There are plenty of recommendations online about where to go in Hong Kong, but nothing compares to insights from those who’ve truly embraced the city.
The Hong Kong Tourism Board talked with four Filipinos who’ve called Hong Kong home for nearly a decade. Discover why they swear by their favorite spots and get inspired to explore the city like a local:
Illustration artist Reana Bachiller has her finger on the pulse of Hong Kong’s arts and culture scene. Coming from a very traditional Filipino background, she was hesitant to pursue a future in art, but it was in Hong Kong where her story as a creative mind truly began. Reana had since participated in various exhibitions like Affordable Art Fair, and collaborated with HKWALLS and Casetify.
Reana doesn’t gatekeep her art endeavors, either. She raves endlessly about the bustling art scene in the city. If you’re into DIY, she recommends giving Amazing Neon a visit. “You get to create your own neon sign and take it home,” she explains. When it comes to immersive digital art, Reana points to Arte M. “A captivating and beautiful experience that lets you escape reality,” are the words she uses to describe the exhibition. The core concept of Arte M interprets the subject and space of nature as media art under the theme of “eternal nature” that is suitable for art enthusiasts of all ages.
Think Hong Kong is all skyscrapers and neon lights? Rugby player and adventure seeker Rob Fogerty is here to show another side of the city. To Rob, Hong Kong and its different facets have always been about the freedom to pursue sports, develop friendships, and travel. “The city’s natural beauty is more impressive than many people realize. You just need to know where to look,” Rob says. For him, Victoria Peak Lugard Road is the ultimate spot to catch stunning views, get your daily steps in, and find some peace in the middle of the city. For those who prefer the calming presence of water, Silvermine Bay Beach and Waterfall are where you can find your next favorite spot and travelers can get to both so easily.
Rob also believes that the eclectic city, with both its towering skyscrapers and nature trails, helped him to embrace his Filipino heritage even more. “My roots have been strengthened here, and I am proud to be amongst many Filipinos working in a variety of industries in such a diverse city.” Known for their hardworking, hospitable, and kind nature, Filipinos embody qualities that he strives to live out every day. But his love for nature goes beyond the views that gave him a sense of purpose. For a coffee break surrounded by nature, he recommends The Hideout, a hidden gem he thinks everyone should visit.
As a content creator and owner of a hip Filipino restaurant in Hong Kong aptly named “Barkada”, Jen knows exactly where to find Hong Kong’s best-kept culinary secrets. “Hong Kong’s food scene is renowned, but the real gems are often tucked away in unexpected places,” she said. Her blog and Instagram account are treasure maps that lead to some of the city’s most exciting food joints. But more than just recommendations, Jen believes that her blog was where her life took a turn for the better. It all started back in 2011 when she created her food blog, Indulgent Eats, as she has always been passionate about sharing her dining adventures and the Filipino cuisine she grew up eating through her social media platforms which now boast over 400,000 fans.
Hong Kong was another huge stepping stone for her culinary career. “While I moved to Hong Kong in 2017, it wasn’t until the pandemic that I wrote my cookbook Indulgent Eats at Home which included a number of Filipino recipes,” she adds. And since she’s been at it for years, Jen is an expert on all things yummy in Hong Kong. One of her top picks is Tai On Coffee & Tea Shop, which offers the perfect blend of vintage cha chaan teng interiors with modern menu items like molten lava egg tarts and a decadent pineapple bun with matcha white chocolate. And if you’re in the mood for a taste of history, don’t miss Tai Ping Koon, one of the oldest restaurants in Hong Kong. Their Swiss wings are to die for, and it’s one of the oldest restaurants in the world” Jen gushes. If you’re indecisive, Baseball 02 gives a unique spin to your basic food hall place. “There’s a curated collection of Hong Kong and international best food and drink experiences, so don’t miss out on that,” Jen says. And if it’s casual-as-casual-can-get that you’re looking for, Sing Kee is where it’s at. Jen goes on to explain that traditional outdoor eateries are big in Hong Kong, and they’re known as dai pai dong.
