Photo credit: Amazon

‘A COLOURFUL CAST FROM THE SEWERS OF HONG KONG’

—Loaded

'This year's best book.'

—Time Out Hong Kong

Author:  Chris Thrall

Year: 2008

Buy it here: Amazon, Book Depository

Summary:

Chris Thrall left the Royal Marines to find his fortune in Hong Kong, but instead found himself homeless and addicted to crystal meth. Soon he began working for the 14K, Hong Kong's largest crime family, in the Wanchai red-light district. Dealing with the 'foreign triad' - a secretive expat clique connected to the Chinese mafia - he had to survive in the world's most unforgiving city, addicted to the world's most dangerous drug.

Book description credit: Amazon

Photo credit: Amazon

Author:  Brandon Royal

Year: 2008

Buy it here: Amazon, Book Depository

Summary:

There is nowhere else in the world quite like Chungking Mansions, a dilapidated seventeen-story commercial and residential structure in the heart of Hong Kong’s tourist district. A remarkably motley group of people call the building home; Pakistani phone stall operators, Chinese guesthouse workers, Nepalese heroin addicts, Indonesian sex workers, and traders and asylum seekers from all over Asia and Africa live and work there—even backpacking tourists rent rooms. In short, it is possibly the most globalized spot on the planet.

But as Ghetto at the Center of the World shows us, a trip to Chungking Mansions reveals a far less glamorous side of globalization. A world away from the gleaming headquarters of multinational corporations, Chungking Mansions is emblematic of the way globalization actually works for most of the world’s people. Gordon Mathews’s intimate portrayal of the building’s polyethnic residents lays bare their intricate connections to the international circulation of goods, money, and ideas. We come to understand the day-to-day realities of globalization through the stories of entrepreneurs from Africa carting cell phones in their luggage to sell back home and temporary workers from South Asia struggling to earn money to bring to their families. And we see that this so-called ghetto—which inspires fear in many of Hong Kong’s other residents, despite its low crime rate—is not a place of darkness and desperation but a beacon of hope.

Gordon Mathews’s compendium of riveting stories enthralls and instructs in equal measure, making Ghetto at the Center of the World not just a fascinating tour of a singular place but also a peek into the future of life on our shrinking planet.

Book description credit: Amazon

Photo credit: Amazon

Author:  Brandon Royal

Year: 2008

Buy it here: Amazon, Book Depository

Summary:

DANCING FOR YOUR LIFE chronicles the true story of a beautiful, young Filipina who, in order to help her family financially, leaves her home in the quiet Philippines countryside to work as a dancer in Hong Kong's red-light district of Wan Chai. This book will hold special appeal for readers interested in gaining a behind-the-scenes look at the workings of an Asian go-go bar and will serve as a companion guide for individuals interested in cultural studies, gender studies, or spirituality. It presents a rare first-person account that is thought provoking and controversial. Here is the “untold story” of faith, friendship, and sacrifice, but also of triumph and forgiveness.

Book description credit: Amazon

It is time, once again, for another Corona Diary from our Hello! Hong Kong Tours team. We aim to give you a sneak peek of our guides lives in the midst of the Pandemic. Don was one of our first Hello! Hong Kong tour guides. Originally from Melbourne Australia, he came to Hong Kong with his wife and they both instantly fell in love with the city.

Don, or The Don, as we call him will make you fall in love with Hong Kong too! He makes sure that all of his guests see the “real’ Hong Kong by showcasing the culture and local foods. We had a short interview with him and below he shares his COVID-19 diary.

Hello! Hong Kong tour guide Don (middle) enjoying a Cheung Chau Bun.

On a normal day, you are usually out on the streets showing our guests the beauty of Hong Kong. Given the travel restrictions imposed by several countries. How are you spending your time now?

I have volunteered for an NGO Board role in Hong Kong which has been really challenging and engaging and has kept me very busy. It's been great to spend time with my wife Mini as she normally travels a lot. We chat, watch shows together, cook (well I cook) and we signed up to Aaptiv an online exercise App and we have actually lost weight which was surprising!

We know that you also suffer from wanderlust. When this Pandemic is finally over, and you can go anywhere where will your wanderlust take you and why?

