Sam Evans

Waterfalls have this magical ability to transport you to a whole new world, straight out of a fairy tale. They sprinkle an already beautiful landscape with an extra dose of wonder. These waterfall hikes offer a refreshing escape from the scorching heat and a chance to bask in nature's awe-inspiring beauty. So, even if you're not quite ready to brave the outdoors just yet, reading about these falls will give you something to look forward to. Let's dive right in! RECOMMENDED: For those wanting to get away from people to HK's great outdoors, check out this list of Hong Kong hikes.

It can't be denied that hiking in Hong Kong is a great way to spend your days. However, hiking after dark grants a different experience entirely. Not only is night hiking significantly less gruelling without the sun beating down overhead, but a nocturnal trek also provides the most captivating night views of Hong Kong as the city's skyscrapers all light up, magically illuminating our beloved metropolis. Whether you prefer a leisurely stroll that comes with harbour views or a challenging cliff-side climb, these are the best night hikes to try.   RECOMMENDED: Also check the best Hong Kong hiking trails, and the 10 best country parks in Hong Kong.   

There’s something about Hong Kong that always seems to get people talking. Whether it’s the extraordinary buzz of our city, the out-of-this-world food scene, the quirky fashion, or just the sense of acceptance and belonging that people find here – remarks about our great city never seem to end. Here are nine notable quotes by prominent people – from Hong Kong and elsewhere – that really sum up our city. RECOMMENDED: If you’re looking for even more reasons to love Hong Kong, read about the best books set in Hong Kong

The Battle of the Sando at Silencio was a roaring success last night with Chefs Yong Soo Do, Chris Grare from Kinship and Nicholas Chew of Bibo cooking up a storm and serving three exquisite takes on the humble sandwich, each with a deliciously unique twist. The night was made possible by Asia Miles, while the good people at Nikka and Yau brewery kept the audience, and the chefs, lubricated nicely. Missed out? Join us for the exciting Time Out Bar Awards on December 4th at Cassio in LKF.

The 1960s was a seminal decade for Hong Kong. Not only was this a time when attitudes began to change as people became more culturally and sexually liberated, but the 60s was also a period when our city flourished. Hong Kong grew in wealth and population at an unprecedented rate to become the significant high-rise metropolis it is today. It's a great thing to journey back and imagine what the city must have looked like back then, and better still to actually see it. We've been lucky enough to have gotten hold of some photos that allow us a window back in time to view the Hong Kong of yesteryear. Join us as we journey back to what has been described as ‘the decade of one damn thing after another’. RECOMMENDED: From Victorian private members’ clubs to Hong Kong’s old international airport, read about the city’s lost architectural gems. Victoria Harbour, 1964. Photograph: Mike Cussans Rewind the clock to the 60s, and you'll be met with a city in flux. Low-level colonial buildings are being razed to the ground and replaced by high-rise buildings that tower over the older buildings still standing – all at lightning speed. The Prince's Building and a luxurious new hotel called the Mandarin Oriental have just opened, much to the awe of passersby. One of the older buildings that can still hold its own amongst the Central district's rapid development in the 60s is the HSBC building. Built in 1935, it stands proudly as the first air-conditioned building in Hong Kong. Nevertheless, it

Hong Kong is traditionally celebrated as the ultimate shopping haven, whether for its sleek malls or its old fashioned markets. Somewhere in between, however, there are the city's vintage shops, that sell everything from clothes to homewares, and bridge the gap between old and new. While going out on a shopping spree remains not all-that appealing to many of us, the vintage-minded will be pleased to know that more than a few of our beloved vintage shops around the city are utilising online platforms so that you, the shopper, can peruse, enquire, and arrange delivery of your new old clothes from home! RECOMMENDED: If you're passionate about sustainability, check out our list of the best eco-friendly places to shop online.

