PASSTIMES Issue 10

WORTH IT! 🇭🇰HONG KONG EDITION

Beyond its repute as an international finance hub, Hong Kong is also renowned for its exquisite food and amazing shopping experience. Although the city is known for being one of the most expensive cities (for basically everything) in the world, there are also great local food and sightseeing spots for an absolute bargain! Here is a quick and short guide to Hong Kong’s iconic food and sightseeing spots!

Food

TIM HO WAN - AFFORDABLE MICHELIN-STAR DIM SUM

Available in six locations, for details please visit: http://www.timhowan.com/

Opening hours: variesRating:Cost: $

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Dim Sum is perhaps one of the most iconic Hong Kong cuisines - with a variety of small dishes, dumplings, buns, and desserts in one sitting. Dubbed the “world’s cheapest Michelinstarred restaurant,” this food chain in the city is renowned for offering small bite-sized delicacies (a.k.a. Dim Sum) for ridiculously low prices, but with a taste that can match, or even exceed, the quality of some high-end boutique restaurants. The chain offers over 30 dims sum options, from savory options like shrimp dumplings (HK$28), 蝦餃 har gow (pic 1), to delicious desserts like osmanthus flower jelly with Goji berries (HK$12/3pcs), 桂 kwai fa go (pic 2). They have six locations in the city, with locations in most major districts.

The first chain opened in Mong Kok in 2009, when two Four Season hotel chefs, Mak Kwai Pui and Leung Fai Keung. At first glance, it just seemed like any other small Dim Sum eatery - serving authentic local Dim Sum in a small cramped corner shop. However, in 2010, when it received a Michelin one-star accreditation, queues went insane and the owners had

to soon expand and open another shop in Sham Shui Po. Serving such high quality and authentic Hong Kong cuisine at such a low price, you should not miss this place when visiting the city.

YAT LOK GOOSE

G/F, 34-38 Stanley Street, Central, Hong Kong

Opening Hours: 10am – 9pm (Mon-Sat), 10am – 5.30pm (Sun). Day Off every last Wednesday of the month

Rating:Cost: $

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Just like Tim Ho Wan, Yat Lok has been awarded the Michelin one-star accreditation, and also serves delicious Hong Kong cuisine in the most local and authentic way possible. The menu is as simple as it gets: one choice of roasted meat and their choice of carb. The

most renowned roast goose + BBQ pork rice will cost you HK$58 (pic 3), with other combinations ranging from HK$60-80. Despite its simple presentation, the crispy goose skin, combined with the layer of fat, tender goose meat underneath, and the plum sauce provides an amazing sensation hard to put into words.

As you step foot into the small shop located in Central, the interior will remind you of small hostels, where tables and chairs are set up inches from each other, and waiters serving up dishes to customers nonstop. The restaurant is notorious for its poor service, but most would agree that the amazing food would make up for it. The fast and simple service allows customers to finish meals and leave the restaurant in less than 30 minutes - almost like an oriental adaptation of fast food. But despite the service, many still argue it is one of the most authentic and traditional roasted meats restaurants in Hong Kong.

Sightseeing

Just like food, there are plenty of budgetfriendly experiences in Hong Kong. No matter if you have a budget (or no budget at all), there’s a place for everyone to have fun - as long as you know where to look!

“DING DING” TRAMS

Location: Causeway Bay or North PointRating:Cost: $

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Travel back in time to 1920s Hong Kong by hopping on board the “Ding Ding” trams that run across the heart of Hong Kong Island. These outdated and hot trams may not be ideal on a hot summer’s day, but the views you see along the way will surely make up for it. Starting from either side of the Island, tourists (and locals) can hop on and off along the east-west route along the island. At HK$2.3 per person, it is perhaps one of the cheapest and most scenic ways to explore the city, as passengers have the opportunity to get close to the city’s fusion and historic and modern culture.

REPULSE BAY BEACH

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Cost: $

If you want to escape the hectic and busy streets, visiting a beach may be a good option. Among the many choices available, the Repulse Bay Beach ranks among one of the most scenic and provides the most “holiday” vibe out of all beaches in the city. You can expect crowds relaxing on the beach, or strolling to the highly-rated restaurants nearby. You’ll find all related necessities

for the beach, from swim gear to bars and restaurants. However, this beach may not be suitable for those who are looking for a quiet relaxing beach, as Repulse Bay is extremely among locals, expats, and tourists. Repulse bay is a 35-minute bus ride from Central MTR station and only costs around HK$10. Once you’ve arrived, you’ll be surrounded by many opportunities to take photos, relax, and have fun.

SHEK O BEACH + DRAGON’S BACK HIKE

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ★Cost: $

For those looking for a quiet and calm experience, Shek O Beach should be on the top of your list when planning. Located on the southeast of Hong Kong Island, it is also very popular among locals and hiking enthusiasts - this is because of its close proximity to the Dragon’s Back hiking trail (one of the city’s top hiking destinations, and a great trail for beginners) nearby. Many people hike first at the trail, then walk down to the beach to cool down - essentially making this destination a two-in-one package. With plenty of dining options at the seaside village, changing rooms, and other safety equipment, the facilities are comprehensive. The water quality is also excellent and is often what makes it worth the extra traveling time. To get to the beach, you can take the No. 9 minibus departing from the Shau Kei Wan MTR station for around HK$20 (MTR fee included). Also nearby is Big Wave Bay, in which the rough waves attract many experienced surfers to visit for a weekend retreat.