Wine, dine, and repeat: Here’s how we spent 72 hours in Hong Kong

There’s no doubt that Hong Kong is a dazzling metropolis. It’s a city of contrasts where soaring skyscrapers meet serene temples, and bustling markets rub shoulders with luxury shopping districts. With its iconic skyline illuminated by neon lights and set against verdant mountains and shimmering harbours, Hong Kong offers a captivating blend of traditional and modern. From exploring the dynamic energy of Central’s nightlife to wandering through historic temples, or taking a cable car to the towering Buddha on Lantau Island, Hong Kong has something for everyone. Whether you’re here to shop, savour, or simply soak up the city’s unique charm, Hong Kong promises an unforgettable journey through one of Asia’s most iconic and exhilarating destinations.

There’s much to explore but with our guide, you can uncover its unique charm and diversity in just 72 hours. No matter which type of traveller you are, this will help you maximise every moment, taking you from modern attractions to some of the best culinary delights in the city. In just three days, you’ll be able to experience a whirlwind tour of one of Asia’s most dynamic metropolises and cuisines. Ready to explore the best of Hong Kong in just 72 hours?

WHERE TO EAT & DRINK The Praya

Nestled in the heart of Shek Tong Tsui, The Praya is a modern Chinese dining experience that celebrates tradition while embracing bold innovation. With the launch of its new À la carte menu, themed “Uphold Tradition, Craft Innovation,” The Praya presents a symphony of over a dozen exquisite dishes that harmonise time-honoured Chinese flavours with a contemporary twist. Each dish is crafted with a careful balance of flavour and visual artistry, designed to captivate the senses and resonate with diners of all generations. One standout dish is the marble goby fish, deep-fried to golden perfection and paired with an exceptionally sweet and sour sauce crafted from lychee, strawberry, and pine nut, adding layers of fruity brightness and a delightful crunch. Every creation on the new menu has been meticulously deconstructed, reimagined, and reassembled to bring forth a fresh perspective, with attention to every detail—from the vibrant colour and enticing aroma to the nuanced taste, elegant presentation, and delightful textures. A must-visit when you’re in the city.

Bakehouse

Despite our already full tummies from a day of indulgent dining, skipping Bakehouse’s sourdough egg tarts was simply not an option. Known to serve the finest European-style baked goods and pastries, Bakehouse is a haven for anyone who loves artisanal treats. Behind each irresistible creation stands Chef Grégoire Michaud, a Swiss master of the craft, whose passion and expertise have made Bakehouse a must-visit destination for pastry lovers across Hong Kong. With five locations scattered across the city, there’s hardly an excuse not to stop by and grab one—or maybe a few—of their irresistible egg tarts and pastries.

Ho Lee Fook

Ho Lee Fook is bold, sophisticated, and forward-looking, embracing an opulent, nostalgic vibe that honours its Cantonese heritage and the foundations it was built upon. It captures the essence of a lavish night out in Hong Kong, evoking faint memories of wild evenings and familiar aromas reminiscent of Mum’s dumplings at home. At the helm is Chef ArChan Chan, a Hong Kong native who spent over 13 years honing her craft in Melbourne and Singapore. Her journey through these world-class culinary cities expanded her knowledge and deepened her appreciation for seasonality and quality. Returning to Hong Kong in 2021, ArChan brings with her a vibrant tribute to the Cantonese dishes she grew up with, blending her expertise with a heartfelt commitment to her roots. Her imaginative touch redefines Cantonese cuisine, crafting memorable dining experiences that resonate with her home community.

Chorland Cookfood Stall

This is Cantonese cuisine at its most authentic. Chorland Cookfood Stall has earned a loyal following among locals and tourists alike for serving up some of the city’s truest Cantonese dishes—no frills, no modern twists, just pure, time-honoured flavours. True to the style of a classic Dai Pai Dong, the menu offers hundreds of tempting array of timeless favourites: from honey pepper beef with diced potato to stir-fried clams in black bean sauce, and the ever-reliable sweet and sour pork. A standout for us is the sweet corn with salted egg yolk—a dish that hits all the right notes and left us wanting more. Come for the food but stay for the vibes! The interior captures a modern take on the authentic Dai Pai Dong experience—minus the sweltering heat. Neon lights and vibrant signs add a touch of nostalgia with a contemporary twist, making it an ideal backdrop for your socials.

