Eating and Drinking, Hong Kong

DIm sum is a part of everyday life in Hong Kong, and an opportunity not to be missed. Ask someone to recommend a restaurant and they'll willingly oblige.

We went to the Cultural Centre on the Kowloon side of the harbour. Jam packed with locals, which is always a good sign.

Food was excellent, but bear in mind that there are no English translations for dishes, and the staff pushing the trolleys speak very little English.

Hence take a VERY LONG, HARD LOOK at dishes before you order.

Don't make the same mistake as my other half - he was too hungry to spend time on careful selection, and was none too impressed when he found himself sinking his teeth into a chicken's foot!

The way to check the bill in a Hong Kong restaurant............

Wave your arm to a waiter, point your index finger downwards to the table, draw a few circles with your finger and wait.

If the waiter give you the bill directly, just go and pay at the cashier. They won't expect tips though welcomed.

If the waiter present the bill on a silver dish, you need to put your payment on the dish. They expect you to leave at least a few coins on it as tips.

Happy dining!!!

Chinese usually use chopsticks when eating. Most of the time, a pair chopsticks instead of a knife will be provided... so be prepared to take the challenge!!!

Don't be frustrated if you can't handle your chopsticks well at the first time. It's actually an easy job! Hong Kong people are mostly friendly and nice, if you are eating at a chinese restaurant but you encounter difficulties in eating with chopsticks, don't be shy or afraid, just randomly ask the one next to you to show you the correct way.

Remember, you are travelling in a Chinese city, grasp all the chances to try different Chinese food. Don't give up just because you need to use chopsticks when eating!!!

It's EASY and you'll be addicted to using chopsticks and Chinese Food as well!

Mooncake is the food that most represents Mid-Autumn festival. It's a festival that falls on the 15th day of the 8th month in the lunar calendar. The moon is said to be the brightest and fullest in the whole year.

There are several legends that explain the creation of the mooncake. The most popular one is related to history. In the 13th century, Chinese people were under Mongolians. In order to fight back, Chinese people would pass around mooncakes in which there is a piece of paper explaining how the rebellion would take place.

Mooncake is made of lotus seed and animal oil and usually have 2 egg yolks. Nowadays, there is different types of mooncakes : with or without egg yolks (up to 6!!), different fillings (red bean, green bean, white lotus seed etc), even frozen mooncakes... Amazing to see all this evolution !

eating in hongkong is a crazy affair.. try not to do lunch around the typical office lunch hours.. places will be packed with ppl jostling for seats.. and you're expected to leave as soon as you finish gulping down everything or risk getting a good scolding.. but at the end of it all, the food here is delicious.. just choose the right time.. yummy!

DINING TIPS:-
* When eating out with local Chinese, it is the custom for the host to order from the menu on behalf of his guests.
* A traditional meal will usually consist of some seafood and dim sum.
* Chinese tea is an integral part of any Chinese meal. 'Yum Cha' means drink tea.

You'll find some of the best restaurants in the world here, but don't expect quiet, romantic meals. The Chinese tradition is to eat big, loud meals. Feel free to burp if you're enjoying your food. It's not considered rude, but a compliment to the chef!!

Here's another important cultural tip:

Be Quick to Offer to Pay for Meals: Although it will NOT be accepted (relax... don't panic!), it is considered POLITE to OFFER to pay the dinner/ lunch bill. NEVER offer to split the bill as this would result in loss of face for your Hongkong host... and a sure way to lose that friendship!

Photo Below: Happy Valley here in HK.

When you are invited to a Chinese dinner and your invitation card reads - Dinner at 7 pm sharp - it is seldom so. In fact, it is culturally acceptable to be late. Don't be taken aback when you are the only one seated at the table at 7 pm - looking somewhat lost - while every one else will start streaming in at 7.30 pm onwards. Is this a unique custom?

Although many people in Hong Kong are Cantonese speaking, the younger generations speak both English and Chinese as well so communication is not a problem.

For meals, tapping the table twice with the index finger and middle finger when the waiter pours drinks or serves, says 'thank you'. For teapots, tilting the cap up signals to the waiter that you'll like him/her to add hot water to the tea leaves.