Celia Lee

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!

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 Kumamoto's famous tsukemen ramen, chef Vicky Lau's casual Yunnanese 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

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.

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

Another one bites the dust among Hong Kong’s ‘soy sauce western’ restaurants. Sai Ying Pun’s Sammy’s Kitchen will soon join a growing list of historic local establishments to close their doors for good in recent years, concluding over half a century of operations in the neighbourhood. Second-generation owner Miss Yip points to interior decay and leaks that motivated the closure for renovation. While Miss Yip alluded to the temporary nature of this shutdown, no further dates have been announced for the restaurant’s reopening following some much needed renovation and maintenance work.  The brainchild of Sammy Yip and two friends, Sammy’s Kitchen initially opened in a humble spot on Hong Kong Island’s westside in 1969, before migrating to its current address along Queen’s Road West. Since day one, the menu has focused on serving classic Hong Kong-style ‘soy sauce western’ cuisine – a hyper-localised interpretation of western dishes that’s unique to our city. The down-to-earth nature of Sammy’s prices, dishes, and atmosphere have made this restaurant a staple in Sai Ying Pun over the years.  Photograph: Ann Chiu Having immigrated from mainland China to Hong Kong, founder Yip has led several professions before entering the hospitality industry with a gig at The Repulse Bay. What followed was a successful career as chef and waiter at the city’s star-studded hotels, including the Hilton, the Mandarin Oriental, and the Peninsula, where Yip steadily honed his culinary skills and cur

Since the opening of the West Kowloon High Speed Rail station, travelling between mainland China and Hong Kong has become more convenient than ever. To accommodate for the increased amount of inbound and outbound travellers over the Lunar New Year holidays, 16 direct destinations will be added to the West Kowloon High Speed Rail Line before the Year of the Horse. This increase in direct high-speed train routes will likely attract more mainland tourists to visit Hong Kong during the holidays while allowing citizens to explore parts of China previously disconnected by rail with ease.  The MTR Corporation announced in a press release on January 11 that it will be enhancing these High Speed Rail operations between cities in mainland China and Hong Kong in time for Lunar New Year, adding 16 direct-access destinations to the Hong Kong section of the railway network. Among these new connections are Nanjing, China’s ancient capital best known for its cultural tourism; Wuxi, the scenic Jiangnan destination near Suzhou; and Hefei, a laid-back locale with historic charm.  Photograph: Candida Ng / AFP Meanwhile, MTR will also increase the frequencies of the Shanghai Hongqiao sleeper train service departing from the West Kowloon terminus. From January 26, three round-trip trains will run to and from Shanghai Hongqiao Station daily, with intermediate stops at Hefeinan, Nahjingnan, and Wuxidong – previously, there were four high-speed trains running between Hong Kong and Shanghai each wee

Fishballs are synonymous with Hong Kong street food. Although simple in principle, this affordable delicacy holds an important spot in the city’s classic food scene. Now, there is a chance to savour fishballs beyond hawker stands and snack shops. Contemporary German restaurant Heimat by Peter Find is partnering up with local heritage brand Ha Ming Kee for a unique German-Cantonese fusion menu where the humble fishball takes centre stage.  Best known for its handmade Chiuchow fishball products, Ha Ming Kee is a storied Hong Kong brand with over 50 years of history. From its humble beginnings in a home kitchen within the old Kowloon Walled City to its multi-branch operation across Hong Kong today, Ha Ming Kee remains insistent on handcrafting everything from cuttlefish balls to fish cakes and dumplings according to their centuries-old family recipes daily. It is this commitment to freshness and artisanship that brings crowds to its Kowloon and Hong Kong Island branches every day.  Photograph: Courtesy Heimat by Peter Find Heimat’s unique German-Cantonese menu is borne out of chef Find’s love of local cuisine and knack for innovation. Each dish in this six-course affair incorporates Ha Ming Kee’s fishball products into Heimat’s contemporary German cuisine. The menu kicks off with an appetiser that pairs the beloved cuttlefish ball and crispy fish skin with potato foam and caviar and moves onto a simple poached course that highlights the flavours and textures of the sliced pan-

While Hong Kong has enjoyed a mild Christmas and New Year, the weather will finally be cooling down to appreciably wintery temperatures in the coming week. If you have yet to dust off your downjacket this season, now is the time! The Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) has forecasted significant drops in temperature in the city for around three days from mid to late next week, when certain districts could even experience sub-10 degrees weather.  According to the HKO, a dry northeastern monsoon will sweep through the Guangdong region starting next Tuesday, January 20. At the time of publishing, the weather over the coming weekend will remain relatively warm and fair, ranging from 17 to 23 degrees Celsius throughout the day with scattered clouds accompanying bouts of sunshine.  Similar conditions will remain until January 20, then temperatures are forecasted to fall sharply during the three-day cold spell, ranging between 12 to 17 degrees throughout the day. Temperatures in certain areas of the New Territories are expected to drop as low as six degrees between January 20 and 23. Interestingly, this intense cold spell coincides with the ‘major cold’ period on the Chinese lunar calendar, which has traditionally always indicated the lowest temperatures of the year.  Coincidence or not, this coming cold spell will be the first extreme temperatures Hong Kong experiences since the start of this winter. Citizens are urged to layer up and stay warm during this cool burst. For the most recent w