Summer is in full swing here in Hong Kong, and though that means the occasional rain shower, temperatures are high, and there's enough humidity to make us break a sweat within minutes of stepping outside of our air-conditioned apartments. To combat the heat, there's nothing better to eat in the summer than a nice, refreshing salad, full of greens and with a fragrant dressing to cool us down and leave us energised. So, we asked John Nguyen, the head chef at Wan Chai's exciting new Vietnamese restaurant Xuân, to show us how to make a summertime Vietnamese salad to keep us cool all season long. Bun heo nuong nam heo nuong – grilled pork chop with vermicelli noodles and mixed vegetables – is a delicious dish that is regularly eaten from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City to fight the summer heat. Chef Nguyen will be showing us how to prepare a simplified version of this classic summer bite in a way that is easy to follow and using easy-to-find ingredients. Photograph: Sam Evans "I ate bun heo nuong nam heo nuong for the first time in Hanoi, and it's basically a dish made of vermicelli noodles with vegetables and any type of protein," Chef Nguyen tells us. "The version I tried in Hanoi was made with beef, and it contained so many peanuts and fried shallots that I instantly fell in love with it and decided to bring it back with me to Xuân to make for the people of Hong Kong. For my take on the dish, I use pork chop instead of beef, and I add more colourful vegetables than will typically b

Hong Kong is a city where you can find some of the meatiest, most decadent food on earth, but there's also another side to our city's restaurant scene that is decidedly more green-oriented. We're talking about the wide selection of quality vegetarian and vegan options around town, that offer everything from fresh, tasty salads, to innovative, meatless take on traditional dishes. At present, dining in may not be of much interest to you, so it is all the more fortunate that some of our favourite vegan and vegetarian restaurants are doing delivery and take out. Here are some of the best. RECOMMENDED: And to wash your food down? Check out these cafes delivering coffee straight to your home. 

Thai cuisine is among the most celebrated in the world, with its diverse range of flavours from dreamily aromatic to burn-your-tongue spicy, and from stodgy and meaty to light and bouncy – looking at you, pad Thai. There's no cuisine on earth like it, and that's the reason so many of us Hongkongers love a good yellow curry, or a crunchy, soupy khao soi. We've got more than our fair share of Thai spots dotted around the city, but in times like this when eating out may be off the table – forgive the pun – for some, we can all take comfort in the fact that some of our very favourites are doing delivery and takeaway. Here are some of the best in the city that are offering dishes for you to eat in the comfort of home. RECOMMENDED: Inspired by your binge watching sessions of the latest K-dramas on Netflix? Well, you might want to check out our list of Korean restaurants doing delivery, instead. 

Let's face it, us Hong Kong dwellers love Japanese food. There's just something about the subtle flavours and dizzying variety that we simply cannot get enough of – to the point where many of us won't even blink when dropping hundreds of dollars on an omakase dinner. Having a sit-down meal may not be at the top of your to-do list right now, but luckily some great Japanese establishments around the city are providing takeaway and delivery services. So whether it's sashimi, tempura, or udon, you can get your favourites delivered to your door. RECOMMENDED: Drink with your meal? Learn how you can support Hong Kong's bar scene in these difficult times.

Vietnamese food is nothing new to our city and has been a popular cuisine for Hongkongers. Whether it's the steaming soups of Ho Chi Minh City or the fragrant street food offerings of Hanoi, Vietnamese dishes are often well executed in our city by a number of talented chefs who know the cuisine like the back of their hand. In this lineup, we largely forgo the humble banh mi – for which we already have an exclusive article – and instead slurp and crunch our way around the restaurants serving some of the best Vietnamese soupy, noodly and rice-filled dishes in town. The best part is that more than a few of these do delivery and takeout, so, whether you're looking for a light lunch, or a decadent dinner feast, these might be right for you.  RECOMMENDED: For more delivery options, check out our ever-evolving list of the best delivery and takeout options in Hong Kong right now.

It’s a difficult time for our city’s restaurants, as the numbers of diners are down and the city's social distancing measures continue to impose restrictions on the operations of eateries. It is, therefore, more important than ever to show support for our friends in the restaurant industry, and here are some important ways we can all do our bit to preserve the food scene we love so dearly.   RECOMMENDED: While we're on the subject of support, here's how we can help Hong Kong's bar scene

As the name would suggest, these guys specialise in pho but don't let that make you think their skills in the kitchen end there. As well as the ubiquitous noodle soup, they also do a well-executed range of funky snacks, including their Bomb-ass Karaage, which lives up to its name, their house special chicken wings, and a selection of fries that you may not expect from your usual neighbourhood Vietnamese joint.

