Hong Kong

I make a short 2-week trip to Macau, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. The next few posts will be a taste of these places.

3 things that define Hong Kong

I associate Hong Kong with 3 things:

1. TV dramas (TVB)
2. Shopping, and
3. Food

Hong Kong is a surreal experience every time. I’m not returning to a place I grew up in, but returning to a place that was fed to me through television. Having been there 4 times prior, I can now sort of put a face to the name of the streets and districts. Hong Kong street names are amazing: “Sai Yeung Choi Street” (watercress),  “Soy Street” (soy sauce), “Sai Yee Street” (laundry), “Middle Road”, and more.

For me, the magic always seems to be “Fa Yuan Street” in Mongkok, where innovative cheap buys appear at this street market.

Shopping in Hong Kong sometimes means shopping for one-size-fits-all clothes, fashion fads, new gadgets, and cute stationery. I don’t do much shopping anymore, mainly because I try to lead a minimalist lifestyle.

No shopping means I shall let myself go a little on the eating and drinking side of things.

And no, I don’t mean alcohol. I mean this bitter herbal tea:

These herbal tea shops (涼茶舖) may not have originated in Hong Kong, but is definitely a feature. A big cauldron located behind the counter and ready-to-drink bowls of leung cha lined across the front counter is a unique experience.

Of the things a vegetarian could eat, I crave pastries: Hong Kong-style French Toast, egg tarts, milk tea, bubble waffles, and this jumbo pineapple bun with a thick slice of butter melting inside.

To. Die. For.

Are there foods that you must eat when you visit Hong Kong? Share with me!

 

香港