Temple Street Night Market is a bustling, cacophonous bazaar dotted with restaurants, performers and street vendors. It is one of the best places to experience the most colorful side of local culture, and the best time to visit is at night. You’ll find everything from tea wares and traditional crafts to novelty t-shirts and the latest tech accessories, but be sure to visit several different stalls so you can compare prices and haggle for the best deal.

While you’re in the area, be sure to check out the following:

• Dai Pai Dong restaurants, for some local favourite dishes such as claypot rice. One of the good ones is on Woo Sung Street running parallel to the east of Temple St, or to the stretch of Temple St north of the temple. 

• Fortunetellers and tarot card readers, to unveil what the future has in store for you.

• Look out for Cantonese Opera singers.

• Yau Ma Tei Wholesale Fruit Market and get on hands on your favourite fruits. They also do a retail sale.

Photo credit: Airpaz Blog

How to get there:

• Jordan MTR station exit C2 and walk along Bowring St, or exit C from the Yau Ma Tei MTR station and follow Man Ming Lane.

Officially known as Upper Lascar Row, Cat Street is the place to visit if you’re looking to add a touch of Hong Kong to your home. A true treasure trove, the street is lined with stalls selling all types of quirky and wonderful curios, such as Chinese antiques, jade pendants, mahjong tiles and even figurines of Chairman Mao. It’s almost impossible to walk away empty-handed. 

Hollywood Road was one of the first roads to be built in Hong Kong in 1844, and the rich history of this area makes it the perfect location for the best collection of antique shops and stalls in the area. It has an excellent collection of antique stores and art galleries. The street is bursting with Buddha statues, replicas, terracotta warriors, Chinese porcelain wares, Ming furniture and other collectible items.

While you’re in the area, be sure to check out the following:

• PMQ: Apliu Street: Formerly the Police Married Quarters, now houses works by promising young artists and designers in Hong Kong. You will find plenty of creative studios and designer products here, there are also exhibitions and workshops all year round.

• Street Art: Hollywood Road and the area surroundings are teeming with street arts and graffiti created by locals and artists from all over the world, among others: Elsa Jean de Dieu’s work (French artist) on Peel Street, SENK’s work (Chinese artist) on George’s Lane, Christian Storm’s work (Danish artist) on Shing Wong Street, Alex Croft’s work (local artist) on Graham’s Street and Shingo Katori’s work (Japanese celebrity) under Mid-Levels escalator.

Photo credit: Fleamapket

How to get there:

• MTR to Sheung Wan, exit A2, walk along Hilier Street and turn right on Queen’s Road. Walk towards Ladder Street and turn left and walk up to Upper Lascar Row or Hollywood Road.

Despite its longstanding reputation as one of the least affluent neighborhoods of Hong Kong, Sham Shui Po is thriving, vibrant and a must-visit for shopaholics. Its markets will have anything you look for, from electronics, computer gadgets, accessories and even children’s toys. Each road has its own “theme” for the goods they sell: "Fashion Street" is on Cheung Sha Wan Road, "Toy Street" is on Fuk Wing Street. Carfter paradise streets are "Bead Street" is on Yu Chau Street, "Button Street" is on Ki Lung Street, "Ribbon Street" is on Nam Choeng Street and Tai Nan Street, "Fabric Street" is on Ki Lung Street and Yu Chau Street between Yen Chow Street and Wong Chuk Street.

Aside from street markets, the neighborhood is a treasure trove of restaurants offering brilliant street food and even Michelin-recommended eateries. 

While you’re in the area, be sure to check out the following:

• Apliu Street: Apliu Street is famous for its flea market stalls and shops that line the entire street selling everything related to electronics that you can imagine.

• Golden Computer Center: It’s a one-stop-shop for all your computer need. Whether it’s video games and consoles you’re after or a motherboard for your custom-made desktop, Golden’s maze of tightly packed stores, got you covered. 

• Check out Michelin Guide eateries such as Kung Wo Beancurd Factory, Kwan Kee, and Hop Yik Tai (Our Kowloon Street Food and Culture Tours visit Michelin rated street food eateries mentioned above)

Photo credit: Pinterest

How to get there:

• MTR to Sham Shui Po. Exit A1, B1, C1 or D1 for Cheung Sha Wan Road. Exit B2 or D2 for Fuk Wing Street. Exit A2 for Yu Chau Street, Ki Lung Street, Nam Cheong Street, Apliu Street. Exit D2 for Golden Computer Arcade, Exit C2 for Dragon Centre.

