SEVVA
PC: Sevva
Sitting pretty in the sky
Perched on the 25th floor of the Prince’s Building, Sevva is the culinary equivalent of a choose-your-own-adventure novel. Picture countless dining spaces, each with its own distinct vibe: If you’re feeling posh, raise those pinkies at afternoon tea or lounge on the wraparound outdoor terrace with 360-degree views of the city. After indulging in cocktails at Taste Bar, enjoy Harbourside’s fusion cuisine under a ceiling of live flowers or watch bankers and powerbrokers seal the deal over dinner in the regal Bankside.Finish things off with treats beneath the pink chandelier at Ms. B’s Cakery, home to some of the most decadent desserts you’ve ever laid eyes on. Trust us, Ms. B’s Banana Lust is most definitely lust-worthy.
10 Chater Rd., Central, +852 2537 1388
TAI CHEONG BAKERY
Tarts worthy of a trek
Tucked away in a part of hilly SoHo where your GPS won’t work (yes, you might want to pack an old-fashioned paper map), Tai Cheong Bakery can be a bit of a challenge to find — but it’s beyond worth the effort. Inside this tiny shop lies piping-hot egg tarts that are, without a doubt, the best in the entire city. The secret? A buttery shortbread crust, not the standard pastry shell, makes this tart one of a kind. Legend has it that back when Hong Kong was still a British colony, the governor would visit Tai Cheong every day for a tart. After cramming a few into your mouth, you’ll see why.
35 Lyndhurst Ter., Central, +852 2544 347
LUK YU TEAHOUSE
A blast from the past
This three-story teahouse is retro Hong Kong at its finest. From the embellished colonial decor and old-school menu to the tales of mafia murders from days gone by, Luk Yu offers a glimpse into the city’s past. Don’t be put off by your waiter’s surly service: It’s part of the shtick, and the food will more than compensate. The lotus-root puffs are quite tempting, and you can’t go wrong ordering any of the Cantonese-style soups on the menu. Dim sum is an all-day affair here, so come for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
24 Stanley St., Central, +852 2523 5464
MAN MO TEMPLE
Sublime spirituality
Rather than joining the swarms of tourists at one of those ho-hum temples listed in all the guidebooks, we suggest seeking the more intimate experience that is Man Mo. One of the the oldest Taoist temples in the city, Man Mo is located just steps from the hustle and bustle of Hollywood Road but feels a world away. Step inside the sanctuary, where swirls of smoke waft through the air, and take in the shrines and deities beneath a ceiling of giant metal coils. As you wander, keep your eyes peeled for locals paying their respects through the ritual waving of lit incense sticks. Afterward, head next door to the neighborhood fortune teller and find out exactly what the Year of the Goat holds for you.
126 Hollywood Rd., Sheung Wan, +852 2540 0350
TEMPLE STREET NIGHT MARKET
HK up close and personal
For a taste of the real Hong Kong, hop on a Star Ferry for TST and make a beeline to the lively Temple Street Night Market. This perpetually buzzing market is home to hawkers selling everything under the sun (we’ve even spotted dried seahorses!), plus open-air canteens where the locals come for dinner every night. Between the feng shui experts and herbalists, Cantonese opera singers and old men playing Chinese chess, this market is as real as it gets. Just don’t come before 8 p.m. Hong Kongers are notorious night owls, so the later you visit, the better!
Temple Street, Yau Ma Tei
HULLET HOUSE
PC: Hullett House
A taste of colonial chic
After all the excitement, you’ll need a place to rest your weary head. While many of Hong Kong’s hotels are housed in massive modern skyscrapers, for something refreshingly different, we suggest a stay at the historic Hullett House. This colonial three-storey building is a heritage landmark, offering low-key luxury along with two chic bars, a champagne gallery and several acclaimed restaurants.
1881 Heritage, 2A Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
+852 3988 0000
