Asia Beauty Spot – Asia Scenery

Many of Hong Kong’s districts boast a unique ambience and wide selection of food. Hong Kong’s more than 11,000 restaurants offer almost every cuisine under the sun, so each dining experience in Hong Kong is vastly different. The map below shows the major food districts in Hong Kong you cannot miss.

1. Causeway Bay

Good food is available throughout the territory, but these areas offer a ‘true Hong Kong’ ambience. Many budget eateries featuring local snacks can be found along Jardine’s Bazaar, Tang Lung and Matheson streets. Sample Hong Kong-style tea, available at famous eateries. You will never forget its richness and aroma. Brilliantly lit, many of the food stalls stay open until the early hours to cater to late diners.

Bars, sushi parlours and other fine eateries along Yun Ping Road, Kai Chiu Road, Pak Sha Road, Lan Fong Road, Hysan Avenue, Sunning Road, Hoi Ping Road and Yiu Wa Street offer a mouth-watering alternative for an evening out. Sip a refreshing beer at the pub as the sun sets, then enjoy dinner at one of the many cosy restaurants at your service in Causeway Bay plaza I & II, Times Square and its Food Forum, World Trade Centre – wtc more, Lee Theatre Plaza and along Cleveland Street in Causeway Bay.

2. Lan Kwai Fong & SoHo

About 25 years ago, Lan Kwai Fong was known as ‘fringe Central’ as business was mainly focused on the waterfront. Today, it’s the most popular loose-tie, hair-down dining and entertainment area on Hong Kong Island. The young and stylish flock to Lan Kwai Fong to sample specialties from around the globe – Japanese, Indian, Italian, Mexican, French and American to name but a few. Many restaurants open onto the cobblestone streets, providing the luxury of alfresco dining.

Further west, around Staunton Street, Shelley Street and Elgin Street, SoHo(named after its location ‘South of Hollywood Road’) joins in offering a compact, fashionable area of bars and restaurants specialising in different cuisines including French, Nepalese, Italian, Mexican and Indian.

3. Stanley

This charming village on the south-side of Hong Kong island offers a unique mix of laid-back eateries in a relaxed, seaside setting. A new waterfront with a pier and pleasant beach walk has developed over the last few years, attracting boats and junks as well as shoppers and tourists.

Some of the most romantic restaurants in Hong Kong with Western food and Chinese cuisine can be found in Stanley. A wide range of culinary options offer comfort for the shoppers, from seafront alfresco to pubs stocked with boutique beers, particularly along the main street. The restaurants in the restored colonial-era Murray House where panoramic views of the picturesque seaside village provide a glorious backdrop to alfresco dining.

4. Tsim Sha Tsui

Easily accessible, Tsim Sha Tsui is a dynamic district for gourmands in Kowloon. Many four- and five-star hotels boast the highest quality restaurants, some with stunning harbour views across the water to Hong Kong Island.

A veritable smorgasbord of tastes are on offer, from international cuisine by some of the world’s finest chefs to traditional Chinese delights along Hillwood Road and Austin Road. Browse main thoroughfares like Nathan Road, Canton Road and Chatham Road, as well as side streets, such as Ashley Road and Cameron Road.

Shopping centres also often host quality-dining options, such as the Szechuan and Cantonese restaurants found in the Miramar Shopping Centre on Kimberley Road. Knutsford Terrace, Knutsford Steps and Observatory Court are an international dining oasis and a great experience in this bustling, neon-lit shopping district.

5. Hung Hom

Home to the Hong Kong Polytechnic University and the MTR East Rail Station, Hung Hom also boasts one of the most striking shopping venues in Hong Kong, the Wonderful World of Whampoa, shaped like a full-scale luxury cruise liner. Whampoa Gourmet Place boasts many specialty restaurants under one roof featuring Northern and Southern Chinese food. There is a bewildering choice of Asian gourmet dishes ranging from tempting snacks to full meals.

6. Kowloon City

Over the years, Kowloon City has evolved from an industrial district into a residential area, and today is a treasure-trove of international cuisine with Asian eateries very much in the spotlight. Delicious and inexpensive, they offer a variety of South East Asian delights, Cantonese and Chiu Chow dishes, as well as scrumptious local desserts. Most of the restaurants are small, family-run businesses with friendly service.

Take a stroll down some of these streets, Nga Tsin Long Road; Nam Kwok Road; Lung Kong Road; Prince Edward Road; Kai Tak Road; Fuk Lo Tsun Road and drop by the many cafes and diners along the way.

7. Sai Kung, Lei Yue Mun & Lamma Island

A seafood feast in one of Hong Kong’s outlying communities can be a lot of fun. Pick your favourite seafood from the tanks at the restaurant and let the chefs take care of the rest. Half the fun is trying to figure out what some of the denizens of the sea are called.

Freshness is guaranteed because all the seafood and fish are alive, so all you need is a good appetite. Restaurants serve the juiciest prawns, scallops, squid, crab, lobsters, clams, oysters and, of course, fish. Try the steamed shrimp, garlic prawns, clams with black bean sauce and deep-fried squid. Book a table and experience picturesque seaside dining.

8. Nightlife

Don’t miss the fun at Hong Kong’s trendy night districts. You’ll find the place that fits your mood: happening bars, neighbourhood pubs, funky nightclubs, hostess bars, sophisticated wine bars, and many places where you can wine and dine.

The buzz starts happening with happy hour, usually 6pm – 9pm and sometimes until midnight, with two-for-one or reduced-priced drinks. Ask for the specials before ordering, after 10:30pm, look for the bars and nightclubs that have live bands, or go to a club with great house music and get into the groove. Many bars & clubs are open 24 hours, so you can party all night if you want. If that isn’t your scene, check out the bars with live sports broadcasts.

Courtesy of Hong Kong Tourism Board