THE BEST OF HONG KONG
DECEMBER 2021
HOLIDAY RETREATS CHRISTMAS MARKETS FESTIVE FEASTS
CONTENTS
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12
16
CHRISTMAS MARKETS
FESTIVE FEASTS
Trinkets galore! Support small businesses and get your share of the Christmas spirit at these local markets.
Dig into turkey, ham, and the whole shebang at these holiday-friendly restaurants.
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20
GIFT GUIDES
A JOLLY GOOD TIME
From local brands to unique experiences, there's no lack of gifting options this Christmas.
Entertain your friends and fam at these holiday-themed experiences.
FAR FROM HOME This holiday, get away without getting away...
11
HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS From Christmas trees to Christmas Carols, there's no lack of festive activity in the city
...and more! Winter Dishes 31 Holiday Giving 35
Partner Content
Enjoy the ultimate festive indulgence by staying in a suite at the Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong. The Celebration Suite
Festive Staycation at
room package is available to book for stays until 31 December 2021, with rates starting from HK$6,000 per night, including 25% off on selected suites with a complimentary guestroom on the same floor, daily breakfast for four guests, welcome Madeleines with jam, a complimentary bottle of champagne and celebratory decorations. Plus, it includes access to The Mandarin Club for two guests (when booking a Club Room or Suite). During the festive month, the hotel will be offering roasted chestnuts, mulled wine, mince pies and Santa’s Grotto (with Santa making an appearance from 4pm to 5pm daily, from 2 to 26 December). Book now on mandarinoriental.com/hong-kong/victoriaharbour/luxury-hotel/offers/celebration-suite
12 Days of Christmas GIVEAWAY
Enter our epic annual Christmas Giveaway starting December 1 on theloophk.com for your chance to win hampers, artwork, dining experiences, and a highly anticipated GRAND PRIZE! Twelve days, more than 12 incredible prizes and happy winners... Check out our theloophk.com for more details!
FAR FROM HOME
A few inspirational ideas for a mini "holiday" this Christmas
STAYING IN THE CITY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, LIKE THE REST OF US? LIVEN IT UP WITH THESE SPECIAL “FAR-FLUNG” EXPERIENCES THAT WILL MAKE YOUR CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR’S JUST THIS MUCH MORE SPECIAL.
Royal Caribbean Cruise Given the times, there's probably no safer city to embark on a cruise from, than Hong Kong. And Royal Caribbean is taking full advantage, with two- to four-night “cruise-tonowhere” packages that are the closest thing to leaving this city — without really leaving. The 2137room Spectrum of the Seas is making journeys throughout December, January and February. To make up for the lack of offshore experiences, the ship offers everything from VR trampolines to bumper cars and the world’s tallest viewing deck. It’s not too farfetched to say there’s something for everyone here. Sail times vary. Check royalcaribbean.com for details.
Ocean Park Glamping YES, Ocean Park has diversified its offerings and now you can glamp right underneath the stars at the Aberdeen-based amusement park. Differently themed packages are offered depending on the season and occasion, and “Starry Summit Yoga Glamping” is one of the highlights for December 2021. Gather a group of four and stay in a stylish tent with all the amenities and conveniences of the city-dweller. What’s not to love? Camp times vary. Check www.oceanpark.com.hk for details.
Luxe Stay at MO In need of a traditionally posh Christmas experience this year? The Mandarin Oriental comes through with a “Festive Wonder Staycation” that’s available only on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve. Perks include a curated set menu at Man Wah, brunch at newly opened The Aubrey, and access to The Mandarin Club lounge — not to mention a fancy room to boot. MO also has other staycay packages available throughout December and January. Rates vary. Check mandarinoriental.com for details.
