Life between trips

 13 Canton Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong I recently stayed at Marco Polo, and my experience turned out to be a mix of unexpected hiccups and pleasant surprises. Arrival Mix-Up The adventure began even before check-in — I accidentally went to the wrong Marco Polo hotel. There are a few with similar names in the area, so it’s definitely something to watch out for if you’re heading there for the first time. A little inconvenient, but at least the staff at both locations were helpful in pointing me in the right direction. Room Size: Smaller Than Expected Walking into the room, the first impression was that it felt smaller than what the online photos suggested. If you’re traveling with multiple people or larger luggage, the space may feel a bit tight. Third Bed Surprise One of the bigger surprises was the third bed. Instead of being set up as part of the room, it turned out to be a mobile bed . And to add to that, it wasn’t prepared at all when we arrived. I had to spend extra time coor...

Hidden in the basement level of Chungking Mansions at 36–44 Nathan Road, Lan Fong Yuen brings the nostalgic charm of its original Central stall to Tsim Sha Tsui . Though tucked away, its vintage storefront—the signature yellow signage and retro café vibe—makes entering feel like stepping back in time. We arrived before opening time , and there was already a queue in place —a clear sign of its popularity. Thankfully, service is fast and efficient , so even with the line, we didn’t wait long. What We Ordered & My Honest Thoughts 🥤 Silk-Stocking Milk Tea (凍絲襪奶茶) This is the star of the show! Smooth, fragrant, and perfectly balanced—easily the best milk tea I’ve had so far. Compared to the one I tried at Waso Café, which had a涩涩 (astringent) taste, Lan Fong Yuen’s version is rich and easy to drink. Highly recommended. 🍜 Scallion Chicken Chop Instant Noodles (蔥油雞扒撈丁) I really enjoyed this dish, especially the scallion oil. It’s made with ginger and sesame oil, giving the noodles a fra...

  Yee Shun Dairy Company is a Hong Kong classic, famous for its silky steamed milk puddings. The branch I visited is tucked into the bustling streets of Causeway Bay. The vibe? Retro and no-frills, with glass-covered menus on tables and stacks of porcelain bowls. Space is tight , and you’ll likely share tables with strangers—part of the authentic Hong Kong café experience. 🥄 What I Tried: Hot Steamed Milk Pudding The star of the show is the hot steamed milk pudding (雙皮奶) . Smooth, creamy, and lightly sweet, it’s comfort in a bowl. Honestly, it’s as good as Australia Dairy Company’s version —rich and velvety without being heavy. If you’re a fan of traditional Hong Kong desserts, this is a must-try. If you’re in Hong Kong and craving a nostalgic dessert, Yee Shun Dairy Company delivers . The steamed milk pudding is worth the hype, and the quick service makes it perfect for a short stop. Just be prepared for tight seating and a bustling atmosphere.

I was a little surprised that the taxi driver didn’t know this Michelin-starred restaurant, even after I mentioned it was famous. He had to pull up Google Maps to find the location—so much for local recognition! Once seated, we ordered the baked lobster in cheese cream sauce . The lobster was impressively large and came with noodles for HKD 620 . Freshness was undeniable, but the flavor leaned toward the bland side, which seems to be a theme here. Next came a tomato potato fish soup broth —wholesome and slightly creamy, reminding me of Melben’s crab noodle soup back in Singapore. However, it carried a faint fishy aftertaste. The bamboo clam stir-fry with ginger and scallion was interesting. Instead of steaming, they removed the meat and stir-fried it dry with aromatics. Personally, I prefer the Singapore style—steamed, with a slurp-worthy sauce. The standout dish for me? Salt and pepper tofu . It was perfection—soft inside, with a paper-thin crust seasoned delicately with salt and pep...

Australia Dairy Company 47號 Parkes St, Jordan, Hong Kong Every time I visit Hong Kong, Australia Dairy Company is on my list—and every time, the queue reminds me why it’s such a test of patience. The line upon arrival? Horrendous. Again. It snakes around the block, filled with eager diners waiting for their turn at this iconic cha chaan teng. This time, we decided to skip the wait and go for takeaway —a lifesaver move if you’re short on time. Our picks: Steamed milk pudding (a classic) Toast with ham and egg Toast with cheese and egg Plus, coffee and a bottle of milk to complete the experience. The Food The steamed milk pudding ? Smooth, sweet, and comforting—just as I remembered. Standing outside the stall to eat might not be glamorous, but it’s definitely the most time-saving option. The takeaway was promptly delivered , a stark contrast to the dine-in queue that felt endless. The toast was decent—simple, satisfying, but nothing extraordinary. My only regret? Missing out on thei...

If you’re looking for a destination in Hong Kong that combines breathtaking scenery, geological wonders, and a sense of escape, the High Island Reservoir East Dam in Sai Kung should be on your list. Tucked away in the Sai Kung East Country Park , this spot is part of the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark , and it’s nothing short of spectacular. The Journey Want to experience Hong Kong’s stunning geopark without breaking a sweat? Forget the long hikes —taking a taxi is by far the most time-efficient and least effort option. From Sai Kung town, the ride is scenic and stress-free, and when you arrive, you’re greeted by sweeping views of the reservoir and the South China Sea, separated by the massive dam structure. The contrast between the turquoise freshwater and the deep blue ocean is striking. Upon arrival, our taxi driver assured us that getting back wouldn’t be a problem. True enough, when we returned, there was a queue of green taxis wa iting at the drop-off point. No stress, no scram...

