Your ultimate guide to Hong Kong

Summer is obviously the best time for ice creams, and we have the perfect spot you should check out soon. Hong Kong ice cream brand TeemTonefai, well-known for their creative and quirky frozen treats, is celebrating its 10th anniversary by finally opening a brick-and-mortar flagship store. For ages, we’ve only been able to encounter their products at pop-ups around town, but from August 21 onwards, ice cream lovers can find TeemTonefai at their permanent home in Sheung Wan. TeemTonefai remains dedicated to crafting ice cream flavours that carry Hong Kong heritage, using real ingredients, and free from artificial colourings or additives. Their opening menu incorporates Chinese teas, spices, and local ingredients into the frozen snacks for a real taste of home. From their new tea series, try the lychee bi luo chun, caramel apple da hong pao, and the white peach oolong; the Sichuan spice and wellness range also includes sea salt green Sichuan pepper, da hong pao Sichuan pepper black sesame, as well as red date and purple rice. Photograph: Courtesy TeemTonefaiTeemTonefai ice cream There are also other specialty and classic flavours to choose from such as watercress honey and young coconut sorbet, ginger tofu pudding, mango sticky rice, and lemon licorice ginger tea sorbet. Of course, TeemTonefai’s signatures such as the corn cob-shaped sweetcorn ice cream will also be available. The shop itself reflects the brand’s love for experimentation and the retro aesthetic, with deep brown wooden walls, tiled floors, a reflective ceiling, and even a custom-built dragon ornament on the wall. This 80s Hong Kong nostalgic look blends perfectly with its neighbouring antique shops and vintage stalls. Photograph: Courtesy TeemTonefaiTeemTonefai ice cream Prices range from $50 for a small cup with up to two flavours, $75 for a large cup with up to three flavours, to $85 for a banana split. Homemade waffle cones are also available for an additional $10. For the first two days of their soft launch, on August 21 and 22, the first 50 paying customers will receive a free special-edition metal ice cream spoon while stocks last. From August 21 until the end of the month, customers can also purchase ice cream vouchers or box sets to enjoy a buy 10, get two free promotion. TeemTonefai is located at 19 Upper Lascar Row, Sheung Wan. Stay in the loop: Sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: Ocean Park Hong Kong expands its dog-friendly offerings for annual members Cordis and Tai On team up with food illustrator Kai to celebrate Hong Kong’s 3.15pm tea culture The latest news about Hong Kong Disneyland’s new Marvel and Pixar attractions

If you’ve ever looked into your dog’s big, watery, and too-cute-to-say-no-to eyes and thought they were missing out on the thrill of a theme park, Ocean Park is way ahead of you. The theme park has expanded its perks for annual pass holders, allowing members to bring their four-legged companions along for a mid-week day out. Photograph: Courtesy Ocean Park Hong KongMembers' Doggy Day Every Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) from now until March 31, 2027, annual members can take their pups through designated areas of both the Waterfront and Summit zones. Canines can trot through Aqua City, Old Hong Kong, and the Rainforest, or hop aboard the Ocean Express train – provided they are carried by hand, in a pet bag, riding a pet pram, or wearing a muzzle while on board – to visit the sea lions at the Pacific Pier. From now until August 23, you can also take your pup to pose for cute photos at the Pompompurin 30th Anniversary Secret Garden. Photograph: Courtesy Ocean Park Hong KongMembers' Doggy Day Pit stops for food have also extended, now with three eateries open to dogs, including Ginger Grill, Aqua City Bakery, and The Terrace Café. For a bit of retail therapy, souvenir shops across the park are open to pets, with a range of pet toys available at the Waterfront Gifts shop. All Ocean Park annual members will even receive a 10-percent discount. To take things one paw further, the theme park has teamed up with pet-friendly cafe Hooman at The Mills. Ocean Park annual members can enjoy limited-time offers including 10 percent off the total bill, a $45 cash voucher, and one free coffee drip bag per guests who snap a photo at Hooman. The promo is running until August 23 only, so be sure to set aside some time on the calendar! For those who have not yet joined the fold, using the code ‘OPHOOMAN2026’ takes 15 percent off the total price when purchasing two or more annual memberships. Visit Ocean Park’s official website for more information. Stay in the loop: Sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: Cordis and Tai On team up with food illustrator Kai to celebrate Hong Kong’s 3.15pm tea culture The latest news about Hong Kong Disneyland’s new Marvel and Pixar attractions Japanese supermarket chain Yata opens first 24-hour convenience store in Kai Tak