Our restaurant scene is now back on the mend after some hard times as of late. Through the struggles that were felt around the city, delivery experienced a surged in popularity that still has plenty of momentum. Sun Tung Lok is among the most-decorated restaurants in the city to offer delivery, and so we thought we’d review this 51-year-old, two Michelin-starred Tsim Sha Tsui institution, to assess to what degree its delivery service does the award-winning food justice.  After having our meal delivered by an immaculately suited gentleman, we dug into the starter of stuffed crab shell ($198), an exoskeleton of the famous crustacean stuffed with crab meat, onion, and mushrooms, all baked to a golden crust. The thing that hit first was the textures; if the initial, satisfying crunch of the crust didn’t get our mouths watering, the bounce of the succulent mushroom chunks and tenderness of the meat certainly did. As for flavour, think savoury, moreish, goodness somewhere between crab cakes and meat pie, with the onions working their magic at the end to add a gentle sweetness that rendered this dish far from crabby.  Stuffed crab shell After a positive start, we moved onto the braised beef rib with house gravy ($198 for two pieces), and were immediately catapulted up into the flavoursome echelons of Cantonese cuisine heaven. To say these ribs were delicious is an understatement, with the fall-off-the-bone tenderness of the perfectly braised prime beef complemented by the devilish

Para/Site, one of Hong Kong's leading contemporary art institutions, is teaming up with Soho House to present its new Garden of Six Seasons exhibition. The exhibition will showcase the works of artists from Hong Kong, Mainland China, and the rest of the world at both Para/Site's two-floor art space in Quarry Bay, and in a larger exhibition space on the eighth floor of Sheung Wan's Soho House. The exhibition is named after the English-style garden built by the Nepalese King in Kathmandu 100 years ago. Through art it explores the historical propensity of humans to create artificial environments that map their visions of the world. As well as the art itself, the exhibition will also include a VR viewing room and live panel discussions with the curator and the exhibiting artists. Billed as a precursor to the Kathmandu Triennale, which will begin at the end of the year, this is certainly an exciting event for Hong Kong's culture buffs and contemporary art appreciators. 

Calling all martial arts buffs, meditators, or those just wanting to promote health for their mind, body and soul! Asia Society Hong Kong will be hosting a two-hour-long live-streamed wellness event on Saturday, April 25, consisting of a Kung Fu class followed by a relaxing singing bowls meditation session – all for free. The first part of the Facebook Live-streamed session will be led by instructors from Hong Kong martial arts centre Mindful Wing Chun to discuss and introduce Kung Fu-based form of self-defence that explores geometry and the body's relationship with space to move with efficiency and power while remaining relaxed and focused. If you want to relax after all that movement, the second part of the session will be perfect for you. Led by wellness coach Stephanie Luo, attendees will be guided through breathing techniques and meditation to the sound of live singing bowls, to promote inner peace and tranquillity.

Nine of Hong Kong's best Spanish chefs will #COOKFORSPAINHK on the evening of April 29th to cook up a 10-course feast of contemporary Spanish food, with all proceeds going to help hard-hit Spain. The chefs will come from many of our favourite Spanish restaurants in the city, including Pica Pica, Rubia, and La Rambla itself, to name a few. They will be serving up a mouth-watering line-up of dishes including jamon and tomato bread, avocado lobster roll, pulpo gallego, carabinero creamy rice and cured ravioli, and more! In addition to the food, the service includes a welcome glass of Cava and a post-dinner drink. During dinner, organisers will run a wine roulette in which diners will have the opportunity to donate however much they want to spin the wheel for the chance to win a glass of premium wine. The price to attend the event is $1,800 per person. To book, call 2661 1161 or email reservations@larambla.hk.

There’s something about steak that captures the imagination of us meat lovers like nothing else. Perhaps it’s a primal, insatiable lust to devour meat in its most unadulterated form, or maybe our obsession lies in appreciation of the art form, the majestic simplicity of a steak laid bare and denuded of any peripherals to hide behind. Whatever it is, one thing’s for sure – while some of us can achieve near-restaurant quality at home with our clutch curries, stir-fries and spaghettis, to sear a steak like the pros is a formidable task. With this in mind, those of us with a carnivorous streak will welcome Rubia. This new Central Spanish steak and tapas restaurant is certainly one for the visit list when the current situation surrounding the coronavirus improves. Forget your Angus, Hereford or even Wagyu, Rubia specialises in beef from northern Spain, including an exclusive beef called Rubia Gallega, or Galician Blond. This is a unique breed of bovine reared on the verdant hills of Galicia in northwestern Spain. The cattle interestingly aren’t slaughtered until as old as 17 years – that’s pensioner age in cow years – which is different to many parts of the world where, in the interest of tender meat and beefy profits, cows become steaks just a few years after tasting grass. The result is a Spanish beef of unique taste and texture that in the past decade, has been lauded by food critics the world over. As for the restaurant itself, it’s split into two levels. The ground level take