India is my favourite destination and I am really missing it at the moment. When you travel to India you have some sights in mind but it is always the interactions with the people that are the most valuable and memorable. It is the journey on the inside and what you learn about yourself that is so unexpected and I enjoy the most. Kerala state in India is leading the world in its humanitarian handling of Covid-19 -amazing people and a great place to be in a crisis!

After the world comes out of this dark time and that everyone can travel to Hong Kong again what is the first thing or place you are most excited about showing our guests and why?

I love to enjoy Hong Kong from the water. Even if it is a simple crossing on the Star Ferry, the Hello Hong Kong boat tour or a trip to an outlying island-like Cheung Chau it's a completely different aspect that has to be enjoyed! The picture is of me is enjoying a Cheung Chau Bun even though the festival was pretty quiet this year the buns are always popular.

What is the one thing that you this very unfortunate event has taught you and why?

I found more organizations are providing a lot of information and learning free now online and I am a big fan of free education so I hope that will continue.

Don’s message to everyone

To all our guests, keep positive and we look forward to welcoming you back to Hong Kong. This city is super resilient and we’ll be back providing wonderful experiences in no time!

#photooftheday #hk #instatravel #adventure #welltraveled #tourism #travelbug #lonelyplanet #travelstoke #hellohongkongtours #ilovehk #hellohk #hongkongtour #hktravel #hktourguide #coronadiary #covid19story #privateguide #HEllotours #hellohongkong #traveldestination # beautiduldestination #ilovehk #discoverhongkong

You Definitely Need To Try These 8 Hong Kong Desserts

Imagine your favourite dessert. What do you like about it? The taste? The texture? The richness? Most likely you would say - all of the above. (Even we would!) And that’s the beauty of desserts. They are so heavenly that you simply can’t stop in one bite. And there’s so much to try in Hong Kong! 

Your taste buds definitely need to experience these amazing Hong Kong Desserts 

Egg Waffles

Source

Egg waffle is a comfort snackable dessert for the locals. It occupies a special place in the heart and is one of the most popular desserts in Hong Kong. So much so that you will find it easily in most of the street shops. Essentially, you simply have to try this iconic dish!

Egg waffle is made by pouring the delicious batter into a waffle maker. It has some amazing texture; crisp shell and chewy middle. The best part? These egg waffles are available in different flavours such as chocolate and kaya. (Although, the classic is the most preferred)

If you want to try something new, then try these egg waffles with whipped cream and ice cream accompanied with a rich chocolate sauce. If you don’t mind being a little adventurous, then try them with chicken and fried eggs.  

Recommendation: Eat with Me, Shop D, G/F, Nga Chi Building, No. 12 Sze Pei Square, Tsuen Wan, New Territories, Hong Kong

Mango Pomelo Sago

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How much do you like mango? Are you absolutely crazy about the fruit?! Then you definitely need to try this dessert. It’s a refreshing dessert that brings great relief from the summer heat. Mango pomelo sago is considered as the best dessert for children. This dish is basically a pudding of juicy mango slices or cubes with pomelo segments that are topped with milk. You could also add sago pearls in this pulpy base. If you are a crazy mango fan then a dollop of mango ice cream with this makes it a perfect dessert!

Recommendation: Hui Lau Shan is a popular dessert chain and has many locations in Hong Kong. You can go through their website and choose a place that’s nearest to you. This place is the most popular for having the best mango pomelo sagos

Red Bean Soup

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Another popular and traditional dessert of Hong Kong that should be on your list. Just like other Chinese dessert soups, this one isn’t too sweet. It is made from red adzuki beans with some orange zest or tangerine peel. Essentially, it is cooked in water and sugar until it becomes a mush. 

You can add lotus and pumpkin seeds to make it more nutritious. This dessert soup is a rich source of minerals and vitamins. (We never really needed a reason to have a dessert but this is an extra bonus)

Recommend: Honeymoon Dessert has many locations in Hong Kong. You can go through their website and choose a place that’s nearest to you.

MILK PUDDING

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The hot steaming milk pudding is also known as Shuang Pi Nai. It is made from milk, sugar and egg. (It’s amazing how these three ingredients can make something this delicious!). If you have a sweet tooth then you will find this dish to your liking. This silky milk pudding is quite famous in Cantonese cuisine. You can flavour it up by adding ginger syrup or with a side of red beans. This dessert is perfect for all seasons. 