What do you get when you cross a five-star hotel with a vintage cha chaan teng and a food illustrator? Pastries, art, and more pastries. To mark its 11th anniversary, Cordis, Hong Kong has joined forces with Tai On Coffee & Tea Shop and food illustrator Kai to launch ‘Art In Residence: Tea Time Stories’, a unique crossover that celebrates Hong Kong’s beloved 3.15pm (aka ‘saam dim saam’) afternoon tea tradition. Photograph: Courtesy Cordis, Hong KongFood illustrator Kai (@nomkakaii) From August 17 to October 31, an exhibition will run across both the lobby of Cordis and the nostalgic space of Tai On, showcasing Kai’s signature illustrations of dining experiences and culinary cultures from around the world. Recognised on the Forbes Asia 30 Under 30 2025 list, the artist is known for her Instagram series where she sketches restaurant scenes on the fly, looking beyond simple food experiences to appreciate the stories behind them. Photograph: Courtesy Cordis, Hong KongArt In Residence: Tea Time Stories themed treats Naturally, you cannot celebrate cha chaan teng culture without actually eating. Over at Cordis, executive pastry chef Roy Ma has whipped up a collection of limited-edition treats inspired by Hong Kong afternoon tea classics. At the hotel’s Goodies Shop, you can pick up a peanut butter and condensed milk mille-feuille ($428), a flaky recreation of the familiar Hong Kong-style toast filled with rich custard and hints of peanut aroma. There’s also a coconut red bean mousse cake ($58) inspired by the classic cha chaan teng drink, and a gorgeous caramelised peanut toast cake ($78) that disguises layers of caramel and crushed peanuts inside a chocolate shell, crafted to look just like a real slice of thick, fluffy toast. If you prefer to sit down with a drink, Alibi – Wine Dine Be Social is also doing a ‘3:15pm tea time combo’ ($98) pairing a slice of peanut butter mille-feuille with a refreshing salted lime gin and tonic. Photograph: Courtesy Cordis, Hong Kong3.15pm tea time combo (left); Caramelised peanut toast cake (right) Down in Yau Ma Tei, Tai On Coffee & Tea Shop is offering a few exclusive items of their own. Owner Tiffany and her team have baked up a peanut butter egg tart ($28) filled with silky peanut butter and condensed milk, plus a golden, thick-cut French toast ($82) loaded with coconut milk and sweet red bean. To drink, their salted kumquat espresso tonic ($50) pairs bitter coffee with tangy citrus as a nod to traditional preserved fruits. Photograph: Courtesy Cordis, Hong KongArt In Residence: Tea Time Stories themed tote bag Both venues will be hosting various interactive activities to further immerse guests. The Place at Cordis will offer a free instant photo experience with custom frames designed by Kai for the first 10 guests at 3.15pm every day, while hotel guests will receive a complimentary themed postcard. At Tai On, dine-in visitors stopping by at 3.15pm will get free themed paper tape featuring Kai’s sketches, along with drip coffee bags in custom illustrated pouches. Those who spend $250 or more on pastries at the Goodies Shop will be able to take home a Tea Time Stories themed tote bag featuring Kai’s artwork, which can also be bought separately at Tai On. Art In Residence: Tea Time Stories runs from August 17 to October 31 at Cordis, Hong Kong in Mong Kok and Tai On Coffee & Tea Shop in Yau Ma Tei. Head over to the Cordis website to find out more and plan your afternoon tea crawl. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: The latest news about Hong Kong Disneyland’s new Marvel and Pixar attractions Japanese supermarket chain Yata opens first 24-hour convenience store in Kai Tak Chesa is taking diners on a culinary tour with a new menu dedicated to Geneva

Disney fans were very excited when it was announced almost a year ago that Hong Kong Disneyland is undertaking two major expansion projects: for a Pixar entertainment offering, and new Marvel-themed experiences. Well, we now have further details about what’s in store for our House of the Mouse! The biennial D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event was just hosted in Anaheim, California, from August 14 to 16, where they unveiled the upcoming plans and projects that Disney has in store – including a first look at the exclusive Pixar and Marvel attractions coming to Hong Kong. In Toy Story Land, there will be an all-new Pixar theatrical spectacular, expected to debut in the first half of 2027. The massive theatre space will host Woody, Jessie, Buzz Lightyear, Rex, and more beloved Pixar characters, and the executive creative director of Disney Live Entertainment, Michael Serna, promises that “guests will experience an emotional adventure that explores how meaningful friendships are built, nurtured, and celebrated over time”. Photograph: Courtesy Hong Kong DisneylandHong Kong Disneyland Toy Story Land This new show introduces Poppy, an original Pixar character created exclusively for Hong Kong Disneyland – this is a plush toy from Hong Kong who accompanies her owner Aria to Andy’s neighbourhood, and curls up into a ball when she feels nervous or overwhelmed. Guests can also look forward to Aria’s keepsakes and childhood memories which nod to Hong Kong culture, as well as two original songs created by Disney Live Entertainment teams in Hong Kong and the US. Photograph: Courtesy Hong Kong DisneylandHong Kong Disneyland Tomorrowland Marvel Over in Tomorrowland, the Marvel area will be expanded with a Quinjet landing platform where guests can encounter Marvel superheroes throughout the day. More excitingly, a new pavilion will be erected at Stark Expo, which houses the upcoming drop tower ride. According to news from Disney, this building will be home to the Avengers Research Testing Labs where Stark Industries and other brilliant minds in this universe develop cutting-edge technology against future threats. This power soon attracts evil forces, and an action-packed journey with Spider-Man and heroes from Wakanda, Asgard, and more ensues. Photograph: Courtesy Hong Kong DisneylandHong Kong Disneyland Tomorrowland Marvel It’ll still be a while before we can enjoy these new rides and entertainment for ourselves, but we already can’t wait! Keep an eye on this space for when we find out more. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: Japanese supermarket chain Yata opens first 24-hour convenience store in Kai Tak Chesa is taking diners on a culinary tour with a new menu dedicated to Geneva Shake Shack teams up with Flagrant to launch chicken wings in Hong Kong for the first time