中環史丹頓街的盡頭出現了一扇神秘的門。湊眼望向門上的小窗，除了黑漆漆一片之外，什麼都沒有。把耳朵貼到門上，也什麼都聽不見。乍見右邊一個像燈掣開關的東西，可會是門鈴？按下來，神秘的大門終於打開。 這間酒吧可說是近來城中最低調的隱秘酒吧，除了只靠口耳相傳才為人知曉之外，更只接受電話或 facebook 預約，walk-in 就只有落得碰釘的分兒。酒吧內是黑色的反光鏡和深藍色的牆壁，還有雲石枱、綴金裝飾，一派典型酒吧格局。窄長的走廊兩旁設有座位，連接開放式酒吧，放滿着各式各樣的酒品。而背景音樂是永不過氣的爵士樂和搖滾樂，音量不大，不礙大家聊天談心。 酒牌選擇繁多，由威士忌、氈酒（約$118/杯），而香檳、紅酒、白酒則以瓶裝柯打為主，不過來這兒，我還是建議大家喝雞尾酒，除了經典款式，還有不少是自創口味，而且水準很不俗。 The It Girl（$128）以檸檬波本酒、金巴利和苦艾酒溝成，味道帶有點芒果香氣，非常好喝。另一款 The Prove Them Wrong （$128），以冧酒、雪莉酒組成，有着強烈的剛悍的個性，又有點藍莓汁的香甜，還加了點 Mezcal 令其帶點煙燻的香氣。The Crimson Tide （$128）類似於 Bloody Mary 的變奏，但因為用上新鮮番茄汁和檸檬的緣故，它的顏色沒有很血紅，反而有點黃黃的顏色；而且基酒也不是伏特加，而是用上了含海帶蒸餾的氈酒。這款雞尾酒喝來帶點辣勁，有點海帶鹹香味，又有檸檬和西芹的清新。 就我喝了幾款雞尾酒而言，The Poet 對於調配雞尾酒算是講究。氣氛環境也很舒適到位，雖然未必能稱得上是令人一試難忘，但絕對是一個約會或是和朋友相聚的好選擇。

Updated July 20, 2023: (Pondi is temporarily closed for a quick revamp; visit @pondihk for their latest updates)Tucked away at the end of Sai Ying Pun’s vibrant Fuk Sau Lane, Pondi is a delightful new addition to an already exciting alcove in this residential neighbourhood. Named after Pondicherry, the former French colony in India, Pondi's food is an electrifying combination of Indian home cooking and classic French cooking philosophies. The restaurant is a passion project of restaurateurs Taran Chadha – founder of the original award-winning BlackSalt – Camille Glass, and George Kwok. Guests can taste careful skill and passion in every bite in an inspiring and intensely enjoyable dining experience. The space sets the scene for epicurean bliss, with a thoughtfully decked out, candlelit alfresco terrace that opens onto the street and allows diners to relax while being immersed in the buzz of the neighbourhood. Inside, the kitchen bar seating is an intimate, modern nook where diners can chat away and look on as the chefs prepare dishes behind the counter. Upstairs there’s additional seating, but only reserved for private parties of 20 or more. The menu is kept refreshingly simple and caters to vegetarians and the gluten intolerant, as well as boasting more than enough to keep carnivores satisfied. A good lead-in is the hung yoghurt croquettes ($115), a dish that elevates the oft prosaic French nibble to new, tangy heights with tamarind and pickled onions. The parcels lie atop a

