Celia Lee

Tired of dining at your usual haunts? Thankfully, Hong Kong is never short of new restaurants – that’s why we’ve scoured the city to find you the hottest dining spots to try. This month, grab a table at the first overseas outpost of Bangkok's iconic boat noodle joint, chef Daniel Boulud's refined French eatery, and more. Bookmark this page to discover Hong Kong’s best new restaurants!Think we missed a new great dining place in Hong Kong? Shoot us an email at editor.hk@timeout.com so we can check it out!RECOMMENDED:  🍴 Hong Kong’s oldest restaurants you need to visit⭐️ The 50 best restaurants in Hong Kong

Much like most traditional holidays in Hong Kong, Lunar New Year comes with a series of traditional foods that are specially prepared and enjoyed during the holidays. Together with festive menus filled with auspicious dishes and abundant poon choi basin dishes, Chinese New Year puddings make up a piece of the trifecta of LNY festive cuisine. Traditionally dominated by a savoury option – our favourite, the turnip cake – and a sweet option, the New Year red dates pudding, various restaurants and establishments have since introduced innovative flavours and unique twists on these time-honoured recipes. Whether you’re celebrating with friends, family, or your loved one, these Chinese New Year puddings are sure to delight every palate.  RECOMMENDED: Find out about with a guide to Chinese New Year flowers and fruits that promise good luck and fortune, or take in some auspicious vibes with these Chinese New Year decorations and displays around town

Staying in Hong Kong for the Lunar New Year holidays? There’s plenty of festive activities to keep you busy over the three-day holiday. From vibrant installations to energetic lion and dragon dances, there’s no shortage of celebrations to behold. Here are some of our recommendations for Lunar New Year things to do and see around town for the Year of the Horse, curated for maximum enjoyment and auspiciousness.   RECOMMENDED: 🥢 The best Chinese New Year menus to check out 🌺 13 auspicious fruits and flowers for Chinese New Year

Gatherings with family and friends are staples of Lunar New Year activities in Hong Kong. While many Chinese restaurants in the city will serve up seasonal menus populated with dishes carrying auspicious meanings, it’s also common for locals to gather at home around a poon choi. Literally meaning ‘basin dish’, this traditional food signifies unity and prosperity in a layering of sought-after ingredients in Cantonese cuisine, most commonly premium fresh and dried seafood. Luckily for you, we’ve curated some of Hong Kong’s best poon choi offerings for Lunar New Year 2026 so you can kick off your Year of the Horse with ease. READ MORE: Familiarise yourself with the customs and traditions of Lunar New Year before it starts!

Christmas is just around the corner, which means it’s time to get all your gift shopping done! Luckily, there’s still a bit of time left to hunt down the perfect treat for the women in your life. If you’re running short on ideas, let our Christmas gift guide for her help you find a thoughtful and meaningful present that the ladies will love. RECOMMENDED: Start planning for the holiday season with our ultimate guide to celebrating Christmas in Hong Kong.

With Thanksgiving on the horizon, it’s time to start planning your gathering with friends and family before the festive rush hits. If you, like us, have been craving a hearty turkey roast, cinnamon-y pies, and warming hot cocoas with the recent drop in temperature, we’ve got you covered. Check out some of Hong Kong’s best thanksgiving menus for 2025, and pass that cranberry sauce! RECOMMENDED: Book a table at one of these new restaurants in town or enjoy a meal from one of these restaurants with an epic view. Best for large gatherings: Buenos Aires Polo ClubBest for a unique meal: Quiero MásBest for roast lovers: Feather & BoneBest for families: Fini’sBest for Friends-giving: La Paloma

There are many ways to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival, such as admiring the full moon, spending time with family and friends, or solving lantern riddles. If you ask us, our favourite way to get into the festive spirit is to stuff our faces with mooncakes. From timeless fillings like lotus seed paste with salted egg yolks to creative flavours like chocolate, tea custard, or cured ham, there are plenty of mooncakes to try. In preparation for the autumnal festival falling on October 6, we’ve gathered some of the best mooncakes you can get your hands on this year.RECOMMENDED: Mark your Mid-Autumn Festival with an indulgent family meal at Hong Kong's best restaurants.

