18 Grams - Western breakfast and a cuppa

Having been to Hong Kong so many times, I no longer just look for local Chinese food to try whenever I'm in town. I'm game for any cuisine that's worth the calories!

A while back, I'd noticed on openrice.com a café that has been creating waves with its coffee - 18 Grams. Since I love Western breakfast, I decided to give them a go.

Noah's Ark - Bible-size replica

As my family is Christian, we were eager to check out Noah's Ark in Hong Kong. The ark is apparently a full-size replica based on bible dimensions.

We took the ferry from Central Piers, but there are various other modes of transport to Ma Wan Island, on which Noah's Ark sits. Check the official website for directions.

Sai Kung - Seafood and dessert

Although seafood is served at most proper Chinese restaurants in Hong Kong, there are also 3 popular areas to eat it - Lamma Island, Lei Yue Mun and Sai Kung. I'd already been to Lamma Island a couple of times, and decided to check out Sai Kung this time round.

Directions:

• Take the MTR to Choi Hong station, and exit from C2.
• Upon reaching street level, look for the minibus stop about 50m away.
• Take green minibus 1A to Sai Kung Minibus Station. The journey is about 25 minutes.

Upon reaching Sai Kung Promenade, I found the place bustling with activity. People were promoting the sale of fresh seafood on their little boats, and customers were leaning over railings haggling for the best price. It was quite a unique experience that was nice to watch.

Leaf Dessert - Dai pai dong sweet treats

I depend a lot on openrice.com and other online reviews for recommendations on where to eat when I plan my trips to Hong Kong. Most of the time, I enjoy the recommendations. But occasionally, I meet with disappointment.

Leaf Dessert has a pretty good reputation online - both for their desserts and for the fact that they are one of the few remaining dai pai dongs in Hong Kong.

 

Kung Wo Dou Bun Chong - Over a century old

On a visit to Hong Kong in 2012, I remember randomly walking into a traditional-looking shop selling soy bean products for a cup of soy bean drink (tau jiong, 豆浆). The drink, while a tad too sweet, reminded me of the soy bean milk I used to drink as a kid (in Singapore). So I liked it, but didn't take note of the shop's name.

Later on, I came across online mentions about a famous, century-old soy bean products shop in Sham Shui Po, and realised it must have been the one I chanced upon. I promptly noted the address and made a mental note to return.

I did. Although even with the address on hand, the shop was quite hard to locate. We found the street from the map, but couldn't find the correct shop number somehow. Had to get help from a couple of other shopkeepers.

Starbucks celebrates the arts in Mong Kok

Although I could walk into any Starbucks in Hong Kong to get my coffee, I love checking out the more unique branches which cannot be found anywhere else.

One such branch is on Duddell Street in Central - decorated like an old school bing sutt. The other is this one on Sai Yee Street in Mong Kok, which pays tribute to the arts scene in Hong Kong. Local lifestyle brand G.O.D. has a hand in the design of both branches.

This "signage" is made from mahjong tiles.

Granville Road at Tsim Sha Tsui

Granville Road is quite a popular area to shop for youth fashion and fashion by local designers. I don't always drop by the area, usually only if I happen to stay in Tsim Sha Tsui for my trip.

When I do head there, I always stop by Lung Shing Dispensary. This shop may look run down, but it is always crowded with both locals and tourists whenever I am there. They sell toiletries and also brand-name cosmetics and skincare, and their prices are pretty competitive with stores like Sasa and Bonjour.

Kam Wah Cafe - For the best po lo bao

During my last stay in Metropark Hotel Mongkok, I took the opportunity to dine at this popular cha chan teng at Prince Edward.

 

Julian Cheung - Captain Cool in Singapore

While I didn't bump into any celebrities on my recent trip to Hong Kong, I met one when I returned to Singapore.

It was a real treat to realise that one of my favourite artistes, Julian Cheung, was in town today to promote one of the brands for which he was the celebrity spokesperson. Only chanced upon the event as it was held at my neighbourhood mall. Captain Cool attracted quite a crowd - young and old, male and female!

In person, Chilam was tall and dashing, and quite skinny (he joked that he had lost weight and that his pants were falling off). His Mandarin was not too bad.

Metropark Hotel Mongkok

In all my years of travelling to Hong Kong, I have found that hotel prices there just keep climbing every year. I typically stay in 3-star or 3.5-star hotels in Kowloon, and fork out on average S$70 to S$80 per person per night (i.e. I try to look for twin/double rooms that cost between S$140 to S$160 a night).

One of those that fit my bill is Metropark Hotel Mongkok, located at Prince Edward. This is a quieter area compared to bustling Mong Kok, yet it is still near enough by train to the usual tourist areas.

Star Cafe - Tangy tomato soup noodles

On a recent trip to Hong Kong, I was staying in Tsim Sha Tsui and decided to check out eateries in the area. I'd heard about Star Café - an old school café that was in a rather hidden location, and famous for their tomato soup based noodles. Following directions provided on some blogs, I went on my way.

On Kimberley Road, locate The Mira hotel, then enter Champagne Court B next to it. Walk through to the end of the row of shops.

Transport options - From airport to hotel

What's the best way to get from the airport to my hotel in Hong Kong? A very frequently asked question.

There are a few ways, and how I decide depends mainly on (a) the location of my hotel and (b) the number of people travelling with me.

(1) Cityflyer airport bus
(click here for bus routes)

 

Honolulu Coffee Shop - Flaky crust egg tarts

When I first embarked on a search for good egg tarts in Hong Kong, recommendations often pointed to Tai Cheong Bakery. I tried them, but was disappointed as their egg tarts had shortbread pastry and the egg custard part was too sweet - not the type I like at all.

My search continued, and I finally found the perfect egg tarts at Honolulu Coffee Shop.

Yat Lok - My new personal favourite

When I visit Hong Kong with family or friends who want to try the famed roast goose, I often bring them to Yung Kee. For the more budget-conscious, I sometimes suggest Sham Tseng Chan Kee.

Move away, those two. I have found my new favourite place for roast meat - Yat Lok Restaurant!

 

Ichiran - Heaven in a bowl

Some 2 months after Ichiran first opened in Hong Kong in July 2013, I was excited to have the opportunity to try it for myself.

 

Discover Hong Kong Tourist Sim Card

One of the first things I do when I touch down in Hong Kong is to buy a local sim card. My sim card of choice has been the "Discover Hong Kong Tourist Sim Card", pushed out by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) together with telco PCCW.