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...