Jenny Leung

To celebrate the 29th anniversary of the HKSAR establishment, the government has teamed up with various venues, transport operators, and businesses across the city to offer a wide array of holiday perks. Since the public holiday lands smack in the middle of the week on a Wednesday, it's the absolute perfect excuse to break up the grind and explore the city on a budget. Whether you want to hop across the harbour for zero dollars, check out a world-class museum exhibition, or score big discounts at your favourite local restaurants, here's your ultimate guide to hacking the holiday. RECOMMENDED: Down for more free stuff? Check out these amazing free things you can do in Hong Kong.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is officially upon us, which means local football fans are gearing up to support their teams – and by “support”, we mean wrecking their sleep schedules, given that most matches kick off in the dead of the night for Hongkongers. Fortunately, various local malls, bars, and eateries are stepping up to host live screenings, with some generously staying open 24 hours to accommodate your impending insomnia. Whether you’re hunting for a free public venue or looking to stream it safely from the comfort of your couch, here is your definitive guide to catching every 2026 World Cup broadcast in Hong Kong.

Omakase – which literally translates to ‘I’ll leave it to you’ – is the ultimate expression of trust between a diner and a chef, leaving the menu entirely in the hands of the masters behind the counter. Of course, with Japanese food practically being a religion here in Hong Kong, you can find this style of premium dining all over the city. But with prices ranging from a few hundred bucks to several thousand dollars a head, you need to know exactly which ones are worth the splurge. To help you navigate the scene, we’ve rounded up the top omakase spots in Hong Kong to see which ones offer the absolute best value for your money. 

The rise of craft cocktail culture has firmly plugged Shenzhen into the global drinking circuit. If you’re planning to head up north for a weekend escape, it’s worth carving out some time for a well-mixed glass and to explore the city’s nightlife scene. For first-timers, make sure you’ve got all the travel documents needed, and remember to set up your digital wallets beforehand so you won’t be left awkwardly fumbling at the register!

Dragon Boat Festival wouldn’t be complete without enjoying a classic rice dumpling to celebrate the holiday. These traditional treats are typically stuffed to the brim with assorted savoury ingredients like dried seafood and meat, or red bean paste for a sweet alternative – but both options are equally as tantalising. Keep reading below to find our top picks for this year. RECOMMENDED: Read up on the origins of the Dragon Boat Festival, you might learn something you didn't know before!

A great steak relies on very little, which is exactly why the details matter so much. Whether it’s the origin of the cattle, the secret spice rubs, a specific rare cut, or the way it chars, Hong Kong’s chefs are finding plenty of ways to iterate on the classic. If you’re in the mood for a fine slab of meat, we’ve put together a list of our favourite steak restaurants in the city. Whatever your preference, you’ll find it right here. RECOMMENDED: Prefer something else instead? Grab a table at the best hotpot restaurants in Hong Kong.

The Dragon Boat Festival is one of our favourite traditional festivals celebrated in Hong Kong. Aside from getting some carb-action with a variety of rice dumplings and watching dragon boat races, how much do you know about this holiday? From its origin and customs to festivities that take place all across the city, our handy guide will take you through everything there is to know about celebrating the Dragon Boat Festival in Hong Kong. RECOMMENDED:  🐲 10 Things you might not know about the Dragon Boat Festival🍽️ Hong Kong's top Cantonese restaurants

You don’t need any occasion to show your appreciation for someone with some beautiful blooms, but they sure do make a celebration that much more special. Even if you don’t have a lavish present or a Michelin-starred booking in the works, a beautiful bouquet of flowers can still be a lovely gift to melt someone’s heart. From well-established spots to modern florists with a hipster spin, here are some of our favourite places to pick up blooms. RECOMMENDED:  🕰 The latest Hong Kong shopping news🛍 Places for cheap shopping

Being a sports fan in Hong Kong requires a certain level of dedication. Most of the time, supporting your team means battling brutal time-zone differences, sacrificing a decent night’s sleep, and cheering at a screen in the dead of night while your neighbours are fast asleep. The good news is – you don’t have to suffer alone. The city is packed with excellent watering holes that are more than happy to host your late-night viewings, complete with massive screens, pub grub, and pints poured well into the early hours. Whether you’re gearing up for the upcoming World Cup madness or just catching a weekend match, these are the best sports bars in Hong Kong to watch the drama unfold.

