Strange foods you can find in Hong Kong

Hong Kong can be a minefield of strange smells and even stranger tastes. Below you’ll find a profile of weird Hong Kong foods that are worth trying.

Thousand Year Old Eggs

If you can brave a thousand-year-old egg, you can consider yourself an honorary Hong Konger – these things are potent! They are made from duck or quail eggs buried in a clay, sand and salt mixture for a couple of months.

The shell of the egg turns a browny, black, but it’s the inside where the real surprise awaits. The yolk turns dark green and boasts a powerful smell of, well, eggs that have sat around for a couple of months. The eggs can be picked up whole from street vendors around the city or found sliced up in noodle dishes.

Birds Nest Soup

One of Hong Kong’s most prized delicacies, Bird’s Nest Soup is a gelatinous mix of chicken broth and swiftlet’s (a type of bird) saliva. That’s right, you’re eating swiftlet's spit.

Swiftlets make their nests from saliva and each year, after the bird has left the nest, it’s harvested and added to the soup. Like many things in the city the soup is famed for its health benefits, though environment-minded eaters avoid it because the industry may endanger swiftlet populations.

If you’re still inclined to try some, visit a Cantonese restaurant to order large steaming bowls of bird’s nest soup – then dig in!

Chicken Feet

The Chinese like to say about themselves, “Beijing people dare to say anything, Guangdong [Cantonese] people dare to eat anything, Shanghai people dare to wear anything.” The Cantonese of Hong Kong prove this by turning a rejected part of the chicken into a cherished dim sum dish.

Your biggest obstacle to eating chicken feet is their appearance: these wrinkled, claw like tidbits look like something from a witch’s cauldron. Luckily, they taste better than anything else the wicked witch could cook up, if a little crunchy. Steamed chicken feet are a staple at dim sum restaurants across Hong Kong, one of the most affordable exotic items on this short list.

Chicken Testicles

A favorite at hotpot restaurants in Hong Kong, diners chow down on chicken testicles, or gai zi, for their supposed aphrodisiac properties. “The Chinese – especially Hong Kong Chinese – believe in 'you are what you eat',” the South China Morning Post’s Luisa Tam explains. “So you eat the organ to actually nurture your organ."

Before eating it, dip the gai zi in the hotpot broth; it’s ready when the exterior turns opaque white. The interior remains soft, exploding inside your mouth when you chomp down on the firm exterior. Have them with rice, or noodles and broth.

Turtle Jelly

Turtle jelly, or gwei ling go in Cantonese, is another naughty delicacy that doesn't impress any environmentalist. Powdered turtle shells and bellies are boiled for up to twelve hours, mixed with herbs and lotions and served up as a type of jelly-like soup.

Turtle jelly enthusiasts in Hong Kong swear by turtle jelly’s medicinal properties – it’s supposed to be a cooling food, helping with coughs, indigestion, and eczema; while beautifying the skin. Authentic turtle jelly – made from the ground-up shells of the Cuora trifasciata turtle farmed on the mainland – can be prohibitively expensive, costing about HKD 300 (or about US$40) per cup. Most of the commercially available turtle jelly in Hong Kong actually contains no turtle shell.

Snake Soup

Snake soup is considered somewhat of a gourmet dish and a famed winter warmer. Most of the city’s snake meat is now delivered chilled or frozen from China, but to try the meat and the soup at its best you need to have it fresh.

This means braving the handful of live snake restaurants that still exist in Kowloon. Here, you pluck your favourite python or cobra from behind a cage and watch him slither to the chopping block, with more unusual snakes attracting heavier price tags.

The soup comes with the snake shredded inside, although, if you’re braver, you can try sliced snake in a host of other dishes. As it seems with almost all exotic meats many say it tastes like chicken.

Sea Cucumber

The Chinese prize four seafoods above all, christening them “the four treasures”: sea cucumbers, shark fin, abalone and fish maw (swim bladders). Sea cucumbers are perhaps the least likely to end up as food, but the Chinese love it nonetheless, eating it in soup or stir-fried.