Supermarket chain Yata has opened its very first 24-hour convenience store in Kai Tak, gathering Japanese snacks, imported drinks, hot street food, and daily essentials all under one roof. Customers will find fresh brews from Tokyo’s Sarutahiko Coffee, a self-service ‘Mix & Match’ fruit slushie machine, and a Yata Kitchen counter serving up local street bites like jumbo siu mai dressed in Explicit Spices’ chilli oil, Lee Fai Kee’s satay sauce lo mein, Hong Kong-style milk tea, and other hot snacks. Ready-made Japanese bento boxes, onigiri, salads, and desserts will also be available. Photograph: Courtesy Yata go!一田首間24小時便利店 The rest of the space is packed with a myriad of Japanese imports, including popular snacks, instant noodles, frozen foods, and over 100 types of beverages ranging from teas and craft beer to limited-edition products. Away from the food aisles, the store also offers a range of lifestyle items, health supplements, personal care products, face masks, and plenty of other daily essentials. Yata go! is located at Shop G06, Cullinan Sky Mall, Kai Tak, open 24 hours daily. Call 3468 5883 for enquiries. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: Chesa is taking diners on a culinary tour with a new menu dedicated to Geneva Shake Shack teams up with Flagrant to launch chicken wings in Hong Kong for the first time Two-Michelin-starred Tate reopens at a brand-new location in Sheung Wan

Taking diners on a culinary tour of Switzerland, Chesa’s seasonal menu series, ‘Voyage Dans Le Terroir’, is turning its attention to the decadent cuisine of Geneva this month. Following an initial run focused on the Valais region, the kitchen is now highlighting dishes inspired by the Canton of Geneva where the Rhône begins its long run to the sea, bringing a taste of Switzerland’s westernmost border straight to Tsim Sha Tsui. Available from now until August 31, the time-limited menu includes starters like rainbow beetroots paired with smoked trout roe salad and hazelnut praliné, along with a pike fish fillet with braised snails in persillade butter and artichokes. Photograph: Courtesy ChesaVeal fillet with black truffle and morel sauce, bacon and emmental cheese served with rösti (left); Swiss chocolate mi-cuit with pistachio ganache and cherry sorbet (right) For the main course, things are kept thoroughly indulgent with a hearty veal fillet topped with black truffle and morel sauce, accompanied by bacon and emmental cheese served with rösti. To finish, a rich Swiss chocolate mi-cuit paired with pistachio ganache and cherry sorbet will wrap up the meal on a sweet and refreshing note. The special Geneva menu is available à la carte for both lunch (12pm to 3pm) and dinner (6pm to 11pm) until August 31. Tables can be booked via SevenRooms. Stay in the loop: Sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: Shake Shack teams up with Flagrant to launch chicken wings in Hong Kong for the first time Two-Michelin-starred Tate reopens at a brand-new location in Sheung Wan This new HKPM exhibition gives ancient imperial heritage a modern local twist

Shake Shack is finally giving chicken wings a run on its Hong Kong menus, and they’ve drafted in some local expertise to ensure they really pack a punch. Available across all Shacks in the city from August 6 to October 11, the burger giant has joined forces with homegrown sauce maker Flagrant to launch the Flagrant yuzu hot wings ($48). These crispy wings are tossed in a custom glaze made with Flagrant’s signature yuzu koji hot sauce, which pairs yuzu zest with Japanese rice vinegar and sugar for a distinct flavour profile. Photograph: Courtesy Shake ShackFlagrant’s co-founder and culinary director Matt Abergel Flagrant’s co-founder and culinary director Matt Abergel – who also runs Michelin-starred yakitori spot Yardbird – noted that fried food is where the sauce really shines. Since the sauce is fermented and never cooked, it’s able to stay fresh and create a perfect balance of heat, citrus, and umami. Photograph: Courtesy Shake ShackPocket-sized Flagrant Yuzu Koji Hot Sauce keychain If you want to take the heat home, you can pick up a full-sized 150ml bottle of Flagrant yuzu koji hot sauce ($78) at the counter. Even better, anyone ordering the wings can add $15 to grab a pocket-sized 50ml hot sauce keychain. There’s a decent cause attached to the feast, too. During the first seven days of the launch (August 6 to 12), five percent of net sales proceeds from every wing order will go directly to More Good Foundation, a local charity and social enterprise that provides nutritious meals to vulnerable communities across Hong Kong. Stay in the loop: Sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: Two-Michelin-starred Tate reopens at a brand-new location in Sheung Wan This new HKPM exhibition gives ancient imperial heritage a modern local twist New Central bar Fello opens with a zero-pretence approach to late-night drinks