With Father’s Day just around the corner, it’s time to lock in a celebratory feast that’s guaranteed to impress good ol’ dad. Luckily, Hong Kong’s chefs are bringing plenty of excitement to the table for this special day, serving up everything from marble-perfect Wagyu to whiskey-infused feasts. Read on as we round up the absolute best dining spots to toast the old man in style this year.

To some, Buddha’s Birthday is just another public holiday on the calendar, but to many others, the birth of the Buddha is a deeply meaningful celebration – but what is it really all about? Keep scrolling as we explain the ins and outs of this important day. RECOMMENDED: See what's happening in Hong Kong for the rest of the month.

Going for a quick trip across the border from Hong Kong to Shenzhen? Whether it's for a well-earned shopping spree, a satisfying meal, or a soothing massage, travelling across the border to Shenzhen is much easier than you think. But between pushing through the crowds at customs, trying not to get unnecessarily nervous when they check your ID, and navigating the area without Google Maps, it can all get a tad overwhelming. The good news is, we're here to help. From the fastest transport to border hacks and requirements, along with a few must-download apps to get you prepared, here's everything you need to know before you go.

K-pop icon T.O.P is heading to Hong Kong this summer as the first stop on his highly anticipated Pre-Studio 2026 solo Asia fan meeting tour. Marking his first solo tour across the region in two decades, the multi-talented artist is set to take the stage at the AsiaWorld-Arena on August 15, 2026, before continuing on to cities including Taipei, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, and Kaohsiung. Exact ticketing details and merchandise packages are still under wraps, with official pricing and sales platforms to be announced through his official channels soon.

Get ready for the ultimate girls' night out as Australia’s Thunder from Down Under makes its return to Macau. From August 14 to 16, the world-famous Las Vegas residency will take over the G Box theatre at Galaxy Macau for a three-night summer run. Featuring everything from fast-paced group numbers to steamy solo routines, this year’s production is dialling up the heat with an upgraded stage, immersive choreography, and a handful of fresh (and very chiselled) faces joining the troupe. Tickets are available across major ticketing platforms, with both standard ($480) and VIP options ($799) available.

Landing in Wan Chai for a two-month run from July 1 to August 31, Marrow is a sleek, meat-led pop-up restaurant offering an unconventional take on open-fire cooking. Curated by chef Chris Ma, the concept moves away from traditional steakhouses to highlight lesser-known cuts with distinct local and regional flavours. Alongside a selection of fire-cooked mains, diners can enjoy a playful menu of creative starters, seafood options, and nostalgic desserts. The restaurant is open daily for dinner only, and with a short summer residency, booking ahead is highly recommended.

Get ready for a culinary trip across the continent at Flavours of Europe, a limited-time food fair taking over Market Place locations across the city. Running from June 26 until July 30, the event brings together a premium selection of regional delicacies, coastal seafood, European wines, and more. Selected flagship stores will also feature themed zones and various events, including professional prosciutto carving and tasting sessions. Perfect for stocking up the summer pantry.

Black Sheep Restaurants’ signature dining festival is returning this summer, offering 10 days of curated menus, exclusive collaborations, and exceptional value across its fleet of restaurants. Running from July 10 to 19, this edition features an exciting array of highlights, including the Hong Kong debut of Los Angeles eatery Tacos 1986, a Michelin-starred anniversary counter experience at Belon, new signature burger-and-drink pairings, and a lineup of decadent weekend brunches. Public bookings open on a first-come, first-served basis on July 3 via the Black Series website, with special rewards and off-menu perks available for repeat diners and premium American Express cardholders.

