There’s nowhere quite like Hong Kong. Whether you’re discovering its unrivalled bevy of culinary delights, exploring astonishing cultural experiences, both traditional and contemporary, or simply embracing the unbridled fun of its playful side, Hong Kong is an unmissable destination with something for everyone. From the most premium of experiences to everyday delights that you’ll never forget, to put it simply, Hong Kong has it all.
With that in mind, this is the first instalment in a new three-part series through which Man of Many will delve into the unbridled wealth of unforgettable adventures Hong Kong has in store. Ranging from the delicious to the dazzling, each of these instalments will showcase unmissable attractions and hidden gems guaranteed to surprise and delight. These are the experiences that see visitors return time and again, all the while knowing they will never exhaust everything Hong Kong has to offer!
Introducing Big Sam Young
As we’re in need of a guide for this trio of escapades, we’re lucky to have one of Hong Kong’s famous sons, Big Sam Young, leading the way. Known as the big chef with the big personality, Sam made his name working in top Sydney restaurants like Mr. Wong, Ms.G’s, Queen Chow, and Totti’s. More recently, he spent time as Lotus’ head chef, before establishing his Cantonese cuisine-serving neighbourhood bistro, S’more.
Sam is an expert in all things Hong Kong, and his passion for the place he was born is infectious. Returning regularly to visit family and re-immerse himself in the culture that so shaped his passions, there’s no one we’d rather have guiding us throughout this series. So, let’s dive into our gastronomic tour of this wondrous destination as Sam shows us his favourite dining spots.
Hong Kong’s Exquisite Eating
What’s most striking about Hong Kong’s food offering is the sheer breadth of options at your disposal. From Michelin-starred fine dining to irresistible street food, there’s no craving you can’t satisfy and no cuisine you won’t find world-class examples of. Plus, there’s also always something new to discover, as Sam is quick to point out.
“What I love about Hong Kong is the energy. I’m a city boy, and it’s always so busy. There’s always something happening,” he enthuses almost as soon as we meet. “I particularly love the food scene. There’s always a new restaurant opening, there’s always a new bar opening, there’s always new energy in the hospitality industry, so I love that.”
Mak’s Noodle
Our first port of call is Mak’s Noodle, which Sam describes as a must-try for visitors as it’s always at the top of his to-do list upon landing in Hong Kong: “It’s a destination for me. They’ve been doing it for many years. The noodles are always perfectly al dente, and it’s a really good time.”
While the noodles are a given, this treasure of an eatery serves everything from incredible beef brisket and braised pork knuckle to dumplings and a wide range of congee. Mak’s Noodle provides a hearty and authentic Hong Kong dining experience that you’ll be hankering to return to.
“Whenever I come home, I just have to have Mak’s wonton noodles,” Sam chuckles. We can absolutely see why.
The Chairman
The next stop on our delectable journey of discovery is the luxurious Michelin-starred Chairman restaurant, which currently holds the 26th place on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list. Offering a premium dining experience of supreme elegance, Chairman also takes a slightly unusual approach when it comes to ordering your dishes.
“The whole experience is that you order your menu before you arrive,” Sam explains. “You choose one of the set menus emailed to you a few days before your booking, and then when you arrive, you’ll enjoy absolutely delicious Chinese food executed in a really beautiful way.”
Pairing your food with the right wine is also key to enjoying Chairman’s elevated dining experience. Fortunately, the restaurant boasts a wine list that’s sure to impress even the most discerning of oenophiles. As Sam confirms, “They have an amazing wine list. One of the best in Hong Kong.”
Yat Lok
An essential indulgence for Sam whenever he visits Hong Kong is a particular dish you don’t commonly find in Australia (or many parts of the world), which is why he makes it such a priority whenever he gets the chance.
“I always have roast goose in Hong Kong, and Yat Lok is my favourite spot,” he reveals. “It’s such a crazy good place. It’s a Michelin-star restaurant, but really casual.”
Upon arrival, you’re struck by the buzz in the air as dishes of chargrilled roast goose marinated in a secret recipe fly out of the kitchen at a remarkable rate. Each is paired with rice or noodles and leaves a rich, mouth-watering scent in its wake.
“It’s always chaotic, a really busy restaurant,” Sam laughs. “For me, this experience is quite unique to Hong Kong because roast goose is not available everywhere in the world. I’ve lived in Canada, the U.S., Italy, and obviously Australia, and it’s not widely available. So that’s why I think roast goose is very special for Hong Kong.”
Temple Street Night Market
With the sun going down and our craving for roast goose sated, Sam’s next destination for us is Temple Street, which he describes as “the hub of Kowloon Peninsula”. As the Hong Kong district in which he grew up, Sam is highly familiar with the area. However, when the scale, vibrancy, and heightened atmosphere of the Temple Street Night Market is on full display, his description actually sounds understated.
“There’s always so much energy happening. From the restaurants to the shopping, just so much energy,” he enthuses. “Even at midnight, it will be full of people with so much going on.”
In addition to the vendors selling all manner of goods—with whom Sam recommends visitors participate in the ancient art of friendly barter—what’s perhaps most striking about the markets is the diversity of food options available. From snacks like fish balls, dim sum, and snake soup (give it a try) to the sweetness of coconut wraps and dragon’s beard candy, the Temple Street Night Market serves up a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you’ll want to talk about for years to come.
Wine & Dine Festival
Our final stop is Hong Kong’s Wine & Dine Festival, which runs annually at the end of October. With Victoria Harbour acting as its stunning backdrop, it’s an event that showcases everything that makes Hong Kong such a culinary powerhouse. As Sam explains, the festival is one of the biggest events of its kind in Asia, so it brings out some of the very best food and wine from Hong Kong and around the world.
”Every time I go back to Hong Kong, I get really excited about the food and wine, and this is a festival where you get to taste the best of both,” he says. “Because the food in Hong Kong is amazing, and the wine is unbelievable. It’s the east-meets-west philosophy, where there’s a wine for every cuisine and a wine for every culture.”
As you luxuriate with these perfect pairings, the festival also offers incredible entertainment, including live performances from local and international musicians. Plus, there’s a range of masterclasses and themed workshops hosted by star chefs and sommeliers, so you can simultaneously indulge in and better understand the world of food and wine.
Getting to Hong Kong
From the unmatched experiences served up by Michelin-endorsed master chefs to the exquisite flavours of authentic street food, Hong Kong has so much to offer. However, in order to experience this must-visit destination, you’ll have to choose how you get there.
Fortunately, Cathay Pacific’s business class flights offer the kind of premium travel experience that will stand you in good stead when you arrive and want to start exploring all the delicious opportunities that await without contending with that dreaded jet lag.
From the comfort of fully flat beds and luxurious 400-thread-count bedlinen to the contemporary business menu boasting bold international flavours and classic Hong Kong favourites, you’ll be ready to make the most of your holiday as soon as you land. What better way to start your Hong Kong experience?
However you choose to make your journey, once you do, you’re in for the experience of a lifetime. As Sam explains, one of the beauties of Hong Kong is that whether you’re drawn to the most high-end dining experiences or prefer more casual fare, you’re always going to experience something that’s among the very best the world has to offer.
As Sam concludes, “When it comes to Hong Kong, there’s something for everyone, which I love.”
So do we. How could you not?
