A Food Obsessive's First Time Hong Kong
Jun 2nd, 2016, 03:01 PM
#21
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Get your XLB fix in for breakfast or lunch.
http://thehkhub.com/hong-kongs-top-5...o-restaurants/
We loved the touristy shopping and excitement on Nathan Rd and the scenic bus ride over to Stanley for lunch.
Aloha!
http://thehkhub.com/hong-kongs-top-5...o-restaurants/
We loved the touristy shopping and excitement on Nathan Rd and the scenic bus ride over to Stanley for lunch.
Aloha!
Jun 4th, 2016, 01:16 PM
#24
From Conde Nast
http://www.cntraveler.com/stories/20...o-in-hong-kong
http://www.cntraveler.com/stories/20...o-in-hong-kong
Jun 4th, 2016, 05:03 PM
#25
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My first trip to HK was in 1998 for just a few days. We stayed at the Bishop Lei and it was fine. There was a tiny bedroom plus a sitting room and bathroom. The location is excellent.
The second time we visited was in 2008 for a month. We were the guests of HKU. The accommodations were spartan, but the price was right.
I second the Peninsula. We ate dinner there a few times in the Chinese restaurant and had high tea one afternoon.
There are many private supper clubs available to HK diners. The Fodor's HK guide has the names of several and more can be found on Chowhound. We went to the Golden Door in mid-levels and had a Shanghainese meal with multiple courses.
The best food experience I had was an all-day cooking class with Martha Sherpa at her cooking school in Mong Kok. Here's the website: http://www.marthasherpa.com/. After the class ended she took us for an hour-long walk through the Mong Kok wet market. Fabulous!
I learned not only cooking techniques, but a great deal about Chinese culture.
The second time we visited was in 2008 for a month. We were the guests of HKU. The accommodations were spartan, but the price was right.
I second the Peninsula. We ate dinner there a few times in the Chinese restaurant and had high tea one afternoon.
There are many private supper clubs available to HK diners. The Fodor's HK guide has the names of several and more can be found on Chowhound. We went to the Golden Door in mid-levels and had a Shanghainese meal with multiple courses.
The best food experience I had was an all-day cooking class with Martha Sherpa at her cooking school in Mong Kok. Here's the website: http://www.marthasherpa.com/. After the class ended she took us for an hour-long walk through the Mong Kok wet market. Fabulous!
I learned not only cooking techniques, but a great deal about Chinese culture.
Jun 5th, 2016, 05:36 PM
#27
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We're quasi foodies, went last year, did a little research in advance. We were there for work so somewhat limited because we had little time off and many events set up in advance, but we ate at some excellent spots. I don't think any of these were particularly innovative though. Would have liked to go to a cutting edge spot and I'd also include dumplings at Din Tai Fung if you're not headed to Shanghai, as we were.
CANTONESE
Lung King Heen - 3 star Michelin in Four Seasons - solid, but slightly underwhelming, hard to get reservation. awesome views
Yah Toh Heen - 2 star Michelin in Intercontinental - wonderful, more innovative than LKH
Tim Ho Wan - 1 Michelin star. amazing pork buns. go off hours to avoid insane wait
TEA HOUSES/DIM SUM
Luk Yu - old school institution. Dim sum was okay, did an informal tea tasting, really fun
Chi Lin Nunnery - really cool Buddhist temple complex, excellent vegetarian food, easily took the metro from Kowloon
SUSHI
Nobu - couldn't resist (even though we were headed to Tokyo) because it was in our hotel. Was served at the sushi bar by Nobu himself. Absolutely awesome. Better than the Malibu location.
PENINSULA
We had two private events there - one tea, one cocktail party. Lots of fun with our group, but I might have found it stuffy otherwise.
BOBA
Amazing all over
STREET FOOD
Temple Street Night Market - I can't resist har gau and this place didn't disappoint, although the souvenirs were super cheesy. There was also some killer spicy crab.
FRENCH PASTRIES
Agnes B cafe in Kowloon - stumbled into this place while shopping. Beware if you're tempted by authentic Parisian baked goods.
UNREAL WESTERN/EASTERN BREAKFAST
I'm not a big hotel person nor a buffet person, but I'm still dreaming of the spread - particularly the dim sum and breads - at the Intercontinental, where we stayed.
