Hong Kong German Beer and German Food

We love German food and beer. And, thank God, there is some here in Hong Kong.
Well, to begin with, you can find any world's cuisine in this city. Really, there is every single option.
Once we had something to celebrate last year, we were looking to have a dinner in German place. If I remember it right, there are about 5 options in Hong Kong. Two of witch are the same company - bar and restaurant located beside each other in Tsim Sha Tsui.
Since the first visit we are a return customer and there is no end for our visits here :)

Bier Garten Hong Kong

Food is excellent. And we loved cask decoration of tables.

We had potato salad and pork knuckle - giant and could do for two people.
Another time we had sausages and salad - yumms!
If you are looking for beer, visit the bar upstaris - there are good options of German excellent beer + my favourite fruity shnaps (plum is the best here). We had big platter of sausages, cheese and pickle with our beer - delicious!
Avarage bill for the dinner for 1 person - around 200HKD
Drinks are about 60-70HKD, shnaps - 30HKD
There is happy hour before 8pm

Here is their webpage with the menu online both for food and for drinks

Enjoy your German night out!

Hong Kong Ocean Park

My last birthday I had a suggestion from Hongkonger - Ocean Park here gives you a free admission on your birthday - just bring your ID along with you. So that's how I had visited it, as the ticket is not that cheap - around HKD350 (45USD). Though once I had been there for free I am planning to go again and to pay the full price - it is definitely worth it!

Here is their website. It is handy to check the current program - there are different shows for different seasons. Though there is plenty of constant things I would love to see again.

It is located on Hong Kong island, you can get there by taxi from central area for around HKD100, otherwise there is good option of direct bus from Admiralty station. Check the map. Right at the station there is a special ticket box you can get actual Ocean Park entry to avoid queuing in the Park. Bus takes around 20min ride. I suggest you go there about 10-11 am to spend all day in the Park. We've got there about 2pm and felt like we wanted to do more things when it was closing.

At the entrance you can get the Park's map. Think it through - there are kind of two layers of the park - Aquarium and walking areas to see Panda, gold fish pavilion and Jangle zone on the lower one, and Roller Coasters + penguin/sea creatures pavilion on the upper one. There are two ways to move in between layers - cable car (bloody scary above the ocean!) and safe nice train decorated as a submarine - can be fun for kids and those adults terrified with heights. 

We had started with the lower level. Aquarium is the best I had ever seen, plenty of rooms, nice fish, huge scats, no rush at all - take your time and enjoy. I loved colourfull tubes with the jellyfish - almost meditative thing to see. There is a restaurant as well right inside with the cool view towards the largest glass.

I am not fun of roller coasters, however I had found my type of ride there as well - rafting sort of thing - I loved it! As the roller coaster layer of the park is located up on the hill there are amazing views towards the sea.. 

There are plenty of options to eat both cheap and expensive, lockers for your belonging once you are enjoying rides and cool shops with amazing merch about the park and sea things.

The obvious suggestion is to try and get there on a weekday rather than weekend..

There is an option of the Annual Ticket (two options - weekdays only, or all week long one), price is very good - three single entries pay for the whole year. Kids' option is available - costs cheaper.

So the conclusion is - Ocean Park is a great option for a day out! Try it and you will defo love it!

Find a Custom Tailor in Hong Kong

If you live here or travel for leisure or business it might be a good idea to consider custom made suit made for you.

It is very special experience once you find a good shop.

I can tell you a true story of our experience with Sam's Tailor 

We were looking for a while through all the available reviews and this shop customers' impressions had indeed been the best.

I believe the price in Hong Kong for a suit can very depending on a shop reputation, on the fabric you choose, the time scale etc. Custom made clothes from Hong Kong is a world known thing to get here - if the shop is right you will get excellent quality for the price you pay for the ready suit back home.

You can have very certain idea of the dream suit, but if you don't - no worries - experienced tailors have a good question list to make sure all details are confirmed with you. First visit will take around 20 minutes (if you don;t take too long choosing fabrics.. though it is wisely divided into price ranges, makes it much easier to make a pick). They will ask you about your budget, tell them slightly less than you are prepared to pay, that's how you get bargain shoulder.

Once they take your measurements, questions will be asked - what kind of collar, how many pockets, what type of button, what colour of lining ets - quickly and efficient.

I was really impressed to see how many celebrities and politicians pictures are there on the wall.. crazy!

Normally there are three visits - order and measurements, fitting and picking up (can be replaced with delivery to your country). If you have just two days in city, tailors are ready to make things quickly.