Two-Michelin-starred Tate has officially reopened its doors, unveiling a brand-new permanent home on Lok Ku Road in Sheung Wan. After shutting its previous Hollywood Road space earlier in June for a complete revamp, the restaurant is back in action across a spacious two-storey venue. This marks the restaurant’s third evolution since launching on Elgin Street in 2012, as cheffe Vicky Lau returns with a refreshed concept that focuses on craftsmanship and quiet luxury. Photograph: Courtesy TateCeramics-inspired designs at Tate Of course, the new location also comes with a new look. New York and Shanghai-based designer Chris Shao worked alongside Lau to shape the space, drawing on the curves and textures of fine china. The result is a soft, structured dining room featuring ceramic light installations, floor patterns inspired by ceramic motifs, and furniture designed to keep tableside service seamless. The ceramics on the tables are equally intentional, commissioned from over 20 artisans and made with local Lau Fau Shan clay and cuttlefish bone. Photograph: Courtesy TateOde to Crab In the kitchen, an expanded setup featuring a charcoal grill, a dedicated fermentation corner, and a wok station has allowed classic dishes to evolve. The Ode to Lobster now uses French blue and local green lobsters sourced directly from a newly installed live lobster tank, while the Ode to Crab features sweet crab meat tucked inside a crisp tuile with roasted shell foam and pickled ginger. Photograph: Courtesy TateOde to Mushroom Other highlights to look out for include the return of Ode to Scallop, which transforms scallops into a soufflé; Ode to Mushroom, presenting wild and cultivated fungi slow-stewed into a ragout with an aged reduction; and Ode to Pigeon, which slow-bakes the breast in red clay and mui choy as a nod to the ancient craft of clay-baked chicken. Desserts have also been refined into a tight edit of three options, while a cellar of more than 1,200 French wines as well as a selection of Chinese tea are all chosen specifically to pair with what’s on the menu. The new Tate is located at G/F, Evora Building, 68 Lok Ku Road, Sheung Wan. Reservations open on August 14. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: This new HKPM exhibition gives ancient imperial heritage a modern local twist New Central bar Fello opens with a zero-pretence approach to late-night drinks Barminski returns to Hong Kong with a cardboard airport taken over by aliens

For all its grand imperial treasures, the Palace Museum isn’t always an easy casual browse. Its latest exhibition, however, takes a noticeably modern approach to ancient history. Bridging the gap between imperial heritage and contemporary urban life, the thematic showcase – titled ‘A Day in the City – An Experimental Study of Things Across Time’ – invites nine local artists to reframe the Forbidden City’s majestic grandeur through the familiar lens of everyday Hong Kong.   Photograph: Courtesy Hong Kong Palace MuseumArtworks by Kasing Lung     Highlight artists include illustrator Kasing Lung, best known as the creator of Labubu, who brings his whimsical style to pieces that place the Forbidden City’s Imperial Garden next to Yau Ma Tei’s Yung Shue Tau, populated with his signature forest elves and creature companions from ‘The Monsters’ series. Alongside him, painter and sculptor Kila Cheung draws a parallel between Qing dynasty Emperor Puyi’s well-documented obsession with cycling and the street bike culture of 1980s Hong Kong, capturing the adolescent energy of both eras through mixed-media sculptures.   Photograph: Courtesy Hong Kong Palace MuseumYoung Bike King by Kila Cheung     Comic artist Li Chi Tak continues that playful juxtaposition with an interactive installation inspired by an afternoon daydream, in which children imagine building a grand garden playground together. Meanwhile, ceramic and 3D-printing artist Benny To takes real historic architectural blueprints – including military barracks plans for the Qing dynasty’s Divine Mechanism Corps – and translates them into sci-fi artefacts, luminous windows, and modern feng shui potted plants.   Photograph: Courtesy Hong Kong Palace MuseumA Big Small Yard by Li Chi Tak     The remaining artists add further depth to the dialogue, including Seth Hon, who uses live meteorological data to grow a ‘breathing’ stone inside a virtual environment, and Charlotte Lui, who reimagines imperial scenes into local cha chaan tengs and the Victoria Harbour skyline. And finally, visual artist Tsang Hing Ling examines human civilisation through digital fish artworks, Yau Kwok Keung reconfigures the logic of celestial rotation using modern materials, and composer Fung Lam wraps the space in a soundscape structured around ancient Chinese timekeeping. Photograph: Courtesy Hong Kong Palace MuseumTKOB-32YRS-OBJs#CABINET by Benny To   Apart from the artworks, the gallery also has a dedicated space for public workshops led by local artists and practitioners, encouraging participants to experiment with different materials and explore their own perspective on cultural heritage. The exhibition is open from now until February 22, 2027. Standard entry is included with a general admission ticket ($70 for adults, $35 for concessions), and tickets can be booked directly through the museum website or the WestK app. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: New Central bar Fello opens with a zero-pretence approach to late-night drinks Barminski returns to Hong Kong with a cardboard airport taken over by aliens HKPM is throwing a late-night party to celebrate the end of its ancient Egyptian exhibition