CANTONESE
Lung King Heen - 3 star Michelin in Four Seasons - solid, but slightly underwhelming, hard to get reservation. awesome views
Yah Toh Heen - 2 star Michelin in Intercontinental - wonderful, more innovative than LKH
Tim Ho Wan - 1 Michelin star. amazing pork buns. go off hours to avoid insane wait
TEA HOUSES/DIM SUM
Luk Yu - old school institution. Dim sum was okay, did an informal tea tasting, really fun
Chi Lin Nunnery - really cool Buddhist temple complex, excellent vegetarian food, easily took the metro from Kowloon
SUSHI
Nobu - couldn't resist (even though we were headed to Tokyo) because it was in our hotel. Was served at the sushi bar by Nobu himself. Absolutely awesome. Better than the Malibu location.
PENINSULA
We had two private events there - one tea, one cocktail party. Lots of fun with our group, but I might have found it stuffy otherwise.
BOBA
Amazing all over
STREET FOOD
Temple Street Night Market - I can't resist har gau and this place didn't disappoint, although the souvenirs were super cheesy. There was also some killer spicy crab.
FRENCH PASTRIES
Agnes B cafe in Kowloon - stumbled into this place while shopping. Beware if you're tempted by authentic Parisian baked goods.
UNREAL WESTERN/EASTERN BREAKFAST
I'm not a big hotel person nor a buffet person, but I'm still dreaming of the spread - particularly the dim sum and breads - at the Intercontinental, where we stayed.
Jun 5th, 2016, 08:02 PM
#28
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We returned last night from a week in HK. Stayed at the JW Marriott which is literally above the Admiralty MTR station, a great location. We had access to the executive lounge thanks to loyalty program status, but would pay extra for it and think it good value. Lounge offered a daily breakfast that was expansive and tasty - Asian and western choices, including made to order eggs and pancakes. Afternoon tea was lovely. In the evening, what was billed as hors-d'oeuvres were so tasty and so extensive, and accompanied by complimentary beer, wine, cocktails so we actually made that dinner a couple nights. Nice gym, too, to work off a couple of the calories.
On a previous visit stayed at the Salisbury YMCA and it was fine, a very different experience than the JW but perfectly adequate and a great location.
We had a dinner at AMMO www.ammo.com.hk which is located a short (but very steep!) walk from the hotel and gets good reviews, but found it wanting in terms of the service. Food was quite good, though portions are small and menu is a bit limited. They were sold out of our wine choice but offered a suitable alternative.
Also had a casual evening eating at Divino Patio in Wan Chai, http://www.divinogroup.com/restauran...atio/about-us/ more for the jazz group than the menu but did a lovely grazing evening where we ordered several dishes (4 cheese pizza, clams italiano, pappardelle, sausage skewer over lentils that was scrumptious) and shared (along with a few bottles of wine!) and all were quite good. The jazz group plays on Thursdays.
Because a cousin has lived in HK for years we also ate at a couple local "cheap and cheerful" spots in Central / Mid Levels. Had excellent takeaway fish and chips at Hooked www.hooked.hk after a glorious foot massage and Shanghai pedicure at Gao's Foot massage www.gaosfootlankwaifong.com/ across the street at 77 Caine Road.
We did the Sham Shui Po food tour with Hong Kong Foodie Tours www.hongkongfoodietours.com/which involved walking but with plenty of stops to sit and eat. This is a stroll through an old Hong Kong working class neighborhood, and despite the heat and humidity we enjoyed it.
To do some foodie planning, check out www.openrice.com/en/hongkong
As for Macau, gave it a pass this time as I have been previously and thought it was a day trip at best. Nice, just not a whole lot there, and casinos hold no appeal.
On a previous visit stayed at the Salisbury YMCA and it was fine, a very different experience than the JW but perfectly adequate and a great location.
We had a dinner at AMMO www.ammo.com.hk which is located a short (but very steep!) walk from the hotel and gets good reviews, but found it wanting in terms of the service. Food was quite good, though portions are small and menu is a bit limited. They were sold out of our wine choice but offered a suitable alternative.
Also had a casual evening eating at Divino Patio in Wan Chai, http://www.divinogroup.com/restauran...atio/about-us/ more for the jazz group than the menu but did a lovely grazing evening where we ordered several dishes (4 cheese pizza, clams italiano, pappardelle, sausage skewer over lentils that was scrumptious) and shared (along with a few bottles of wine!) and all were quite good. The jazz group plays on Thursdays.