If you're into Italian food, then surely you've heard of Pici. To kick off 2020, the team behind Pici is launching a new eatery, Pizza Project. The trendy venue, again, features a tightly-edited one-page menu focusing on handmade pizzas and generous toppings, completed with freshly prepared starters and, of course, decadent desserts to curate an authentic pizza experience. Headed by Italian Chefs Andrea Viglione and Davide Borin, Pizza Project aims to share with us truly unforgettable pizzas that are also affordable, so that "everyone can enjoy pizza the same way we did at home." Apart from purveying delicious pasta-focused fare, Pici has gained a loyal following in Hong Kong by offering a straightforward dining experience that is free of pretension and relatable to many city dwellers. The group behind this pasta paradise is now setting their sights on Hong Kong’s growing pizza market with the opening of their latest venture on Peel Street. True to form, this new joint is a hit, with a casual atmosphere to complement some classy creations! In the interest of providing diners with a straightforward experience, the food menu is kept to a very digestible single page; split between starters and small bites, pizzas, and desserts. While everything is available a la carte, the Tasting Menu option offers parties in multiples of two a good deal for a full stomach, with each couple receiving one starter, one Gnocco Fritto, two pizzas and a dessert for $180 per person. The starters in

Since opening in Wan Chai back in 2016, Samsen has gained droves of loyal fans and a stellar reputation for serving up some of the best damn Thai fare in Hong Kong, especially when it comes to those legendary boat noodles. In this new venture, head chef Adam Cliff boldly does away with the brand’s famous headliner to focus on the northern-Thai staple of Khao Soi. As questionable as his decision may at first seem, the chef’s sense of adventure here – and elsewhere on the new menu – pays delicious dividends that leave the Sheung Wan outpost well-poised to match the success of its older sister. The interior stays faithful to the Wan Chai flagship with distressed concrete walls rising from a weathered tile floor behind a shopfront which can be opened to introduce that all-important al fresco vibe to the dining experience. At this branch, however, there is an increased use of bright hues sloshed over the sticker-speckled walls and, notably, space is significantly larger to make for an experience that is less likely to see you rubbing elbows with hungry strangers than at the original. Like the colour on the walls, the new menu prides itself on being “bold”. Upon a preliminary scan, it is apparent that Chef Adam Cliff is letting his imagination run free with the experimentation on Thai flavours in a range of truly exciting culinary creations. Particularly flavourful titbits include the Grilled Chicken and Wing Bean Salad ($118), the dish treats the taste buds to a spicy, aromatic sy

由 Beef & Liberty 背後班底於上年底開設的全新餐廳，今次由軟綿綿的漢堡包變為香脆的薄餅。這間位於金鐘太古廣場四樓的全新薄餅咖啡館，是近期第一間開幕的新餐廳，pizza 迷今次有口福了。 店名叫 Emmer 是源於古代的「二粒小麥」，二粒小麥是一種從古代經過好幾百年流傳下來的麥種，古代羅馬人喜歡利用這種小麥來製作滋味及營養豐富的麵包。Emmer 的薄餅師傅混合黑麥及上乘的意大利麵粉混合製成餅底，令餅底質地香脆、柔韌兼備，而非外間薄餅能咬到的口感。大家可以在吧枱後的開放廚房全程欣賞廚師們從碌平麵糰到入焗爐的模樣，同時滿足味覺與視覺的享受。 為了配合餅底，Emmer 只提供六款薄餅如皇后瑪格麗特 ($98) 、經典水手($118)等，而每個薄餅也是11吋大，使薄餅脆口有嚼勁，也不想讓客人吃得太飽。餡料方面，薄薄的餅底鋪滿各種餡料，分量十足。巴馬火腿用上水牛芝士、巴馬火腿、新鮮火箭菜，芝士入口即融，巴馬火腿味道突出，火箭菜則平衡了鹹香味。雜菌有大啡菇、褐菇、芳提娜芝士、水牛芝士、打利治奧芝士、巴馬臣芝士，蘑菇味香濃，蘑菇迷必試。 這間薄餅店其實也沒有甚麼要挑剔的地方，唯一美中不足就是沒有足夠的洗手間，當然這個是商場的問題，但餐廳的入口位於室外的行人通道位置，所以跟洗手間有一段距離，客人要走206級樓梯才可以到洗手間（不是說笑！我真的數過）。這裏的洗手間其實非常乾淨、摩登、十分不錯，員工也十分友善，只是距離實在太遠而已。