Camping at Sai Yuen It’s choose your own adventure at Sai Yuen Camping and Adventure Camp. Whether it’s star-gazing from a Geodesic dome, going back to nature in a Native American-style teepee, living the nomadic life in a Mongolian ger (yurt), or taking a DIY spin and pitching your own tent, there’s plenty of space to cater to every taste. The 11-acre campsite is located on the southwestern tip of Cheung Chau, and offers loads of activities like tree top canopy walks, abseiling, archery and a petting pen. Plus, all tents are equipped with air conditioning, indoor lighting, mosquito nets and private bathrooms just in case you aren’t ready to really “tough it out”. Saiyuen, Cheung Chau, DD CC Lot 12
Day
TRIPS
Tree Viewing at K11 MUSEA Hong Kong’s malls go all out every holiday season, and this year K11 Musea is flexing its muscles with a giant (read: 13-meter-tall) Cartier red-gold tree for all to admire. Accompanying the tree will be live festive performances at 3pm on designated days. K11 MUSEA Promenade, Victoria Dockside. Until Jan 2. Ice Skating in Discovery Bay DB Ice Rink will be converted into a Monchhichi-themed affair this Christmas — that’s the cute little Japanese monkey character, for those of us in the dark. That means fun times for the whole fam, especially the little ones. Special skating classes and camps are also available for enrolment throughout December. Check www.dbicerink.com for details. Play for Charity at LANDMARK The Central shopping center has been turned into a colorful “Share Joy” themed Christmas Wonderland, which will be bringing smiles to children (the colorful rainbow slide is a highlight!) and the young at heart. Proceeds from the Christmas Joy House will go to Hong Kong Council of Social Service. Until Jan 2, 2022. Check www.landmark.hk for details.
Afternoon Tea at The Ritz The Ritz will be featuring a Steiff Teddy Bear Festive Afternoon Tea menu created by chef Peter Finds that includes traditional German treats like Black Forest cake, as well as a cutesy stuffed toy to bring home. Dec 1, 2021 to Jan 2, 2022. Check ritzcarlton.com/hongkong for details.
DECEMBER EVENTS A Christmas Carol
Get into the Christmas mood at HK Fringe Club this year with A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, adapted and directed by Candice Gourlay Moore! Where? Fringe Underground, Central When? Dec 1-3, 8pm. Dec 4, 3pm & 8pm How much? Up to HK$290 for adults
The Story of Craft
Adrian Cheng and Carine Roitfeld will be presenting Savoir-Faire: The Mastery of Craft in Fashion, a grand exhibition showcasing fashion pieces from the world’s biggest designers, plus never-before-seen pieces. Where? K11 Art & Cultural Centre, K11 MUSEA When? Dec 13-Feb 14 How much? HK$70 / ticket
"Booked" Fair
Booked is featuring more than 80 publishers, artists, booksellers, and organizations to celebrate art and publishing local and all around the world. On top of Hong Kong-based exhibitors, Booked has also launched the twinning programme for non-local exhibitors. Where? Tai Kwun, Central When? Dec 16 to 19 How much? HK$40 per ticket
HK WINTERFEST 2021 Tree by the Harbor: The annual Hong Kong Winterfest has moved its signature Christmas Town from Central to the West Kowloon Cultural District. Get in the Christmas spirit by walking through the traditional Christmas Town featuring a towering Christmas tree and festive-themed displays. The big Christmas tree is stunning with the endless harbourview in the background. Where? Harbourside Lawn West, Art Park, West Kowloon Cultural District When? November 26, 2021 to January 2, 2022 How much? Free!
s t e k r a M e h t o T Lift your spirits at these Christmas markets around town! By Faye Bradley
It’s that holly jolly time of year, when tinsel is abundant and the sounds of cheery carols are on autoplay. Yes, it’s Christmas. And if the aroma of hot chocolate and sounds of jingling aren’t enough to get you in the mood, then a festive market surely will. Here are the best Christmas markets in Hong Kong this year.
