Last November 2024, I had the opportunity to return to Hong Kong for four days of training and two days of leisure. While the days were packed with learning and professional development, my evenings and another two days were free to explore the area – a perfect balance of work and leisure.
Although it was not my first time in Hong Kong, the experience felt fresh and exciting, as the city always had something new to offer.
We stayed in Mongkok, a vibrant district known for its bustling streets, shopping areas, and local flavors.
We arrived on a Sunday morning and planned to have a walking tour before we checked in.
Our first stop was the Avenue of the Stars. Having visited it during previous trips, I was surprised to see how much it had changed. The iconic stars on the walkway had been replaced with handprints placed on railings, giving the area a modernized feel. It was fascinating to see the evolution of this famous attraction.
While walking there, I told my colleague that the most iconic part was the statue of Bruce Lee and that we must take a photo with it. Since the area was renovated, I thought it was removed. I was relieved that we saw it and that I was able to show it to my colleague. At the end of the avenue, we checked out the famous statue of Bruce Lee, an iconic tribute that draws visitors from around the world.
After that, we searched for some indoor activities as the weather was not perfect for outdoor activities at that time.
One of the malls we visited was K11 Musea, a place that truly stood out. It offered a plethora of wonderful art pieces worthy of a visit. Each floor showcased different art pieces, creating a unique and inspiring experience as we explored the building. The combination of art and shopping made it a memorable stop during our side trip.
We wandered around the mall for a bit before heading back to our hotel to check-in.
Had we stayed until night, we could have witnessed the Symphony of Lights in the harbor area, but because we needed to check in, we did not push through with the activity.
Every day, I indulged in a variety of cuisines. One evening, I had a steaming bowl of noodle soup, its rich broth, vegetables, and meat offering the perfect comfort after a long day of training. The noodle soup came in different levels of spiciness – if I remember correctly, it went up to nine levels. Some of my co-trainees ordered the spicy version and tried it, but I could not stand the spiciness. I opted for the non-spicy version so I could fully enjoy the food. What about you? What level of spiciness do you think you could handle?
Another night, I tried roasted goose, which was crispy, succulent, and full of flavor. I was originally planning to buy one from a restaurant recommended by my colleague, but it was located in the Central area, which was far from my hotel. Instead, I chose one from a store I passed by on my way home. The serving was more than enough for one person and cost around HKD30.
Additionally, I tried some highly recommended local specialties, such as egg tarts, pineapple buns, chicken feet, hakaw, and siomai.
I bought the egg tart from a shop in Mongkok that was acknowledged as one of the favorite food spots in the area. I was not able to get the name of the store though. After I bought the egg tart, I walked around again and found a shop for pineapple buns called Hong Lin Restaurant. If you happen to be in Mongkok, Hong Kong, I highly recommend checking out this restaurant – they sell a variety of pastries that are worth trying.
On our last day, we stumbled upon a Michelin-star restaurant just across from our hotel. I ordered their best seller and had coffee for a drink. My colleague ordered the dry noodles, but I was not able to take a phot of it. I tried it and it was good.
While I can’t recall the names of all the dishes, every bite was a delightful experience – a testament to Hong Kong’s culinary reputation.
The Hainanese chicken is one of my favorite chicken dishes, so whenever I get to see one in the restaurants that we go to, I order one.
This one is from the mall’s food court near our hotel. It was my first time trying the tofu skin. I am not a fan of tofu, but I liked this one.
Even though my trip was short and centered around work, those free days of adventures made it more memorable. Hong Kong, with its unique blend of old and new, never fails to amaze me.
Despite the brevity of my trip, Hong Kong offered a perfect mix of vibrant culture, stunning sights, and unforgettable culinary experiences. From savoring local delicacies to exploring iconic landmarks, every moment was a reminder of the city’s charm and its ever-evolving energy.
