Hong Kong is high on the hit list for many travellers – insane food, stunning views and heaps of great things to do. There’s so much in a (relatively) small space it’s hard to know where to start.
We spent 3 weeks on Hong Kong Island and were fortunate enough to be shown around by a friend who lives there and given tips by someone who grew up there. Hopefully they help you to make the most of your trip!
Where should I stay?
We stayed near Happy Valley on HK Island. If I was going back I’d stay between WanChai and Central. Happy Valley is served by trams and buses but there are more through Central and Wan Chai, as well as the metro. From here it’s easy to get across to the mainland too.
Wan Chai is not as upmarket as some other parts of HK but it has loads to offer on the food and entertainment front.
How should I get around?
Public transport in HK is really good, and pretty cheap too. You’ll need an Octopus card (either physical or on your phone) to tap on and off. You can buy these in most stations or corner shops (7 Eleven etc), and it can be set to auto recharge or top up as you go.
Fun fact/ top tip: Sometimes fan groups of music artists will pay for specific transport on certain days. For example, It was Anson Lo’s birthday while we were in HK and so the ferry on that day was made free by his fans.
What to eat/ drink (and where)
I should start this by saying we’re pretty adventurous and despite not speaking a word of Cantonese we headed for the local places. We were rewarded with amazing food – Google translate really is a game changer!
If you’re up to the challenge, go and find a Dai Pai Dong. You’ll probably have to queue but it’s some of the best food you’ll have. I’ve tried to call out the locations of our favourite dishes in my must try list below:
- Beef Brisket Noodles
There’s an amazing Dai Pai Dong near Central – I’m still trying to remember the exact location but will update when I do. It’s outrageously cheap and the only place we went back to twice as it was THAT good. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed. - Breakfast Sets
Usually consist of scrambled eggs on toast with macaroni soup or similar. Depending on the cafe you can pick and choose. For the full HK experience, go to Australia Dairy Company (no actual affiliation to Australia) and be prepared to eat quick! - Clay Pot Rice – try Hing Kee near Yau Ma Tei station
- Custard Buns
There’s some late night stalls that do these, as well as dessert cafes. It’s similar to a char sui bun (soft and fluffy) but with a lovely sweet filling. - Dim Sum
- Dan Dan Noodles
Head to Mak Kee Yummy Food in North Point for this. They have their original store when you sit outside on small stools or across the road and AC restaurant. We went for the original and it was one of my favourites places we ate at. I’d recommend getting some dumplings too. - Dumplings – find some traditionally made dumplings, usually pan fried. Mak Kee Yummy Food to a great opinion if you’re headed to North Point
- Eggplant/ aubergine – slow cooked
I can’t tell you the exact Dai Pai Dong we had this in, it was either Sing Kee or next door but it’s worth hunting down! The eggplant is cooked in a clay pot and is incredibly tasty. I generally like aubergine but this changed my perception. It is SO good. There are lots of other options as well so if you go with a few people you can have a real feast. - Char Sui Pork – you’ll see a lot of local places with meet hanging in the windows. Almost all of these will serve char sui pork but don’t expect any English so be prepared to muddle through. Worth it.
- Egg Tarts
Famous around Hong Kong. I didn’t have a particular favourite but they’re worth trying if you’re not familiar. It might be poor form but I am not convinced I found any as good as the Portuguese egg tarts/ pastel de nata) that I have had in the past. - Fried Milk – deep fried condensed milk, it’s not widely available but weirdly good! It’s crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside.
- Hainan Chicken
- Hotpot – there are loads of different types, from seafood to super spicy. We went to Hot Pot Land with some friends who are based in HK. It wasn’t cheap but was great.
- KT Style French Toast – try the beef satay French Toast if you can
- Macaroni Soup – yes… I’m serious! You can get a clear broth or a tomato soup
- Milk Tea – similar to Singapore Teh Tarik, but a little less sweet. You can get it hot or iced – in the summer iced is a real gem!
- Roast Goose – there are a couple of good options. Both Yat Lok and Kam’s were recommended to us, and we ended up having a great time at the former.
- Sweet soup – usually black sesame
- Yeunyeung – a coffee tea mix which is specific to HK. It’s usually mixed with sweetened evaporated milk
If you know anyone from HK, definitely get recommendations. There is nothing like a local suggestion.
Drinks
There are lots of great bars but two in particular to recommend are:
- Ben’s Back Beach Bar near Shek O
- Hing Kee Beach Store on Cheung Chau
Things to do
- Lantau Island & The Big Buddha
- Lama Island – go for a walk and get some seafood!
- The Peak Tram & The Peak Walk
- Hong Kong Park
You probably only need an hour or so here but it’s worth an explore - Cheung Chau Island
We had a spare afternoon and ended up heading there for a walk, swim and some drinks at the beach bar. It was super cruisey, with good food options too. - Get the bus around the island
This sounds basic but it’s a great way to see HK - Ride the trams – they’re super cheap and great fun. Try to get on the top deck at the front
- Macau – hop on a ferry and spend the day exploring. We’re not much for casinos so we headed out to one of the incredible temples (A Ma Temple is stunning), did some walking and visited the Ruins of St Pauls.