Celebrating women’s achievements across the bartending industry, Women & Tipple has grown from a Manila-based cross-industry event into a multi-cultural series that travels across cities in Asia. Their latest event brings mixologists together with founders, creators, and entrepreneurs, accented by one-night-only signature cocktail creations. The 2026 Hong Kong edition gathers some of the most acclaimed bartenders from the region for a one-night-only experience at Mondrian Hong Kong’s rooftop bar, Avoca.  Photograph: Courtesy Women & Tipple On March 9, festivities kick off at 8pm sharp at the hotel’s bar on the 38th floor, where resident mixologist Lupus Chan teams up with Korean lifestyle influencer Britty Ko to ease visitors into a night of artisanal mixology and crafty flavours. This is followed by a collaboration between Taki Li from Asia’s and World’s Best Bar winner, Bar Leone, and Hong Kong dining content creator Yuki Leung. From 9pm onwards, one of mainland China’s most accomplished bartenders Ring Zhao will take the stage with Filippina lifestyle entrepreneur and creator Tyffanie Short for an energetic tasting experience. Finally, mixologist Kim Liu from Macau’s Wing Lei Bar joins local wine and spirits critic Cecilia Wong, where sophisticated flavours and curated tastes conclude the evening.  Photograph: Courtesy La Thea (L) / The Blomstre (C) / Arao (R)   In addition to mixology, the Hong Kong edition of Women & Tipples also showcases a series of women-led lifes

With March’s Art Month fast approaching, cultural and artistic institutions across Hong Kong are gearing up for a series of exhibitions, installations, and immersive and interactive experiences. One of the mainstays of Arts Month has been the West Kowloon Cultural District’s annual celebration of the arts, known as WestK FunFest. Returning for its third consecutive year, FunFest takes on a distinctively family-friendly approach to performance art, with a programme that spans everything from interactive outdoor installations to immersive theatre and live performances.  A highlight of WestK FunFest 2026 is the sprawling outdoor installation, ‘The Cats that Slept for a Thousand Years’. Created by UK creative studio Air Giants and originally displayed at the Manchester Museum, Hong Kong’s upcoming feline display features the original 10-m-long cat installation alongside two big cats and a kitten. The installation blends sound and light with interactive elements among the giant inflatable cat figures, all set against a backdrop of soft and rhythmic purring.  Photograph: Courtesy West Kowloon Cultural District Meanwhile, WestK FunFest 2026 also sports a robust theatre programme, featuring international talents in dance story, musical theatre, and puppeteering performances. The acclaimed theatre company Spare Parts Puppet Theatre will be bringing its award-winning play ‘Rules of Summer’ to Xiqu Centre. Visitors are invited to a unique experience that combines puppetry and craftsma

Mediterranean cuisine has become a popular staple in Hong Kong’s diverse international food scene, whether it be the bite-sized pintxos from Basque country, elevated comfort dishes from the French Riviera, or vibrant and aromatic fare from North Africa. One new destination in Central seeks to stand out among this abundance of representation with a twist on the traditional restaurant-and-bar concept. Recently opened in H Queen’s, Migas blends Spanish-Mediterranean fare with live music and expert mixology.  Photograph: Courtesy Migas Destined to be Central’s next big gathering spot, Migas channels the vibrant hustle and bustle of traditional Spanish markets into its operation, promising curated experiences that will delight all your senses. Led by chef Jarrod Verbiak of Migas Group and chef Li Siu Fung of L’Atelier de Joë Robuchon and 8½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana, the menu is inspired by the varied delicacies across coastal Spain, France, the Levant, and North Africa. Dedicated to craftsmanship and freshness, Migas makes everything — from sausages to sauces and marinades — from scratch, in-house, everyday. Highlighted items include Pissaladière, a Provençal take on pizza with onions, anchovies, and black olives; Spanish specialties like the Black & White Butifarra Sausage served with white bean ragout and pork trotter; and a comprehensive dessert selection of Basque cheesecake, stuffed dates, Grand Marnier cake, and baklava and tiramisu sundaes.  Photograph: Courtesy Migas Migas