Handmade Hong Kong Discovery Bay Market Handmade Hong Kong organizes regular markets at Discovery Bay, but the Christmas one is easily the most popular one every year. Creatives from all over the city come together to share their unique crafts, food, drink and more. Support local businesses at this artisan-driven gem. Plus, there’s an abundance of restaurants to dine at to fully enjoy your afternoon before your ferry back to the city. Where: Discovery Bay Plaza, Discovery Bay Road, Discovery Bay When: December 12th 11:00am to 6:00pm
White Christmas Street Fair by Swire Properties Since 2013, Swire Properties has held an annual White Christmas Street Fair to celebrate citywide festive cheer from its base in Taikoo Place to Starstreet Precinct. Families, friends and colleagues adjourn to toast to the holiday season with food and drink, entertainment, workshops and Christmas shopping. The event also raises funds for Operation Santa Clause, an annual fundraising campaign that supports local and regional non-profit organizations. Where: Tong Chong Street, Taikoo Place When: December 2nd to 5th
Stanley Christmas Market Stanley’s busy and longstanding annual Christmas market attracts locals and tourists (back in the day). This fun event offers everything you need for a day of festive activities, from arts and crafts to a plethora of dining options. Bring your friends and family for an immersive experience! Where: Stanley Plaza, 23 Carmel Road, Stanley When: December 11th to 27th
Prestige Market Every year, Prestige Fairs holds its lifestyle and gifts fair at Conrad Hong Kong. It’s been running for over 20 years, bringing loyal shoppers back for their annual Christmas gifts. You can find items for everyone on your gifting list at this mega shopping takeover spot, so don’t forget to bring your shopping bags! Where: Grand Ballroom, Conrad Hong Kong, 88 Queensway, Admiralty When: December 9th 10:00am to 8:00pm
The Hive Markets
REISE | PAGE 4
Explore the unique arts and crafts at The Hive, one of Hong Kong’s most popular co-working spaces. It’ll be hosting its annual Christmas market at four locations – Sheung Wan, Kennedy Town, Lai Chi Kok and Sai Kung, each offering its own character. Join the festive fun, we hear there might be mulled wine again, so we’re in! Where: the Hive Sai Kung, the Hive Kennedy Town, the Hive Lai Chi Kok, the Hive Sheung Wan When: December 4th to 11th (varies depending on location)
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Helmed by chef Fabiano Palombini, Castellana Restaurant serves modern Piedmont cuisine and Barolo and Barbaresco wines chosen by Stefano Bartolomei in the heart of Causeway Bay. This cozy yet glamorous restaurant is offering a festive menu for discerning diners to celebrate the winter season. Choose from the fourcourse menu (HK$1,280 + optional HK$780 wine pairing) or six-course menu (HK$1,680 + optional HK$980 wine pairing) for a feast of seasonal ingredients including guinea fowl, hazelnuts and truffle. It’s the perfect way to indulge in winter’s finest offerings and to get into the festive spirit with friends and family! 10/F, Cubus, 1 Hoi Ping Road, Causeway Bay, 3188-5028
A JOLLY GOOD TIME THESE SPECIALLY THEMED HOLIDAY EVENTS CATER TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY ALIKE By Celia Hu
Whether you are home for the holidays or spending the festive season away from your family in Hong Kong due to travel restrictions, we’ve got a list packed with celebratory fun to wrap up another COVID year in style. So stir up the eggnog (and we won’t tell if you add an extra swish of alcohol to the mix) and let’s get the festivities rolling. At least we know Old Saint Nick will be travelling across the globe this Christmas without any travel restrictions. Gingerbread for Good This holiday season, you can stuff your face with cookies in the name of doing something for the greater good. From December 6 to 23, social enterprise Cookie Smiles will team up with 12 of Hong Kong’s most popular chefs to create a lineup of delectable, unique gingerbread cookies with profits going to charitable organizations ranging from ImpackHK, Splash Foundation, Shine Skills Centre and The Hong Kong Down Syndrome Association. The #FindYourPerfectMan campaign will feature 12 unique gingerbread men cookies created by chefs the likes of Richard Ekkebus, Agustin Balbi, and Uwe Opocensky. Expect flavors like Ando’s “Grumpy Mojo” maple syrup gingerbread man, Chef Chris Ho’s Baijiu five spice gingerbread, Cookie DPT’s red velvet gingerbread, Salisterra’s “Mr. Terra” rosemary molasses and sea salt gingerbread, and the Landmark Oriental’s “The Big Boy” with Japanese tangerine, just to name a few. The 12 unique flavors of gingerbread men will be sold at luxury fashion boutique JOYCE in Central, so nibble on and pick which (ginger)man is your perfect match. G/F, New World Tower, 16-18 Queen's Road Central, Central
