When to Visit - Arts and Events

As the Chinese lunar calendar and the Western calendar are both in use in Hong Kong, setting dates for special events always poses a bit of a problem. Consequently, it is only possible to give approximate dates. The Hong Kong Food Festival, hailed as the culinary event in Asia's shifting calendar, takes place some time during March. The whole of the city appears to take part in cooking, eating, experimenting, demonstrating and generally celebrating the cornucopia of Asian cuisine. At the end of April the Tin Hau Taoist Festival sees row upon row of brightly decorated junks sailing to the Tin Hau temples to pray for good weather and seas rich for fishing. The prettiest festival is the Lantern Festival, which takes place in January or February. A Chinese lantern, symbolising light, home and warmth, illuminates every temple, restaurant and domestic window in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong Dining

Although Hong Kong can offer a wide variety of international cuisine, much of which is excellent, it would be a shame to visit the city and miss out on a truly Cantonese eating experience. It is quite simply the best place in the world to experience the real thing. Home of the celebrated festival of Asian food, diners can choose from an enormous selection from standard chicken dishes to the more exotic flavours of delicately spiced offal and vegetarian concoctions that melt on the tongue. A multitude of street bars, cafes, food stands, barrows and market stalls sell for 24 hours a day and offer an exhausting choice. Take time to browse for a considered dining experiment.

Hong Kong Tipping Advice

Tipping in Hong Kong is very important. Waiters and waitresses will expect around 10% of the bill. Even when there is a service charge already included, it is still customary to leave a small amount. Taxi drivers tend to mark up the fare to the nearest Hong Kong dollar and if not, will appreciate a little extra. Bellboys, porters and toilet attendants will also expect a small tip.