Hong Kong is seeing a rise of mega events that blends a jovial festival atmosphere with a diverse range of offerings, whether it be edge-of-your-seat matches, live performances, indulgent food and drinks, or locally produced goods. One such event that we’ve got on our social radar this season is Liv Golf Hong Kong. What makes this year’s edition of the international golf tournament-turned-well-rounded festival even better is that Liv Golf is bringing Australian DJ Dom Dolla to Hong Kong this March!  Returning for another year to the landscaped fields of Hong Kong Golf Club, the annual Liv Golf Hong Kong is bringing a wave of excitement to the city over four days. Visitors can expect a festival of live music performances from top local and international DJs, delicious street eats, and family-friendly activities, all centred around a global golf tournament. A highlight of each year’s event is the Saturday night concert, where Liv Golf invites world-class musicians to set the stage for the tournament from the first swing through the final putt. In 2026, fans can look forward to a high-energy Hong Kong debut performance by Dom Dolla.  Photograph: Facebook / Dom Dolla After an electrifying year in his career that included sold-out shows at New York’s Madison Square Garden and London’s Alexandra Palace, as well as a headline gig at Lollapalooza, Dom Dolla has risen to fame as one of the hottest names in music. Riding on this high, the artist has recently released smash hits such

We have unfortunate news: quiet bookish types who just want a pleasant place to curl up with a good read will soon have one less hang out. Popular local bookstore Eslite has announced the closure of its Tsim Sha Tsui store after a decade of operation on the harbourfront. While this is sad tidings for fellow book lovers in Hong Kong, the silver lining is that this should only be a temporary hiatus, as the brand has hinted at relocating to another spot in the same neighbourhood.  Eslite opened its two-storey shop at Star House in 2015, offering local bibliophiles a tranquil and spacious spot to shop, browse, and dive deep into a newfound read. A highlight of this waterfront location is, of course, the cosy reading nook that comes with sweeping harbour views. In true Eslite fashion, the space also features local lifestyle brands alongside quaint cafés, transforming the bookish venue with a touch of inspiring creativity. Complete with minimalist wooden interiors, Eslite TST has been praised as one of the most diverse and aesthetically pleasing bookstores in Hong Kong, and one of the most beloved hang out spots for local youths and bookworms on the Kowloon side.  The Eslite Spectrum Tsim Sha Tsui store will close in the second quarter of 2026, hopefully with the relocation and opening of the new shop to follow in the same quarter. Before it packs things up for good, fellow bibliophiles should snatch up deals on books and lifestyle goods at their closing sale! From now until Februa

As one of the most sought after winter events in Hong Kong, the AIA Carnival is an unmissable celebration of the festive season. This year, the organisers have brought over 50 attractions to the Central Harbourfront, including thrilling rides, carnival games with attractive prizes up for grabs, immersive installations, as well as Gandeys Circus’ special winter display. From now until February 13, students and seniors aged 60 or above can enjoy discounts and even free entry to the annual event.  Students with a valid student ID can enjoy free admission to AIA Carnival on all weekdays, apart from January 9 and 16. Simply bring along your ID in physical or digital form and present it at the ticketing office to redeem your free entry! This will be valid for a day, so spend your time at the carnival wisely by hitching a ride on one of the adrenaline-pumping coasters, trying your luck at game booths, and digging into delectable treats at various food stalls onsite.  Meanwhile, both students and senior citizens aged 60 or above can enjoy a buy-one-get-one-free ticket promotion for ‘The Winter World Circus’ on weekdays. This 60-minute spectacle features a series of captivating performances and jaw-dropping acts against a winter wonderland backdrop. To cash in on this offer, use the code CIRCUSSTUDENT or CIRCUSSENIORS when purchasing your tickets online at aiacarnival.com/circus-tickets. Don’t forget to bring a valid student ID or proof of age upon entry!  Stay in the loop: sign up f