Stanley Market is one of the most popular open-air markets in Hong Kong, it has been attracting tourists and locals alike for decades. It is not particularly big but it has got a lot of charm. If you’re looking for Chinese souvenirs such as paintings, Chinese ornaments and handicrafts, personal name engraved chopsticks, this is the right place for you. The market also offers a range of clothing and linen with typical Chinese style lacework and the more popular one is calligraphy - having your name transcribed into Chinese characters.

While you’re in the area, be sure to check out the following:

• Stanley main beach: Stanley Main Beach lies on the opposite side of the peninsula, Stanley Market is only about 5 minutes walk away. From the bus terminus follow Stanley Beach Road for about 200 meters to reach the beach. This is a popular windsurfing beach and is home to the annual dragon boat races.

• Murray House: Murray House is a Victorian-era building in Stanley, Hong Kong. Built in the present-day business district of Central in 1846 as officers' quarters of the Murray Barracks, the building was moved to the south of Hong Kong Island during the 2000s.

• Tin Hau Temple: Located behind Murray House and alongside Stanley Plaza is one of over 70 Tin Hau Temples in Hong Kong, dedicated to the Goddess of the sea and protector of fisherman. Built in 1767, it is the oldest temple on Hong Kong Island.

• Restaurants around the Stanley Waterfront area

Photo credit: sdp3159shoppinghk.blogspot.com

How to get there:

• Citybus services 6, 6A, 6X and 260 from Exchange Square Bus Terminus (MTR Central Station Exit B) on Hong Kong Island, will take you to Stanley Market.

• Bus 66 from Exchange Square Bus Terminus will take you to Stanley Plaza.

The Chinese practice of feng shui (meaning wind and water in Cantonese) have been around for thousands of years, aims to bring about harmony and good luck — through the placement of objects in relation to their natural surroundings. Historically, feng shui was widely used to orient buildings—often spiritually significant structures such as tombs, but also homes and other structures in auspicious manner. The practice is not only still alive in Hong Kong today but is very much thriving, with feng shui consultations being quite the norm among locals.

The feng shui money frog—also known as the three-legged toad or money toad—has deep symbolic roots. It is a mythological creature with three legs that is said to attract wealth and abundance. If you wish someone lots of wealth, gift them this treasure for a lifetime.

Photo credit: Pinterest

Where to buy: Star Arts Co. (Shop KP 29-30, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, inside upper deck entrance)

Tel: +852 2366 0559

Hours: Daily from 09:00am to 5.30pm

In this 3.5-hour cooking class, participants will learn how to make dumplings and Hong Kong egg tarts.

Conducted in English, the “Dumpling Master” will demonstrate the process from making and rolling the dough, preparing and mixing the fillings, forming the dumplings and cooking them! Each participant will make approximately 10 dumplings and 5 egg tarts.

At the end of the class participants will sit down to dine together and exchange their experiences.

Duration: 3.5 hours

Level: Suitable for beginners

Options: Vegetarian options are available.

Overview:

• Arrive at the centre, introduction, and orientation.

• Chef Demonstration.

• Food production and hands-on cooking.

  Each participant will make approximately 10 dumplings and 5 egg tarts.

• Tasting summary (About 25 minutes)

Location: North Point, Hong Kong Island

Logistics: Easily accessible by public transport and mini coach.

Pricing: To be confirmed based on group size. Approximately HK$1200 per person for group sizes over 10.

 

INFORMATION

• Hello! Hong Kong acts as a booking agent for Hong Kong New Oriental Culinary Act and is solely responsible for the booking process. Hello! Hong Kong can not be held responsible or liable for anything which occurs on the day of the activity including but not limited to you missing your scheduled activity and accidents.

• Once the venue booking has been confirmed, the paid deposit will not be refunded.

• No video taking is allowed during the class demonstration, if found, we reserve the right to remove the video or may cause the class suspension.

• If a participant has any food allergies, participants should make their own understanding of the course content and decide whether to enroll even if any allergic reaction has occurred, we will not be held responsible.

• For all damages in cases of intentional and accidental harm, compensation is needed according to the cost.

• Please be responsible to keep your personal belongings, Hong Kong New Oriental Culinary Art will not be held responsible for any lost or stolen items.

• The copyright of all cooking class content is owned by Hong Kong New Oriental Culinary Art. Republication, redistribution, or unauthorized use of any content is strictly prohibited. Hong Kong New Oriental Culinary Art reserves the right to take legal action against the aforesaid acts.

  Bad Weather Arrangement

• If classes are canceled because Typhoon Signal No.8（or above) is hoisted or Black Rainstorm signal is issued,  participants need to reschedule the class accordingly within three months.

