A Taste of Hong Kong Will Leave Clients Craving More

In the past three years, Hong Kong has undergone a remarkable transformation. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, Hong Kong has continued to build tourism infrastructure, providing visitors with a more diverse range of experiences than ever before. With more than 23 million arrivals this year so far, Hong Kong is ready to welcome your clients to a feast of the senses.

Among the region’s unique offerings is its undeniably creative culinary scene. Hong Kong will especially appeal to foodies, with yearly festivals, frequent dining events and bustling night markets that stand alone in their scope. The following are a few of the epicurean experiences that might attract travelers to book a trip to Hong Kong, including a special offer from the Hong Kong Tourism Board to enhance your client’s stay.

Annual Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival

Every autumn, Hong Kong hosts a citywide festival celebrating the very best in food and wine with demos and plenty of tastings. Nearly 300 booths, situated along the scenic Central Harborfront event space near Victoria Harbor, showcase a dizzying array of global food and wine offerings plus interactive workshops. Sample vintages from Italy and France alongside unusual wines from Moldova or Thailand, then learn about the emerging scene of Chinese wines and spirits.

Pass-holders are encouraged to gorge on gourmet treats by day, making sure not to miss out on the celebrity chef demonstrations taking place at the Tasting Theatre. Once the sun goes down, a complimentary Sunset Tasting is offered on a first-come, first served basis with selections from Champagne to NingXia Red, a special Chinese juice blend. Local and international musicians take the stage at night to keep the good vibes going.

The four-day Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival returns this year from October 26-29. As a special gift just for your clients, the Hong Kong Tourism Board is offering an exclusive Festival Tourist Pass that will unlock free entry, complimentary tastings and more.

Dim Sum Central

The practice of eating dim sum, or small sweet and savory items, is a tradition in Hong Kong and not one to be missed. Classic dim sum is served in bamboo steamer baskets, typically from trolleys, and accompanied by hot tea. While there are more than a thousand varieties of dim sum, the most common dishes — known as the “four kings” — are siu mai (pork or fish, shrimp and mushroom dumplings); char siu bao (barbecued pork buns); har gao (shrimp dumplings); and dan taat (sweet egg tarts).

Of course, Hong Kong is a place of innovation, and contemporary twists on dim sum can be found at modern establishments like Mott 32, featuring a pork siu mai with quail egg.  An example of a traditional dim sum eatery is Maxim’s Palace, an undisputed local favorite. It’s hard to go wrong when dining on dim sum; the best part is the dishes are meant to be shared.

World-Famous Street Food

In tandem with its Michelin-starred fine dining, Hong Kong is well known for its stellar street food served at ubiquitous stalls known as dai pai dong. Wander Hong Kong’s many neighborhoods and find your own hidden gems or head to one of the area’s food markets for a guaranteed sensory overload. While the Woosung Street Temporary Cooked Food Hawker Bazaar is a mouthful to say, this well-established mecca for street food offers plenty else to chew on. Dozens of vendors sell café-style snacks during the day, like milk tea or pineapple buns, known as cha chaan teng food. By night, you’re more likely to find seafood or stir fry dishes.

Hong Kong’s Temple Street night market is also a lively option for late-night bites. More than a half-mile long, the dai pai dong stalls of Temple Street are popular with out-of-towners and known for their quality and variety of Cantonese cuisine, especially the fresh seafood. Order the chili crab, steamed fish or be adventurous and try the roast pigeon. It’s also a place to shop and socialize, so it’s advised to leave plenty of time to browse and bargain.

Stylish Bars and Lounges for Cocktails and Mocktails

Despite endless things to see, do — and eat — during the day, be sure to leave room on the itinerary for some of Hong Kong’s legendary nightlife. Of the prestigious “Asia’s 50 Best Bars” list, eight are in Hong Kong including top-rated COA, an agave bar inspired by Oaxaca. Whether it’s inventive Argo at the Four Seasons or an easygoing omakase-style cocktail spot called Mostly Harmless, there is a mood and mixology to suit every customer. If the atmosphere is tantamount to what is in the glass, be sure to point your clients in the direction of the magical Iron Fairies, complete with 10,000 butterflies on the ceiling.

Hong Kong’s edgy bar scene extends to the zero-proof trend. Even if you have clients who abstain from alcohol, encourage them to seek out a lounge that offers a serious mocktail menu. Among these is the Envoy, with tipples like the carbonated Morning Dew made with green tea, double-strength jasmine tea and a homemade pandan syrup. Or head to the bar inside Vietnamese restaurant Le Garcon Saigon for nonalcoholic refreshments like the Memories de Saigon, a delicate blend of lotus tea, apple, strawberry and mint.

From the Sponsor

Hello Hong Kong!

Hong Kong welcomes visitors with open arms and loads of unique experiences that highlight our city’s novelty and hospitality. As the events capital of Asia, Hong Kong hosts everything from art and culinary festivals to major sporting events. Additionally, more than 260 nearby islands beckon sightseers to escape the city for a day trip.

Authentic local experiences greet visitors at every turn, like strolling Old Town Central or browsing the markets of Sham Shui Po. New attractions include Hong Kong Palace Museum located in the West Kowloon Cultural District.

From Hong Kong-style cafés to award-winning international cuisine, foodies can lose themselves in 17,000 eateries across the city, including 77 Michelin-starred restaurants. After hours, Hong Kong shines even brighter under neon lights. Bar hop from intimate drinking dens to swanky hotel lounges; fuel up with bites from one of Hong Kong’s many notable street food stalls; then end the night admiring the sweeping views of Victoria Harbor.

With 15 new hotel openings since 2019, there are more than 300 hotel options and 84,000 rooms on offer across Hong Kong — from ultra-luxury properties to affordable accommodations — to suit your clients’ needs.

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