The team behind burger bar favourite Beef & Liberty quietly opened a new venture in late 2019, but this time focusing more on cheese than beef and subbing out soft buns for bready crusts. The new pizzeria, which came as the first in what turned out to be a spate of recent cheesy openings to bless our city, is located on the leafy 4th level of Pacific Place and proves a worthy addition to Hong Kong’s growing list of quality pizzerias.  The restaurant takes its name from an old type of awned wheat that has been used for centuries in baking, not least by the Romans who utilised it to delicious effect in a dense and nutritious type of ancient bread. The pizza chefs at Emmer today mix the grain with more commonly found flours for a crust that is satisfyingly substantial and bouncy, bearing a unique flavour that immediately sets it apart from that of your average greasy pizza joint. Yes, the guys here certainly know what they’re doing, and they make no bones about showing off all that they do with an open kitchen that allows unobstructed views of the rolling process and the sleek chrome pizza oven that dominates the space behind the counter. To compliment the crust, Emmer keeps it simple by offering just six variations of toppings from Margherita ($98) to Marinara ($118). These are all exclusively rolled to 11 inches in order to make for quite the filling bite, especially when ordered on top of one of the starters, which include cultured nibbles like stracciatella and cold cuts pri

The team behind Belon have announced that the preeminent French bistro will be temporarily closing come October and reopening in the winter in a new Soho location, with a string of other new features to boot. Upon the relocation, the new Belon will welcome new head chef Matthew Kirkley who has worked at a number of Michelin-starred establishments including Hong Kong's very own Amber, where he worked as chef de cuisine with Richard Ekkebus, as well as L20 and COI restaurant in the US. With a new and upgraded kitchen, the new restaurant aims to bring out the stellar quality of French food with a local sensibility that Belon fans have become accustomed to over the years. Chef Matthew Kirkley The new location will also have a more mature and modern aesthetic designed by award-winning firm Joyce Wang Studio. With so much going on in the city right now, foodies can at least look forward to welcoming the new and revamped neo-Parisian bistro to its new Soho location.  A render of the interior of the new Belon

Mercato Gourmet has made a name for itself in Hong Kong for offering a range of quality goods from small farms and boutique wineries and vineyards throughout Italy. In addition to its three stores throughout Hong Kong – in Wan Chai, Mid-Levels, and Happy Valley, now Giando head chef and Mercato Gourmet founder Gianni Caprioli has announced a pop-up at Fishsteria on the waterfront in Kennedy Town, that will bring more quality Italian goods to the neighbourhood. Some of the many Italian imports on offer at the new pop-up In true Mercato Gourmet style, this new pop-up will sell top-notch ingredients, including award-winning cheese from the Puglia region in southern Italy and much, much more. The pop-up is open from 10.30am to 8pm on Tuesdays through Sundays for a limited time only, so this could present an opportunity that fans of top-grade imported ingredients of the finest origins may want to take advantage of.

Dairy Farm Group and its associated partners Hang Seng Bank and Jardine Restaurant Group announced the launch of Hong Kong’s biggest customer rewards club app, yuu. Available for download on the App Store and Google Play Store, yuu is also available as a WeChat mini programme. Not only is the app free, but it also connects a wide range of brands together on one platform, bringing convenience to all customers. The outlets around the city covered in the scheme include: Wellcome, Mannings, 7-Eleven, Ikea, KFC, Pizza Hut, Market Place by Jasons, Market Place, PHD, 3hree6ixty, Oliver’s the Delicatessen, Jason’s ichiba, Wellcome Delivers and Market Place Delivers. These brands loved by Hongkongers allow members to earn more points, in more places and redeem more rewards faster than ever before. With this app, customers earn one point for every $1 spent, and an even harder-working option is the Hang Seng yuu enjoy credit card, which users can earn three-times the points when they shop at Wellcome, Mannings, 7-Eleven, IKEA, Market Place by Jasons, Market Place, 3hree6ixty, Oliver’s the Delicatessen, Jason’s ichiba, Wellcome Delivers and Market Place Delivers, and four-times the points when they order at KFC, Pizza Hut, and PHD. yuu will cover 2,000 shops around the city No physical cards will be needed with yuu as the app does it all. Not only does it update point balances after each transaction, but it also has a special share points feature which enables customers to share points a

Cosy neighbourhood kitchen Jean May has just announced its grand opening on August 18. This 32-seater eatery nestled behind the flower stalls of Wan Chai's Gresson Street is helmed by Tiff Lo, a Hongkonger who has spent much of her life in the UK, and during the time perfecting her skills in the kitchen, has trained under Michelin star chefs Pierre Koffman, Michel Roux Jr, Phil Howard, and Eric Chavot. Dishes from Jean May's takeaway menu The restaurant – which is named as an ode to chef Tiff's grandmother – offers a selection of homely dishes with a French sensibility, including oyster and pickled cucumber ($64), steak tartare ($162), duck breast in a spiced honey glaze with carrots ($312). Right now, from 12 to 5pm Wednesdays through Sundays, Jean May is offering a takeout menu, with scrumptious dishes like a light summer salad with walnuts and parmesan, to a hearty steak baguette, or confit chicken and leek terrine. The restaurant also offers a roster of brewed coffees, if you're looking for something to accompany the food. To place an order, email: info@jeanmayhk.com or call 3590 6033.