You’d think sea cucumber would be slimy and slightly rubbery and you’d be right. Beginners should try it fried as this takes away some of the slippery texture, or on a bed of noodles or rice with an accompanying sauce. Demand for sea cucumber has devastated many far-flung ecosystems, so avoid if the environment matters to you.

See more: Top 9 Asian daring delicacies

Source: Internet

Top 5 best beaches in Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s lengthy and winding natural coastline is home to the best beaches in East Asia. With some accessible within a few minutes, others are completely secluded from the clamoring noise of the city. Whatever you’re looking for, check out our handy guide to find the best spot for your trip.

Shek O Beach

Although most popular on weekends and holidays with local families, Shek O Beach will win the hearts of beach fanatics on any day with its golden sand and rustic charm. Just a bus-ride away from Shau Kei Wan Station, it is one of the most accessible beaches on Hong Kong Island. There are plenty of stores and local barbecue restaurants for amazing food and an authentic laid-back experience.

Big Wave Bay Beach

Kiosks of lockers and surfboard rentals line the street towards Big Wave Bay. As the name suggests, the beach is celebrated for its towering waves and excellent wind conditions; it is also Hong Kong’s only officially recognized surfing beach. It’s nestled in the lush hills of Shek O Country Park and the bay’s fine white sand is perfect for lounging under the warm sun. It makes a great alternative to Shek O Beach, which is only a one-kilometer walk away.

Stanley Main Beach

Although it’s not the longest stretch of white sand in Hong Kong, it is still quite famous for its relaxed vibe and the numerous water sports activities available. The town is a one-stop tourist destination; you can learn about Hong Kong’s history by wandering around the colonial buildings, or get lost in the myriad of handmade souvenirs in Stanley Market. Stanley Main Street is home to brightly colored buildings, international restaurants and pubs, all of which enjoy a view of the southern waters of Hong Kong.

Repulse Bay

Although recognized for its prestigous residential dwellings, Repulse Bay is a 300-meter stretch of golden sand – the main attraction for all beach goers. Repulse Bay is located on the southern coast of Hong Kong Island, amidst Violet Hill and The Twins Hill, and holds one of the most amazing sea views. With boutique shops and fine dining on offer, Repulse Bay provides a whole new level of seashore experience with a touch of luxury. Plus, you’re not too far from Stanley if you fancy checking out the local market stalls to find a bargain.

Tai Long Wan Beach

Only accessible by boat from the Sai Kung Pier, Tai Long Wan is a three-kilometer bay located on the east coast of the Sai Kung Peninsula in Hong Kong and is complete with four beaches – Sai Wan, Ham Tin, Tai Wan and Tung Wan – all of which are separated by headlands and short trails. This location is perfect for those that want to embrace the untainted wilderness and pure tranquility that surrounds the area. Although toilets are accessible and there are a handful of cafés and restaurants, there are no lifeguards, waste bins or shark nets compared to other gazetted beaches in Hong Kong. Surfboard rental shops can be found by those brave enough to explore the stronger current of Tai Long Wan.

See more: The best beaches to visit in Oman

Get to know Hong Kong's neighborhoods

Hong Kong is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Asia, and each of its neighborhoods contributes to this rich mosaic. Whether the nightclubs of Lan Kwai Fong take your fancy or the markets of Mong Kok are more your thing, there’s always something to see and do here.

Central

Graham Street Market in Central

Take a quick glance at Central’s glittering skyscrapers and it would be easy to dismiss Hong Kong’s financial hub as boring. But beneath the canopy of this concrete jungle lies some of the city’s most exciting (and exclusive) bars, restaurants and modern-art galleries. Perched on the north shore of Hong Kong Island, the district’s transport links are as good as you’d expect from a place named ‘Central’ – this is where you’ll find the Victoria Peak Tram, the Mid-Levels Escalator and the Star Ferry.

Sheung Wan

If suits own Central, then hipsters control Sheung Wan. Sitting in the shadow of Central’s high-rises just west of Hong Kong’s towering business district, Sheung Wan was a typical residential neighborhood until it began to modernise rapidly in recent years, welcoming a wave of trendy coffee shops, bohemian vintage stores and cutting-edge eateries to its streets. Here, you can shop for antiques on Hollywood Road; visit Man Ho Temple, one of the oldest in Hong Kong; and take photos of the street art in PoHo, the area around Po Hing Fong and Tai Ping Shan Street.

