The food of Hong Kong is not only delicious and diverse, but it’s also a window into the city’s history and culture. From traditional teahouses with plastic stools to fine-dining establishments in glass skyscrapers, the city’s dining scene is as impressive as its modern architecture.

Despite the fact that Hong Kong imports 97 percent of its food, the city’s chefs have an incredible ability to turn these ingredients into world-class dishes. The city’s unique fusion of Chinese, Thai, Malaysian, and Japanese cuisines makes for an exciting culinary experience. In addition, Hong Kong’s openness to foreign influences has resulted in a booming restaurant scene that is constantly evolving and innovating.

This year, Hong Kong has a record 95 Michelin-starred restaurants—more than double the number in 2017. It’s no surprise that so many of these restaurants are located in this city on the water, with spectacular views over one of the world’s most striking urban landscapes.

There are several dining spots to explore in Hong Kong, but for an unforgettable experience, head to the newly opened Aqua. Designed by London-based studio David Collins, this two-story restaurant is ribbed with iron girders and has floor-to-ceiling glass walls that overlook Victoria Harbor. It’s the perfect spot for a romantic dinner or an unforgettable meal with friends.

The restaurant’s menu is as eclectic as its design, featuring dishes from across the globe. From Peruvian ceviche and Ecuadorian guacamole to Argentine arepas and Venezuelan lobster stew, it’s impossible not to find something you’ll love at this hip joint. And don’t forget to finish your meal with the show-stopping dulce de leche churros.

While many Hong Kong locals enjoy dining a la carte, most prefer to dine in groups of at least four people. This is because most dishes are served family-style and are meant to be shared. When ordering, be sure to keep in mind that taking food directly from the center of the table is considered impolite. You should scoop it into your bowl or plate before you eat it.

Another must-try dish is the Three-Stuffed Treasures. This street food classic is made with eggplant, peppers, and tofu and drizzled with soy sauce and fish paste for a sour and fishy flavor that’s uniquely Hong Kong.

In addition to its stunning vistas, the restaurant has an excellent selection of cocktails and wine. They also have an extensive vegetarian and vegan menu that will please even the most discriminating palates.

Located in the heart of the city’s Wan Chai district, Rosita is the latest venture by celebrated friends and celebrated chefs Agustin Balbi and Ricardo Chaneton. This one-of-a-kind restaurant combines new Latin American cooking with refined Hong Kong fine dining. Their menu features a plethora of innovative flavors, including aji amarillo butter on arepas and chicken liver mousse on their twist on a ceviche.

Hong Kong has a diverse culture with influences from both Chinese and Western societies. Hong Kong people take pride in their culture, history and achievements and want to preserve it for future generations. They value hard work, the importance of family, and a respectful and polite business environment. They also respect their ancestors and celebrate religious holidays such as Lunar New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival.

Many Hong Kongers speak both English and Cantonese. They are bilingual and use both of these languages in daily life and for work.

Traditional Chinese values and beliefs are deeply rooted in Hong Kong culture. Confucianism, for example, is a principled system of thought and behavior that has had a significant influence on the way Hong Kongers behave. Confucianism teaches that healthy relationships require inherent structures, hierarchies and even inequalities that must be respected. This translates to daily interactions between parents and children, husbands and wives, teachers and students.

The Hong Kong government and its predecessors have introduced foreign cultural influences to Hong Kong, including Western political systems and philosophies. For instance, a common practice is to greet friends and colleagues with a handshake and to show respect for elders by bowing. In addition, Hong Kongers have a universal appreciation for Western-style architecture and enjoy shopping in international malls.

Because of the fusion of cultures, Hong Kongers have a variety of religions and philosophical beliefs. Approximately 22% of Hong Kongers identify as Buddhist, and many adhere to Taoism and other folk religions. Some residents follow Christianity, while others are agnostics and do not subscribe to any religion at all.

The city is also home to a vibrant arts scene, with local and international festivals and venues such as the Hong Kong Arts Centre and Oi!. In addition, Hong Kong has more Michelin-rated restaurants than any other Asian city.

Hong Kong television is a popular pastime, with several free-to-air stations and paid cable and satellite options. Hong Kong is also famous for its soap dramas and comedy shows. The Hong Kong orchid is an important symbol of the city, and a giant golden version of it stands at the center of Golden Bauhinia Square. Lion Rock is another iconic Hong Kong landmark.

Learning a few basic conversational Cantonese phrases is a good idea when visiting Hong Kong. It will help you communicate with the locals and show that you have a genuine interest in their culture. Additionally, it’s polite to ask for recommendations when dining out. If you don’t get the pronunciation right the first time, don’t worry; the locals will appreciate your effort! When interacting with locals, it’s also a good idea to avoid using sarcasm or joking insults. You should also be prepared for different levels of personal space when dining out. In general, Hong Kongers are quite friendly towards foreigners and will be happy to meet you! This is especially true in the business world, where Hong Kongers are highly international-minded.