Circus Party at Tai Kwun Revamped historical culture hub Tai Kwun will play host to a dazzling lineup of circus and dance performances this holiday season. The main plaza will also be home to a 12-meter-high Christmas tree. The three weeks of circus performances kicks off on December 15 and concludes on January 2, and will feature local and international artists. Highlights include award-winning Spanish troupe David Moreno Cia. and Cristina Calleja, performing dance, music and acrobatics on a grand piano suspended a staggering eight metres in the air, as well as a Hong Kong twist to the classic Nutcrackers, with homegrown theatre troupe TS Crew using lion dance, Chinese opera, circus, acrobatics, beatboxing, and fire breathing to depict the dramatic battle scene amongst the mice and nutcrackers. There’s also a host of CircusCracker Workshops around the theme of Nutcracker for families, where adults and little ones alike can learn from onsite artist demonstrations and try their hand at crafts and tricks. 10 Hollywood Road, Central, 35592600 Gingerbread for Good
Santa’s Sweet Shop at Island Shangri-La Island Shangri-La plays host to a rich tapestry of festive events this season. The Christmas tree, decorated with handpainted ornaments from local illustrators, goes up on November 19 alongside the opening of the Christmas Market. Plenty of gifting ideas can be found at the market, including chocolate bars with hidden golden tickets, luxurious advent calendars and gingerbread featuring Hong Kong’s iconic skyline. Roasted chestnuts, hot chocolate, mulled wine, toffee apples and mince pies will be offered to fuel your shopping escapades. Santa is wrapping up quarantine and will be hosting meet and greets with the little ones at Santa’s Sweet Shop, with photos and sweet treats accompanying each visit at $128. Be sure to make reservations prior to a visit to avoid disappointments. Reservations open on the week of November 15. The Christmas Theatre at the hotel lobby will be amping up the holiday spirit with daily live music, as well as ballet performances on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, and carolers from Heep Yunn School on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. There will also be Festive Storytelling and Nutcracker Craft Workshops during the week of Christmas. Pacific Place, Supreme Court Road, Admiralty, 2877-3838
Stories at The Peninsula The lighting of the massive Christmas tree in the grand foyer of historic Peninsula Hotel has always been a tradition in Hong Kong, drawing crowds to watch the towering tree come alive with glowing embers. This year’s Lighting Ceremony is scheduled for December 2, and a Festive Chalet set up in the hotel lobby until Christmas Eve offering delectable cookies, puddings, hampers and festive decorations such as snow globes. Santa and the hotel mascot Pen Bear will also be making the rounds during the festive season. This year marks the fourth and final chapter in the “Stories from the Tree” series at The Peninsula, featuring a story about a reindeer who journeys around the world to experience different Christmas traditions, an aptly theme in a travel-restricted COVID world. The e-story is downloadable through the Peninsula website for free, along with the three other stories from previous years. A printed box set of the four volumes are also available for purchase, with USD$10 of proceeds going to ImpackHK, a local NGO that assist the underprivileged in Hong Kong. The Peninsula, Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2920-2888
Carols at The Langham Festivities abound this year at The Langham, with a Christmas tree lighting on December 1, followed by traditional carols and Christmas songs in the hotel lobby every evening at 6pm from December 18 until December 26, so be sure to share in the holidays cheers while sipping mulled complimentary wine. Little ballerinas from the Christine Liao School of Ballet and Asian Dance Association will dazzle guests with excerpts from The Nutcracker Ballet on the afternoon of December 12 and December 19, and jolly ol’ Saint Nick will be spreading the holiday spirit at noon and in the evenings from December 18 through to Boxing Day. Be sure to also check out the holiday feasting menu at the various restaurants, with holiday highlights the likes of panettone, roast turkey, black forest yule logs, and blackcurrent trifle. The Langham, 8 Peking Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2375-1133