Old Fung Tea House

Old Fung Tea House stands as one of the most notable and authentic Hong Kong-style dim sum restaurants in the city. Its constant stream of long lines outside the restaurant proves that the dim really sums here. Helmed by a dim sum master with nearly 40 years of expertise, honed at the renowned Fengcheng Restaurant in North Point and Guangzhou Chinese Restaurant, it promises an exquisite culinary experience. Here, tradition meets craftsmanship, offering an exceptional array of classic dim sum that truly stands out. There are currently three outlets across the city: Yuen Long, Tsuen Wan, and Tai Po. Beyond its mouthwatering dim sum, Old Fung Tea House transports diners back to the charm of 1960s Hong Kong. Adorned with vintage rooster teapots, classic cups and bowls, nostalgic signs, and retro decor gracing the walls, the teahouse beautifully captures the essence of a bygone era, creating a truly immersive dining experience.

The Daily Tot

Named Hong Kong’s Best Rum Bar, The Daily Tot is a true tribute to the love of rum, cocktails, and fine spirits—evident in its expertly crafted cocktails and curated selections. The bar, located at Central, is well-acquainted with the world’s finest rums, led by Founder Tiana Ludhani, a Barbados native, who has been at the helm since the bar’s inception. From historic colonial tipples to elegant Prohibition-era Havana cocktails, this pioneering Caribbean-themed bar is on a mission to celebrate authentic rum culture. The Daily Tot frequently hosts masterclasses featuring exclusive rums, along with thrilling rum-based guest shifts in collaboration with renowned bars such as Jungle Bird, Bees Knees, and Pickwicks Chronicles, honouring the rich legacy and diversity of rum.

WHAT TO DO Gin-tasting workshop

For an authentic local experience, don’t miss the gin-tasting workshop hosted by Perfume Trees Gin, the pioneering brand behind Hong Kong’s first local gin brand. This immersive session offers a fascinating look into the art of gin-making, allowing you to sample their unique botanicals and explore how this distinctive spirit has become a key player in Hong Kong’s vibrant drinks scene. Founded by Kit Cheung, a bartender and consultant with over 15 years of experience across Hong Kong and Europe, and Joseph Cheung, a critical care and cardiac nurse practitioner with a Master of Laws, Perfume Trees Gin blends their shared passion to create a spirit infused with botanicals that reflect the rich heritage of Hong Kong. Perfume Trees Gin has also recently released the world’s first sugar-free coffee liqueur, co-developed with barista Gary Au.

Gin-tasting workshops and sharing sessions are held at Tankyu Distillery, located in the newly opened The Mills which was built as a textile factory back in the 50s.

Wine & Dine Festival 2024

The Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival, organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, is one of the city’s most celebrated annual events, drawing locals and visitors alike for a month of culinary delights, fine wines, and vibrant festivities. Typically held in October and November, the festival showcases Hong Kong’s dynamic food and beverage scene, bringing together an exciting blend of international and local flavours in both food and drink. This year, the much-anticipated festival took place from 23–27 October 2024 at the Central Harbourfront Event Space, attracting an impressive 155,000 locals and visitors over its five-day run. Visitors from around the globe—including from Mainland China, the United States, Canada, the UK, Australia, Germany, Japan, South Korea, and more—came together to sip and savour world-class food and drink offerings, making it a truly international celebration of flavours.

The festival featured over 300 booths, offering an impressive selection of premium wines from 35 countries and regions. Visitors had the opportunity to explore a diverse range of over a thousand wines, spirits, liquors, and food options, with everything from local delicacies to global flavours, all in one convenient location. This year also saw the introduction of the “Culinary Stars” zone, dedicated to showcasing exceptional offerings from Michelin-starred and Bib Gourmand restaurants. Notable highlights include South African abalone from the acclaimed three-Michelin-starred Forum Restaurant and the debut of “Torii,” a signature canned cocktail from The Aubrey, ranked 10th on the 2024 Asia’s 50 Best Bars list.

Although the main event has wrapped up, the excitement continues throughout November! The Hong Kong Tourism Board has extended the celebration by introducing its ‘Taste Around Town’ campaign,  teaming up with nearly 400 of the city’s finest restaurants and bars. Running until 30 November, these vibrant venues offer a tempting array of exclusive discounts and irresistible deals, ensuring that both locals and tourists can keep the festivities alive and savour the best of Hong Kong’s culinary scene.

Find the full list of participating outlets here.

For more travel guides, click here.

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