24 Hours in Hong Kong

We have just 24 hours in Hong Kong and are determined to immerse ourselves in the city's vibrant culinary scene, explore bustling markets, and take in panoramic views from every possible angle. We began with a 10am food tour with an amazing guide, Pui. Our culinary adventure began with a steaming bowl of beef brisket noodle soup. With only 5 tables in the restaurant, Pui made sure we were first in line when the restaurant opened at 10:30am. 

 

We then walked down the street for a decadent breakfast featuring one of China's most celebrated delicacies: Peking Goose (not duck) atop a plate of goose-fat rice. The dish was very flavorful, but a little fatty for our taste. 

 

The next stop was a fruit stand with local fruits, often given as offerings to the Buddhas at the temples: Asian pears, rose apples, mangoes etc.  

With satisfied appetites, we ventured into the labyrinthine streets of Hong Kong, ready to explore further, making a stop at the Causeway Bay Market, the only market life in Hong Kong that still sells live livestock (yep- lots of chickens and even some frogs to fancy your taste buds).

No visit to Hong Kong would be complete without indulging in dim sum, and we eagerly made our way to a bustling teahouse to partake in this beloved tradition. Pui told us that this restaurant is where families go to gossip about one another, hence it is always busy. Our last stop on the food tour was a popular outdoor spot for Hong Kong milk tea which is brewed in panty hose. Hong Kong milk tea is a blend of strong black tea served with condensed milk, the perfect creamy, indulgent treat alongside a pineapple bun. 

We bid farewell to Pui who gave us hours worth of suggestions to help fill out the rest of our visit. We hopped on an old wooden trolley and embarked on a journey through the vibrant streets of Kowloon. We rode the trolley to the iconic Central-Mid-Levels Escalator. Winding its way through the bustling streets of Hong Kong Island, this engineering marvel offered breathtaking views of the city below.

As evening approached we found ourselves at the famous Ladies Market, a bustling bazaar teeming with vendors selling everything from clothing and accessories to souvenirs and trinkets. We purchased many "chachkies," most importantly a suitcase sleeve and belt since one of our suitcases had broken that morning! The excitement of the bargaining and haggling, worked up an appetite in all of us so we went to dinner at Dim Dim Sum in Mongkok.  

In just 24 hours, we had experienced the essence of Hong Kong: a city of contrasts, where ancient traditions mingle with modern innovation, and culinary delights await at every turn. As we bid farewell to this dynamic city, we can with 100% certainty say, we will be back!