A Taste of Tradition and Modernity: My 8-Days Journey Through Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a city that captivates with contrasts — where glittering skyscrapers meet colonial charm, and time-honored cuisine shares the table with global culinary trends. My return flight was made even more seamless and comfortable with Cathay Pacific, a world-class airline that embodies the spirit of Hong Kong, thanks to the generous sponsorship from Immersive Hong Kong.

Let me take you through my travel diary filled with unforgettable food, cultural discoveries, and the charm of old-meets-new Hong Kong.

Flights via Cathay Pacific | Sponsored by Immersive Hong Kong 

Where I Stayed: Wan Chai 88 Hotel 

I stayed at Wan Chai 88 Hotel for 7 nights in the 88 Executive Mountain View Queen Room. This hotel, named a Top Choice by Agoda Travelers in 2024, proved to be the ideal base. Its central location in Wan Chai, modern aesthetics, and sweeping views of the Hong Kong mountains offered comfort and convenience for every part of my itinerary.

88 Executive Mountain View Queen Room  

🗓️Day 1: Arrival and a Taste of Local Delights

After checking into the hotel, I kicked off the trip with a late lunch at Capital Café. This popular spot serves up classic Hong Kong comfort food, and I indulged in local favorites like:

• Egg & Ham Toast

• Macaroni Soup with Char Siew

• Char Siew Rice

• Ximut Milk Tea (a rich evaporated milk tea)

In the afternoon, I visited Bakehouse (Wan Chai) by Grégoire Michaud, a bakery celebrated for its freshly baked sourdough and fine pastries. Of course, I couldn't leave without trying their Signature Sourdough Egg Tart. 

A unique twist on a classic favorite, the Sourdough Egg Tart combines the tangy depth of slow-fermented sourdough pastry with a silky, creamy egg custard filling. The result is a tart that’s perfectly balanced — lightly crisp on the outside with a rich, melt-in-your-mouth center. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of bold flavor and delicate sweetness.

Bakehouse | Wan Chai

You can find this one-of-a-kind treat fresh daily at their shop in Central!

Bakehouse | Central

🌧️Day 2: Rainy Day Comforts

Though the weather was gloomy, my spirits were high with a hearty breakfast at Chung Kee Congee (忠記). Their hot soy milk, classic congee, and stir-fried noodles were perfect for the cool, rainy morning.

Later, I tried Hong Kong’s #1 Handmade Lemon Tea from Lam Heung Ling (林香檸). Tart, refreshing, and handcrafted to perfection — it’s a beverage worth standing in line for.

Dinner took me back in time at Lau Haa Hot Pot, a retro-themed hotpot restaurant recreating the nostalgic atmosphere of 1980s Hong Kong. (Tip: We made reservations from Malaysia — essential due to high demand!)

🏙️Day 3: A Walk Through History and Taste

I spent the day exploring Central, starting with breakfast at Lan Fong Yuen — a tea house dating back to 1957. Known for its Hong Kong-style milk tea, this establishment has remained a local favorite for over 70 years.

Next was Vission Bakery, where I tasted the viral Matcha Mochi Danish — A delightful fusion of East and West, our Matcha Mochi Danish features buttery, flaky Danish pastry layered with a rich, earthy matcha custard. At its heart lies a soft, chewy mochi center that adds a satisfying contrast in texture. Lightly dusted with matcha powder and finished with a subtle glaze, this pastry is the perfect balance of crisp, creamy, and chewy — an indulgent treat for matcha lovers and pastry enthusiasts alike.

A cultural stop at Tai Kwun followed. Once a colonial police compound, it now serves as a center for contemporary art, heritage, and dining.

In Sheung Wan, I picked up a signature hotel fragrance from Shiu Shing Hong Limited — a quaint essential oil shop tucked along Jervois Street.

I then visited the historical Western Market, before enjoying a Michelin-recognized dinner at Kam Kee Roost Goose, which was included in the Michelin Guide HK Macau for 10 consecutive years.

Before heading back, I treated myself to MUJI’s Hong Kong edition ice cream and some gigantic peaches from Don Don Donki.

🖼️Day 4: Tin Hau District & Visual Culture

Sister Wah – Michelin Guide-Recommended, Hong Kong

The morning began at Sister Wah, famed for its beef noodles — rich broth, tender beef, and perfectly chewy noodles. 

Though the legendary Sister Wah has passed the torch, her legacy lives on through her sons, who continue to run the shop with the same dedication and tradition. Best known for their signature beef brisket in clear soup — made with fresh local beef slow-braised in a fragrant broth infused with over 10 herbs — this humble eatery remains a local favorite. The concise menu also features standouts like homemade pork and cabbage dumplings, drunken chicken, Dan Dan noodles, and braised white radish steeped in beef juices. With just six tables, the shop fills up quickly the moment it opens, so come early for a taste of this beloved Hong Kong institution.

Next was a visit to M+, Asia’s first global museum of contemporary visual culture. Its architecture and exhibitions were thought-provoking and beautifully curated.

Lunch was at Australian Dairy Company, where I enjoyed fluffy scrambled eggs and signature steamed milk pudding in a fast-paced local atmosphere.

🥢Day 5: Dim Sum, Creativity & Nostalgia

Breakfast was a time-traveling experience at Lin Heung Tea House, an institution in Hong Kong dim sum culture for over 100 years. Classic dishes rolled out on carts, just like old times.

I explored PMQ next, formerly the Police Married Quarters. It’s a creative hub hosting local artists, designers, and innovative startups today.

While wandering, I snacked on Mammy Pancake’s iconic egg puffs — crispy on the outside, soft inside — reminiscent of childhood street snacks.

I wrapped up the day with a scenic Star Ferry ride, followed by dinner at Kam Kee Cafe, a retro favorite established in 1967.

🍽️Day 6: Gourmet Hamburger Steak & Claypot Comfort

Lunch was at Hikiniku To Come (IFC Mall), where reservations made in advance ensured I got to try their "Just ground, Just grilled, Just cooked" hamburger steak — freshly prepared and immensely satisfying.

Post-lunch was a bit of shopping therapy.

For dinner, I ventured to Hing Kee Restaurant in Yau Ma Tei for authentic Claypot Rice — smoky, crispy, and filled with comforting flavors.

☕Day 7: A Laid-Back Day in Tai Hang

On my last full day, I ventured into the quieter, charming neighborhood of Tai Hang.

I took a leisurely coffee break at MUSE, a stylish café with excellent brews and a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for reflecting on my trip.

To satisfy my sweet tooth, I ended the day with some local desserts, savoring every last bite of Hong Kong’s culinary magic.

Day 8: Farewell, Hong Kong

Before heading to the airport, I made a final stop at The Peninsula Boutique to pick up elegant souvenirs — a perfect reminder of an unforgettable journey.

Saying goodbye to Hong Kong was bittersweet. The city’s vibrant spirit, rich culture, and incredible food scene left an indelible mark on my heart.

This incredible 8-day journey was made possible by the support of Immersive Hong Kong and the exceptional service of Cathay Pacific.

I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to explore, experience, and fall in love with Hong Kong all over again.

Until next time, Hong Kong — I will be back.