If you ask us, the nights that turn out best are often the ones you didn’t spend three days making plans for. Building around that unscripted energy, renowned Hong Kong bartender Shelley Tai – freshly crowned with the Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award 2026 – opens her second venue in Central, doing away with bar-side pretension to take on a more casual approach to late-night drinking. Photograph: Joshua LinShelley Tai Following the success of Mius, her new bar, Fello, has taken up residence on Wyndham Street. Named after the word ‘fellow’, the venue is built on the simple premise that good drinks taste considerably better when shared in good company. Photogrpah: Joshua LinShelley Tai 開設全新概念酒吧 Fello Spanning across two floors, the space features a bar counter where guests can order food and drinks, with free seating throughout so you can perch wherever you prefer. There’s room for 45 people on the ground floor and another 35 upstairs, plus plenty of standing room for a bit of casual mingling. Visually, the mix of warm burl wood, brushed stainless steel, and soft lighting also helps set a mood that feels both modern and easy-going. Photograph: Joshua LinFello- Pineapple Basil Smash The cocktail menu stays away from overly complicated concoctions, favouring clean flavours and high drinkability. Some must-try drinks include the Fello Paloma, a spicy spin on the classic drink featuring tequila, jalapeño, agave, clarified grapefruit, and a touch of peppercorn; as well as the Pineapple Basil Smash, combining vodka, pineapple, yellow bell pepper, basil, and citrus. For a smoother sip, the milk-washed cocktails blend gin with gyokuro tea, honeydew melon, yuzu, and anise. Photograph: Joshua LinShelley Tai 開設全新概念酒吧 Fello There’s also a thoughtful list of bar bites that will line your stomach for the night. Highlights include an ikura shrimp sando with yuzu kosho, dill, and wasabi; a tsukune chicken burger with ginger teriyaki sauce and confit egg yolk; and a scallion oil tossed noodles that would make a perfect comfort dish. Fello is open Monday through Thursday from 5pm to 12am, and Friday and Saturday from 5pm to 2am at 43-55 Wyndham Street, Central. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: Barminski returns to Hong Kong with a cardboard airport taken over by aliens HKPM is throwing a late-night party to celebrate the end of its ancient Egyptian exhibition New tiki bar and grill Mala Mia opens on Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront

It’s no secret that we love this city and all it has to offer, and we’re always proud to call ourselves Hongkongers. But if there’s one gripe we have – a bone to pick, if you will – it is that Hong Kong is not exactly the most pet-friendly place in the world. We have the bustling city, the teeming nightlife, the lush greenery, and so much amazing food, but when we look at other cities all around the world, Hong Kong pet owners can’t help but think about how we can’t simply stroll into malls or places of entertainment with our furry companions, or even ride on the subway with them. Luckily, things are taking a turn for the better, with the Hong Kong government recently announcing the introduction of a special permit that will allow selected restaurants to welcome dogs indoors. Targeted for approval by mid-2026, between 500 and 1,000 permits will be issued to restaurants which apply for them. This means that we could see a sudden influx of restaurants that actively embrace patrons dining alongside their pets within this year – an absolute dream for dog owners who are tired of being relegated to outdoor seating with no air conditioning. View this post on Instagram A post shared by April & Artie (@aprilandartie) To address some of these queries: restaurants granted the pet permit will be allowed to determine the extent of their participation, and the policy does indeed cover air-conditioned areas in restaurants. Pet owners will be required to keep their dogs under control at all times with a leash no longer than 1.5 metres or secured to a fixed object. Dogs will also not be allowed on dining tables or to come in contact with food and tableware. It remains to be seen whether there’s a limit on how many dogs each pet owner can bring into eateries, and secretary for environment and ecology Tse Chin-wan also said on February 10 that dog diapers will most likely not be made mandatory as it may cause discomfort to dogs who don’t need them. High-risk venues like hotpot or barbecue restaurants will not be granted pet permits.  When asked which restaurants they would want to see welcome their pets in the near future, Hong Kong’s pet owners are not picky – they’re just happy that the option to do so is happening in the first place. Stephanie Lown, who works at the SPCA Hong Kong and is the founder of the outdoor adventure group Exploring Dogs, is just “thrilled to have any options open up to dogs at all!” Her rescue dog Lola is an energetic, active adventurer of the great outdoors, so Lown can think of “nothing better than ending a hike with your dog and being able to stop at a café or restaurant for a nice refreshing drink or meal”. Cho would love to see Korean restaurants and dim sum places adopt a pet-friendly attitude, while Dorathy wants to see their dining options expand to include cha chaan tengs or fast-food joints. We don’t know if Maxim’s Palace in City Hall or your local Café de Coral will soon embrace hungry pups, but it sure is a nice thought! View this post on Instagram A post shared by Life in Hong Kong with Lola (@livin_da_vida_lola) Promoting pet-friendly eateries is a great step in making Hong Kong a more inclusive city for animals. Considering that the local pet economy is a multi-billion dollar market driven by mostly younger citizens with the financial means and the inclination to provide the best for their animals, there is plenty more that can be done to make people happy while tapping into this sizable income pocket. Hong Kong is already trying out having pets on public transport, with select bus routes accommodating animals on certain days of the week and the Light Rail in the New Territories allowing pets on the weekends. Pet owners are now eagerly waiting for expanded transportation options, as well as regulations that don’t require their pets being placed in carriers – it’s easy to put a Pomeranian in a bag, but try doing the same with a Bernese Mountain Dog.  “Right now, I am always on foot or taking cabs everywhere whenever I travel with my dogs,” Cho muses. “I hope one day dogs will be allowed on either the MTR or on buses.” Dorathy concurs, saying that as a medium-sized dog owner, “it would be fantastic to bring my dogs on the MTR and buses”, adding that she wouldn’t mind putting her Samoyeds in diapers to ensure hygiene if needed. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Exploring Dogs (@exploringdogs) Cho also adds that there are not enough dog-friendly parks and beaches in Hong Kong – dogs are currently banned from most parks and public beaches, with only a handful open to dog owners and their pups. “We usually end up on unregulated beaches that are filled with plastic, broken glass, and trash, which is so dangerous for dogs. Hopefully we’ll see more dog-friendly places so our fur babies can enjoy nature too.” Lown looks even further ahead, hoping to see more housing options open up to pet owners as well. “The last couple of years have definitely shown promise with ferries, KMB buses, and the MTR welcoming dogs for SPCA’s Dogathon, but we still have some ways to go. Other countries have had these pet-inclusive policies for years, if not decades!” Lastly, she hopes that with this recent wave of pet-friendly sentiment, the Hong Kong government might review the city’s animal cruelty laws, which she laments have not been updated in 90 years. “It would be good to see the government finally implementing a ‘Duty of Care’ policy which would help improve animal rights and welfare in Hong Kong.” Hear, hear! Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: Hong Kong’s recent food poisoning outbreak linked to raw oysters Calbee opens a limited-time Chinese New Year pop-up at Citygate Outlets for snack fans Macau is the most active region in Asia when it comes to love and sex, according to Time Out