House Market at Upper House This December 4 to 5, the Lawn at the Upper House welcomes back the popular House Market, featuring a collection of local lifestyle and culinary brands ranging from Casa Cacao, Cupping Room, Bimbo Concept, Callixto, NIIN Jewellery, RE.VITYL, Oddity Fragrance and Story Cashmere, just to name a few. There's bound to be something for everyone at the market. To fuel the shopping escapades, mulled wine and seasonal snacks ranging from Wagyu meatballs, apple tart, and cranberry Basque burnt cheesecake will be on offer at the Upper House Food Station. There are also workshops such as wreath-making hosted by Bydeau, and fun activities for kids. The Upper House has committed to donating 10 percent of the market's profits to Hong Kong Down Syndrome Association. The Lawn, The Upper House, Level 6 and Sky Lounge, Level 49, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty
Orient Express at ifc Mall “Grand Central Station” arrives in Central, Hong Kong this holidays season in the form of an Orient Express midnight blue train carriage decked out to transfer visitors on a luxurious railroad journey back in time. Founded in 1883, the Orient Express has been a symbol of luxury travel for over a hundred years, and a link between East and West. The exhibit at ifc Mall will feature the iconic train carriage alongside vintage displays, timeless artifacts and historical documents. You might not be able to board the actual Orient Express this holiday season, but you can let your imagination take you away on the carriage at IFC. The exhibition starts on November 23 and ends on January 2, 2022. IFC Mall, 8 Finance Street, Central
Sustainable Holiday at Rosewood Back by popular demand, The Rosewood launches their second Staycation for Good this December 18 to 20 in partnership with Social Ventures Hong Kong (SVhk) with a message of sustainability as well as social empowerment. The two-night staycation package features immersive experiences for the whole family, and activities include upcycling out-ofservice linens into DIY Santa sacks, Christmas cookie decoration masterclass, and repacking upcycled toys for underprivileged children in Hong Kong. Little guests will prepare a treasure hunt along with snacks for a Christmas party for low-income families on December 19, in partnership with Principal Chan Free Tutorial World. A pre-loved toy drive in collaboration with local NGO Green Toysland is open for donations from December 1 to 26 along with Rosewood half-day holiday camps. Children ages five to ten can partake in an array of activities such as baking up waffle cone Christmas trees, crafting holiday kaleidoscopes, and grooving like future K-POP stars. The Rosewood Hong Kong, Victoria Dockside, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, 3891-8888
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Perched on ICC’s sweeping 101st floor, RADICAL CHIC
takes Italian fine dining to new highs by experimenting with unique ingredients and awe-inspiring gastronomy, helmed by Executive Chef Andrea Zamboni. This festive season, the establishment is serving three menu options: the Festive Weekend Lunch (HK$980 for four courses, HK$1280 for five courses), Festive ‘Chic’ Degustation (HK$1,280 for six courses with optional wine pairing HK$880) and the Festival ‘Radical’ Degustation (HK$1,580 for six courses). There’s also the seasonal Innovative White Truffle Degustation (HK$2,980 for five courses with optional wine pairing from HK$880). Looking for something more intimate? Book the Private Room which houses 10-12 people. International Commerce Centre (ICC), Shop B1, Level 101, 1 Austin Road West, 3618-7880
FESTIVE FEASTS MARK THESE HOLIDAYFRIENDLY RESTAURANTS ON YOUR CHRISTMAS LIST BY FAYE BRADLEY
Photo: Clipper Lounge
Christmas is around the corner meaning it's time to book yourself in for those festive meals! It's always a good idea to plan ahead of time. Whether you're looking for a spot for your Christmas Day meal or just want to feel the holiday mood somewhere, here are some festive-friendly restaurants that will fulfil your cravings. Clipper Lounge Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong is known for its headto-toe festive feels thanks to the decorations which you can enjoy from the moment you walk in. Every restaurant has an upbeat atmosphere, but we're looking forward to seeing what's in store at the Clipper Lounge. Here, the infamous festive buffet will feed hungry bellies with everything you need for a full-on feast. M/F, Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, 5 Connaught Road Central, 2825-4007. Open every day 6:30am to 10:00pm Porterhouse Round up the holiday season at Porterhouse for some surf and turf goodies. Every year, the restaurant gets fun and fuzzy with its Christmassy vibe and must-try menus. Expect turkey and all the trimmings in a breezy al-fresco setting – ahh, how we love Hong Kong winters. 7/F, California Tower 30-36 D'Aguilar Street, Lan Kwai Fong, Central, 2522-6366. Open every day, times vary.