Hong Kong is a bustling metropolis that offers a constellation of opportunities for travelers. Luxury shopping, incredible restaurants, breathtaking city views and more are all accessible in this modern wonderland. However, this densely populated city can also be a little overwhelming for first-time visitors. Luckily, there are hotels throughout the city that offer guests a combination of bespoke residential-style comforts and dedicated passion to deliver impeccable service.

The Upper House is a great example of this. Located over the top floors of Pacific Place this boutique hotel offers just 117 rooms and suites, but it feels more spacious than most. Designed to feel like a mansion, the entrance doesn’t have a very obvious door and this creates a sense of privacy. Once inside you are greeted with a red hued escalator, inspired by a Japanese red torii gate, and this sets the tone for a journey upwards through the hustle of the city into a serene house of intriguing spaces.

Once you have made it to the second floor of the hotel you are welcomed by a beautiful vista of the city. Each room has large windows and a swish chair positioned perfectly to take in the view. The bathrooms are spacious with a dressing area and limestone-clad bathtub. The toiletries are by the glorious British spa brand Bamford and include a wash bag to take away with you. The hotel also offers a turn down service and a mini bar with free snacks and drinks.

All the staff are extremely helpful and friendly. The concierge is particularly impressive and goes above and beyond to help with anything you may need during your stay. The hotel is located very close to the metro and ocean terminal shopping mall. I would definitely recommend this hotel to anyone wanting a great stay in Hong Kong.

The newest addition to the W family, this hotel is designed with a nod to traditional Chinese hospitality and has been named as a Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Hotel. The property features a rooftop lounge, Michelin-starred restaurant and more, but it is the service that really shines. Guests are greeted by name and welcomed with a personalized itinerary. They are offered a Tesla airport pick up and the staff go out of their way to ensure every detail is perfect.

A truly luxurious and unforgettable experience. This hotel is located in the heart of Hong Kong Island and is ideal for business travellers, who will find themselves only minutes from corporate offices and government buildings. The modern skyscrapers in the surrounding Central District are juxtaposed with historic colonial buildings and temples, creating a unique skyline. The property itself is an architectural masterpiece, with a series of interconnecting spaces ranging from the lobby to the rooftop, and each space has been thoughtfully curated with local art and cultural elements. The staff at the hotel are very helpful and always eager to provide recommendations for dining, shopping and entertainment.

Hong Kong Shopping: From name-brand boutiques to street markets, a wealth of retail and dining options await. The city’s luxury malls offer a cosmopolitan selection of goods that will keep even the most avid shopper happy, but there are also plenty of bargain-hunting opportunities in the local markets and independent stores. Plus, most goods do not have a sales tax (except for certain imported items like alcohol and cigarettes).

The dazzling array of shopping experiences in Hong Kong will surprise the uninitiated. The shopping areas around the glitzy Tsim Sha Tsui and Victoria Harbour have top-notch designer brands and luxury goods, while other parts of the city have more modest offerings that are great for those looking to pick up a little something special to bring home.

A shopping trip to Hong Kong isn’t complete without visiting the pulsing Stanley Market. Located in the heart of the financial district, this jumble of narrow lanes is chock-a-block with Chinese and Southeast Asian knickknacks and cheap clothes. You can find just about anything here: pens, watches, t-shirts and dresses, shoes and accessories, children’s costumes and luggage, souvenirs, and more. The market is a lot less touristy than the more famous Temple Street Market, but you can still pick up some great deals.

Another great spot for a day of shopping is the IFC Mall. This massive Hong Kong shopping mall is anchored by Lane Crawford department store, which has world-class brands and designer collections of clothing, footwear, handbags, jewelry, cosmetics, and other accessories. There are also multiple restaurants and dessert shops at IFC, as well as a gourmet grocery store and a chemist.

If you’re a fashionista, there are many boutiques and stalls in the Causeway Bay area that have amazing designer clothing, shoes, bags, accessories, beauty products, and other fashions. There is also a huge mall called Times Square, which is full of mid-range brands and some great department stores.

There are also a number of excellent electronics stores in Hong Kong, where you can buy the latest gadgets at ultra-discounted prices. Be sure to check for warranties and voltage compatibility if you’re planning on purchasing anything electronic.

Hong Kong has more than its share of high-end stores, especially in the Central and Sheung Wan areas. You can find all of the major fashion houses here, including Gucci, Burberry, and Cartier. In addition, there are many luxury department stores that sell fine jewelry, perfumes, and more.

Hong Kong’s famous tea and jade markets are also worth a visit, where you can get the best prices on these popular local items. You can also find a number of specialized artisan shops where you can buy custom-made jewelry, leather goods, and other souvenirs. Lastly, be sure to stop by the Cat Street Market in Sheung Wan for some cool antiques and vintage finds. The streets are lined with vendors selling everything from old watches and trinkets to Mao statues.