Travel Log - Hong Kong (July 2015) | Part ONE

By Melissa - Thursday, August 06, 2015

I visited Hong Kong 10 years ago (at 15++), was way too young to appreciate couture and high-end fashion brands (I’m making up for lost time now) and went to all the tourist spots (Victoria’s Peak, Madame Tussaud’s, Ocean Park, Avenue of Stars to fit my hands into Jackie Chan’s ginormous palms…) because we were there with a tour group.

This time around, Annie and I were there with our own schedule, on our own dime and we wanted to do away with all the touristy stuff (except Disneyland, which was in Annie’s wish list) and concentrated on the real stuff - Spending our hard-earned money and gorging ourselves silly with local delights.

Our first trip together as best friends and as working adults was more than memorable, it was empowering. I learned what it meant to trust my instinct and go with my gut. I also discovered what it truly meant to be uninhibited and loved every moment.

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Hong Kong is a globally renowned mecca for shopping - Every luxury brand imaginable can be found here (which was haven for the both of us), J Crew opened not one, but TWO stores not too long ago (loudest YAY there ever was resounded through the house when I found out) and beneath its domineering skyscrapers, the vibrant city is littered with quaint generational shops.

Here are some of the places which we visited (alphabetically) during our 6D5N trip…

1. Causeway Bay

A place to practice real consumerism, if you are one to slide into bed knowing that your gold bars are securely locked up in a safe. Every square inch of this district is devoted to mid-range and high-end designer brands.

We were there with a singular purpose - To purchase Ladurée macarons. The salted caramel macaron was to-die-for.

P/S: The 4-storey Forever21 building opens till 1AM. Needless to say, I went to bed way past midnight that day.

2. Central

It was my favourite place to be, in all of Hong Kong. We spent an entire day walking around the district, into bustling malls and back alleys, till our legs ached and our hearts soared.

Notable places to visit if you are in Central:

• Tim Ho Wan

Located at the lower ground floor of the IFC Mall, this 1 Michelin Star restaurant is not to be missed. Owner-chef known as Pui-Gor (Chef Mak Kwai Pui) was previously affiliated with a 3 Michelin Star restaurant, Lung King Heen.

His signature Baked Bun with Barbecued Pork is THE BEST I have ever eaten. Ditto for the har gow (steamed shrimp dumplings).

Baked Bun with Barbecued Pork.

Har Gow (Steamed Shrimp Dumplings).

• Mak’s Noodles

After a spoonful, I could easily understand why Mak’s wonton noodles was touted as the best wonton noodles in HK. The noodles were springy thin, the broth was incredibly flavourful but the wontons were the ones that stole the show - an entire shrimp was wrapped with silky smooth wonton skin.

Another good variant to try would be the Tossed Noodles With Shrimp Roe and Oyster Sauce.

• Central Market

Fresh food lovers would adore a walk (a steep one, though) through this place.

• Tai Cheong Bakery

We tried egg tarts from some of the top bakeries in HK and loved this one best. The buttery, crumbly crust and fragrant, not-too-sweet egg filling won us over.