An Insider Guide to the Ultimate Concrete Jungle: Hong Kong

As one of the busiest business centers, Hong Kong is the gateway to China and the Far East. Hong Kong offers a mix of British colonial history and a rich Chinese culture and tradition. It’s ideal for shopping and enjoying a thriving nightlife.

I consider myself an insider of Hong Kong. I’ve lived on the island for a long while, worked in the PR & fashion industry, been to countless openings of hotels and restaurants. I think I’m a pretty fair judge of what’s good and bad.

Eateries and drinking holes pop up around the clock all over Hong Kong, from the all-out glam in central to the stylish in Sheung Wan, this is indicative of a city that moves at an incredibly fast pace. As people say, “a New York minute is a Hong Kong second.”

When visiting Hong Kong, the best advice I can give you is to avoid religiously following or visiting the places that are listed in the guidebook. Seriously, no, thanks. If you are just as over the crowded touristy places as I am, follow this guide instead.

Let me introduce you some of the trendiest, hidden, must-visit places in Hong Kong:

1. Cafe Grey Deluxe

Serving Modern European food, divine afternoon hightea, and with stunning views of Victoria Harbour, Café Grey Deluxe is a must. Opened in 2009, this acclaimed restaurant is headed by Chef Gray Kunz, whose signature cuisine draws on European, Asian, and American combination styles.

It’s perfect for date night, cocktails, and afternoon tea. The view from this cafe at night time is almost surreal.

Located on level 49, The Upper House, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway.

2. China Club

China Club is an unforgettable dining experience. It is owned by Hong Kong celebrity businessman Sir David Tang. The highlight of this restaurant is the undeniable colonial vibe. You can really imagine yourself back in the days of the British Empire rule in Hong Kong. The food is traditional Chinese and served with fantastic style and sophistication.

Floors 13 & 14, Old China Bank Building, Bank St, Central.

3. The Press Room

It is becoming one of my traditions to have brunch at The Press Room with my friends. It reminds me of Melbourne – a fantastic bistro, with amazing coffee and a house of specialty of Lobster Benedict and hands down, the best omelette on the island.

The Press Room, 108 Hollywood Road, Hong Kong.

4. Cat Street Gallery

Cat Street Gallery is Hollywood Road for Australian and up-and-coming Chinese artists. They  often stock interesting pieces. Other gallery choices include Gagosian Gallery and Cube Gallery.

The Cat Street Gallery, 222 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan.

Gagosian, Level 7, Pedder Building, 12 Pedder Street, Central.

White Cube Gallery, 50 Connaught Road, Central.

5. Mott 32

Interestingly located in the former storage basement of Standard Chartered Bank, this cathedral-like 7,500sqft underground space boasts an interior designed by award-winning architect Ms Joyce Wang, who has combined an industrial warehouse aesthetic with a touch of Chinese luxury and whimsy. The menu is authentic Cantonese, with a few signature Beijing and Sichuan dishes thrown in.

If you like pork, you’re in luck.

Standard Chartered Bank Building, 4-4A Des Voeux Road, Central.

6. Little Bao

It’s always a street party outside talented chef and It-girl Ms. May Chow’s modern Hong Kong diner. The menu of this casual Asian burger joint demonstrates her multicultural culinary skills, with interesting takes on Chinese flavours. Signature steamed buns include a slow-braised pork belly bao, with leek and shiso red onion salad, sesame dressing and hoisin ketchup. For vegetarians, there’s the sloppy chan – a muscular Taiwan-style (“lurou”) shiitake tempeh with truffle mayo, fried shallots, and sweet pickled daikon.

66 Staunton Street, SoHo, Central.