Kam’s Roast Goose 226號 Hennessy Rd, Wan Chai, Hong Kong We decided to try our luck at Kam’s Roast Goose on Hennessy Road, Wan Chai—a name that’s practically legendary in Hong Kong. From afar, the queue looked short, but as we got closer, reality hit: it was already a long line. Tip: Don’t just wait in the queue—head straight to the counter, get your queue number, and indicate your number of pax. We started waiting at 5:40 PM and finally got seated at 6:40 PM —a solid hour. The Vibe Don’t expect luxury—Kam’s is a small, bustling shop with about 30 seats , where the focus is squarely on the food. The atmosphere is lively, tables are close together, and queues are inevitable. It’s authentic Hong Kong dining at its best. What We Ordered & Loved Century Egg (皮蛋) This was my favorite! Century from here is definitely another level. The egg is marinated until the white turns translucent, and the yolk has that soft, creamy texture reminiscent of a ramen egg. Absolutely delicious. Roast G...

Little Bao 近維園, Shop H1, G/F, 9 Kingston Street 大門口面對, Gloucester Rd, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong The Causeway Bay outlet feels like a modern Chinese diner with a playful twist—neon signage, cozy booths, and an open kitchen that immerses you in the action. Today, it operates two locations : Gloucester Road (near Causeway Bay) – A vibrant, spacious venue perfect for casual dining or date nights. Shin Hing Street (Central)   The Evolution The Causeway Bay outlet feels like a modern Chinese diner with a playful twist —neon signage, cozy booths, and an open kitchen that immerses you in the action. It’s a space designed for sharing plates, sipping cocktails, and soaking in the buzz of Hong Kong’s dining scene. What We Ordered & Loved Signature Fried Chicken (Half Chicken) Crispy golden skin, tender juicy meat—even the chicken breast was flavorful. We chose the Szechuan pepper seasoning , which added a subtle kick and aromatic spice. Pork Belly Bao The bao that made Little Bao famous: ...

Bakehouse 14 Tai Wong St E, Wan Chai, Hong Kong Bakehouse is one of Hong Kong’s most talked-about bakeries, and after visiting, I can see why. Founded by Swiss pastry chef Grégoire Michaud, it’s all about artisanal sourdough breads, buttery pastries, and that cult-favorite sourdough egg tart everyone raves about. Wan Chai is one of the few outlets in Hong Kong that offers in-house dining , and we were lucky— no queue for us , and we were promptly ushered in. The cozy, rustic vibe makes it a great spot for a relaxed breakfast. The Famous Sourdough Egg Tart Bakehouse is known for its Portuguese-style egg tart made with sourdough crust . The custard is sweet and soft, while the crust is crisp and flaky—a delightful twist on the classic Hong Kong egg tart. It’s so good that we couldn’t resist buying it again whenever we spotted a Bakehouse outlet—whether in Causeway Bay or Tsim Sha Tsui. That’s how addictive these tarts are! What We Ordered Salmon & Crab Royale A luxurious plate feat...

When you think of authentic Cantonese dim sum, One Dim Sum (一點心) is a name that often tops the list. Known for its Michelin recognition and wallet-friendly prices, the main branch at Prince Edward is currently undergoing renovations—but thankfully, their Tsim Sha Tsui outlet offers the same comforting flavors in a convenient location. The Vibe The Tsim Sha Tsui branch carries the same casual, no-frills charm as the original. It’s clean, efficient, and all about the food. Expect a lively atmosphere with quick turnover—perfect for a fuss-free dim sum fix. What We Ordered & Loved Here’s what stood out during our visit: Char Siu Bun (叉燒包) Fluffy, soft buns filled with savory char siu. The pork is flavorful but not overpowering, making it a gentle introduction to the meal. Siu Mai (燒賣) Steamed to perfection, topped with fish roe and a plump prawn. A classic done right—juicy and satisfying. Water Chestnut Cake (馬蹄糕) Sweet and delicate, but what makes it special is the crunch of water c...

Bolton Cafe on Ashley Road in Tsim Sha Tsui is highly rated on Google, and I can see why people love the nostalgic Hong Kong vibes. The restaurant is clean, tidy, and decorated in a retro style that feels authentic. I arrived around 6 PM, and surprisingly, there was no crowd, which made the experience more relaxed. What I Tried Kyoto Pork with Lard Rice The rice is meant to be mixed with their black sauce, which tastes like a blend of soy sauce and oil. The pork itself was dry but easy to eat, marinated somewhat like the flavor of pai gu wang (Chinese-style pork ribs). Baked Tomato Sauce Rice with Pork Chop This dish didn’t really hit the mark for me. The sauce was light and not as tangy as I expected (I was hoping for something closer to Maggi tomato sauce). The pork chop wasn’t tender and lacked deep marination. The dish included onions, tomato, pineapple, and cheese, but overall, the flavor felt muted. Pork Chop Bun According to my husband, this was way better than any...

After clearing immigration around 1:20 PM , we decided to eat at Hung’s Delicacies , a Michelin-acclaimed Chiuchow and Cantonese restaurant at HKIA. We ordered several of their signature dishes : What We Tried Marinated Roast Goose The goose was fatty, and while the meat was okay, the flavor didn’t stand out. The skin was rich in fat but lacked the depth of taste I expected. Garlic Chicken This was the highlight of the meal. The chicken was tender and infused with a fragrant garlic flavor that made it truly enjoyable. Pork Jowl Unfortunately, this was the weakest dish. The meat was not tender and lacked the pleasantly chewy texture that pork jowl should have. Chai Xin with Cordyceps Flowers and Fungus A pleasant surprise—well-balanced and blanched to the right texture. Light and refreshing. Salt and Pepper Corn Grilled, sweet, and savory, but honestly, the classic salt-and-pepper squid still reigns supreme. Nice, but no wow factor. Signature XO Sauce Mi Fen with...