Various rituals and traditions following the dawn of a new year. In France, the Epiphany brings forth a time-honoured tradition that puts an iconic pastry at its fore. Every January, families and friends gather to share a galette des roi, or the King’s Cake, an indulgent, flaky pastry cake with a special filling. In case you haven’t heard of this tradition, nestled in a layer of custard within the galette des roi is a fève – literally translating to a bean, because traditionally a fava bean would be used – and the person who discovers it first in the lucky slice will be crowned royalty for the day. Bringing this tradition to life in Hong Kong, La Vache! is now offering its interpretation of this classic French pastry across its branches for dine-in and takeaway plus an enticing lucky draw.  From now until January 31, La Vache! is offering galette des roi for dine-in and takeaway, with a special ‘golden ticket’ — in the form of an almond — hidden within as a fève. Guests enjoying a meal of steak frites at the restaurant can round things off with a King’s Cake (you don’t need to stick the youngest child under the table, unless you want to), and the diner that finds the fève in their slice will be crowned royalty. The coronation will even be toasted with a complimentary round of bubbles for all. To cash in your lucky treat, simply share your discovery on Instagram. Don’t forget to tag the restaurant and use the hashtag #LaVacheRoyals for a chance to win two round-trip tickets to

The golden age of Hong Kong cinema saw the production of blockbuster titles like A Better Tomorrow (1986), The Conman (1998), and Infernal Affairs (2002). Packed with action, suspense, and good ol’ “nonsense” humour that’s representative of local comedies, these iconic crime films not only offer gripping stories but also capture the essence of life in our city in the 70s and 80s. Now, cinephiles and cultural enthusiasts can relive their favourite scenes from these classics at the Old Yau Ma Tei Police Station. Opened on January 2, the ‘Yau Ma Tei Police Station: A Cinematic Journey’ delves into local cop film classics through reconstructed sets, collectibles, original scripts, and much more.  Organisers couldn’t have picked a more apt setting for an exhibition spotlighting Hong Kong cop vs triad films. Not only did the façade of the Old Police Station appear as a backdrop for a good number of iconic titles, but the restored building also retains its original Edwardian architecture that’s representative of colonial buildings in the 20s, while the majority of the two-storey structure is opened for the public to explore. This nostalgic location definitely sets the stage for an immersive affair.  Photograph: Courtesy Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency Visitors enter through a retro-style cinema entrance before moving onto five immersive spaces: CID Office, Identification Parade Room, the Armoury, Surveillance Room, and Detention Cells. Designed by local filmmak

Newly opened at the East Kowloon Cultural Centre is Mi Manchi, a laid-back trattoria serving a menu of casual Italian fare. Located just minutes away from the Kowloon Bay MTR station and between the neighbourhood’s residential areas, Mi Manchi is a no-fuss, family-friendly destination with a touch of class — thanks to its artsy abode.  Tucked away within the Cultural Centre, Mi Manchi sports an open-planned interior complete with two-storey floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooks the surrounding metropolis. Its window counter seats are ideal for a lazy afternoon of people watching, while its booths and tables add extra comfort and privacy to your meals.  Photograph: Celia Lee Mi Manchi offers a menu of Italian classics revamped with a local twist. A highlight is the tofu cheese foam with focaccia toast ($78), a light and fluffy tofu cloud that pairs exceptionally well with the contrasting crunch of toasted focaccia slices, while another signature is the restaurant’s selection of homemade fresh pastas. If you’re indecisive, go with our choice: the spaghetti alla red shrimp ($178), a rich and indulgent dish made with Huadiao-infused soy sauce and sashimi-quality shrimp that is served with a spray of Huadiao mist.  Another highlight is Mi Manchi’s housemade sourdough pies, where toppings are piled on a sliced sourdough bread loaf and baked to perfection. Meanwhile, the restaurant offers four classics: housemade gelato, bomboloni, panna cotta, and tiramisu. As for drinks, you’l

Hong Kong keeps things alive with a steady slew of new openings and offerings, and nighttime punters will be glad to hear that a new cocktail bar has just opened on Soho’s buzzy Peel Street. Friday After Class serves a menu of nostalgic favourites inspired by one of our core collective memories: college. This cosy joint on Peel is divided into an intimate ‘Common Room’ and a rowdy ‘Pre-game’ terrace where cocktails are served on tap through a takeaway window in red solo cups.  The Common Room menu offers 10 concoctions dedicated to three stages of life, where cocktails increase in strength with each chapter. ‘Lifelong Kindergarten’ comprises two sweet cocktails that recalls the simple joys and sweet treats of childhood, while ‘Bittersweet Adolescence’ explores the period of turbulent pre-adulthood with twists on classic recipes and savoury creations. A highlight is the Reverse Manhattan, which channels the rebelliousness of teenage years with inverted ratios in a traditional mix.  Photograph: Courtesy Friday After Class The final chapter, ‘Say FAC! To Adulthood’, is made up of four refined cocktails. Highlights include the Shroom-Fashioned with umami flavours of mushroom, butter, and coffee, as well as a duo of martinis that champions a good life motto, “Float Like a Butterfly, Sting Like a Bee.” Out on the pre-game terrace a selection of uni party favourites await. Initial takeaway cocktails include FAC’s take on the British summer classic, Pimm’s High Cup; a throwback wit