Hong Kong is well known for its party areas, where companies meet for Friday night socials, couples meet for first dates and birthdays are celebrated with strong flaming Lamborghini shots.
Any Hong Konger, however, will vouch for the best way to spend a day meeting new friends, drinking refreshing seabreeze and getting a front row view of the sunset over the impressive city skyline – Junks.
These traditional Chinese boats have been transformed into a party tradition throughout the year, day or night.
Once the pain of organising a boat cruise trip is completed, the 10am drinking, party games and sunburn commences.
Nicole, 46, been in Hong Kong 10 months
Having moved to Hong Kong from Los Angeles where she worked as a Production Manager, Nicole is overwhelmed by the texture and buzz of the city. She says while it invades her senses, it inspires her and makes her feel happy to be alive. The diversity of culture, and reminiscence of cities like San Francisco, New York, Berlin, Paris and Tokyo makes it the perfect spot for herself; her husband, Chris and dog, Bear to call home. She is currently working on The Helper Documentary, which will be premiering this fall in Hong Kong. Support The Helper Documentary on Kickstarter, this is an amazing project!
A photo posted by The Helper Documentary (@the_helper_documentary) on
Mori You Japanese Restaurant
Shop C, G/F, 38-42 Eastern Street, Sai Ying Pun | Mon-Sun 12pm-5pm; 6pm-11pm; Closed on Wed
The fresh fish and cold sake is always beautifully presented in this small, 4 table, dining area.
The chef and waitress are sure to always recognise their regulars making the atmosphere very friendly and inviting.
Your life after payday #foodie #HongKong #fridaylunch #japanesefood #chirashi
A photo posted by Ryo Otsuka (@circle_ryo_otsuka) on
Little Bao | @littlebaohk
G/F, 66 Staunton St., Central | http://www.little-bao.com/ | Mon-Fri 6pm – 11pm; Sat 12pm – 4pm, 6pm – 11pm; Sun 12pm – 4pm, 6pm – 10pm
This has become a staple for Nicole and her husband since their friend recommended it to them.
The Szechun Fried Chicken Bao is a must try and they never leave without an order of the Short-rib Panfried Dumplings.
Zuma | @zumahk
Level 5 & 6, Landmark, 15 Queen’s Road, Central | https://www.zumarestaurant.com/ |
(Level 5) Mon-Fri 12pm – 2:30pm; Mon-Sun 6pm – 11pm; Sat-Sun 11am – 1pm, 2pm – 4pm; (Level 6) Mon-Wed 12pmm – 1:30am; Thurs-Fri 12pm – 2am; Sat 5pm – 2am
This is a great location for people watching. If you’re lucky, you may even see a few familiar faces wandering around!
Between the excellent brunch and the hot celebs, what more could you ask for?
Joe, 21, lived in Hong Kong for 14 years
A Hong Kong expat twice over, moving here as a child from Sheffield, England, now working as a writer and journalist in Hong Kong while studying in the University of Edinburgh.
Joe enjoys the frenetic pace of the city, being able to be in the middle of the ocean on a junk one minute, then in the rush hour of Mong Kok, then up the top of a mountain the next.
Other than exploring the city, Joe enjoys writing, gaming, politics, swimming, reading, music and casual DJing.
Stone Nullah Tavern
G/F, 69 Stone Nullah Lane, Wan Chai | http://www.stonenullahtavern.com/ | Mon-Sun 12pm – 1am
Get to this bar at 5pm sharp to take full advantage of the incredible happy hour. Drinks starting from $1 and doubling price every 20 minutes. Not bad at all.
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Myanmar Thai Palace
Shop 5, G/F, 108 Old Main Street, Aberdeen | Daily 11:30am – 3pm, 6pm – 11:30pm
Hidden on the south side of the island is this little Thai place that Joe insists houses the best pork neck in the city.
Tsim Chai Kee Noodle
98 Wellington Street, Central | Daily 11am – 9pm
Keep your eyes peeled as there is no English sign to this Cantonese noodle shop.
Famous for its giant wonton noodles, this is the prime location to take your overseas mates for affordable, delicious, authentic dining.
Sam, 34, been in Hong Kong for 10 years
Born in Singapore, Sam moved to Hong Kong 10 years ago and has been enjoying watching the city grow and adapt.
She loves the choice of food as well as spending her weekends being active, taking full advantage of the sports Hong Kong has to offer.
She enjoys wakeboarding, stand up paddle boarding and hiking.
Hotshot | @hkhotshot
G/F, Shop 114-115, The Pulse, 28 Beach Road, Repulse Bay | http://www.hotshot.hk/ | Mon-Thurs 12pm – 10pm; Fri 12pm – 12am; Sat 10:45am – 12am; Sun & Public Holidays 10:45am – 10pm
Make your way over the narrow roads on speedy buses to the chilled out, open spaces of Repulse Bay.
This restaurant is known for its casual, Californian vibes, American Surf n Turf cuisine and great people watching in the sun.
A photo posted by Hotshot (@hkhotshot) on
Ho Lee Fook | @holeefookhk
G/F, 1-5 Elgin St, Central | http://holeefookhk.tumblr.com/ | Daily 6pm – 12am
This interesting title actually translates to “good fortune for your mouth”, and it gives just that.
The Chinese cuisine is perfect for taking your out-of-towners who aren’t brave enough for delicacies like goose feet, but still want delicious, traditional food.
doors open for the first monday of 2016!
A photo posted by ho lee fook (@holeefookhk) on
Born in London and whisked away to Hong Kong at 2 years old, I have grown up surrounded by fast paced cultures and international events. They have shaped my attitude to the world from a young age: the world is small and I want to explore it all.