If you are on a lay back schedule - the whole thing will take around a week.

Quality is more than good, feels like the second skin indeed.

To addition - they make a custom made tag with your name on it, attaching it to the lining.

They do both male and female models and they are really good!
Our price was around HKD4000 (around 500USD)

iPhone 6 and Typhoon 8

This morning all the working population of Hong Kong (is it about 99%, right?) had got pleasant surprise - Typhoon 8 signal is in force. This means - no work today! (at least before the signal will go down, than you are supposed to come back within two hours...).

It is like fourth or fifth typhoon for me. It had never gone any higher than 8 and it is pleasant fresh wind (comparing to an average Hong Kong weather - variety of hot and super hot). So, ok. Staying in for now - dealing with some homework and getting extra sleep. Good.

But this day has some other meaning in it. It is today the pre-order of iPhone 6 is started! No more than 4 telephones per customer, you can book it online and pick up from Hong Kong store, if you are lucky, within this week. I don't know who are those lucky people who had dot through and how did they manage it? I am trying for almost an hour and it is constantly 'not available at the moment'.

I believe Typhoon situation did not help.. Instead of working entire Hong Kong sitting pre-ordering iPhones! 

It might be Apple company who paid for this Typhoon to happen!

What do you think about it at all? Do you like new design? My opinion is Apple is trying to get into Asian market, as people here mostly use huge Samsungs.

Hong Kong is Slow!

One of the most annoying things in Hong Kong is a slow pace.

Yes, you've got it right.

Though Hong Kong is one of the most efficient cities in this world this feature is not covering all the things happening here.

Infrastructure and Banking System are indeed super fast and efficient.

But I mean actual people's speed - it is unbelievably slow.

While walking somewhere through a busy street I find it super annoying - everyone is just like on a promenade - walking slowly and carelessly in a quite disorganized manner. And it is fair not only for some tourist or overpopulated areas. People walk slowly even during peak times while getting to/from work. It is when apart from being annoying it starts to affect your time schedules. 

People of Hong Kong, please WALK FASTER!

And those who are not familiar with Hong Kong speed - in terms to get in time for your meetings - mind some extra time for the walking process. If you are not in a hurry for any appointment - just relax and meditate while floating in Hong Kong crowd...

:)

Hong Kong Map Details and Transport

I just thought it might be useful for you to get some general information about Hong Kong. We had moved here about a year ago and I knew nothing about this place. Yes, I had been looking through google images, yes, we had some acquaintances who had been visiting Hong Kong. Though there is nothing like personal experience. And after one year here I can tell I have got some knowledge about the place.

So this article is just for some sort of introduction for those who had never been here. I believe it is useful both for travelers and those planning to stay here for a while.

Hong Kong is not just an island. It is a territory that consists of four areas. This is how people define them.

1. Hong Kong island - yellow

This is Financial, Cultural and Social epicenter of Hong Kong. North-West of the Island is the most Western looking and feeling area of Hong Kong. I would not exaggerate saying that majority of expats are living there, so sometimes you can see more expats' faces than local. Obviously it is the right part of Hong Kong to find any western food, western shops (and western sizes!). High pace of life, high prices, high self-importance. Eastern part of the Island is more local. South looks like a resort and used for residence for both local and expat population.

2. Kowloon - pink

Kowloon is one of the most populous areas in the world! Perhaps this characteristic is enough to know it will be a challenge to live there. Interesting to visit though - looks like different planet comparing to the Island. Some interesting attractions are located there - such as Birds' Market and Fish Market. Loads of neon street signs, street restaurants and night markets. Definitely a must visit for the taste of Hong Kong. Though I would not live there or even stay for a short period of time. Way too many people. Streets do smell of chinese food there. Literally.

3. New Territories - green

Huge and mostly pleasant place to be. Great amount of green hills, jungle and beautiful harbors.

No prizes to guess I am living here. It is quiet, open spaced, low paced environment. Perfect to feel oneself at the resort whilst living day to day life.

4. Outer islands - blue

Don't know much about these territories. Had visited couple of these islands and they are looking pretty much the same to me - small nice looking villages, white sand beaches, seafood restaurants, overloaded during the weekend. Nice to see, but not much attraction to me.

Infrastructure in Hong Kong is ridiculously great. You can get from one side to another within 40 minutes. There are all sorts of meanings - subway would be the most convenient one, though can be annoyingly overloaded through the peak time. Great amount of well-operated double-deckers are covering whist majority of Hong Kong destinations. And, of course, loads of taxis are around. Convenient, safe and cheap - the bill can go as high as 30 GBP to get from us to lets say airport. Hong Kong Island is connected with Kowloon through couple of tunnels both for the subway and cars/buses. There are dozens of boats in between all the small islands. It costs dirt cheap as people use it to get to/from work on a daily basis.