Hopewell Mall is turning into an animal sanctuary this summer with the return of Exotic Pets World. The pop-up exhibition features four themed zones, showcasing over 15 rare and exotic species, including the Lesser Antillean iguana, the Aldabra giant tortoise, and the ever-adorable axolotls. Alongside a dedicated aquatic zone and fascinating wildlife displays, visitors can enjoy interactive experiences, hands-on workshops like insect specimen mounting, and a behind-the-scenes summer programme for kids aged seven and up. Admission to the main exhibition is free, with registration required for the workshops and educational activities.

Running from June 27, 2026, to January 10, 2027, at M+, this highly anticipated interactive exhibition brings the viral Japanese showcase to Hong Kong with a unique local twist. Adapted from the hugely popular ‘Design Ah! neo’ exhibition, the family-friendly event features 21 playful stations themed around 10 ordinary daily actions like eating, walking, and sitting. From giant installations and interactive challenges to an immersive rhythm game, this creative exhibition shines a completely new light on the seemingly mundane routines and objects we often overlook. It's well worth a visit, so pencil it into your calendar!

For two nights only on June 28 and 29, Little Bao is teaming up with Shanghai’s cult-favourite pasta bar Yaya’s for the latest instalment of the ‘Baodown’ series. Hosted at Little Bao’s new home in Central, this exclusive collaboration brings together chefs May Chow and Dan Li to present a unique six-course menu that blends playful Chinese flavours with handmade Italian pasta. Priced at $680 per person, the event features three nightly seatings (5.30pm, 7.15pm, and 9pm) with limited space per session – so secure your spot fast!

The annual Pocari Sweat Run Fest returns to the Hong Kong Science Park on November 15, offering an energetic mix of fitness, wellness, and entertainment. Perfect for all fitness levels, the event features 3km, 5km, and 10km individual races, alongside group Team Cups and a brand-new, family-friendly 1km obstacle course designed for teams of two to four. Beyond the tracks, participants can dive into pre-race training sessions, wellness workshops, yoga, and dance classes, all wrapping up with a live music concert featuring a star-studded lineup. Public online registration is now open, with early-bird discounts available for those who sign up before July 16.

Japan's hugely popular Flower Miffy boutique has officially made its grand Hong Kong debut, hopping into Causeway Bay for a limited summer run. Fusing minimalist floral designs with the adorable Dutch rabbit, the pop-up features a Flower Buffet where customers can create their very own plush flower bouquet and get their hands on a huge selection of themed merch, homeware, gardening accessories, and more. Big spenders looking to expand their Miffy collections can also walk away with limited-edition instant photo-style plastic collectable cards with any purchase of $300 or more.

The king of fruits is staging a takeover at The Mills as the wildly popular Summer Durian Paradise Market returns for one weekend only. Running from 1pm to 8pm across June 13 and 14, the indoor food festival brings together 14 of Hong Kong's best local independent brands to serve up an array of creative treats and market-exclusive desserts. Durian lovers can explore a wonderfully pungent lineup featuring everything from lava cheese tarts and sago pudding tarts to freeze-dried White Rabbit Candy and chewy dipping mochi. If your idea of a perfect weekend involves a sugar high and an unapologetically strong aroma, you know exactly where to go.

The Dragon Boat Festival is back! Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, the Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races will be taking over Victoria Harbour (Tsim Sha Tsui East Promenade) on June 27 and 28, featuring more than 220 elite teams from 16 countries and regions. Spectators can catch all the world-class action for free from the shoreline, or explore the TST waterfront where there'll be festive street food along the Dragon Boat Food Lane, cold brews and live music at the Beer Garden, festive photo spots, interactive cultural workshops, and lots more fun activities that will get you into the festive spirit.  Want to make the most of the long weekend? Head over to our full guide on the Dragon Boat Festival to find out more about the races, the history behind this holiday, along with the customs and traditions that go with it.  