Lan Kwai Fong

Welcome to Hong Kong’s party central. Home to more than 100 bars, Lan Kwai Fong has a venue for everyone. Young professionals, expats, backpackers, cashed-up locals, yuppies and anyone else thirsty for a drink or three converge on this part of town on the weekend, flooding legendary nightspots like Club Qing, Levels and Cé La Vi.

Tsim Sha Tsui

Jump on the Star Ferry across Victoria Harbour to reach one of Hong Kong’s liveliest neighborhoods on the southern tip of the Kowloon Peninsula. Tsim Sha Tsui is one stop that every visitor should add to their Hong Kong itinerary. Take in Nathan Road’s neon-lit Golden Mile, the Avenue of Stars – China’s answer to the Hollywood Walk of Fame – and gargantuan shopping malls such as K11 and Harbour City. This neighborhood has a veritable smorgasbord of upmarket dining options: visitors can choose from Michelin-star fine dining, traditional Cantonese cuisine and international fare from pretty much everywhere around the world.

Read more: Must-try Cantonese dishes when visiting Hong Kong

Mong Kok

Mong Kok is all about one thing: markets, and lots of them. The air here is filled with the smells of food wafting from the stalls on Sai Yeung Choi, Dundas, Fa Yuen and Soy Streets – perfect for satisfying your hunger after a long day exploring the Ladies’ Market or the district’s specialist markets dedicated to birds, flowers and even goldfish. Hipsters should venture further north to Sham Shui Po, an up-and-coming food and shopping hub.

Source The Culture Trip

Things to do in Mong Kok, Hong Kong

Mong Kok, which in Cantonese means ‘crowded corner’, is true to its name – it’s one of the busiest districts in Hong Kong. From seeking out antiques to trying stinky tofu, here is list of the best things to do in Mong Kok.

Discover emerging artists at the Hong Kong Wall of Fame

Hidden in a quiet corner of Mong Kok is a wall of ever-changing street art. This stretch of wall between Argyle and Bute Street is vibrantly adorned with works by both international and local graffiti artists, with new works constantly appearing. Beginning by the Mong Kok East Rail station and extending for over two blocks, the Hong Kong Wall of Fame should be on the to-do list of any art lovers visiting Mong Kok. Be sure to take a picture of your favorite piece – they may not be there by the time you next visit.

Score a bargain at Mong Kok’s best markets

Ladies' Market

As well as being a vital part of everyday life for many Hong Kongers, markets are at the top of the list of things to do in Hong Kong. You’ve come to the right place – Mong Kok is home to many of Hong Kong’s most popular markets. If you are looking to buy some classic Hong Kong souvenirs or perhaps some designer knock offs, then the Ladies’ Market is a must-visit. Though located a little outside of Mong Kok, the Temple Street Night Market is just a short walk away and a shopping hotspot after sundown. Along with having your fortune told, here you can find authentic souvenirs: antiques, jade, clothes, tea-ware, and electronic gadgets are all up for grabs.

Sample street food

Stinky Tofu

Pineapple Bun

Trying local street food is a must on any visit to Hong Kong. In Mong Kok, you can find plenty of street-food stalls scattered on Sai Yeung Choi Street, Dundas Street, Fa Yuen Street and Soy Street. They are not limited to selling traditional Hong Kong-style snacks such as stinky tofu, fish balls, and fish siu mai. Nowadays, you will also find pizza, Thai tea, and even poutine, all at very reasonable prices. If you’re feeling intrepid, be sure to try a food trend taking Hong Kong by storm – cheese cap tea. This intriguing sweet-savoury drink sees cold tea topped with a foamy layer of milk and cream cheese, finished off with a sprinkle of salt.

Catch a glimpse of the Goldfish Market

At Tung Choi Street North, also known as the Goldfish Market, you can buy any type of fish your heart desires. Its speciality, however, is (unsurprisingly) goldfish, who stare out from the plastic pouches that hang from the many stalls and store fronts lining the street. Regular pet stores are now beginning to crowd out the goldfish stalls – bringing cats, dogs and rabbits and other pets onto the scene – so swing by and see this curious sight before it disappears.