Our city is no stranger to music festivals, having regularly played host to international events like Boiler Room, Clockenflap, and Magic Room. Whether you’re a lover of house and disco or you’ve got DNB and techno on repeat, there’s bound to be an event for you to gather and vibe with like-minded individuals. While locally organised festivals are harder to come by, we come bearing good news for lovers of local beats. After a year-long hiatus due to financial difficulties, Shi Fu Miz is returning in March!  First launched in 2016 by local creative agency FuFu Asia and Mamie’s collective, Shi Fu Miz has been an anticipated annual celebration of music that ranges from rare grooves and funk to disco, house, and techno. This year’s festival will follow a new format at a brand-new location. Setting up at Tai Tong Ecopark in the serene valley of Yuen Long’s Tai Tong Village, the festival will take place among sprawling fields, abundant lychee forests, and tranquil lakes, bringing a unique experience to festivalgoers.  Photograph: Courtesy Shi Fu Miz The Feng Shui stage will be the home of groovy vibes; think house, deep house, and disco on a rolling grass field, set against an open horizon ideal for sunset watching. The Valley stage will focus on techno in a concrete opening within a forest, while UK-influenced beats take over the Dragon stage alongside a scenic pond. The line-up includes a curated selection of international stars alongside local talents, including Chicago native

Macau is undoubtedly a popular weekend destination for local travellers, given its proximity to Hong Kong, commonality in languages, and attractive entertainment, shopping, and dining scene. While visitors and locals traditionally travelled to the 853 by ferry from Hong Kong, the opening of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau (HK-ZH-M) Bridge in late 2018 has heralded alternative transport for those less disposed to sea faring. In addition to catching cross-border coaches, visitors departing for Macau from Hong Kong can now hail a direct cross-border ride from Uber with a few clicks on the app.  Uber announced its new Intercity Trip between Hong Kong and Macau on February 3. Travellers can now use the Uber app to pre-book a direct transfer from addresses in Hong Kong to Macau. Unlike simply hailing an Uber as you’re stepping into the lift to leave your building, all rides to Macau must be reserved at least 24 hours in advance up to 90 days ahead of departure. No doubt Uber’s latest product comes as welcome news to anxious travellers — no more scrambling for ferry tickets or running to catch the last bus across the border; simply book your ride to Macau ahead of time on the app.  Of course, immigration rules still apply. All travellers crossing the Hong Kong-Macau border must present valid IDs, passports, and/or visas at immigration booths, and might be required to disembark the vehicle to enter or exit either city on foot. Luckily, most cross-border drivers are familiar with the rules

Hong Kong has no shortage of towering high-rises, whether it be sleek commercial office spaces or modern housing blocks. Among the city’s top real estate and development giants, one has recently been awarded the highest accolade at the International Property Awards 2025. Newly unveiled in late 2024, The Henderson has become the latest addition to Central’s skyline. Crowned ‘World’s Best Property’, judges of the UK property awards praised The Henderson as “a visionary development designed to set new standards in modern office architecture, sustainability, and flexibility in Hong Kong’s Central Business District.”  Photograph: Courtesy The Henderson Established in 1993, the International Property Awards recognises mastery in real estate, development, architecture, interior design, and marketing in global residential and commercial sectors. The title of ‘World’s Best Property’ is awarded to projects that excel on services, sustainability, living standards, ergonomics, originality, and creativity. Led by experts from the Zaha Hadid Architects, The Henderson bears unique architectural features, sleek interior design, and a dynamic, multi-use principle that has earned it the prestigious accolade.  In particular, the building’s rounded exterior offers a futuristic outlook while referencing the organic form of the Bauhinia bud, expertly blending innovative design with the city’s floral emblem. Judges also praised the footbridge that connects the rest of the CBD to The Henderson in