Because a cousin has lived in HK for years we also ate at a couple local "cheap and cheerful" spots in Central / Mid Levels. Had excellent takeaway fish and chips at Hooked www.hooked.hk after a glorious foot massage and Shanghai pedicure at Gao's Foot massage www.gaosfootlankwaifong.com/ across the street at 77 Caine Road.
We did the Sham Shui Po food tour with Hong Kong Foodie Tours www.hongkongfoodietours.com/which involved walking but with plenty of stops to sit and eat. This is a stroll through an old Hong Kong working class neighborhood, and despite the heat and humidity we enjoyed it.
To do some foodie planning, check out www.openrice.com/en/hongkong
As for Macau, gave it a pass this time as I have been previously and thought it was a day trip at best. Nice, just not a whole lot there, and casinos hold no appeal.
Jun 5th, 2016, 11:49 PM
#29
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Yestravel, we'll be in HK from 16th to 23rd, so we'll just miss you! Thanks for the Conde Nast link, shall add that to my bookmarks.
Indianapearl, I'll definitely check out the supperclub scene, great idea - and I'll hit chowhound for sure before we travel. I have a login there, as I checked out some research on Japan and I very occasionally post on London.
I'll also look up the cookery class - did Martha give the class or does she have a group of teachers? Sounds like she's moved locations from Mong Kok and only some of the classes include the option of the wet market tour.
Rkkwan, we have international flights already booked on airmiles. Outbound takes us via HK through to Taipei. Return is direct from HK to London. I just need to book a flight from Taipei back to HK (or Macau) for the 16th and the flights are all set.
Crosscheck, Din Tai Fung is on the list, I'm going to check it out in Taipei, but may also visit in HK too! The rest of your list also really helpful, thank you!
Seamus, I've been looking at two companies that do foodie tours, very interested in doing one of those, thanks for the recommendtion. Thanks too for the openrice link, I've not seen that site beore.
Indianapearl, I'll definitely check out the supperclub scene, great idea - and I'll hit chowhound for sure before we travel. I have a login there, as I checked out some research on Japan and I very occasionally post on London.
I'll also look up the cookery class - did Martha give the class or does she have a group of teachers? Sounds like she's moved locations from Mong Kok and only some of the classes include the option of the wet market tour.
Rkkwan, we have international flights already booked on airmiles. Outbound takes us via HK through to Taipei. Return is direct from HK to London. I just need to book a flight from Taipei back to HK (or Macau) for the 16th and the flights are all set.
Crosscheck, Din Tai Fung is on the list, I'm going to check it out in Taipei, but may also visit in HK too! The rest of your list also really helpful, thank you!
Seamus, I've been looking at two companies that do foodie tours, very interested in doing one of those, thanks for the recommendtion. Thanks too for the openrice link, I've not seen that site beore.
Jun 5th, 2016, 11:59 PM
#30
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Oh, btw I realised I counted wrong, and I have 7 not 8 nights in HK.
So back to the hotels question...
I've settled on an approximate budget per night of between HKD 2000 and HKD 3000. After spending half a day looking at loads and loads of hotels, I can see that we could easily spend double or more to book the top places, especially for the rooms with the best views. I did check out every one of the suggestions in the thread but where the rooms were significantly more than 3000 per night, I discarded them from my shortlist, since I can clearly find good options at that price point. A couple were within the price range but not showing availability.
Here are the 5 places I'm holding reservations, in order of price from highest to lowest. All are Room Only bookings.
Kowloon Shangri-La
Deluxe King with harbour view
Hotel Icon
King room with harbour view
Intercontintental HK
King room with harbour view
YMCA Salisbury
Executive suite harbour view
Hotel Indigo HK Island
Deluxe King
First four are on the Kowloon side, and the last one is on HK Island.
Any thoughts?
So back to the hotels question...
I've settled on an approximate budget per night of between HKD 2000 and HKD 3000. After spending half a day looking at loads and loads of hotels, I can see that we could easily spend double or more to book the top places, especially for the rooms with the best views. I did check out every one of the suggestions in the thread but where the rooms were significantly more than 3000 per night, I discarded them from my shortlist, since I can clearly find good options at that price point. A couple were within the price range but not showing availability.
Here are the 5 places I'm holding reservations, in order of price from highest to lowest. All are Room Only bookings.