Wander along Sai Yeung Choi Street

Sai Yeung Choi is a long, bustling pedestrian street, home to an abundance of shops, malls and restaurants. You will be able to find almost anything you want, from international cosmetics and skin care brands such as Innisfree from Korea and NYX from the USA, to high-tech electronics. Local chain stores Fortress and Broadway sell the latest gadgets, but these can also be found at a fraction of the price at the smaller shops hidden within the labyrinth of office buildings. Don’t pass up the opportunity to check out the restaurants and street stalls selling local delicacies like Taiwanese fried chicken and Hong Kong stir-fried noodles.

Read more: A day to explore amazing Hong Kong

Source The Culture Trip

Best family-friendly destinations in Asia

The largest continent on Earth, Asia offers plenty of diversity to suit all kinds of travellers. From dramatic landscapes and gorgeous beaches to lively modern cities and places with rich cultural heritage, Asia has it all. If you’re travelling with the kids, here are some of the best places for a family-friendly vacation in Asia.

Universal Studios in Singapore 

Singapore

Marina Bay

With a plethora of places to stay, a public transportation system that is clean, efficient, and easy to use, myriad places to eat and plentiful attractions, Singapore is a firm favourite for families exploring Asia. The beaches may not be the best, but many hotels have pools and you can stroll along the sands of Sentosa Island and East Coast Park and take trips to interesting islands such as Lazarus, St. John’s, and Pulau Ubin.

Singapore Flyer

Soak up the views from the Singapore Flyer, see the iconic Merlion statue in Merlion Park, admire diverse and colourful religious buildings, like the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, Masjid Sultan, and Sri Mariamman Temple, and have outdoor adventures at places like the MacRitchie Reservoir, Singapore Botanic Gardens, the Southern Ridges, and Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. Few children can resist the appeal of the Supertrees at Gardens by the Bay, and there are many museums to stimulate curious minds. See the nocturnal animal kingdom at the amazing Singapore Night Safari.

Universal Studios Singapore

Singapore really comes into its own for families on Sentosa Island, with theme parks and fun activities galore. Enjoy movie-themed rides and shows at Universal Studios Singapore, see the exhibits at Butterfly Park and Insect Kingdom, ride the luge, soak up the views from the Tiger Sky Tower, marvel at the gigantic Merlion, and step back in time at Fort Siloso. Adventurous kids will love MegaZip Adventure Park, and Kidzania Singapore is perfect for younger children.

Hong Kong

Disneyland Hong Kong

Another of Asia’s super cities, Hong Kong combines the old and the new for a cultural, fun, and family-friendly holiday. Easy to navigate and with plenty of places to eat, drink, and sleep, there’s something to keep everyone happy here.

Hong Kong Disneyland is an obvious choice for a day out filled with laughter and smiles. There are rides to suit all ages, shows, and the opportunity to get up close and personal with beloved characters. The firework show over Sleeping Beauty’s Castle is the perfect end to a magical day. For more thrills and theme-park fun, spend a day at Ocean Park Hong Kong. The combination of rides, shows, play areas, aquatic creatures, and a large aquarium will appeal to kids (and adults!) of all ages.

Causeway Bay

Ride the Peak Tram for iconic views over Hong Kong’s harbour, stroll through the pleasant Hong Kong Park, or take a boat trip to try and spot pink dolphins. See the unusual rock formations in the eight Geoparks, ride the cable car to the large Buddha statue at Po Lin Monastery, and take heaps of cool pictures at the Trick Eye Museum or the 3D Repulse Bay Visual Art Museum.

Shanghai, China

One of China’s most modern cities, Shanghai has a rich assortment of things to do and see for everyone. You can combine theme parks and cultural sites with museums, parks, shopping centres, and more. There are many child-friendly places to stay and finding something tasty to eat won’t be a problem. Try some of the many themed restaurants for an unusual dining experience.