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MEATS In case you've not tried MEATS before, Christmas is the best time to experience this indulgent spot. And when we say indulgent, we mean meaty indulgence. Specializing in every type of festive meat imaginable, this Soho joint is a great place to head to for the holidays to tuck into a sharing devour. It's perfect for groups – friends and families. G/F Soho, 28-30 Staunton Street, Central, 2711-1812. Open every day, times vary.
The Continental The Continental recently got a lavish refurbishment thanks to its takeover by The House Collective. Offering modern British fare, the restaurant is a great spot for a relaxed festive celebration. Usher into the exciting season with your loved ones at this Pacific Place gem. Unit 406, L4 Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, 2704-5211. Open every day, times vary.
Amalfitana How about Christmas by the beach? Yes please! Repulse Bay's plethora of waterfront restaurants mark a tranquil event for the upcoming Hong Kong holidays. But that doesn't mean you can't get boozy – Amalfitana is the ideal mix of food and drink, where you can tuck into festive dishes and cocktails. G/F, The Pulse, 28, 105 Beach Rd, Repulse Bay, 2388-7787. Open every day, 12:00pm to 10:00pm.
GIFT GUIDE: LOCAL BRANDS By Yannie Chan
Looking for an easy but unique gift to bring to a
The Lingering Scent of Home
Christmas party? We are too! Here are some gift
We're picky when it comes to home aroma:
options from Hong Kong brands that are
nothing too perfumey, nothing so strong that it
thoughtful and won't break your wallet.
overwhelms everything else. This beautifully designed The Lingering Scent of Home by
HAKO Black Special Black Box
fashion designer Zoe ticks all our boxes. Subtle
This all-black leaf-shaped incense HAKO Black
but comforting scent, plus a stylish knot diffuser
Special is insanely cool and comes in a range of
stick that looks great on the shelf.
aromas. Stocked by local select shop the Pimary,
HK$480 at store.zoeebyzoe.com
the edgy gift is not only visually stunning but also helps cleanse one's room of bad smells. It's chic, and not something we'd buy for ourselves — which makes it the perfect gift. HK$298 at pimaryhk.com
Lucky Cat Calendar by Visual Hungry A chic and humorous desk calendar to welcome Bottled Cocktails from Ping 852
the Year of Tiger. Designed by local design
Ping 852 is all about bottled cocktails in fun
company Visual Hungry, the calendar comes with
flavors like Lemon Tart, Pilo-Milo, and Madarine
a cute cat every month. The calendar can also be
Puerh. The brand is launching a Xmas Set with
used as 12 separate postcards.
brand new flavors such as New Mull Mull and
HK$188 at foreforehea, 1/F, 132B Ki Lung Street,
Gummy Bears. Who'd say no to a fun cocktail?
Sham Shui Po
HK$340 at ping852.com
Winter FestiviTEA Gift Set by Plantation There's nothing more comforting than a cup of
Photo Prints by Local Photographers
warm tea for the chilly winter, and a gift of tea is
It's always good to have a keepsake to remember
always welcomed during the colder months.
things by, especially for Hong Kong, a city where
Local tea brand Plantation, also teakha's sister
everything is changing so fast. kakahuette.com
brand, has a simple Winter FestiviTEA Gift Set
offers prints by local photographers at affordable
that includes their most popular Christmas
prices. You'll find photographs of the Peak, the
blends: the warming Merry Masala, and Mulled
MTR, busy roads, tong lau and more.