It’s no exaggeration to say that foreign domestic helpers (FDWs) form the backbone of Hong Kong’s society. We were able to build our small city into the global hub that it is today thanks in no small part to the helpers who take over running our households so citizens can focus on accomplishing big things. To recognise and show gratitude for their contributions to local families, various local charities have launched FDWs-exclusive offers in recent years, such as the Li Ka Shing Foundation. Following a successful campaign last year, the foundation will run another giveaway of Disneyland tickets catering to domestic workers that covers everything from transport to in-park meals and activities.  The Li Ka Shing Foundation announced the giveaway on February 10, citing an expansion of the campaign scale and offerings compared to 2025. The number of tickets offered this year will also increase from 4,000 to 5,000. Meanwhile, for the first time, eligible FWDs who can apply for these tickets will include nationals from Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Thailand in addition to last year’s Filipino-only cohort.  Participating FWDs can use their ticket on March 29 or April 12. Each admission ticket will come with a loaded Octopus card to facilitate travel to and from the park plus in-park meal vouchers for two full meals and a snack. This “heartfelt gesture of gratitude” makes us smile. To effectively distribute tickets to FWDs across Hong Kong, the foundation has partnered with

International pop culture expo Comic Con has announced its first Hong Kong instalment in January this year. Since then, fans have been eagerly awaiting the 2026 event programme. Beyond the range of film, comic, anime, and gaming merchandise and collectibles on offer, Comic Con is also known for engaging notable creatives, actors, and voice actors in panel discussions and live Q&As that widen story universes, deepen character lore, and offer fans a glimpse into how their favourite titles came to be. Organisers have finally unveiled the first names of its 2026 line-up in Hong Kong, confirming the appearances of three industry veterans at the May expo: Mads Mikkelsen, Giancarlo Esposito, and Christopher Lloyd.  Photograph: Facebook / theofficialmads Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen is known for several generation-defining performances: from the scheming Le Chiffre in Casino Royale (2006) and the elegantly deadly Hannibal Lecter in NBC’s Hannibal (2013-2015), to franchise icons such as Galen Erso in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016), Kaecilius in Doctor Strange (2016), and Gellert Grindelwald in Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore (2022). Mikkelsen’s talent for compelling performances knows no bounds, landing him representative roles in Danish titles such as The Hunt (2012), Another Round (2020), and The Last Viking (2025), as well as Cliff Unger in Hideo Kojima’s (2019) post-apocalyptic, action-adventure masterpiece Death Stranding. Whether he’s playing a cannibalistic se

Spring calls forth one of Japan’s most coveted flora-inspired celebrations: the cherry blossom season! Every March and April, sakura trees in full bloom line the streets of Japan in an aesthetic pink hue, attracting locals and visitors alike to admire the cherry blossom’s stunning birth. The beautiful but short-lived cherry blossom viewing is so beloved that the Japanese take it very seriously, and the Japan Meteorological Corporation (JMC) keeps a close eye on weather conditions with a detailed forecast of the blooming season that goes through several updates in the lead up to the occasion. The JMC has recently announced its third and newest update for cherry blossom season 2026, offering location-specific blooming dates and times for visitors to plan their annual spring sojourn accordingly.  Photograph: Courtesy Japan Meteorological Corporation Cherry blossom season in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and more According to data from the JMC, the first blooms this year will likely be spotted in Kochi and Nagoya on March 21, with Nagoya blooms reaching its fullest on March 30. Meanwhile, cherries in Tokyo are expected to flower on March 22 and be in full bloom by March 29. Predictions for popular tourist destinations include initial blooms in Osaka on March 25 and full blooms on April 1, while Kyoto will see a blossoming period from March 25 to April 2, and Fukuoka’s will run from March 22 to March 30. Northern destinations such as Sapporo will receive its first blooms on April 26 and