Shanghai Disneyland is often near the top of the list of things to do with the kids, and for good reason. The theme park offers a day of enchantment for all. Cool down on hot days at the enormous Dino Beach Water Park, and watch many animals at Shanghai Wild Animal Park and Shanghai Zoo. Home to an impressive array of marine life from around the globe, Shanghai Ocean Aquarium also boasts the longest underwater tunnel in the world. Watch your kids’ faces light up as you hop on the rail car that travels through the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel and soak up the views from the observation deck of the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower.

Oriental Pearl Tower Shanghai

People’s Park is a top place for children to run and play and for adults to stretch their legs, and Century Park has a fishing lake, a beach, walking trails, and play areas. Other lovely parks include Fuxing Park, and Jing’an Sculpture Park.

Shanghai Science and Technology Museum

Snap loads of great holiday pictures at the interactive 3D Magic Fun House and cosy up with celebrities at Madame Tussauds. The Shanghai Science and Technology Museum will inspire curious kids and the skilled acrobats at Shanghai Circus World will leave them speechless.

Tokyo, Japan

Thriving, colourful, busy, and modern, Tokyo is a veritable wonderland for kids and adults alike. The bright lights and crowds may be a bit overwhelming at times, but there are heaps of attractions to enchant children and help everyone to have fun. The Japanese capital has many family-friendly accommodations, from Western-style hotels to traditional Japanese abodes and ryokans where you can all sleep on tatami mats and experience local life.

Panda in Ueno Zoo

There are theme parks galore, with something for all ages. Enter the cute and kitsch world of Hello Kitty at Sanrio Puroland or let kids act out a range of scenarios at Kidzania. Then observe many creatures from across the world at Ueno Zoo followed by a few hours at Hanayashiki, believed to be the oldest amusement park in Japan. Or why not channel your inner architects at Legoland Discovery Center?

Of course, few kids can ignore the allure of Tokyo Disneyland! DisneySea is a unique Disney experience, combining all your favourite characters and water-based attractions, while Universal Studios takes you deep into the world of movies.

Tokyo Disneyland

Kodomo no Mori Park

For some outdoor time, check out the city’s many pleasant parks. Walk with dinosaurs in Kodomo no Mori Park, paddle on the lake at Inokashira Park, and soak up the scenes at Futakotamagawa Park, the Imperial Palace Garden, and Shinjuku Gyoen. If you’re up for a hike, head to Mt. Takao. Don’t miss the nearby Monkey Park too.

Read more: 5 places to travel with kids in Asia

Source The Culture Trip

All about the signature food of Asians, Stinky Tofu

Stinky tofu is one of the most popular snack foods in Hong Kong, China and Taiwan - and its smell will probably be a memorable part of any trip. The dish is served from hundreds of street food vendors, hawkers and small restaurants.

How Is Stinky Tofu Served?

The style of cooking and serving varies by country and region. In Hong Kong, Shanghai, Taiwan and Chinatown’s around the world, it is generally deep fried in vegetable oil and served with chilli and soy sauce. Other regional variations include steamed or stewed stinky tofu, sometimes served as part of a larger main dish or in a soup.

Deep fried stinky tofu is considered the classic dish. It’ll usually be served in small cubes skewered together and placed on a plastic plate, sometimes with pickles dumped on top.

Is It Really Stinky?

Oh, yes, it absolutely stinks. Various critics and gourmets have tried to capture the smell in words, such as ‘old socks’, ‘gone off blue cheese’ and – quite simply –‘rotting garbage’. It’s incredibly potent and won’t have you licking your lips.

Even those who enjoy the flavor admit the smell is truly awful and that the attraction is in the taste. There is also a consensus amongst fans that the smellier the tofu, the tastier. Many tofu sellers gain a reputation for producing the smelliest tofu.

How Does It Taste?

Thankfully, the taste is far less pungent than the smell, although few first timers are unlikely to be holding out their hand for a second helping. Shorter fermentation times mean some stinky tofu can actually taste a little bland. Spray some soy or chilli sauce on top to mask the smell and give it some flavor.

Like many Cantonese dishes, the texture is important and biting into stinky tofu is similar to biting into soft cheese. It should be golden and crisp on the outside from the deep frying and soft on the inside. It will also be dripping in grease and very, very hot on the inside. And you don't want to eat it cold - if you think the smell is bad hot then just try biting down on cold stinky tofu.