Ever wanted to go back in time and shop at a supermarket from the 1950s? It might come off as a rather specific fancy, but for those who harbour such a dream, you’re in luck: Hong Kong’s homegrown supermarket giant, Wellcome, is hopping aboard the nostalgia train with the launch of a retro-inspired concept store in Yau Ma Tei. Designed as a tribute to Hong Kong’s extensive retail history, Wellcome has repurposed its Prosperous Garden branch in Yau Ma Tei as an exhibition destination to celebrate the supermarket’s 80-year-plus legacy. Founded in 1945, Wellcome has been a constant in the lives of local families, serving the needs of generations of Hongkongers. As the city evolved, Wellcome evolved with it, but this branded concept shop preserves a slice of the supermarket as shoppers might have seen it back in the 1950s to the 1970s, complete with vintage character, photogenic interiors, and time-limited collectibles. Each aisle, stocked with a curated selection of products, doubles as a fetching backdrop oozing charm and colour, so no doubt this location will quickly become a popular attraction! Photograph: Courtesy Wellcome Snap photos of the LED-emblazoned shopfront, which takes its cues from Hong Kong’s famous urban landscape of neon lights; discover classic interior design elements such as the vintage silver-and-green turnstile, a sea of red plastic lamps popularised in wet markets, and patterned floor tiles; and admire nostalgic grocery setups and heritage exhibits that showcase the allure and shared memories of Hong Kong’s past.  As part of the concept store activation, Wellcome is also launching special deals and brand collaborations to commemorate the occasion, including a reusable Wellcome Retro Eco Bag for $28 with a single transaction of $100 – it’s reminiscent of Wellcome’s old-school red-and-yellow carrier, making for a keepsake that’s both practical and sentimental. Additionally, Wellcome will team up with tech equipment manufacturer Smeg to offer a limited-edition Lifebox ($88 with any purchase of $100 or more) from February 6 to 19, and Hong Kong’s own lifestyle brand G.O.D. for a Lunar New Year-themed game set ($68). Photograph: Courtesy Wellcome Wait, there’s more! While the weather’s still below 20 degrees Celsius, pop over to Prosperous Garden to sip warmed Vitasoy soy milk from glass bottles – a Hong Kong childhood memory that many will dwell on fondly. You can also take your chance at a Lee Kum Kee capsule machine from now until March 31, which will dispense a surprise miniature magnet depicting one of the condiment maker’s signature products. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: Harbourside Swing Fest returns for its 2026 edition in late April Shiro brings its signature ‘crystal sushi’ to its second location in Tai Kwun Everything you need to know about Japan’s official cherry blossom forecast 2026

