There’s a reason I GET Michelin Star Chef David Myers. Yes we both live in Los Angeles, yes we both have a love of food, and yes I have dined at his many restaurants many times. I get him primarily because he gets ME, which is my hometown of Hong Kong. He spent the summer there lapping up the culture, indulging in a culinary wonderland, and explored the best of what my hometown has to offer – food, fashion, culture and art. Hong Kong is one of the most fascinating cities in the world. How do I know this? I was born & raised there for 20 years, so I’ve earned my street cred.
I often get asked what is the best Part of Hong Kong To Visit? In a nutshell it’s an Asian version of Manhattan, NYC. The perfect mix of east meets west, forever known as the Orient – Fast paced and ready to excite! Chef Myers shot some great videos that I saw over the summer, and if you haven’t seen them yet, it will really get your wanderlust on. As a native, I give my opinions below:
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- Always eat where the locals go. You will always get a better deal, a more authentic meal, and truly feel apart of the experience & the culture.
- 14% of the population are Taoist – they believe in the Yin & Yang, and so do I. Treat yourself to the opposite of amazing street food, and experience decadent haute cuisine at it’s finest. Chef Alvin Leung, of BO Innovations, describes the food scene perfectly (In the video at the 3:00 mark).
- The Peninsula Hotel is a must see, as it represents the former British old world glory of Hong Kong. Built in 1928, it offers classic afternoon tea, and during the holidays the Christmas tree is a decadent wonder to visit. Seriously. Our family would visit it every year, and the service is mastery of the highest level.
- Tai Cheong Bakery is know for profiteroles (sa yung) & egg-custard tarts.
- Mak’s Noodle specializes in wonton noodles.
- Bruce Lee Statue (In the video at the 2:26 mark) is along the Avenue of Stars attraction near the waterfront in Tsim Sha Tsui.
- The Graham Street Wet Market will change the way you view a supermarket. This is the locals market that my dad would take me to as a kid. Not for the squeamish!
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- Shopping has always been synonymous with Hong Kong. Literally there is every label & designer represented and it’s a tax-free haven.
- The locals LOVE American vintage.
- There are bespoke malls full of stores that are hidden gems waiting to be found. Here are some example’s I personally recommend:
- – Island Beverly Center in Causeway Bay, has all things cute from Korea & Japan.
- – Silvercord in Tsim Sha Tsui, has trendy boutiques such as I.T. which is my go to store, as it’s a highly curated selection of hard to find labels.
- – Western Market in Sheung Wan, is the oldest surviving market building with an awesome fabric market. It’s amazing what you can do with cloth.
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- Any art show at the at the Hong Kong Exhibition Center is a big feat. Art Basel is no exception. From modern, to contemporary to renaissance – It all comes here. I have seen works by Andy Warhol, Van Gogh, Matisse, Renoir, Picasso…and the list goes on.
- There is art everywhere you go, from the old world to the new world. It’s in the fashion, food, and formidable culture.
- The Hong Kong office has allowed Sotheby’s to become the first international auction house in Asia, with massive involvement with the Asian art market. Bit of trivia for you.
- One of the best murals I have ever seen, is at the Island Shangri-La Hotel. Named “The Great Motherland of China,” it’s 16 stories high, and is the largest Chinese landscape painting in the world. My friends & I would ride up and down in the elevator for a good 10 minutes to view it. It’s incredible! It can only be viewed by the upper level coffee shop elevator. Levels 41-56.
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- I got to meet famed Michelin star Chef Mak, of Tim Ho Wan recently in Los Angeles. He is amazing! Read the review –> HERE.
- The best aspect of Chinese cuisine is that they cook with everything. We’re talking duck, chicken, all seafood, pork, beef, pigeon, ox, vegetables – there is nothing they don’t know how to work with. And I didn’t even get to deserts yet! Complete respect.
- As forward thinking as China is, they are a very traditional culture. It is customary to receive a business card with both hands, and receive one the same way. They are big believers in superstition.
- Find out more by contacting Discover Hong Kong & the Hong Kong Tourism Board.
