Hong Kong — A Foodie’s Paradise
“If you want to see capitalism in action, go to Hong Kong” — Milton Friedman, the Nobel Prize-winning economist
Hong Kong is an international trading and shipping hub, bustling with economic exuberance. This former British colony packs 7 million people in a tiny area. Hong Kong isn’t too afraid to display its materialistic wealth. Swiss luxury watch boutiques and luxury fashion brands adorn the streets.
Some say, Hong Kong is as laissez-faire capitalist state as you can get in the world.
But look beyond neon lights, flashy cars and expensive Louis Vuitton handbags, you will find a lively food scene, from beautiful, simple Cantonese food to huge array of Michelin-starred restaurants.
These are some of my sampling of Hong Kong eateries in our short stay.
Man Wah | Mandarin Oriental Hotel
Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant, with panoramic view of Victoria Harbour.
Beautiful Decor. Softly lit and adorned with hanging lamps overhead. It is like stepping back into times of the Chinese emperors. The highlight for me was 25 year old tea, very strong and rich in history.
Customer service was impeccable. Their signature dish, Peking Duck, was not too bad. Overall, the food didn't live up to the price tag.
The Chairman | Central
At Man Wah, the focus on the decor and experience, at The chairman, the focus squarely and solely on food. They served simple but beautiful Cantonese food.
Paired with some nice Italian wine, it was a divine affair! Highly recommenced!
The Ming Court | Mong Kok
Another Michelin starred restaurant in the bustling area of Mong Kok. Ming Court serves simple Cantonese food with a modern twist!
The Butchers Club | Wan Chai, Central & TST
The Butchers Club serves mouth watering burgers and crunchy chips.
Peninsula Hotel High Tea | Tsim Sha Tsui
The British may have gone in 1997, but this iconic Peninsula Hotel continues on the tradition of high tea.
High tea at The Peninsula is a classy and decadent affair!
Dim Sum
There are so many dim sum places in Hong Kong. Dim sums are bite-sized goodies in steamer baskets — pork buns, dumplings and “footballs”.
Lin Heung Lau | Central
This old school dim sum house is as authentic as you can get. Don’t come here expecting great customer service — it’s so packed with customers that you need to share table with strangers. Staff speak little English, but they serve tasty dim sums.
Cafes
Coming from Melbourne, I always get disappointed with coffees overseas. But Hong Kong has some great little cafe with beautiful coffees and pastries.
N1 Coffee & Co | Tsim Sha Tsui, Auction Room | Cental, Coco Espresso | Wan Chai and Central
Sevva | Central
Impressive bar to grab a night cap and enjoy night sky line of Hong Kong.
A foodies’ heaven!
Hong Kong is an amazing city for a foodie. As always, some of the best food that I had in Hong Kong were from little known eateries not on any guide books.
