10 Ways Hong Kong Surprised Me

While I spent quite some time browsing through inspiring pictures and reading many informative articles about Hong Kong, the city still managed to surprise me in several ways.

 

1. Dim sum heaven

For someone who doesn’t even like dim sum, I was amazed to hear myself say: “Let’s have dim sum for breakfast-lunch-dinner… Yes, again!” I can now say pretentious things like: “I only eat dim sum in HK”. Hong Kong boasts a ton of Michelin starred dim sum at affordable prices. Famous chefs and renowned magazines/newspapers award prizes to their favourite dim sum places. I wanted to try them all but unfortunately, my stomach doesn’t stretch that far.

Michelin star dim sum
Michelin star dim sum
glutenous beef fat
glutenous beef fat
meat ball
steamed meet balls at “One Dim Sum”, tastes much better than it looks!
Douglas vs Anthony Bourdain
Douglas vs. Anthony Bourdain

 

2. Antique shopping in the morning

Arriving in Hong Kong, all I could see were tall buildings; banks, offices theatres, malls apartments… The city has such a modern feel to it, I certainly wasn’t expecting to stumble upon quaint alleyways lined with potted plants, cute stairways and rows of knickknack and antiques stalls. Even though I promised myself not to do any shopping in HK -yeah, right- I couldn’t resist purchasing just a few trinkets.

antiques
treasure hunt
near "Hollywood road"
near “Hollywood road”

 

3. The goldfish market

At first, it was all excitement seeing the thousands of goldfish racked throughout the long street. Then I felt uncomfortable seeing all the helpless creatures bumping their foreheads against the plastic windows. But then again… it’s local culture and tradition, does that change anything? The goldfish are bought as good luck charms, but they’re also important for good feng shui in a home. In this area, you can find more than just fish… There are frogs, shrimp, turtles, birds, hamsters, rabbits… Basically, it’s the pets neighbourhood.

long street full of "good luck charms"
long street full of “good luck charms”
creepy frogs
creepy frogs
free goldie?
free goldie?

 

4. Helpful, friendly,  non-smiling locals

On several occasions, locals stopped their fast paced treads to ask if we needed help -I admit we looked baffled and lost at times. They would ask us the question, we’d answer thinking a small chat starring “where are you from” would follow, but no… They’d resume their default lives only a split second after we’d state we weren’t actually lost. No smile, no “bye”… they’d just off. I liked it: friendly, to the point and no bullsh*t.

 

5. Egg waffles

Best eaten warm and plain, the eggette is the most popular street food in Hong Kong. Because they are hollow, I thought it wouldn’t be of my liking- I’m quite difficult when it comes to deserts. I can tell you this: I was already ordering seconds while my mouth was still full with the first bite. This egg waffle really hits the spot after a long day in the city! Simple flavour, light and not too sweet… Give me some more bubble waffles!

crunchy egg waffle
crunchy egg waffle

 

6. Chinese tea traditions

Ok, this wasn’t really a surprise, I knew of the existence of the Chinese art of tea. Yet, I had never seen it with my own eyes. The elegance and refinement in which the Chinese lady poured us a cup of Oolong was so captivating I kept pulling out more teas from the rack for “tasting”…  If you’re really into tea, you can book a tea tasting tour where you’ll learn more about the process and traditions. If you just want a taste of the magic, you can walk into a traditional tea store and ask to sample some teas. It’s free, but of course you are expected to buy some brew after an elaborate tasting.