It’s time to start saving your pennies, K-pop fans. Just months after dropping his first full-length solo album, Another Dimension, former BigBang member T.O.P has announced that he’s heading to Hong Kong this summer for his first solo Asia fan meeting tour! Taking to social media on July 2 to drop the official poster for the tour, titled T.O.P Pre-Studio 2026, the multi-talented rapper, musician, and actor will make stops in Taipei, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, and Kaohsiung, with more cities to be revealed soon. Hong Kong fans, however, will get first dibs as the star is set to kick off the tour on the AsiaWorld-Arena stage on August 15. View this post on Instagram A post shared by T.O.P (@ttt) Naturally, the timing of the announcement has thrown local V.I.P.s into a bit of a spin as his former bandmates – G-Dragon, Taeyang, and Daesung – only recently confirmed three massive BigBang shows at Kai Tak Stadium for November. Suffice to say, us second-gen K-pop fans are in for a glorious wave of nostalgia that promises to be thoroughly draining, both emotionally and financially. As for how many of your hard-earned dollars this will cost, the exact pricing and ticketing details are still under wraps. More information, including authorised sales platforms and official merchandise packages, will be announced through T.O.P’s official channels soon. For now, keep your eyes locked on his official platforms for the latest details on when the August tickets will go on

Just over a month after Lisbon’s legendary Manteigaria opened its Hong Kong flagship in Central, London’s very own Santa Nata is joining the sweet fray, officially landing in the city with its first Asian flagship on Lyndhurst Terrace. Founded in 2019 by Portuguese entrepreneur Francisco Oliveira, the brand has built a cult following across the UK and the Middle East for its handmade pastéis de nata, celebrated for their incredibly flaky crusts and beautifully caramelised centres. This new Hong Kong spot – with room for eight seated guests and another eight standing – marks its 10th shop globally, introducing a 300-year-old traditional recipe to local foodies and dessert lovers. Photograph: Courtesy Santa NataSanta Nata Hong Kong The core menu is kept tight with three signature pastries. First is the iconic Pastel de Nata ($14), renowned for its crispy pastry shell and silky egg custard filling. Next is the Pão de Deus ($25), which literally translates to ‘God’s Bread’. Inspired by local coconut buns, each pillowy soft bun is filled with coconut paste and finished with a layer of nata custard. Last but certainly not least, the Santa Nata Brioche ($25) is shaped like a French croissant and can be upgraded with a scoop of thick nata cream for an extra $5. To wash it all down, there’s also a selection of drinks including a Nata Latte ($48), a Nata Milk Tea ($45), and a variety of coffees and teas starting from $30. Photograph: Courtesy Santa NataPastel de Nata Available eith

Hong Kong’s live music scene has taken a fair few knocks over the years, so the arrival of a fresh live music spot is always a cause for celebration. Tucked away inside the newly opened Avalon restaurant at H Queen’s in Central, Take 5 is a live music and cocktail joint aiming to provide city dwellers with a genuine spot to wind down. Designed by Hong Kong-based interior design studio Unite Unit, this cosy evening venue takes its name from both the iconic jazz standard popularised by the Dave Brubeck Quartet and the musician’s expression for a five-minute intermission between sets. The music experience here is curated by seasoned jazz guitarist and audio production specialist Skip Moy, who oversees the venue’s rotating performance calendar, sound design, and background playlists. Depending on which night you drop by, the stage will host everything from toe-tapping jazz grooves to singer-songwriters and international artists. Photograph: Courtesy Take 5Interiors of Take 5 live music bar Behind the bar, the drinks list is helmed by Sandeep Kumar, one of the most recognised figures in the local drinks scene. Having trained under international bar icon Giancarlo Mancino, Kumar spent more than two decades building his reputation across India and Hong Kong, famously steering The Wise King onto the Asia’s 50 Best Bars list. For Take 5, he has designed a tight menu of five signature cocktails, each named after famous jazz standards. Photograph: Courtesy Take 5Green Dolphin Street

