Bankers and lawyers come to flourish in Central, which is, as rightly named, is the business central of Hong Kong. Once you’ve had your share of the market lanes or the high fashion brands, your accessibility to ferrys, trams, buses, trains and the airport express is conveniently placed within an arms reach. No hassle at all! Tall skyscrapers and historic architecture stand proudly on reclaimed land and look forward over Victoria Harbour. The buildings connected by an intricate network of walkways and overpasses, saving the suited executives from the moist humidity patiently waiting outside. On Sundays the city’s domestic helper cumulate together on the skywalks to eat food, play games, take naps and have fun with their friends on their day off.
Further inland, as the sun creeps behind the mountains, the streets are shut to the cars and the people spill out from their offices to enjoy the buzz of Lan Kwai Fong
where syringe Jelly shots are passed through the crowds before the late night food joints host a slew of midnight diners on their way home.
Pearl, 22, Born in Hong Kong
While raised in Toronto, Canada, Pearl was born in the city and now has come back to work as an Editorial Assistant at an online magazine. The city is a central hub for her to enjoy between her trips abroad, travelling the parts of the world people may find weird or misunderstood. Having grand aspirations to explore more of the Middle East, as well as the rest of the globe, Hong Kong provides Perl with plenty of people to meet and a wide variety of foods to try out. Her most adventurous travel story is the time she got a massage in Ethiopia from a wild hyena! Anyone want to have a go?
Maison Libanaise | @maisonlibanaise
10 Shelley Street, SoHo, Central| http://www.maisonlibanaise.com.hk/ | Ground Floor: Sun-Thur 11am – 11pm, Fri-Sat 11am – 12am; First Floor: Sun-Thur 11pm – 11pm, Fri-Sat 12pm – 12am
The place to go for authentic Middle Eastern cuisine with a chilled out, relaxed atmosphere is right here. The hidden rooftop acts like an oasis within the big city and is the perfect spot to lay out with friends and enjoy the delicious halloumi cheese.
Dim Sum Icon
B/F, Century Square, 1 D’Aguilar Street, Central | Daily 11am – 11pm
Mama always told us not to play with our food, but we’re all a bit rebellious at heart, aren’t we? If you want some yummy dim sum that’ll also make you laugh, try out this spot. The “pooping” custard buns won’t let you down!
ChumChum
Shop 17-20 & 31-34, G/F, FHP Shopping Centre, 37-41 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui |Daily 12pm – 12am
Try the spicy mojito with fresh mint and a hot chili to go along with this Vietnamese fusion. The tapas style dining is perfect for trying out a little bit of everything. Pearl recommends the fried chicken wings and spring rolls.
Nova, 22, Been in Hong Kong for 4 years
Having just graduated from the Chinese University of Hong Kong studying law, Nova has stuck around in the city that she loves for its range of food. She says that while there is plenty of choice of restaurant for every cuisine, the food is so authentic and cooked with such precision. Living in the city you literally have the world on your plate. While originally from Nigeria, she has lived mostly in the Middle East in beautiful, cultural cities like Dubai and Saudi Arabia. On the weekends Nova likes to explore the growing art scene by visiting various art galleries and spending time writing poetry.
Lily and Bloom | @lilyandbloom
5 & 6/F, LKF Tower, 33 Wyndham Street, Lan Kwai Fong, Central | Mon-Thur: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm; Fri-Sat: 12 pm – 3pm, 6pm – 2am; Sun: 11am – 4pm
Located at the top of the busy Lan Kwai Fong in the fancy LKF Hotel is a top brunch spot. The free flow Bellinis attracts a range of weekend foodies to come and enjoy the spread of good food and friendly environment. On a Friday or Saturday night, the venue is transformed into a nightclub making your post-dinner decision or where to take the night far simpler.
Little Burro | @littleburrohk
UG/F, 30 Hollywood Road, Mid-levels escalator, SoHo | http://www.little-burro.com/ | Mon-Thur: 11am – 11pm; Fri: 11am – 11:45pm; Sat-Sun: 9am – 11:45pm
Tex Mex has made it to Asia and people are going mad finding the best burritos, tacos and fajitas around. Nova insists Little Burro takes the claim for best burrito in the city. The venues tend to be small, but are perfect for a quick and easy takeaway between work or as a pre-night out snack.
Seoul Bros | @seoulbros
UG/F, 66 Hollywood Road, Central | http://www.seoul-bros.com/ |Mon-Thur: 12pm – 10pm; Fri: 12pm – 12am; Sat: 12pm – 10pm; Sun: 1pm – 9pm
Korean food meets street in this cool little spot just outside of Soho. The kimchi fries are a must have to go along with either a Bahn Mi main or a bowl of KFC (Korean Fried Chicken) which with its not too spicy, not too sweet, sticky sauce will have you sucking your fingers to get every last drop!
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.