Recommendation: Yee Shun Milk Company has many locations in Hong Kong. You can go through their website and choose a place that’s nearest to you. G/F 506 Lockhart Road Causeway Bay, Hong Kong is the most popular one!

CUP CAKES

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We know what you are thinking - “Cupcakes?!” Yes, they are famous. Yes, you might have tried at least one cupcake in your life. But we aren’t talking about normal cupcakes. (Although, you get the classic ones too in Hong Kong) If you are someone who likes to experiment with different tastes then you should try cupcakes at Baking Maniac. 

Baking Maniac cupcakes are extremely delicious and you won’t be able to stop at one. Some of the flavours are - Tie Dye, Green Tea, Masala Chai, Chili Bomb, Bubblegum, Pina Colada, Caramel Popcorn, and many more! Perfect for all seasons, you can have these Baking Maniac cupcakes at any time of the day.

Recommendation: Baking Maniac, 5C, 40 Wong Chuk Hang Rd, Wong Chuk Hang, Hong Kong

Black Sesame Soup

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A traditional Chinese dessert that’s so nutritious and healthy that you can have it as a snack. If you find yourself craving something sweet in the middle of the day then this is the perfect dessert for you. (Actually, you can have it at any time of the day) . Did you know this dessert is rich in Vitamin B, Calcium, Manganese, Iron, etc? It is believed that this dessert helps to darken and strengthen the hair. Not just that, it improves your digestion and kidney function too. (Amazing, isn’t it?)

This soup/paste can be made in two different ways and you can have a side of dim sums along with it!

Recommendation: This dish is so famous that you will find it at every restaurant.  Fook Yuen is quite popular for this dish. 

Rice Balls

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Rice balls are also known as Tang Yuan and glutinous dumplings. It is traditionally served during celebrations and major festivals to signify togetherness. They are made by mixing the glutinous rice flour with water and some sweet paste. They are then shaped into balls and cooked. The paste can be a mixture of crushed peanuts and ground sesame. This dessert is famous among children.

 Recommendation: Shop I-1, G/F, Lei Do Building, 7 Fuk Yuen Street North Point, Hong Kong

Source

Tofu is quite famous as a source of protein around the world but it’s actually quite versatile. You can use it for both - your mains and desserts. This Silken Tofu is generally served from steaming barrels. The dish is usually topped with a ginger syrup. 

Recommendation: Yan Wo Dou Bun Chong, 55 Jardine’s Bazaar, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong

Which one are you planning to try? Let us know in the comments!

#getinmybelly #goodeats #travel #traveloften #wanderlust #discoverhongkong #love #food #foodporn #instagood #instafood #eathongkong #foodie #foodadventure #hk #tourism #travelbug #hellohongkongtours #hkfoodie #noleftover #hkfood #localhk #foodie #foodgasm

Photo credit: Book Depository

Author:  Kevin Kwan

Year: 2013

Buy it here: Amazon, Book Depository

Summary:

When Rachel Chu agrees to spend the summer in Singapore with her boyfriend, Nicholas Young, she envisions a humble family home and quality time with the man she hopes to marry. But Nick has failed to give his girlfriend a few key details, that his family is extremely wealthyy and he is country's most eligible bachelor.

On Nick's arm, Rachel may as well have a target on her back the second she steps off the plane, and soon, her relaxed vacation turns into an obstacle course of old money, new money, nosy relatives, and scheming social climbers.

Book description credit: Amazon

Photo credit: Amazon

“An insightful, street-side view of Hong Kong. The turbulent events ... turn this eye-witness account into a solid history book.”

—Cairns Media Magazine, June 2008

“A book of stories recounting Hui's adventures, loves, appetite for sex and drinking, influence over triads and a life of fortune and destitution.”

—Sunday Morning Post, January 27, 2008

“A remarkably accessible depiction of life under British and Japanese control... an incredibly informative read, and a must for all Hong Kong enthusiasts.”

—HK Magazine, January 4, 2008

“A rich account of Hong Kong as seen at street-level... set against a backdrop of colonial rule, Japanese invasion and communist revolution.”