As one of the hottest trends of 2025, it’s not surprising to see the hype for collectibles extend beyond the original reach for toys and figurines. Now, you can get blind boxes of just about anything, even the coffee in your pantry. Singaporean coffee brand Bacha Coffee has just hopped on the bandwagon with its latest launch that features two types of blind boxes, each filled with a surprise variant of the brand’s finest 100-percent Arabica specialty beans.  The Discovery Blind Box is ideal for casual coffee enjoyers and includes a box of Bacha’s signature coffee bags, either milk or dark chocolate-covered coffee beans, raw sugar candy sticks, plus an exclusive gift certificate. To embark on your blind box discovery journey, simply select a sealed box from the three bean options on offer: single origin, fine flavoured, and naturally CO2 decaffeinated.  Photograph: Courtesy Bacha Coffee For coffee connoisseurs, the Indulgence Blind Box collection offers a refined flavour discovery. Inside, you’ll get two loose specialty coffees, a box of coffee bags, a set of coffee filters, and one coffee accessory that ranges from a bone china Bacha mug or signature Bacha iced coffee glass to enjoy your mystery brew with. Simply choose your preferred flavour profile between single origin and fine flavoured to begin your discovery!   Bacha Coffee’s blind box collections are available online at bachacoffee.com now until stock lasts. The Discovery Blind Box is priced at $388 each, while the I

Most of us are already familiar with Starbucks and its signature location-specific products, and while Hong Kong branches certainly stock a coveted collection, the San Francisco coffee chain’s new home inside the Hong Kong Palace Museum (HKPM) promises one-of-a-kind merchandise alongside beverage experiences that are fit for an emperor. Now open to the public, Starbucks’ new concept store brings tea-centred new menu items to an interior inspired by the museum’s Ming and Qing collections.  Photograph: Courtesy Starbucks The HKPM branch is the only Starbucks location in Hong Kong to sport a traditional Chinese calligraphy shop sign. The sign is modelled after those found on high streets during the Ming and Qing dynasties, with the coffee brand’s Chinese name artfully crafted by local calligrapher Westley Wong. Other design highlights include a mural by local artist Elsa Ngai, depicting the life cycle of a coffee tree in detail through mineral pigments and clay-based paints, as well as installations by local sculptor Leo Wong that interprets the humble coffee plant with traditional shan shui painting styles.  These fitting additions to the café are accompanied by an exclusive plum-flavoured beverage line. Using sweet and sour plum sauce and whole plums as bases, visitors can pair this traditional Chinese flavour with Starbucks’ coffee or oolong tea and enjoy it warm or iced as a tonic. Another exclusive menu item, the Turmeric Oatmilk Latte, similarly incorporates oriental fla

Hong Kong has no shortage of quality French restaurants. In particular, we are most familiar with the elegance and intricacies of French cuisine which many establishments showcase with exceptional flair — think slicing into a micro-dish in a crystal-clad dining room with servers dressed to the nines. But there’s more to French cuisine than your usual fine-dining affair, and Chouchou is here to fill this gap. Set to open on January 26 along Wan Chai’s Ship Street, this contemporary brasserie brings traditional home-style dining to an elevated, Art Nouveau space, with a menu that arguably highlights the crème de la crème of French cuisine: comforting dishes designed to feed the soul.  As the sister restaurant of Babette, we’re pretty sure Chouchou is set to become a neighbourhood favourite. Led by executive chef Cédric Tsia, previously of three-Michelin-starred Amber and one-Michelin-starred Louise, Chouchou’s menu is a celebration of authentic French flavours sans pretentious flair. Highlighted starters include classics such as foie gras au torchon and tartare de boeuf, both designed to whet your appetite for the hearty mains to come.  Photograph: Courtesy Chouchou Dedicated to curating a lively and cosy dining space, Chouchou offers a selection of sharing mains ideal for passing around the table. The canard à l’orange is a whole roasted dry-aged duck glazed with orange and spices, while the traditional tourte Française offers a rustic experience with black truffle, comté, P