My first trip to Hong Kong and I was more focused on seeing the sights than trying to navigate public transportation to dining destinations or deciding among the infinite array of Michelin-starred, dim sum, traditional Cantonese, and storied choices. Of course, a girl’s got to eat and I savored as much of the local cuisine, fine dining, and street food that one person can but, while I was out exploring the city, choices in dining were largely based on the need for a bathroom break – western style…
Being an adventurous diner, I decided on the first day to have a hearty Asian style breakfast that would hold me over to dinner – with maybe a pork bao (bun), tea sandwich, or street snack here and there to supplement 😉 There were western style breakfasts of omelettes, eggs benedict, waffles, pancakes, granola, etc. available, but I can get those anytime! I was intrigued with the breakfast trays: Chinese, Thai, Japanese, and Healthy Special, and tried a different one each morning, beginning with the Chinese breakfast of congee, dim sum, rice roll, and condiments above. More savory than we are accustomed to, but as a savory lover and eater of leftovers for breakfast, this was right up my alley.
Congee is a type of rice porridge popular in Asia; comforting and satisfying, like oatmeal, it’s a great way to energize for the day and, similar to chicken soup, provides soothing relief when you’re not feeling well. Sprinkled with peanuts, green onions, and fresh ginger – I loved it!
Thai omelette of ground pork + shrimp | rice, sliced papaya and soy sauce with Thai pepper
The Thai omelette was light & healthy with fresh cucumbers, cherry tomatoes and papaya – loved that the omelette wasn’t dripping with cheese or sauce like we do it here. Very possibly, my favorite of the week, clinched with sweet, slices of papaya!
The best restaurants in Asia are found in hotels and from what my eastern friends have told me, this has always been the case. Unlike the U.S. where hotel restaurants were often considered sub-par and unglamorous, but with more high profile chefs – culinary icons and celebrity chefs – choosing to have their restaurants in landmark hotels, this is becoming true in the U.S., too. Our home for a week was the Sheraton, Hong Kong; the premium restaurants, attentive service, elegant decor with subtle Asian motifs, stunning views of Victoria Harbor, and central location in Tsim Sha Tsui confirms a return visit. Next time I’ll make it across the street to Nobu in the Intercontinental.
Japanese breakfast | grilled salmon, miso soup, rice, tamagoyaki, tsukemono, umeboshi
This is the breakfast of my ancestors, although I grew up eating Cream of Wheat (blah) and Quaker Oats oatmeal because, in a household of four kids, it’s fast, nutritious, and inexpensive. Tamagoyaki is slightly sweet Japanese rolled omelet also called tamago or dashimaki, tsukemono are Japanese pickles (not limited to cucumbers), and umeboshi is pickled ume plums.
Going down the menu, my last Asian-inspired breakfast was called Healthy Selection of crispy baked tofu, rye toast, and fresh fruit. The crisped tofu crusted with an assortment of sesame and other seeds and topped with a chunky tomato sauce was excellent! I’m going to copy this is my kitchen for a meatless dinner soon. Each Asian breakfast was high in protein, but low in saturated fat for a heart healthy meal with staying power.
Hong Kong is a truly fascinating country with a long and rich history; in fact, until 1997 it still belonged to the United Kingdom, as part of a 100 year lease. The city has since been operating under a mixed law system that blends British and Chinese ideas into one; it is this combination that gives Hong Kong such a diverse atmosphere that appeals to most visitors of this tiny south coast metropolis packed with 7 million people. The vibrant modern city is made up of two parts; the uptown central business area of “Hong Kong Island” with its 5 star hotels and upscale European restaurants, and the more authentically Chinese “Kowloon Side” that connects to the mainland offering a dizzying array of cultural experiences and the well-known, busy markets of Hong Kong.
Hong Kong’s British influence is why Westerners may find it to be a more comfortable transition to the East than other cities in Asia – it’s so civilized, with most hotels offering tea service in the late afternoon. One of the must-do’s on my list was tea at The Peninsula Hotel, an important landmark in Hong Kong history. I’ll be sharing tea at The Peninsula and other Travel Eats and adventures in Hong Kong in my next post. Hope you have a fabulous week!
Kiri W.
Don’t you love congee? I especially loved the fish toppings 🙂 But anything pickled will do for me, as well.
Priscilla
Hi Kiri – yes, the congee was good! I chose the fish, and it was very subtle. Chicken seems to be very common and I can see why it is their version of our chicken soup for what ails you.
Liren
One day…oh one day… 🙂
Priscilla
I’m sure you’ll get there one day, Liren. And, I’ll look forward to your stunning photos afterward!
Lori Lynn
I’d have salmon for breakfast everyday, that sounds great. Love this post, looking forward to more. Safe travels Priscilla.
LL
Priscilla
Thanks, Lori. I love salmon morning, noon, and night, too 🙂
Jean (Lemons and Anchovies)
Arroz caldo is the Philippine equivalent of congee–I could eat it any time of day, yum!
I agree with Liren…one day! Hopefully sooner than later!
Erin @ Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts
Someday we will get there!
Priscilla
Hi Erin – You will! I know you said Hong Kong is on your bucket list 🙂
RavieNomNoms
That is one delicious looking breakfast! I hope I get to travel there someday!
Baker Street
Hong Kong has been on my list for a long time now! We might plan something around the end of this year. I’ll be sure to give you shout for recommendations. I can’t wait to try that thai omelete! 🙂
Lisa
I’ve never tried congee (I think), but everything looks and sounds so wonderful annd scrumptious. I’m especially loving the Thai omelet with ground pork and shrimp. Hong Kong (or anywhere in China and/or Asia, for that matter) is on my bucket list – in pen 🙂
By the way, since it’s currently hard for me to get the time to cook and bake, until my father gets through everything.. there will be a lot more ‘dinners’ and simple meals. A nice change of pace, actually.
Suzanne
What an fun trip you must have a had. The food sound healthy and good. You don’t see to many heavy Asian people like in the US must be the healthy simple foods they enjoy.
Jen L @ Tartine and Apron Strings
i love hong kong! when we were living in the philippines, we usually go twice a year to HK because it was so close in proximity! we always stayed in Causeway Bay just outside (but still near) Central. i love it there and i have plenty of good memories of the place. unfortunately, since my family moved to Canada in 1995, i had not set foot in HK. since the return to China, I wonder how different it is from the very “British” HK that I remember?
great round up, Priscilla. thanks for taking me back…
Sandra's Easy Cooking
I couldn’t agree more with Liren…
I enjoyed reading your post very much, and seeing what was on your plate. Thank you for sharing, Priscilla! Can’t wait to see your next travel adventure!
Jamie
I have never seen tofu prepared that way but would love to taste it! I have long been fascinated to discover the foods of Hong Kong! I have heard great things. Everything looks delicious and my breakfast would probably last until after lunch.
Laura (Tutti Dolci)
Hi Priscilla,
New to your blog but I like what I see :). I always enjoy travel posts – they make me feel like I took a mini vacation! I’ve been to China but not to Hong Kong.
Magic of Spice
That omelette sounds wonderful…would love to visit some day 🙂
Stephanie
I haven’t been to Hong Kong for so long, I’m sure everything has changed. I’m so glad you enjoyed yourself and shared your adventures with us!