HONG KONG — When we get homesick, we find ourselves missing the little things that we never thought to cherish when it was right in front of us—like the way jeepney signages have their own unique font, or how street food and home-cooked meals have a distinct flavor unlike that of other cuisines. Small reminders of home that never fail to bring a sense of comfort and security.
For TV personality and host Richard Juan who grew up in Hong Kong, there is a certain charm to Hong Kong that makes him yearn to return to his second home. Because of the ongoing pandemic, Richard has been unable to visit his family in Hong Kong for two years, and with the holidays just around the corner, he’s missing Hong Kong more than ever.
In an effort to help Richard feel less homesick, founder of Humid with a Chance of Fishball Tours (HCFT) Virginia Chan brought him on a virtual tour around West Kowloon in “The Juan in West Kowloon.” To get Richard to feel like he’s in Hong Kong himself, Virginia treated him to various delights that made him eat, feel, and look like Hong Kong.
Here are some local stops and goods Virginia shared with Richard in “The Juan in West Kowloon” for you to check out on your next trip to West Kowloon.
Mido Café
For Richard to get a taste of Hong Kong, Virginia brought him to Mido Café, a popular café established in 1950 that’s been featured in multiple films like Days of Being Wild by Wong Kar-wai. Richard is treated to authentic ‘pantyhose’ milk tea, and some classic Beef Hor Fun (stir-fried beef and wide rice noodles).
“Pantyhose” milk tea is named after the process of how it’s made. The tea leaves are strained through a pantyhose-like net, leaving you with smooth and creamy tea once poured over milk.
Want to have a sip of some pantyhose milk tea but can’t wait to go to Hong Kong? Tim Ho Wan, with branches in SM Megamall and Mall of Asia, is a good alternative to get your fix for the time being. The popular Michelin-starred restaurant finds its roots in Hong Kong, founded by chefs from Hong Kong’s Four Seasons Hotel, and is also Richard’s immediate go-to for his dim sum cravings.
Temple Street
Ever been to the bustling Temple Street in Hong Kong? The street by Jordan Road is closed off to cars from 2 pm onwards and is liveliest at dusk. A popular shopping spot for locals and tourists alike, you’ll find hundreds of stalls brimming with merchandise everywhere you turn. Visitors can bargain for the best prices and shop for clothes, watches, jewelry, and even home decor like what Virginia purchased for Richard!
Popular for the many stalls and restaurants selling delicious food, you’ll also get to taste the signature flavors of Hong Kong cuisine while you shop around.
If you’re looking for a similar experience locally, head on over to one of the world’s oldest Chinatown found in Binondo, Manila. Richard’s family would take him to the different authentic restos scattered across the area for a meal. The shops and restaurants that line the streets paired with the brightly colored signs plastered all over will surely transport you back to Temple Street Market at West Kowloon.
If you’re looking for cheap and bargain finds like those found along Temple Street, Ongpin Street in Chinatown is definitely worth visiting on your Christmas shopping spree.
Sky100
Sky100 is a 360-degree indoor observation deck located on the 100th floor of the International Commerce Centre, the tallest building in Hong Kong. On the deck, you’ll get a view of Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour, an iconic landmark you wouldn’t want to miss seeing in person.
Sky100 also offers various amenities and features for visitors to enjoy and learn more about the island’s culture. A ’Sky-High Tech Zone’ utilizes Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) technology to treat visitors to new perspectives of Hong Kong.
Although a bit far from the 100-floor view from the Sky 100 Observation Deck in Hong Kong, the Lung Hin restaurant located on the 44th floor of Marco Polo Ortigas is not too far off in terms of its captivating view. While a visit to Café 100 sounds like a dream, this local alternative proves to be just as worth the experience.
The interiors of the restaurant will make you feel like you’re at one of the many Michelin-starred restos located around West Kowloon, and to top it off, the restaurant also serves Cantonese cuisine crafted by Hong Kong-experienced culinary masters!
Broadway Cinematheque
In “The Juan in West Kowloon”, Virginia takes Richard to the Broadway Cinematheque—a cinema, gallery, DVD store, café, and library all rolled into one massive complex! The cinema opened in 1996, and until today, it screens independent and art films alongside the more mainstream movies popular in other cinemas.
Their film library also houses a grand collection of original film posters you can purchase. Here, Virginia browses through some posters in search of one Richard can hang up in his room.
If you’re looking for a little something to remind you of Hong Kong’s rich arts culture, a nicely framed poster of a classic should do the trick. Make sure to stop by the DVD store and library on your next trip to the Broadway Cinematheque to display a little piece of Hong Kong in your home.
While waiting for travel restrictions to ease up, browse through local alternative Avant-Garde, a local Instagram shop that sells original premier film posters of your favorite local and international films. Their store offers a wide selection of movies, and is even open to accommodate special requests!
The shop features various collections of genres every few days so keep your eyes peeled for your favorites! With a few of these posters up on your walls, your room will soon start to look just like Hong Kong’s Broadway Cinematheque.
These stops are only a few out of the many fun and exciting places you can visit on your next trip to West Kowloon. Instead of staring at that sad fridge magnet or Hong Kong Disneyland souvenir, why not treat yourself to a Hong Kong experience minus the 2-hour flight? Check out the local spots featured in the meantime and before you know it, you’ll be walking the streets of West Kowloon yourself!
Catch “The Juan in West Kowloon” on Discover Hong Kong and Richard Juan’s Facebook and Instagram. Learn more about West Kowloon and plan your future visit at discoverhongkong.com.