—Hemlock's Diary, January 2008

“Hui's story gives us glimpses of a Hong Kong ... not adequately reflected in official histories of the city.”

—Asia Times, Feb 23, 2008

Author:  Jonathan Chamberlain

Year: 2007

Buy it here: Amazon, Book Depository

Summary:

Scandal and corruption, drugs and pirates, triads and flower boats; the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong and the Communist takeover of Canton. Peter Hui was there. He knew everybody and saw everything. This is the real story of Hong Kong, told with the rich flavours of the street. If Peter had been only a little bit different he could have been an important man. But this is a riches to rags to riches to rags story. As we follow Peter's life - his ups, his downs - we see in sharp focus what it was like to be a Chinese man in the British territory of Hong Kong through most of the years of the 20th century. And yet this book is not just one man's tale. It is the story of a time and place - colonial Hong Kong, Portuguese Macau and the South China hinterland - seen from the unique point of view of a man who was at home at all levels of society. This is the bizarre story of a man who really did, for a very short time, once own all the opium in Hong Kong. If Suzie Wong had been a real person, Peter Hui would have known her. "This is a true story but it reads like a novel. It is a cracking read." - David Tang

Book description credit: Book Depository

Photo credit: Book Depository

Author: Kevin Kwan

Year: 2016

Buy it here: Amazon, Book Depository

Summary:

On the eve of her wedding to Nicholas Young, heir to one of the greatest fortunes in Asia, Rachel should be over the moon. She has a flawless Asscher-cut diamond from JAR, a wedding dress she loves more than anything found in the salons of Paris, and a fiancé willing to sacrifice his entire inheritance in order to marry her. But Rachel still mourns the fact that her birthfather, a man she never knew, won't be able to walk her down the aisle. Until: a shocking revelation draws Rachel into a world of Shanghai splendor beyond anything she has ever imagined. Here we meet Carlton, a Ferrari-crashing bad boy known for Prince Harry-like antics; Colette, a celebrity girlfriend chased by fevered paparazzi; and the man Rachel has spent her entire life waiting to meet: her father. Meanwhile, Singapore's It Girl, Astrid Leong, is shocked to discover that there is a downside to having a newly minted tech billionaire husband. A romp through Asia's most exclusive clubs, auction houses, and estates, China Rich Girlfriend brings us into the elite circles of Mainland China, introducing a captivating cast of characters, and offering an inside glimpse at what it's like to be gloriously, crazily, China-rich.

Book description credit: Book Depository

Known as the ‘South Pole of Hong Kong’, Po Toi Island is composed almost entirely of well-weathered granite. Its peculiar looking rocks and seaweed are equally renowned. Be sure to try some seaweed soup and take home some dried seafood products.

The island is a popular junk spot but also may be reached by ferry from Stanley and Aberdeen. Photo credit: visionsoftravel.org

Starting Point — Po Toi Pier

Approaching the pier, you can catch a glimpse of the Conch Rock to your left. Go left from the pier and follow the trail to the right of the store. Photo credit: andystatham.com

Ngau Wu Teng Pavilion

Walk across Cheung Shek Pai, a series of granitic rocks forming a natural track, and find yourself at the peak of the trail. Take a break at the pavilion to enjoy a boundless view of the South China Sea. Photo credit: blog.yacht.holimood.com

Monk Rock and Tortoise Rock

Descend until you are greeted by what seems to be a huge tortoise slowing making its way uphill, and a slender monk on the other side bowing at passers-by. Photo credit: webs-of-significance.blogspot.com

Nam Kok Tsui lighthouse and Gold Panning Cliff

Enjoy the magnificent sea view under Lighthouse 126. Continue down to Gold Panning Cliff, under which waves pound and seaweeds abound. Photo credit: ciaogogo.com

Palm Cliff

On your way back to the pier from Nam Kok Tsui, get a good look at the gigantic ‘palm of Buddha’ — a hand-shaped feature carved into the face of a cliff by the elements, which is one of the most recognisable landmarks of Po Toi. Photo credit: timeout.com

Endpoint — Rock Carvings

Follow the path down a flight of stairs to the shore to see 3,000-year-old rock carvings on a cliff in Nam Tum. A Declared Monument, these prehistoric totems have faded considerably and are currently protected by a sheet of fibre glass. Photo credit: dml.hk

Click here for a better resolution of Tung Chung to Tai O trail map.

