Travel review: Going on the foodie trail in Hong Kong

It might not be an obvious destination for foodies, but Francesca Gosling is guided by her stomach when she visits China's top tourist destination.
Pineapple buns and coffee for brunch at Duddell's. PIC: PAPineapple buns and coffee for brunch at Duddell's. PIC: PA
Pineapple buns and coffee for brunch at Duddell's. PIC: PA

Snaking through a labyrinth of stalls selling local beers, vintage European red wines and revered Japanese whiskies, I interrupt the flow of alcohol by eyeing up freshly-made snacks, including what I can only reasonably describe as the world’s best egg waffle.

Forget those gimmicky ice-cream sundae versions; this savoury delight – smothered in soy glaze and crispy seaweed – certainly hits the sweet spot.

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Best known for its international finance centres and excellent shopping, Hong Kong might not rate top of a foodie traveller’s hit list. But to underestimate its culinary prowess is a big mistake.

Locals and visitors explore wines of the world at the evening Wine & Dine Festival by Victoria Harbour. PA Photo/Francesca Gosling.Locals and visitors explore wines of the world at the evening Wine & Dine Festival by Victoria Harbour. PA Photo/Francesca Gosling.
Locals and visitors explore wines of the world at the evening Wine & Dine Festival by Victoria Harbour. PA Photo/Francesca Gosling.

The Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival is staged along Victoria Harbour every October, and it provides me with a good excuse to visit. But beyond the four-day event, there’s a wealth of restaurants and street-food vendors to discover.

Embraced by the luxurious October warm air, I’m gearing up for a night out in Central, the gritty and gaudy heart of Hong Kong island, where locals and expats gather for late dinner and drinks in street corner bars.

An absolute must-visit is contemporary diner Happy Paradise (52-56 Staunton Street), the latest opening by May Chow. Voted Asia’s best female chef, she serves up an incredibly innovative menu combining traditional Cantonese cooking with international fusion.

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Over the next few days, I find myself completely absorbed in the sights, smells and sounds of this high-intensity city. Having recently celebrated 20 years of independence from British rule, it’s a region both fiercely proud of its Eastern heritage and committed to standing at the forefront of modern development.

The chic terrace bar at Kerry Hotel's Red Sugar club. PA Photo/Kerry Hotel.The chic terrace bar at Kerry Hotel's Red Sugar club. PA Photo/Kerry Hotel.
The chic terrace bar at Kerry Hotel's Red Sugar club. PA Photo/Kerry Hotel.

Restaurants follow a similar approach, with hip new eateries standing shoulder to shoulder with the last of the city’s noisy dai pai dongs (traditional street diners), soon to be wiped out by health and safety laws.

The best way to get a flavour of it all is with a Foodie Tasting Tour around the Central and Sheung Wan districts, and I am delighted to hand over navigational responsibilities to local guide Yammy.

She leads my group through the busy markets, where we stop to indulge in slow-roasted barbecue pork and rice at the unassuming Dragon Restaurant on Queen Victoria Street, heavenly wonton noodle soup at the family-run, underground Tsim Chai Kee Noodle on Wellington Street, and crumbly egg tarts at Hillier Street’s Hei Lee Cake Shop. The three-hour trip (£68 per adult) also includes a visit to the heady, incense-infused Man Mo Temple.

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With all senses fully saturated, I sleepily head to my room at the stylish Kerry Hotel. Sitting on the water’s edge of mainland Kowloon, this recent addition to the Shangri-La family is a calm and spacious nirvana after a day on the island.

Locals and visitors explore wines of the world at the evening Wine & Dine Festival by Victoria Harbour. PA Photo/Francesca Gosling.Locals and visitors explore wines of the world at the evening Wine & Dine Festival by Victoria Harbour. PA Photo/Francesca Gosling.
Locals and visitors explore wines of the world at the evening Wine & Dine Festival by Victoria Harbour. PA Photo/Francesca Gosling.

Again, food is a priority here and guests are spoilt for choice with a whole roasted duck at the chic Hung Tong restaurant and a “dessert lab” at the main Big Bay Cafe, created by a superb in-house chocolatier.

After a final glass of bubbles on the garden terrace of the hotel’s trendy Red Sugar bar – and a cheeky moonlit swim in the outdoor infinity pool – I collapse into an enormous, sumptuous bed. Hours later, I wake to a spectacular view of the sun-soaked island from my wall of panoramic windows.

I start the next day in genuine Hong Kong style with breakfast at Lin Heung Tea House, on Wellington Street. This hectic family favourite takes no bookings, inviting visitors to pull up a stool at communal tables, before collecting steamers full of shrimp-filled rice rolls, duck’s feet, quail egg dumplings and enormous fluffy bao buns from the circulating trollies.

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After a day of sightseeing – gazing at the breathtaking silvery skyline from Victoria Peak after an ascent via the 130-year-old funicular tram – it’s time for a very different eating experience.

The chic terrace bar at Kerry Hotel's Red Sugar club. PA Photo/Kerry Hotel.The chic terrace bar at Kerry Hotel's Red Sugar club. PA Photo/Kerry Hotel.
The chic terrace bar at Kerry Hotel's Red Sugar club. PA Photo/Kerry Hotel.

Having attracted the attention of some of the world’s finest chefs, Hong Kong 
now offers several international treats. One especially extravagant option is Olivier Bellin’s The Ocean on Repulse Bay.

I work my way through a menu of experimental offerings, from the “Blue Lagoon” Japanese urchin with hay and coffee to the “Deep Sea” blue lobster with pork head veil and grapefruit, and am even gifted a bag of handmade hazelnut cookies to take home.

The following day, I spend a shopaholic afternoon in the throng of the famous Ladies’ Market.

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As the sun goes down, I sip a glass of crisp white wine on board the Aqua Luna, a traditional junk boat now used for tourist cruises.

All too soon, my fabulous city break is over, but not before checking out Hong Kong’s special take on the boozy brunch.

I start with gourmet dim sum and quirky cocktails crafted by Fung Man-Ip at Duddell’s, on the roof of 1 Duddell Street. The afternoon disappears as I lounge in the sun and enjoy several Jack Jazz Rabbits – a carrot juice alternative to a Bloody Mary – and a steady flow of dumplings, topped with soft-boiled quail eggs and tiny pineapple buns stuffed with sticky pork.

If you fancy giving it a try closer to home, head to Duddell’s sister restaurant in London. But be warned – it’s likely to be busy, because the word about Hong Kong’s delicious cuisine is spreading.

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Rooms at the Kerry Hotel (shangri-la.com/hongkong/kerry) in Hung Hom Bay, Kowloon, cost from 2,400HK dollars (approximately £229) per night.

Return flights from London Heathrow to Hong Kong cost from £550 with Cathay Pacific (cathaypacific.com).

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