Wan Chai is getting a juicy new dining spot this summer, and it’s promising to do some pretty interesting things with open flames. Marrow, an unapologetically meat-led pop-up, is landing in Lee Tung Avenue for a limited two-month run from July 1 until August 31. Curated by chef Chris Ma – whose career has taken him to respected kitchens like Amber and Tate Dining Room – the concept aims to break away from traditional steakhouses. Instead of focusing solely on premium cuts, the kitchen turns to lesser-known meats while weaving in distinct local and regional flavours. Photograph: Courtesy MarrowSichuan beef tartare (left), king fish crudo (right) The menu playfully nods to traditional grill rooms while bringing something new to the table. Starters kick off with crispy barramundi croquettes with fermented soy bean and chili aioli ($88), king fish crudo with melon salsa ($128), and a Sichuan beef tartare with smoked oil and confit egg yolk ($128). Paying homage to its namesake, the restaurant also serves up a typhoon shelter roasted bone marrow ($188), topped with crispy chilli and garlic crumbs with toasted focaccia.  Photograph: Courtesy Marrow13oz Australia Wagyu chuck eye steak The main grill section features six unique dishes cooked over fire. Highlights include an Australian M4+ rump cap ($228), Australian Wagyu bavette ($248), and a New Zealand Lumina lamb loin paired with a Taiwanese Magao pepper sauce ($208). If you’re looking to share, there’s a hefty tomahawk pork

Looking for an excuse to round up the girls and escape the daily grind? Then clear your schedules for mid-August, because Australia’s Thunder from Down Under is officially bringing the heat back to Macau! Photograph: Courtesy Thunder from Down UnderThunder from Down Under Taking over the G Box theatre at Galaxy Macau, the world-famous Las Vegas residency is back for three nights only from August 14 to 16. This year, the production is dialling up the excitement with an upgraded stage, immersive choreography, and a handful of fresh (and very chiselled) faces joining the troupe. Expect everything from fast-paced group numbers to steamy solo routines, keeping you on your toes with a slick mix of modern dance, jazz, and street rhythms. Photograph: Courtesy Thunder from Down UnderThunder from Down Under Unlike traditional theatre setups, the venue features a close-up seating arrangement designed to eliminate the boundary between the performers and the crowd – meaning you’ll be right in the thick of the action. For those wanting to make it a truly special night, the popular Meet & Greet sessions are also returning, offering the chance to grab a cheeky pic with the dancers after the curtains close. Photograph: Courtesy Thunder from Down UnderThunder from Down Under A total of seven performances (75 minutes each) will take place across the three-day weekend. Fridays will host two evening shows at 7pm and 10pm, while Saturdays will feature three sessions at 3pm, 6pm and 9pm. Fina

Hong Kong has officially climbed its way up to second place in the latest World Competitiveness Yearbook (WCY) 2026, marking its highest position since 2019. According to the International Institute for Management Development, the city has spent the last three years steadily scaling the ladder, putting us back on the map as a global powerhouse. The annual report, compiled by the Swiss-based IMD Business School, evaluates 70 economies by measuring four core pillars: economic performance, government efficiency, business efficiency, and infrastructure. To get the full picture, researchers combine extensive statistical data with executive survey responses to determine how effectively nations manage their resources to generate long-term value. The report shows that Hong Kong performs exceptionally well in government efficiency and business efficiency, taking second and third place globally. More specifically, the city is hitting top marks for individual sub-factors like tax policy and business legislation, where we officially rank first in the world. We also sit in second place for finance; third in international trade and investment, management practices, and education; and fourth globally in public finance and basic infrastructure. Photograph: ShutterstockHong Kong Island Victoria Harbour It is not all perfect news, however, as the broader economic performance category shows a noticeable drop to 11th place. The yearbook also states that our employment sub-factor has fallen two

