“Hong Kong is set up as a playground where you are open to explore different things. I really appreciate that people in the city are very open and accepting of new ideas, tastes and cuisines. In return, this allows me the freedom to explore different avenues in the kitchen and create more unique dishes.”

Vicky’s Travel Itinerary

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As said by Ms. Chef Vicky Lau from TATE Dining Room, “Hong Kong is set up as a playground where you are open to explore different things”, and we could not agree more. This urban metropolis is the definitive playground for the curious minded – from foodies and coffee connoisseurs to art aficionados. There is really no place like Hong Kong. But do not just take our word for it. Experience it yourself by following Vicky’s 24-hour itinerary in the city.

8:30AM: Enjoy a perfect start to the morning by having breakfast at Page Common coffeehouse inside Page148 hotel.

9:30AM: After you have had your morning pick-me-up, explore an array of attractions and sightsees around the hotel. Tucked conveniently between the bustling Tsim Sha Tsui (TST) district and the more traditional Jordan district, you can find yourself in the midst of a diverse environment where East meets West at Page148. If you enjoy shopping, head towards TST to visit some of the major shopping malls in the city like K11 Musea and Harbour City. Here, you can also find a selection of over 1,900 restaurants to choose from. If you opt for a truly authentic local experience, the Temple Street Night Market in Jordan district will be a gem.

11AM: Make your way over to Shek Kip Mei district by taxi or MTR where you must indulge in a cup of tea at 文博軒 Heritage Tea House, located at the Jockey Club Creative Arts Centre (JCCC). With its stunning traditional wooden interior, surrounded by a great collection of books to choose from, Heritage Tea House makes for the perfect getaway from the busy city life. Order a cup of hot Oolong tea and delectable dim sum dishes while you open up a good read if you have the time.

12:30PM: If you still have an appetite, head on over to the eclectic Sai Ying Pun district by MTR where you can enjoy authentic Hong Kong dishes at the Michelin-recommended Kwan Kee Clay Pot Rice restaurant, where they are renowned for their traditional stir-fries and clay pot rice, as the name suggests. However, if you are craving for clay pot rice such as their signature white eel clay pot rice, you will want to come back in the evening as it is only served then. It is totally worth coming back for as the rice is chewy in texture with a crunchy crust at the bottom of the pot that makes the dish that much more fragrant.

2PM: Vicky is a huge fan of art and history, so it is no surprise that she recommends Tai Kwun as a must-see destination in Hong Kong. This former Central Police Station of Hong Kong has been redeveloped into a cultural and shopping destination. You will find many celebrated artists around the globe like Takashi Murakami that regularly display their works of art here. Located at the eastern end of Hollywood Road in Central, you are surrounded by an abundance of trendy restaurants, bars and coffee shops that you can enjoy after your visit to Tai Kwun.

4PM: You must be thirsty by now so walk over to Kung Lee sugarcane juice shop situated on 60 Hollywood Road, Central for a refreshing cup of freshly-squeezed sugarcane juice. This is the ideal beverage to quench your thirst on a hot summer’s day! Having served its customers since 1948, you’ll know by now that this juice shop is not your typical juicery. This classic breezy drink originated back in the day when people in Hong Kong would chew sugarcane to keep cool in the excessive heat during the summer. It is delicious and super invigorating. Be sure to give this a try!

4:15PM: To truly understand the city and its hidden treasures, you need to connect with the local culture, and there is no better way to do that than to visit the market! Vicky recommends that you visit Gage Street in Central where you can find an assortment of fresh produce and meats, both sourced locally and internationally.

4:30PM: Once you’ve had a dig at the treasure chest of a market on Gage Street, take the city tram, also referred to as the “ding ding”, to Liang Yi Museum in Sheung Wan. Hong Kong boasts itself as one of the most efficient cities in the world with a highly convenient transport system. With that in mind, one need not always be on the subway or taxi. Rather, admire the stunning city streets and the street-level views it has to offer taking the tram.

4:45PM: Now that you have arrived at the Liang Yi Museum, a private museum of design, craftsmanship and heritage located in Sheung Wan, your exploration awaits! Do keep in mind that the museum closes at 6PM from Tuesday through Saturday (closed on Sunday and Monday) so be sure to get there in time to fully enjoy the exhibition. The four-storey museum is home to one of the world’s largest collections of Chinese antique furniture, made of the treasured materials huanghuali and zitan, from the Ming and Qing dynasties. If you have a fascination with European history, the museum also houses the world’s premier collection of bejewelled clutches, compacts and powder boxes made in the finest design houses such as Cartier, Boucheron and Van Cleef & Arpels.

6PM: Indulge in the rich culinary gems that the city has to offer by dining at The Chairman, one of the most influential Cantonese restaurants in Hong Kong, located in Sheung Wan. A frequented joint by foodies in the city, The Chairman is known for using the freshest ingredients sourced locally with no MSG in its dishes. Among the fan favourites include its crispy chicken stuffed with shrimp paste, steamed crab with aged Shaoxing, and almond sweet soup. Its retro interiors make for the perfect backdrop to a wonderful evening of classic Chinese dishes, each infused with truly enticing flavours that will make your mouth water.

9PM: After a delicious gourmet meal, make your way over to The Old Man in Soho district for a round of drinks! Awarded the top spot in Asia’s 50 Best Bars list, this not-so-secret speakeasy is one of the hottest bars in the city. Known for their creative list of cocktails inspired by Ernest Hemingway’s literary gem, The Old Man And The Sea, each drink is truly a unique experience of its own.

10PM: For an evening nibble, head over to Kau Kee restaurant on Gough Street in Sheung Wan. A convenient walkable distance from The Old Man, this small but cozy eatery is known for their succulent beef brisket noodle dish. Be prepared to wait in the long queue and share a table with other diners because it is widely popular amongst foodies. We are certain you’ll end the night off on a high note!

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