Oolong, the traditional way
Oolong, the traditional way
Chinese tea
Chinese tea

 

7. Double dekker trams

A perfect fusion between the red British buses and the portuguese trams. I marvelled at the city as the tram unveiled its busy streets and quiet neighbourhoods. Hop on hop off anywhere you want with the octopus card, which I strongly suggest you buy if you’ll be spending a couple of days in and around the city. It gives you access to the metro, busses, trams… You can even use it to pay at connivence stores.

driving through the financial district
driving through the financial district
view from tram
view from the top of the tram

 

8. Hygiene comes first

This is definitely not China! Not only are the streets tidy and organised, there are signs everywhere reminding you that certain things/areas are disinfected several times a day. With such a high population density, I can only applaud it ! Public spaces offer free hand sanitizer and public toilets are clean. It’s no Singapore, but still, it would put any germaphobe at ease.

clean

"germ free" escalators
“germ free” escalators

 

9. The main attractions are kinda lame

At least, the ones I saw were. The avenue of stars where-amongst others- the famous Bruce Lee statue stands, was filled with pushy loud tourists, making it hard to enjoy the Hong Kong skyline. At the same place, there is a free laser and sound show (the symphony of lights) every evening which is promoted as “spectacular”. The first 30 seconds were impressive… but after that I shrugged my shoulders and kept walking. I promise, it’s not because I’m spoiled, HK expats told me the same thing. Maybe they’re spoiled too? Still worth checking it out, just don’t expect “spectacular”.

Bruce Lee, Honk kong, tourism
everybody wants their picture with the life sized Bruce Lee
 junk boats, Hong Kong
romantic junk boats

 

10. Lots of funny random stuff

I was expecting more kitsch and “Hello Kitty”, but apparently, to get more of that, one needs to go to the “Mainland”, which is how locals refer to China. So no real culture shock, but still, I had a few giggles not really understanding things and wondering… “WHY?”

Hong Kong, funny signs
rich birds order fancy food?
Hong Kong Staff
restaurant staff on a break. I actually thought this was a show and that they would burst out singing and dancing. Nope, just napping
Hong Kong dolls
in a hip (grown up) accessory store… I’m lost, do any of you know this?
Hong kong underwear, Asia
instant Brazilian butt lift, just 3$ at the market
Hong Kong backpack Fashion
Mufasa now serves as a backpack

 

Which destination has surprised you? Is Hong Kong on your ‘wish list”?

The post “10 ways Hong Kong surprised me” first appeared on Travel Cake.

 

Comments

10 responses to “10 Ways Hong Kong Surprised Me”

  1. Karisa Avatar

    I’d love to visit Hong Kong in the future- I love all the surprises you found. And I think I could go on a pretty epic dim sum rampage as well! 😉

    1. frecklesoup Avatar
      frecklesoup

      Glad you liked it! Wearing leggings instead of pants is crucial when going on the “rampage”! 😉

  2. Chanel @ La Viajera Morena Avatar

    Double decker trams and dim sum (which I also do not eat frequently) surprised me as well. The trams – well, just was not expecting them (and oh they are SO cheap). The dim sum was DElicious! 😀

    1. frecklesoup Avatar
      frecklesoup

      High five for dim sum! 😀

  3. Dave Cole Avatar

    Tony Bourdain looks no match for Douglas! I can’t even imagine how delicious the food in HK tastes and posts like yours are really drawing me to plan an Asia trip. Love the shot of the restaurant staff sleeping!

    1. frecklesoup Avatar
      frecklesoup

      Lol, I’ll make sure to tell him that! 😀

  4. Dana Carmel @ Time Travel Plans Avatar

    Eggettes, tea, and good hygiene – I’m sold! Lol. I’d love to explore HK one of these days.Thanks for this glimpse into HK culture.

  5. Ceri Avatar

    1, I need that Brazilian lift, and 2. Those are frogs???? Woah.

    I’m bookmarking this. I definitely want to take a trip to HK in the next year or so and want to keep all these things in mind when I go. 😀

    1. frecklesoup Avatar
      frecklesoup

      LOL, cheaper and less painful than surgery! 😉

  6. Bharat Avatar

    Update: We checked out The Kitchen in Milbrae also. They seem to focus more on made to order dim sum. Some tnihgs we wanted to try were out. I liked the Hong Kong Flower Lounge better. So, the search contines!

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