Market Place is celebrating continental cuisine this summer, offering foodies a chance to stock up on hard-to-find European delicacies in Hong Kong. Running from June 26 to July 30, the Flavours of Europe fair brings together an extensive spread of artisan meats, fresh coastal seafood, vibrant produce, and premium regional beverages. Shoppers can look forward to seasonal produce like SanLucar flat peaches, which are flown straight in from Spain to preserve their sweet aroma and juicy flesh, tasting exactly like a lazy, balmy summer’s day. The fair is also introducing premium cuts of acorn-fed Iberian pork from Hergosan, as well as prized Mediterranean Carabineros scarlet shrimp, celebrated for their rich roe and sweet meat – perfect for a quick sear or tossing into a seafood pasta. Photograph: Courtesy Market PlaceSpanish red prawns Speaking of pasta, there’ll be a selection of chilled, handcrafted Italian options from artisan producer Pastificio Gaetarelli, with quick-cooking varieties like ricotta and spinach ravioli or porcini mushroom girasoli that need nothing more than a light toss in butter. For a pop of colour, the shelves are also stocked with vibrant, vegetable-infused dried pasta from Antica Madia, alongside multi-coloured beef tomatoes from France and the Netherlands. Those looking for indulgent snacks will find low-temperature fried Acho potato chips from Spain in flavours like black truffle, garlic tomato, and Iberian ham; buttery French shortbread from La Mèr

Remember when the city absolutely lost its mind over the McGriddles? Well, they are back! Only this time, the iconic breakfast buns have been given a chocolate makeover. Making its world debut right here in Hong Kong, the new chocolate McGriddles is made with premium cocoa powder and dark chocolate chips baked right into the pillowy bun. Instead of just the usual morning window, the new sausage and egg chocolate McGriddles, as well as the original maple syrup version which took the city by storm, are available as breakfast sets throughout the day from July 1 to 3. If you want to enjoy both options, the ‘yin yang’ deluxe breakfast is also available for one day only on July 1. After July 4, however, all three McGriddles items will remain on the regular morning menu for early risers. As a bonus, anyone ordering an extra value meal after 11am between July 1 and 3 can also swap their medium fries for a hash brown free of charge. Finally, for the true fans looking for some memorabilia, two limited-edition plush cushions – designed exactly like the classic maple syrup and new chocolate McGriddles cakes – are up for grabs via the McDonald’s mobile app. Members can log in from midnight on July 1 and click on a dedicated banner to access the online store, where they can then redeem a cushion using 100 points plus $88, or 500 points plus $76. 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 Hon

Hong Kong foodies, prepare your stretchiest of pants – the Black Series is back. From July 10 to 19, Black Sheep Restaurants will be slashing prices across its fleet of restaurants for 10 glorious days, offering curated menus and signature dishes that will make you forget about your summer diet plans. The headline act for this year has to be the Hong Kong debut of Tacos 1986, as the Los Angeles eatery will be flying in for a three-day takeover at Taqueria Super Macho from July 15 to 17. Expect their famous flame-grilled carne asada, pollo asado, and pork al pastor sliced straight off the trompo and into handmade corn tortillas to plate up tacos, vampiros, mulitas, or quesadillas. Photograph: Courtesy Black Sheep RestaurantsBelon - Chef's Counter Should you prefer something a bit more refined, the Michelin-starred Belon is opening up its chef’s counter for $2,088 per person. Guests will get a front-row seat to watch chef Mina Güçlüer and her team assemble a 10-course anniversary menu charting the restaurant’s greatest hits, including dishes like a foie gras tartlet with sauternes, green asparagus with caviar and citrus anglaise, and a 14-day aged duck apicius. The menu also includes three glasses of wine or zero-proof pairings selected by a sommelier. A few new faces are also joining the Black Series roster for the first time, each bringing a signature burger-and-booze combo. You can grab a JP Burger with a cornichon martini ($388) at Le Bar at Jean-Pierre, a grass-fed Black

