In the shopping, corporate and foodie jungle that is Central Hong Kong it’s easy to feel lost as to where to eat or what to do. Here is my guide to my favourite spots in the area.
By Day
Hip street eatery Oddies makes the traditional ‘Eggette’, a waffle made of an array of egg-shaped bits that is crunchy on the outside but ends up melting in your mouth. Grab it for as little as HKD $28 (about $5 AUSD) or spend a little more on their funky variations including crushed cheesecake and ice cream toppings.
Address: G/F 45 Gough Street Central Central District, Hong Kong
A stunning lunchtime destination with an even more stunning Dim Sum selection, Duddell’s is the go-to lunch spot for corporates, creatives, fashionistas and for everyone who appreciates the art hanging on the wall. With an attentive team that will cater even the most eclectic Dim Sum menus to your needs, Duddell’s is a must-go for their incredible choice of dumplings.
Address: Level 3, Shangai Tang Mansion, 1 Duddell Street
Man Mo Temple
Think incense spirals dangling from the rafters, aromatic smoke and colourful lanterns: no wonder the Man Mo temple is one of the most photographed in Hong Kong. Here, locals burn paper offerings to their ancestors in the urns outside. The temple, which hosts the statues of gods Man Cheong (god of literature) and Kuan Ti (god of martial arts, or Mo), is a must-see for your Hong Kong trip.
Address: Corner of Ladder Street and Hollywood Road, Central
The former Metropolitan Police Headquarters, PMQ now hosts the best Hong Kong café, art and independent fashion and interior designers. This stunning brutalist space is gigantic and takes at least a couple of hours to explore, expanding from Aberdeen Street to Hollywood Road and opening up until 11 PM.
Address: 35 Aberdeen Street, Central, Hong Kong
The Peak
Reachable via tram from St. Joseph’s building in Garden Road, just off Central, the Peak provides without doubt the most scenic view of Hong Kong on a clear day. The light changes constantly in a rainbow of colours, going from cold and grey to sparkling and warm once the sun comes out. Watch out for the eagles! FYI, the tram brings you 373 metres above Hong Kong in a steep journey lasting 12 minutes – not for the faint-hearted, but you really can’t miss the beautiful 45-minute Peak Circle Walk once you’re up.
Address: 121 Peak Road, The Peak
By Night
Having sunset drinks on a 30-metres junk boat with red sails, watching the Hong Kong harbour light up and the sky turn from pink to orange, was a really unforgettable experience. Sailing daily from Central to Tsim Sha Tsui, a ticket to Aqua Luna includes the ride and a complimentary drink for just HKD $195 (about $35 AUS).
Address: Central Pier 9, daily
Meaning ‘good fortune for your mouth’, Ho Lee Fook is a funky Chinese restaurant blending old Hong Kong cuisine with the New York Chinatown of the 1960s. Run by Taiwanese-born Australian chef Jowett Yu, Ho Lee Fook’s menu verges on the spicy with a great selection of veggie and meaty dishes. Pick any of their stir-fried goodness for a veggie treat or their San Xiao Bao for a meatier, spicier main. However, my favourite part of the menu was definitely the dessert, including the ‘Breakfast 2.0’ made with Horlicks ice cream, cornflake honeyjoy, oats, dried longan, cocoa coffee crumbs.
Address: Lower Ground/Ground Floor, 1-5 Elgin Street, Central.
Dragon Noodles Academy
This just-opened restaurant takes 1970s Hong Kong and Bruce Lee films to the next level with a cartoonish decor, fun-loving crowds and new takes on traditional Chinese dishes. DNA’s noodle chefs will whip up your noodles right in front of you, so make sure you try the restaurant’s signature dishes, mostly based on seafood and lobster. Their lobster noodles and noodle soup are to die for!
Address: Man Yee Building, 23 Ground Floor G04, Man Yee Lane, Entrance by the side street
Pictures: Charlotte Howells from The Fashion Division, Carolina
Such a vibrant city.;)