Love dim sum and surreal imagery? You’re in good company. Hong Kong street artist Lousy, best known for his bold graphics resembling glyphs and pictorial shapes, is collaborating with viral food photographer-artist David Leung – also known as Davidgoodtime, who specialises in capturing reflected food images highlighting pareidolia – for a dynamic exhibition about dim sum and the ritual of yum cha.  Hosted at JPS Gallery, ‘Double Umami’ is an artistic ode to Hong Kong cuisine, reimagined through the unique lenses of two distinctly different creators, who shaped their love of dumplings and morning teas into a visual celebration of Hong Kong’s DNA.  Photograph: Courtesy JPS Gallery In the exhibition space, visitors will encounter a customised dim sum cart installation, decorated by David and Lousy, in addition to photographs depicting beloved dim sum dishes in Leung’s signature mirrored style, mounted inside bamboo steamers crafted by master artisan Lui Ming of Ming Sang Steel Bamboo Receptacle. ‘Crab’s Kid Burn & Sell’ shows siu mai in a different light, appearing almost like the face of a crustacean, while ‘Char Siu Cat No. 2’ draws parallels between char siu bao and felines. We also particularly liked the birdcage installation which houses real emu eggs and plastic cards from dim sum carts inscribed with the Chinese onomatopoeia for bird chirps. Photograph: Courtesy JPS Gallery Branching out from photography onto canvas and installation work for the first time, Leung is also presenting the ‘Sauce’ series, applying the same mirrored techniques to create patterns reminiscent of Rorschach inkblot tests. Inspired by traditional Fu Lu Shou statues representing fortune, prosperity, and longevity, Leung uses foldable boards loaded with pigment to ‘find’ faces hidden in the paint. In contrast, Lousy – rather than focusing on the food aspect of dim sum – aims to capture the feeling of community and chaos experienced during a yum cha get-together. He paints and draws on top of old dim sum order sheets to give graphic form to the hustle and bustle of a Cantonese restaurant, depicting figures sat at a table, abstract interpretations of food, hands pouring tea, and more. Photograph: Courtesy JPS Gallery David and Lousy’s collaborations don’t end there. Lousy has teamed up with Wendy’s Wok World for a ‘Special Collab Soy Sauce’. 22 bottles of Tiu Yuen small-batch soy sauce are covered in custom packaging artwork created by Lousy. Meanwhile, Leung worked with chef May Chow of Little Bao to wrap 50 bottles of her handcrafted Fook Jiang chilli sauce in original ‘chilli sauce’ Rorschach artworks, bringing the food-focused project one degree closer to the art of Chinese cooking. ‘Double Umami’ is on exhibition at JPS Gallery from January 30 to March 7. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: Art book publisher Taschen is having a huge sale in early February Starbucks opens at the Hong Kong Palace Museum with Hong Kong’s first Chinese calligraphy shop sign and exclusive products Fujifilm releases a camcorder-instant camera hybrid in the instax mini Evo Cinema

Listen, we love a good beat drop or screaming chart-toppers like any other nighttime reveller in the city, but in this era of EDM and throwback pop-heavy party scene, it would be nice to enjoy something authentic that sounds different for once. Well, it looks like we got our wish, because a vinyl record-based bar has just announced they’ll be opening in Lan Kwai Fong. The brainchild of longtime friends Brian and Ah Hei, the 8055 vinyl bar has had previous iterations based in Causeway Bay and Wan Chai, which grew in popularity to welcome even local celebrities and creatives like Eason Chan and Tyson Yoshi as patrons. The pandemic eventually saw the shuttering of the bar – but not for good. Photograph: Courtesy 8055 Building on their seven-year brand identity as a hotspot for authentic vinyl DJ-ing, graffiti art, and Japanese chill drinking culture, 8055 is now back in the game with a new home in the heart of Hong Kong’s nightlife district, Lan Kwai Fong. Expect the warmth and pops of analogue sound being played all night, with a focus on Japanese hip-hop, jazz, funk, and city pop – a sound that’s pretty unique within our nightlife scene and, frankly, a breath of fresh air from all the other clubs around. To pair with the music, 8055’s drinks turn the focus on premium Japanese whiskies and umeshu plum wine. Their signature tipple is an elegant, simple umeshu soda, but you can also truly do things the Japanese way by leaving the choice up to the bartender, omakase-style. Staying true to the brand’s history, 8055’s new venue will also allow guests to freely draw, scribble, and unleash creativity all over the walls with graffiti markers, so if you’ve ever left your mark in bars like Not2Sweet, you’ll want to do the same here as well. Photograph: Courtesy 8055 Check things out at 8055’s grand opening party on January 24, when they’ll be hosting a 10-hour DJ relay from 8pm onwards. The lineup will include Andrew Bull, better known as DJ El Toro or the ‘Father of Hong Kong DJs’, who is famous for initiating the city’s first disco in The Peninsula hotel as well as the iconic Canton Disco. Sounds like a party and a half! Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: Kodak Apparel opens a time-limited concept store in Hong Kong New brasserie Chouchou brings French comfort food to an elevated setting in Wan Chai Sai Ying Pun’s historic steakhouse Sammy’s Kitchen announces closure this month

The popular Japanese mascot series Namagaki is taking over Festival Walk in Kowloon Tong with a themed installation! Since Namagaki characters began popping up inside claw machines and arcades across town, so many hearts have been captured by their simple yet lovable designs and adorably blank expressions. The Namagaki Festival features a series of installations and exhibits for fans to take pictures with, as well as a charming merch pop-up with exclusive items for sale. Photograph: Courtesy Yell / Festival Walk At the centre of the installation is a four-metre-tall giant oyster can, where Namagaki characters spill out alongside rainbow-coloured sweets. Right next door is the pastel-coloured Namagaki Washoku House, where cute oyster characters act as chef and waiter at this makeshift traditional Japanese eatery. See if you can spot the pink pumpkins dotted around the space – it’s the installation’s discreet nod to the upcoming spooky season.  Beyond photo ops, fans will definitely delight in browsing through the themed pop-up store housing over 100 exclusive Namagaki products, including 80 first launches in Hong Kong that span everything from stationery to t-shirts and tote bags. Don’t forget to stop by the Namagaki claw machine and the collectible trading card capsule machine for an adorable surprise!  Photograph: Courtesy Festival Walk In the spirit of Halloween, Festival Walk is inviting visitors to trick or treat around designated stores in the mall. Exclusive to My Festival members, take part in this seasonal activity by purchasing a $1,000 gift card to receive a limited-edition Baby Namagaki birthstone bag charm and candy can clutch – where you can store your hard-earned sweets.  Namagaki Festival will be at Festival Walk from October 24 to November 13. See footage of the Namagaki Festival pop-up here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Time Out Hong Kong (@timeouthk) Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: 18 hotels in Hong Kong and Macau have been awarded 2025 Michelin Keys OneRepublic is coming back to Hong Kong in February 2026 The best Halloween parties in Hong Kong this year