Info:
Area: Outlying Island District
Starting point and Endpoint: Po Toi Pier
Average hiking time: About 2.5 hours
Distance: Approximately 4 km
Replenishing stations: There are eateries and a seafood restaurant near the pier, though no replenishments are available along the hiking trail.
Difficulty: Moderate - Steep climb and descent for the first half

How to get there:

• To the starting point:

  • Board a kaito (small ferry) at Aberdeen Pier. The journey takes around an hour. This kaito service operates only on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays; or,

  • board a kaito at Stanley Blake Pier. The journey takes around 30 minutes. This kaito service operates only on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays.

  From the endpoint: Board a kaito at Po Toi Pier for Aberdeen or Stanley Pier.
  
  For the kaito service schedule, please refer to the Transport Department website.

 

With thanks to the Hong Kong Tourism Board and discoverhongkong.com for the content.

From turquoise coves and traditional fishing villages to an environmentally friendly wind turbine, Lamma Island is a medley of hidden Hong Kong scenery.

Lamma Island, also known as Y Island or Pok Liu Chau or simply Pok Liu, is the third-largest island in Hong Kong. Photo credit: hongkong.cathaypacific.com

Starting Point — Sok Kwu Wan

Visitors are welcomed by a streetful of seafood restaurants and arts and crafts stores once they disembark at the pier. Photo credit: beckyexploring.com

Tin Hau Temple

This 150-year-old Tin Hau Temple is where local fishermen pray to Tin Hau, the Goddess of the Sea, for safety and fruitful returns before setting out to fish. Renovated after a fire in 2005, the temple houses a specimen of the world’s longest bony fish, giant oarfish (Regalecus glesne), discovered in 2001 in Lamma Island Strait. Photo credit: pinterest.com

Hilltop pavilion (Lamma Island Family Walk)

Following the Family Walk you will soon reach a pavilion. Take a break and enjoy the magnificent view of Aberdeen, Repulse Bay and Ocean Park across East Lamma Channel. Photo credit: en.tripadvisor.com.hk

Hung Shing Yeh Beach

Fine sands, clear waters, beautiful sunshine and refreshing sea breeze — no wonder visitors and locals alike love to swim and sunbathe here!. Photo credit: jonistravelling.com

Lamma Winds

After a 20-minute hike from Hung Shing Yeh Beach to the hilltop of Tai Ling, a giant wind turbine comes into sight. It is Hong Kong’s first commercial-scale wind turbine, providing electricity to local residents and reducing the amount of coal burnt for energy by about 350 tonnes annually. Walk up a small stairway to the pavilion nearby for an open view of both the Lamma Wind Turbine and Lamma Power Station. Photo credit: scmp.com

Endpoint — Yung Shue Wan

Holiday rental flats, handicraft stores, bars, restaurants and cafes line the narrow streets of Yung Shue Wan. The village is a great hang-out for islanders and a colourful finale to your journey offering snacks and souvenirs before you hop on a ferry to Aberdeen and Central. Photo credit: gabisworld.com

Click here for a better resolution of Tung Chung to Tai O trail map.

Info:
Area: Outlying Island District
Starting point: Sok Kwu Wan
Endpoint: Yung Shue Wan Main Street
Average hiking time: About 3 hours
Distance: Approximately 7 km
Replenishing stations: There are a few booths selling herbal tea, soft drinks and snacks on the way but they usually only open during weekends. It’s better to stock up at Sok Kwu Wan, but please note that some restaurants may close on weekdays.
Difficulty: Moderate - Leveled path, a number of replenishment options)

How to get there:

• To the starting point:
  Take a 30-minute ferry ride from Central Pier 4 (MTR Hong Kong Station Exit E1, walk through IFC mall, and the footbridge) to Sok Kwu Wan.
  
  From the endpoint:
  Take a ferry from Yung Shue Wan pier to Central or Aberdeen. From here, public transport is available to other destinations.

 

With thanks to the Hong Kong Tourism Board and discoverhongkong.com for the content.