You've probably seen your social media feeds flooding with black and white pictures of women, or maybe you've been nominated to participate for the challenge. Well, however you've seen it, you might well be wondering what it's all about. #ChallengeAccepted is a viral chain letter that has taken the world by storm, with over five million women around the globe posting black and white photos of themselves on Instagram in all kinds of different poses. This social media movement has gained momentum by women sharing a monochrome snap of themselves alongside the hashtags #ChallengeAccepted and #WomenSupportingWomen and then tagging a woman in their life that they want to show support for. The pictures that have been flooding social media feeds include women standing on mountaintops, posing in bikinis, on yoga mats, or stylized images of themselves that look fresh out of a magazine beauty editorial. Others show pictures with their kids or pets, or even showing their baby bump or mastectomy scars. There have been a few trending quotes to accompany the images, like "we rise together when we lift each other up", or "women supporting women." However, some critics are questioning the irrelevance of a 'challenge' just to post a vanity black and white picture of themselves. Nevertheless, it's been taking social media by storm, and the numbers of women participating (we've even seen some men!) keep on growing.    There are various competing ideas as to where the movement originated – includ

From Friday, July 31, the government will reverse the blanket dine-in ban in restaurants that came into effect on Wednesday, July 29, as the public reacts to blue-collar workers around the city who have subsequently been forced to eat their lunch in uncomfortable conditions. Many of the city's construction and other workers were seen on Wednesday and Thursday eating their lunches under bridges, at transport interchanges, and in air-conditioned public corridors in lieu of the cafes they have traditionally frequented on their lunch break.  The government initially responded to the situation by announcing it would open 19 community halls on Thursday, July 30, for those who had nowhere to go to eat lunch. In a similar vein, KMB and Pricerite launched initiatives to lend chairs to workers to sit on while eating their lunch, at Jordan (West Kowloon station), Tuen Mun station, and Tai Wai station bus terminals; and Pricerite's 18 branches across the city, respectively. The reversed regulations will allow restaurants to operate at a maximum of 50 percent capacity during day time dine-in until 6pm, with a maximum of two people per table. Patrons can only purchase food to takeaway from 6pm onwards.  If you have questions about the latest social distancing restrictions and rules on public gatherings, visit our regularly updated guide on the things you can and can't do in Hong Kong right now. 

In light of the ongoing situation in the city, one of Hong Kong's most popular detox and nutrition centres, LifeHub, has just announced the launch of its COVID-19 testing kits for those who wish to get a quick and easy diagnosis on the state of their current health. The tests can be picked up in-store for low-risk customers who haven't recently travelled or knowingly been in the presence of carriers, or posted to homes in the cases of higher-risk customers. The deep throat saliva PCR tests are self-administered – explanations on how to do so are given by LifeHub staff upon ordering – after which participants are to either drop off their test in-store, or send back via mail. Following this, the tests are sent to a lab and results are given in two working days. There are two test packages available, the standard testing ($880), and testing with a medical certificate given based on test results ($1580). To order yours, call LifeHub on 3622 3452 or WhatsApp +852 6115 2094. Use the code PUREBUZZ for a free 200ml bottle of hand sanitiser with the purchase.

The government has just announced that from Wednesday, July 29, stricter measures will be put in place in the fight against the ongoing surge in new coronavirus cases in the city. From mid-week, all restaurants will be completely closed for dine-in – only takeout and delivery are permitted. Furthermore, public gatherings will now be limited to just two people, except for those who already live together. The government also stated mandatory mask-wearing in all indoor and outdoor public spaces, except for those with 'reasonable excuses' such as medical conditions, and infants under the age of two years. This rule means that masks will be required for all those exercising outdoors.  The tightening of social distancing measures comes as new cases on Monday, July 27, exceed 100 for the third consecutive day resulting in more deaths around Hong Kong. The current rules will continue to be in place until August 4, pending any further developments. If you have questions about the latest social distancing restrictions and rules on public gatherings, visit our guide on the things you can and can't do in Hong Kong right now. 