Remember when we all saw a giant Doraemon sitting unexpectedly at the dockyard along Tsing Yi last week? Well, the news is out and it’s not that a robotic cat is invading Hong Kong – instead, a fleet of floating inflatable sculptures will be making their appearance along Victoria Harbour next month. AllRightsReserved, the local creative brand behind last year’s thousands of panda sculptures and the recent Chiikawa exhibition in Tsim Sha Tsui, is putting on the Water Parade, where a set of four giant, floating inflatable figures will be making a debut at sea. In the lineup is Doraemon, perched on his favourite dorayaki snack; Elmo from the Kaws & Sesame Street collaboration; McDonalds’ purple blob-shaped mascot Grimace; and Labubu, the globally viral Nordic-inspired monster by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung. After a trial run in the waters of Tsing Yi on September 20, these four figures will be set afloat along Victoria Harbour on October 25, and will be shown in brand-new poses. Visit them just off of Tamar Park in Admiralty and snap plenty of photos, because when else are you going to see such universally recognised and different cartoon characters all sitting together? Photograph: Courtesy AllRightsReserved On November 1, the floating sculptures will be taken on a water parade between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, sailing along both sides of Victoria Harbour, before departing from our waters on the evening of the same day. For the entire duration of the sculpture display, there will also be a Water Parade Market at the promenade near Tamar Park. Aside from pop-up stores, F&B stands, game booths, photo spots, and a capsule toy zone, the market will also feature other internationally popular IPs from KPop Demon Hunters, season five of Stranger Things, Squid Games, Snoopy and the Peanuts, as well as Hong Kong’s classic TOLO Founding Duck, which is marking its 40th anniversary. Early-bird tickets to the festivities will be available at $50 for adults, starting at 12 noon on September 26. Walk-in tickets can also be purchased on site, subject to availability. All tickets include a $20 merchandise voucher, which can be redeemed cumulatively on purchases of every $200. Attendees can also buy a viewing platform special ticket at $150, which includes entry to the Water Parade Market. See some footage of the Water Parade here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Time Out Hong Kong (@timeouthk) Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: The best Oktoberfest events happening in Hong Kong this year The best things to do in Hong Kong this week (September 22-28) Super Typhoon Ragasa: Hong Kong braces for the strongest typhoon of the year as it approaches the city

Do you remember an exhibition last summer that displayed miniature scenes of the Central and Western districts in Pacific Place? In case you missed it, the Joyful Miniature Association (JMA) is back once again, this time with more incredibly detailed dioramas of life in Hong Kong, including seven brand-new miniatures that have never been seen before. The 24 art pieces will highlight some of Hong Kong’s famous landmarks, cultural customs, and unique lifestyles. Peek into painstaking recreations of Sunday dim sum at Maxim’s Palace in City Hall, chaotic nighttime revelry along Lan Kwai Fong, the customs of worship and pin wheel buying at Man Mo Temple and Wong Tai Sin Temple, a moving model of the fifth generation of the Peak Tram funicular railway, views of Victoria Harbour complete with boats sailing and fireworks, and more.  Photograph: Courtesy Joyful Miniature Association The new miniatures at this show include the Kai Tak Sports Park, the legendary old Kowloon Walled City, night scenes of Temple Street, horse racing, aquatic animals on sale at one of the many shops along Goldfish Street, the cable car at Ngong Ping 360, and Hong Kong’s transhipment history at the Insta-famous Western District Pier. The JMA brings together over 100 Hong Kong artists who collectively integrate the traditionally European craft of miniatures with our distinctly local culture using cutting-edge technology. If there’s one way to stroll through the most iconic sights and experiences of Hong Kong in just a few steps, this exhibition is definitely it. ‘Hong Kong: Through the Looking Glass Miniature Exhibition’ will be on display at The Peak Tower from April 25 to June 23 – JMA’s longest exhibition in the city. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: Hong Kong ranked as the 10th most walkable city in the world; 1st in East Asia Hong Kong Airport Express proposes fare increase of 9.4 percent The Cheung Chau Bun Festival is hosting a carnival this Sunday

We sit down with artist and designer Joe Foti before his new exhibition in Hong Kong

March in Hong Kong is not complete without a trip to the Wanchai Convention Centre to spend a day or two at Art Basel. This year’s fair gathers 240 global galleries, with large-scale installations, paintings, sculptures, digital art, live performances, video works, and more to see!

From a world without colours to her love of big city metros, we caught up with British artist Monster Chetwynd for a round of quick-fire questions while she's in town for her new installation at Pacific Place!