Ngong Ping 360 is turning the big 20, and the famous cable car system is celebrating this milestone with a huge birthday bash that brings plenty of Hong Kong nostalgia and late-night vibes to Lantau Island. This year marks the debut of the summer-exclusive Cable Car Night Ride, taking place across four designated weekends from July 24 to August 16. For these special evenings, the cable cars will operate all the way until 10pm (they normally close at 6pm), allowing riders to glide over Lantau Island and soak up starlit views of landmarks like the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and the illuminated Big Buddha. Over 80 of the cabins have also been decked out in themed luminous designs, which visitors on the night rides will be able to uncover with a mini UV flashlight. Photograph: Courtesy Ngong Ping 360Ngong Ping 360 Down on the ground, the rest of the evening entertainment takes over Ngong Ping Village as it transforms into a neon-lit main street that will instantly take you back to 1980s Hong Kong. On the days of the night rides, there’ll also be a series of concerts featuring a stellar lineup of popular local singers. If you’re visiting before the sun goes down, the daytime brings plenty of retro charm too. Three large-scale photo spots have been set up around the village, including a mahjong-themed spot that captures the game’s lively atmosphere, an MTR installation complete with train seats and colourful station signs, as well as an ‘Ngong Ping Bing Sutt’ with old-school s

Summer in the city is about to get a lot wilder – or at least as wild as a shopping mall allows. This July, Hopewell Mall is bringing back its eccentric pop-up, Exotic Pets World, momentarily swapping out luxury boutiques for reptiles, amphibians, and crustaceans. The event crams over 15 rare and exotic species into the venue, offering a closer look at various wildlife that’s usually seen only in nature documentaries. Photograph: Courtesy Hopewell MallAxolotls The exhibition is split into four themed zones designed to replicate natural habitats, ranging from damp tropical rainforests to parched deserts. Expect to cross paths with the critically endangered Lesser Antillean iguana, the Aldabra giant tortoise – one of the largest species of its kind in the world – and the ever-adorable axolotl. There’s also a dedicated aquatic zone featuring a giant river tank with various crustaceans and colourful freshwater environments, curated by local toy designer and crayfish expert Jeffery Yau. Finally, a special conservation zone has been set up to showcase a detailed model of the Chinese crocodile lizard, an ancient creature said to be rarer than a giant panda. Photograph: Courtesy Hopewell MallHopewell Mall Exotic Pets World For kids interested in learning more about the creatures, the Little Zoologist summer programme offers a chance to play scientist for a day and go behind the scenes to get acquainted with the animals, monitor their behaviours, or even prepare meals for them. Vi

Central is hardly starved for coffee shops, but this new arrival from Dubai is here to add a touch of opulence to your usual coffee run. Taking over a ground floor spot at Alexandra House, Roasters Specialty Coffee House has officially launched its Asian flagship in the city’s most bustling neighbourhood, pairing rare beans with an all-day menu designed for Central’s caffeine-dependent masses. Photograph: Courtesy Roasters Specialty Coffee HouseHacienda La Esmeralda coffee The coffee menu spans 24 countries, featuring Cup of Excellence winners and coveted Geisha beans that score over 90 points on the official grading scale. Enthusiasts can explore a V60 filter coffee collection that begins at $120, with prestigious brews like the Panama Carmen Estate Geisha Lot 7 ($200) and the world-famous Hacienda La Esmeralda ($400). Photograph: Courtesy Roasters Specialty Coffee HousePistachio latte (left), Espresso Sunrise (right) For daily indulgence, guests can enjoy a simple cappuccino ($50) or choose from the beverage programme with signature drinks like the Espresso Sunrise ($75) – a vibrant fusion of fresh orange juice and precision-extracted espresso – and a velvety pistachio latte ($75) topped with artisanal pistachio foam. There’s also an on-site roastery room where you can keep an eye on the cafe’s bean-to-cup process. Photograph: Courtesy Roasters Specialty Coffee HouseKing crab brioche (left), Black caviar rigatoni (right) The all-day food selection is every bit as luxu