Where Can I Try Stinky Tofu?

If you’re in Hong Kong, Shanghai or Taiwan, you shouldn’t have any difficulty finding stinky tofu, just follow your nose. Stinky tofu is mostly sold from open-air hawker stalls. One popular destination is late night markets, such as Temple Street in Hong Kong.

Elsewhere, your local Chinatown will almost certainly have somewhere that serves this stinky dish.

See more: The most popular local dishes in Taiwan

Source: Internet

Visit the beautiful seaside towns in Hong Kong

If you need a break from the bustle of the inner city, consider a day trip to one of these charming seaside towns. Offering the best of Hong Kong’s sandy beaches, junk trips, and seafood restaurants, as well as opportunities for hiking, surfing and snorkeling, you will be planning your escape to the coast right away.

Stanley

Stanley is one of Hong Kong’s oldest villages and a popular tourist destination. There are numerous waterfront cafés, bars and restaurants where visitors can dine in the sunshine and fresh air. Murray House, which was built in 1846 as officers’ quarters in the early years of British rule, is a major colonial landmark. Behind Murray House, you can find Ma Hang Park, a 50,000 square meter park with a butterfly garden, bird-watching platforms and an educational trail. Lastly, Stanley Market is a great place to pick up souvenirs and knick-knacks.

Mui Wo

A sleepy town on the eastern side of Lantau Island, Mui Wo’s claim to fame is the picture-perfect Silver Mine Bay Beach, one of the most pristine beaches in Hong Kong. For hiking enthusiasts, the pier serves as the starting point for Section 1 of the Lantau Trail. Rent a bike to explore some of the old villages nearby and walk past the beach and clamber up Butterfly Hill to visit the Silver Mine Waterfalls, which are especially beautiful just after a heavy rain.

Sai Kung

The picturesque town of Sai Kung is known as an expat enclave, a weekend destination and a foodie’s paradise. There are numerous trendy restaurants and bars, including two Michelin-starred Cantonese seafood restaurants. The waterfront promenade, which is lined with fishing boats and sailboats, is stunningly pretty any time of year. For the adventurous, major attractions include scuba diving, kayaking and boat tours of the surrounding offshore islands. Weekend partygoers are known to rent out private junks and luxury yachts for the day.

Shek O

Photo Catherine Photography

Located on the southeastern tip of Hong Kong Island, the town of Shek O is serenely charming thanks to its brightly colored houses, friendly community and gorgeous coastal scenery. Shek O Beach, regarded as one of Hong Kong’s cleanest beaches, is the perfect spot for a seaside walk or dip in the Pacific Ocean. A little to the north, surfers flock to Big Wave Bay Beach. Shek O is also close to the famous Dragon’s Back hiking trail, which connects Wan Cham Shan to Shek O Peak.

Aberdeen

Historically a fishing port and home to the Tanka people, a boat-dwelling minority recognisable by their broad-brimmed hats, Aberdeen also happens to be one of the first places in Hong Kong where British troops set foot in 1841 after the territory was ceded to the British Crown. Today, around 5,000 people still live in boats in the harbour, mingling incongruously with fishing boats and luxury yachts. Sampan rides (a flat bottomed boat) operated by elderly Tanka offer visitors the chance to sight-see from the harbour. However, Aberdeen’s most famous attraction is its palatial ‘floating’ restaurants, which can be reached via ferry.

Tai O

Perched on the Western coast of Lantau, Tai O is known for its traditional stilt houses, forming an enchanting village erected on wooden stilts above the water. Once common across fishing villages in Hong Kong, Tai O is one of the few places where they still remain. A cheap boat ride will take you to the stilt houses and then out into the ocean, where there’s a chance to catch sight of one of Hong Kong’s pink dolphins, which have been sadly dwindling in number due to pollution and habitat loss. Tai O is also well known for its seafood market and street food, offering delicacies such as salted fish, shrimp paste, deep fried seafood snacks, buns and egg waffles.

See more: Unique foods to try in Hong Kong

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