• The class will resume as normal 4 hours after Typhoon Warning Signal No. 8 (or above) has been lowered or Black Rainstorm Warning Signal has been canceled.

• Hong Kong New Oriental Culinary Art has the right recording video or shooting pictures during classes or activities held. We have the right to make such content public or for internal review and promotional purposes.

XO sauce is a spicy seafood sauce from Hong Kong with an umami flavor. It is commonly used in southern Chinese regions such as Guangdong.
Developed in the 1980s in Hong Kong for Cantonese cuisine, XO sauce is made of roughly chopped dried seafood, including dried scallops (conpoy), fish, and shrimp, which are cooked with chili peppers, onions, and garlic. This dried seafood-based sauce resembles the Fujianese Shacha sauce. Spring Moon, the Chinese restaurant of the Peninsula Hong Kong hotel, is often credited with the invention of XO sauce, although some claim it came from other nearby restaurants in the Tsim Sha Tsui area of Kowloon. Source: Wikipedia

Photo credit: The Peninsula Boutique

Where to buy: The Peninsula Boutique (Salisbury Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon)

Tel: +852 2920 2888

Website: peninsulaboutique.com

Hours: Wong Tai Sin (Daily from 7.30am to 4.30pm), Man Mo (Daily from 8:00am to 06:00pm)

Hong Kong without a doubt has got many ancient and fascinating temples spread across the country, a visit to Hong Kong will not be complete without visiting one. Apart from praying and giving offerings at these temples, the locals visit the temples to ask for blessings and prosperity, as well as to be warded off from bad luck and misfortune whether that is in business, personal lives and health. Temple charm is one of the forms which locals believe will protect them from any harm and bring them luck.
These charms have also become very popular with tourists. Charms come in an assortment of designs and prosperous wishes. Most temples offer charms with varying designs, costs and effectiveness, some can be acquired after a short session of fortune-telling, involving giving information on what year (Chinese Zodiac) of a person who wishes to get the charms. A believer or not, these charms are cute, affordable and make a perfect souvenir to take home as well as a perfect gift for family and friends.

Photo credit: Pinterest

Where to buy: Wong Tai Sin Temple (Lung Cheung Road, Wong Tai Sin, Wong Tai Sin District, New Kowloon)

Man Mo Temple (Hollywood Rd, Sheung Wan) or any other big temples in Hong Kong

Tel: +852 2796 1125, 2796 1127

Website: Wong Tai Sin and Man Mo

Hours: Wong Tai Sin (Daily from 7.30am to 4.30pm), Man Mo (Daily from 8:00am to 06:00pm)

Chinese ceramics show a continuous development since pre-dynastic times and are one of the most significant forms of Chinese art and ceramics globally. The first pottery was made during the Palaeolithic era. Chinese ceramics range from construction materials such as bricks and tiles, to hand-built pottery vessels fired in bonfires or kilns, to the sophisticated Chinese porcelain wares made for the imperial court and for export. Porcelain was a Chinese invention and is so identified with China that it is still called "china" in everyday English usage.

At Yuet Tung Chinese Porcelain producer, the porcelain wares are painted with many varieties of patterns and designs that are popular throughout the greater China area. They also have pieces with a famous rooster motif which is a symbol of family prosperity. Yuet Tung China Works has been known to make special order pieces for royal families and government officials of foreign countries, as well as for the Peninsula Hotel in Hong Kong. Its treasured porcelain wares remain pride of Hong Kong today. Source: Wikipedia and Herenow City

Photo credit: christies.com

Where to buy: Yuet Tung China Works (Unit 1-3, 3/F., Kowloon Bay Industrial Centre, 15 Wang Hoi Road, Kowloon Bay, Kowloon)

Tel: +852 2796 1125, 2796 1127

Website: porcelainware.com.hk

Hours: Monday - Sunday: 09:am - 05:00pm

Mahjong is a tile-based game that was developed in China during the Qing dynasty and has spread throughout the world since the early 20th century. It is commonly played by four players (with some three-player variations found in Japan, South Korea and Southeast Asia). The game and its regional variants are widely played throughout Eastern and South Eastern Asia and have also become popular in Western countries. The game has also been adapted into a widespread online entertainment. Similar to the Western card game rummy, Mahjong is a game of skill, strategy, and calculation, and it involves a degree of chance. Source: Wikipedia

Photo credit: Etsy HK

Where to buy: Wing Wah Mahjong (13 Aberdeen St, Central)

Tel: +852 9035 5848