Hot 'N' Meen, the newly launched delivery only noodle venture by Sichuanese stalwarts Chilli Fagara has announced that they are currently offering a 20 percent discount on all orders of $200 or more, which means that we can enjoy our favourite noodle dishes with extra great value. The deal includes all the favourites that noodle fans have come to enjoy since Hot 'N' Meen's opening back in March, with Chilli Dumpling Noods ($78) with peanuts and coriander, and the spicy Dan Dan Meen ($68) which noodle fans can choose to include dried shrimp of minced pork. For those who want something a little more refreshing in these hot summer months, try the cold dish Rainbow Meen ($78). Hot 'N' Meen's refreshing Rainbow Meen In addition to the main course, Hot 'N' Meen also offers a range of delicious appetisers like Sichuan sprouts and crunchy mushrooms (all available for $30 per order), and there's also a range of beer and wines available for delivery too, so you can get your eat on in style.  To place your orders, call 2796 6866 or visit the online app for delivery. 

Frites is offering an eye-popping 50 percent off items from the a la carte and takeaway menus at all its venues across the city until July 22. The local favourite, known for its delicious food in charming beerhall surroundings, is extending the offer to all those who want to pick up their order from 11.45am until 10pm every day. For dine-in customers, the menu is available until 6pm in line with the latest social distancing measures. For those wishing to take advantage of the takeaway option, check Frites' online menu, and then call the branch where you will pick up your order to give them a reasonable time for preparation. Alternatively, just show up and order from the takeaway menu located at every branch. Hungry patrons must note that seafood and certain items are unavailable for takeaway. Check out the list below for branch locations and their phone numbers so you can take advantage of this great deal! Central: 2217 6671Wan Chai: 2877 2422Causeway Bay: 2142 5233North Point: 2333 5538Quarry Bay: 2250 5188Kwun Tong: 2781 0262

Admiralty Italian-Japanese fusion restaurant Ammo has launched an afternoon tea set in collaboration with Mr. Men Studio for you and your best Mr. Men and Little Miss fan friend to enjoy all summer. The set, which will be available every day until September 27, sees a spread of delicious snacks – sweet and savoury – served in a way that's sure to excite fans of the colourful book series. As well as a cup of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate, the range of delights designed and crafted by Ammo's head chef Jack Law consist of the following: -Smoked salmon finger sandwiches fit for a Little Miss Princess-Mr. Strong mini quiche squares-Mr. Greedy's indulgent foie gras crème brûlée-Happyland chocolatey daisy flower pot-Mr. Happy cookie-Little Miss Princessʼ strawberries and cream panna cotta-Little Miss Hug's rose macaron and Little Miss Sunshine's lemon macaron-Mr. Men's finest scones with jam and cream Happyland chocolatey daisy flower pot, Mr Happy cookies, strawberries, and cream panna cotta, and Little Miss macarons The best part of it all is that Mr. Men and Little Miss fans can savour the memories with a special mug that comes with the set, that you can personalise with your own name and desired character from the series. To make a booking, call 2537 9888 or head to ammo.com. The price for the two-person set is $498 plus an additional $68 for those that wish to indulge in an Ammo Garden cocktail or mocktail. The set is available Monday to Friday from 3pm to 5.30pm, and 1.30 to

Dang Wen Li by Dominique Ansel has introduced a brand-new range of fruit tarts at their Harbour City location that will be available for a limited time only from July 10 to 19. The tarts are crafted by the patisserie's skilled pastry chefs using some of the finest fresh fruits in the world, from Hawaiian papaya and passion fruit to rambutans from Thailand used in their Thai rambutan, pineapple, and vanilla tart. View this post on Instagram A post shared by 當文歷餅店 by Dominique Ansel (@dangwenlihk) on Jul 8, 2020 at 3:41am PDT Thai rambutan, pineapple, and vanilla tart Others sure to catch the eye of those with a sweet tooth are the strawberries and cream tart using fruits from California, the Turkish fig and black sesame tart, and the South African pomelo and mango tart. There are ten tarts in total to give dessert fans a lot of choices. View this post on Instagram A post shared by 當文歷餅店 by Dominique Ansel (@dangwenlihk) on Jul 6, 2020 at 1:00am PDT South African pomelo and mango tart