You can either grab your tea to go from the little stall in the front or head inside for food. I only tried the milk tea so I can't speak for the food. The tea is mixed with condensed milk but was a little strong for my liking.
SHARI SHARI Kakigori House (Hong Kong Island) - The softest, fluffiest, finest, creamiest shaved ice around. The style of shaved ice is Japanese and the shop actually imports most of their ingredients and machines from there.
Tai Cheong Bakery (multiple locations) - Named the BEST egg tarts in Hong Kong! Buttery, flakey goodness. Make sure to savor it while it's fresh and still warm!
Via Tokyo (multiple locations) - Looking for matcha but can't make it to Japan? Stop by Via Tokyo to get your matcha fix! Just like SHARI SHARI, this shop imports its ingredients from Japan with their matcha coming from Kyoto and their dairy from Hokkaido.
Mak's Noodle (multiple locations) - A local Hong Kong chain known for their simple wonton noodles. Nothing fancy but perfect for a quick bite!
THE ACTIVITIES
See the rainbow at Choi Hung Estate (Kowloon) - Looking for that perfect Instagram backdrop? Well this apartment complex is blogger heaven. Go to the rooftop of the parking structure where the basketball courts are to get your shot.
Ride the Central-Mid-Levels escalators (Hong Kong Island) - This happens to be the longest escalator system in the world (it's about half a mile long)! Locals use it as a way to commute to work everyday since Hong Kong island is pretty hilly and it's not always easy to drive places. In the morning, the escalators all run one direction and in the evening, it switches direction.
Bargain at a night market (multiple locations) - Looking for cheap souvenirs? Head to a night market! If you want to have some fun, try your luck bargaining.
Take a boat tour - The Kerry Hotel chartered a private boat for us but that's certainly not the only way to see Hong Kong from the bay. There are "junk" boats with large, red sails that you can purchase a pass for. We didn't get the chance to ride on one but they looked like a lot of fun.
Check out the nightlife at Lan Kwai Fong (Hong Kong Island) - LKF is a small street filled with clubs and bars, which allows you to easily move from one club to another throughout the night. The people of Hong Kong sure know how to party. One of the tables I was at ordered pizzas and had them delivered to the table (my kind of people). Plus, there's no restrictions on open containers on the street so you can walk around on the street with your drink.
See the city via Ding Ding (Hong Kong Island) - Ding Dings are the city's public tramway system. If a double decker bus and a cable car had a kid, it would look like a Ding Ding. If you have time and need a break from walking, hop on a Ding Ding, head to the second floor, and enjoy the views! This is probably the cheapest way to see part of Hong Kong Island and at $0.30 a ride, you can hop on and hop off as much as you'd like. However, since it is a form of public transportation for the locals, it can get pretty crowded at times.
Visit a temple (multiple locations) - If you're looking to do something more culturally centered, there are many temples located throughout Hong Kong. Our group visited Man Mo Temple on Hong Kong Island and Kwun Yam Temple in Kowloon.
"Hike" Victoria Peak (Hong Kong Island) - And by hike, I mean drive (or take the tram) to Peak Tower. Victoria Peak has the best view of Hong Kong so make sure to go on a clear day when the fog won't obstruct your view (the day I went it was pouring rain...womp womp). Peak Tower is a shopping center with various shops and restaurants but it's definitely catered to tourists.
Get a foot massage (multiple locations) - After a day(s) of non-stop walking, treat yourself (and your feet) to some R&R. We went to Ten Feet Tall, which had a nice ambiance but was definitely on the pricier side. There are so many foot massage spas throughout Hong Kong that you can probably find a cheaper one (and therefore go more often).
Place a bet at Happy Valley Racecourse (Hong Kong Island) - I do not support horse racing but this is definitely a sight to be seen. As much as I am against this sport, I was in awe when I saw the stadium. This is very much a social activity for many of the locals. Races occur every Wednesday night from September-July and are open to the public (general admission is about $1.50 USD).