Roselle, specially blended to evoke the taste of
HK$599 and up at www.kakahuette.com
mulled wine. HK$198 at plantation.hk
GIFT GUIDE: EXPERIENCES By Yannie Chan
Singing Bowl Therapy
Some of the best memories are often an
The singing bowl is an exercise that helps to
experience: a day-trip, cooking together, an
relax and rid yourself of negative energy. The
unforgettable trip. This holiday, gift your loved
most common ones are Tibetan singing bowls,
ones a special experience instead of the usual
used for singing bowl experiences worldwide. It's
gifts. Better yet, gift them something you can
said that singing bowls give off a vibration that
experience together and make lovely memories.
flow through your body. There are even studies showing that listening to that sound will relieve
Forest Bathing
stress and calm your nerves. The perfect activity
What is forest bathing? Based upon the Japanese
to do with your busy friends!
concept of "shinrin-yoku", the practice invites
Bowl Zentral, www.facebook.com/BowlZentral
participants to walk among a forest, and connect with nature. Shinrin Yoku Hong Kong is a local group that organises private tours for interested parties, with experienced guides that will help you awaken your senses and explore nature. www.shinrinyokuhk.com
Tea Tasting While wine and coffee tasting are fun, not Cooking Class While there are serious cooking classes you can join, we are going to recommend easy and stress-free cooking classes that's more about spending a good time together and forgetting reality for an hour or two. ABC Cooking Studio offers baking, bread-making and wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets). Everything comes
everyone can take alcohol and caffeine. Tea is a great alternative for those curious in exploring different tastes and flavor profiles but are looking for something more calming and relaxing. Plantation by teakha is a quiet teahouse. Join a one-hour tea tasting with your friends and taste some delicious teas! plantation.hk/tea-tasting
pre-weighed, the recipes are straightforward with just the right amount of challenge. There's even a beautiful photo corner for you to take photos of your food! ABC Cooking Studio, abc-cooking.com.hk
Spas and Massages Okay, who doesn't love spas and massages? Sometimes you get more from quality resting time than an educational workshop. It's also a Art Jamming
beautiful gift as many people do not allow
Have an artsy afternoon with a friend and explore
themselves to rest. An especially thoughtful gift
your artistic sides. Once there's a canvas and
for friends and family who find it hard to pamper
paint in front of you, something magical happens
themselves.
— time passes and then you're creating an
Spoilt HK, www.spoilt.com.hk
artwork! The perfect present for friends with a creative side. Oscary Art, oscaryart.com
HEARTWARMING DISHES By Yannie Chan
When the weather changes, our palates change as well and begin to crave warmer and heavier tastes. Here are the local dishes that we are going to indulge in to keep us warm this winter. Braised Lamb Brisket Pot You know it’s winter when local restaurants start to offer the seasonal braised lamb brisket pot. Seasoned with chuhau sauce, the pot is rich and heavy, filled with pieces of satisfying lamb briskets, bamboo shoots, shiitake mushrooms and silky bean curds. Enjoy with fermented bean curd sauce and you’ve got a perfect winter meal. Where to get: Kwan Kee Claypot Rice, G/F, Shop 1, 263 Queen’s Road West, Sai Ying Pun, Sai Wan
Hot Pot The classic Hong Kong food for parties at home and group hangs, hotpot can accommodate everyone’s needs, from the meat lovers and healthy eaters to spicy addicts. Just split the pot with a divider by half, and you can have everything! Where to get: Suppa, 2/F, Circle Tower, 28 Tang Lung Street, Causeway Bay
Congee Barbecue Get a bag of charcoal, a pack of barbecue forks, some meat or seafood, chicken wings, aluminium foil to wrap some enoki mushrooms and sweet potatoes, marshmallows, honey. Head to the countryside or the beach, grab a spot at a government barbecue pit, and cook up a storm! Where to get: Barbecue sites, www.lcsd.gov.hk
Not that you can't have congee in the warmer months, it's just that congee tastes extra comforting on a cold winter day! Choose any toppings you want, pair with some deep fried doughstick, and it just fills you up with a warm fuzzy feeling. Where to get: Sang Kee Congee Shop, G/F, 7-9 Burd Street, Sheung Wan
Fried Sticky Rice
Sour & Spicy Noodles
Dumplings
Fried rice is too basic —
Yunnan-style sour & spicy
An ultimate homey dish,
winter is the season for fried
noodles are becoming a Hong
dumplings with soup is cozy
sticky rice! Savory, heavy,
Kong essential dish, and the
and warming — a perfect
chewy, fried sticky rice has
best season to have it is none
comfort food to keep you
always been a winter staple,
other than winter. Expect a
warm. For a deceptively
complete with preserved meat
bright red and rich soup base,
simple dish, the dumplings
and sausages.