Kowloon Shangri-La
Deluxe King with harbour view
Hotel Icon
King room with harbour view
Intercontintental HK
King room with harbour view
YMCA Salisbury
Executive suite harbour view
Hotel Indigo HK Island
Deluxe King
First four are on the Kowloon side, and the last one is on HK Island.
Any thoughts?
Jun 6th, 2016, 05:33 AM
#32
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Heh, yes, RKKwan, the one at 18 Salisbury Road.
But you think a regular king there is better than an executive suite at the YMCA Salisbury? That suite gives an entire extra living room with sofa, and with that same delicious harbour view.
We tend not to take breakfast in our hotels, though we may do so once or twice, adhoc. So that's not deciding factor for us.
More about location (I appreciate three of these are pretty darn close to each other, another not far away and only one across the water over on HK Island) and room and any other factors people can comment on.
Particularly love to hear from anyone who's stayed at more than one of these 5 and can give me their thoughts on their favourite out of the ones they've visited, and why.
But you think a regular king there is better than an executive suite at the YMCA Salisbury? That suite gives an entire extra living room with sofa, and with that same delicious harbour view.
We tend not to take breakfast in our hotels, though we may do so once or twice, adhoc. So that's not deciding factor for us.
More about location (I appreciate three of these are pretty darn close to each other, another not far away and only one across the water over on HK Island) and room and any other factors people can comment on.
Particularly love to hear from anyone who's stayed at more than one of these 5 and can give me their thoughts on their favourite out of the ones they've visited, and why.
Jun 6th, 2016, 05:49 AM
#33
Kavey - We've only stayed at the YMCA and did not have an executive suite but the view from our ordinary double [with harbour view] was thrilling enough for us. I can't help you about the others.
BTW I see that you're not interested in hotel breakfasts but just in case someone is, the Salisbury gives you a discount voucher for breakfast for the first day and after that you have to ask for more from reception. The breakfast was pretty good for the price we thought with european and chinese options.
BTW I see that you're not interested in hotel breakfasts but just in case someone is, the Salisbury gives you a discount voucher for breakfast for the first day and after that you have to ask for more from reception. The breakfast was pretty good for the price we thought with european and chinese options.
Jun 6th, 2016, 08:15 AM
#34
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Annhig, thank you so much, I also noted your comments about the ease of hopping onto the ferry etc. from the Salisbury - I like that it's near both the Star Ferry terminal and a metro station.
They did send me info on the discounted hotel breakfast, in the booking email, which I've squirreled away.
I want to try and make the decision fairly soon as I don't like the idea of holding multiple rooms for the same night where I can avoid it. I realise these hotels will fill those rooms easily the second I release them but still, I prefer to make a choice and release sooner than later.
They did send me info on the discounted hotel breakfast, in the booking email, which I've squirreled away.
I want to try and make the decision fairly soon as I don't like the idea of holding multiple rooms for the same night where I can avoid it. I realise these hotels will fill those rooms easily the second I release them but still, I prefer to make a choice and release sooner than later.
Jun 6th, 2016, 09:45 AM
#36
Kavey - I know what you mean - I frequently use the free cancellation terms offered with booking.com et al, but I like to release the room as soon as i know I won't require it, even if it might suit me to keep it longer, just in case.
yestravel - I think it's unlikely that the prices will drop - they never seemed to when I was looking about 3 years ago, and in fact there were some good bargains to be had this time of year [for November] which were not repeated later in the year.
yestravel - I think it's unlikely that the prices will drop - they never seemed to when I was looking about 3 years ago, and in fact there were some good bargains to be had this time of year [for November] which were not repeated later in the year.
Jun 6th, 2016, 02:13 PM
#37
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Booking.com is indeed what I used to book, with the exception of the Salisbury hotel which I booked via email plus a call to give them a credit card to guarantee. I checked cancellation policy with them too before confirming.
I think January is quite busy. Airmile bookings were blacked out for first week of January, I assume because a lot of HKers living overseas or emigrated but with family still in HK travel home for the holidays.
And then it gets busy towards new year celebrations etc.
I tried to time mine for mid January for that reason. I'm not expecting prices to drop to be honest.
I think January is quite busy. Airmile bookings were blacked out for first week of January, I assume because a lot of HKers living overseas or emigrated but with family still in HK travel home for the holidays.
And then it gets busy towards new year celebrations etc.
I tried to time mine for mid January for that reason. I'm not expecting prices to drop to be honest.