chewy rice noodles, and tons
pack a lot of warmth. We'll
Where to get: Keung Kee, 406
of toppings such as tofu,
never tire of dumplings as a
Lockhart Road, Wan Chai
cuttlefish-balls, and pork belly.
quick and easy meal after a
Where to get: Lok Lum Small
long day of work.
Pot Noodles, G/F, 11 Pan Hoi
Where to get: Fung Shun
Street, Quarry Bay
Dumpling Shop, 17A, Yu Chau Street, Prince Edward
GIVING BACK THIS CHRISTMAS By Faye Bradley
The festive season holds many celebrations and things to do but the most important one is the act of giving back. It's been a tough couple of years for most of us, some notably more than others, but 2021 is coming to an end. As we hope for a prosperous start to 2022, here are some ideas on how to give back this year – and beyond. Donate Food & Supplies There's way too much food waste every year, so it's always important to do our part in limiting the excess wherever possible. Over a million people in Hong Kong suffer from poverty, many without access to nutritious meals. There are different ways you can get involved in providing food and supplies to those in need, whether through soup kitchens, food prep or donations. Feeding Hong Kong organizes group volunteers to sort, pack and deliver food to the needy as well as collecting food surplus across the city. Similarly, Food Wise Hong Kong encourages restaurants to reduce food waste together and offers training workshops for those who want to learn how to help. There's also Food Angel which rescues edible surplus food from different sectors of the food industry from going to waste. Volunteers can help prepare veggies and meals and help serve them to beneficiaries.
Volunteer at Local Charities Luckily, there are quite a lot of charities in Hong Kong, meaning there's plenty of room for helping out. If you have experience as a teacher or mentor, the Society for Community Organisation welcomes individuals to be a part of the child's mentorship program. Impact HK, Hands On HK and Street Cleaner Appreciation Walks HK (SCWalksHK) organize regular 'kindness walks' to help homeless people by donating living essentials and food. HK Breast Cancer Foundation holds events to promote awareness. There are also so many more noteworthy charities that accept donations.
Photo: Impact HK
Photo: Impact HK
Make a Blood Donation Luckily, there are quite a lot of charities in Hong Kong, meaning there's plenty of room for helping out. If you have experience as a teacher or mentor, the Society for Community Organisation welcomes individuals to be a part of the child's mentorship program. Impact HK, Hands On HK and Street Cleaner Appreciation Walks HK (SCWalksHK) organize regular 'kindness walks' to help homeless people by donating living essentials and food. HK Breast Cancer Foundation holds events to promote awareness. There are also so many more noteworthy charities that accept donations.
Donate Books Besides donating money, there are many other useful things that can find a second forever home and give back. Donate your books, clothes and even furniture to someone who can use them in a new light. There's Kid4Kids, Crossroads Foundation, The Salvation Army and Po Leung Kuk Orphanage, to name a few.
Adopt an Animal Whether you're looking for a forever friend or only able to foster, it can make a huge difference for Hong Kong animal charities. Support local shelters including Catherine's Puppies, SPCA, Kirsten's Zoo and more, and take home a pet for life.
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