There is a boarder with China going through the North of Hong Kong (Schengen city). There is a subway connection - you just stop at one point for the passport check.

Burma (Myanmar) Visa from Hong Kong

this was the easiest application ever!
just print the form from their website, fill it in (about 10 questions only including ridiculous ones like about your hair/eyes colour).
hand it in along with your passport and 1 passport size photo in consulate (every day from 8am till 12pm)
pay at the till 150HKD per person
pick up your passport with visa next day after 3pm

contacts:

Room(s) 2436, Sun Hung Kai Center, 30 Harbour Road,
Wanchai, Hong Kong SAR.
Tel: (852) 2845 0810, 2845 0811
Fax: 2845 0820
E-mail: myancghk@biznetvigator.com

Matcha Green Bean Chillino

I was happy to find out Pacific Coffee had united my favourite Matcha flavour with my favourite Pacific Coffee product - chillino (cold crashed ice drink) into this season new Matcha Green Bean Chillino.

I am not fan of soya beans, but in this product it tastes just right! Like..mmm... whole nut kind of taste complimenting matcha flavour.

So go ahead and try it! I prefer it with no cream on top, but its up to your own choice!

Green Tea Latte / Matcha Latte

First time I tried it here in Hong Kong, as I had seen other people have something green and unusual in their cups. First sip tasted like broccoli soup :) Well, something to do with veggie taste anyway! But gradually I became a great fan of green tea latte. I believe this drink has Japanese origin, it is basically normal green tea but grade into powder. It makes it much smoother as a drink and much stronger for caffein content.
It is weird combination of green tea taste and milk. Though I really love it now both hot and cold.
Highly recommending to give it a try! Served in every coffee shop including Starbucks (too sweet for me..) and Pacific Coffee (perfect one!)
I have got some matcha from Japan for making it at home - easy, quick and delicious! I am sure you can find it to buy in Hong Kong as well.

Hong Kong Pacific Coffee

The thing I miss a lot in Hong Kong is a proper coffee shop.. Quiet and cosy with really good coffee and nice atmosphere, delicious cakes and without crying children or crowds of shouting people.
If you know one I am happy to get your advise!
So far I am happy with some Pacific Coffee shops. My favourite is Science Park one, as it is located in the working zone and on working days here are so little people in the actual coffee shop - it is great for working or reading. Weekends might be more crowded and with children as well... But still better than any shopping mall type of coffee place.
Coffee is decent (much better than Starbucks. I call SB coffee brown water.) and they have good brownies here as well!

Hong Kong Supermarkets

There are so many options for eating out - cheap and delicious - that I don't really know if you ever would need my supermarkets advice. Though apart from food there are some other things you need for life, don't you?
So there are many different chains of supermarkets here in Hong Kong. Let's go up starting with the most affordable.

Wellcome

Cheap and efficient, located all over Hong Kong, literally every 500 metres, there are different size of stores, normally all are working till 11pm, delivery option exists. A lot of chinese food and everything you need to cook chinese at home. Fresh fruit and veg for a good price.

Stores locator








Park'n'Shop



More expensive, though has very good cooked meals department (in larger shops only), excellent sushi and delicious bakery (raisins and whole-nut bread - yumms!)

Store locator

Market Place by Jasons

Moving closer to Western tradition you will find organic portion packed salads, nuts and deli department, wide range of western chocolates and milk products (good milk is not that easy to get in Hong Kong...)

Store Locator

City Super

Absolutely Western fancy supermarket full of organic food, great amount of imported goods delivered from all over the world (every nation could find something!), perfect wine and champagne choice. Located mostly on Hong Kong island and Kowloon, Expensive but is definitely worth it when you are looking for something you miss!

Store Locator

Olivers The Deli

I cannot call it a supermarket, it is rather a place to feel nostalgic and of the plot because of the amount and quality (and price!) of goods you love and miss. 90% of things here are imported and you can find anything you want (we had found here Scottish huggis!!!!). Delicious bakery, absolutely in love with Black Rose Carrot Cake (16HKD only, tastes absolutely home made)

There is only one shop in Hong Kong.

World Cup - Final

Hey guys! Are you sleeping? Or are you waiting for a game to start as I do?
In order to watch World Cup game I have to stay up to 5-6am! This is absolutely ridiculous!
Although I am still jet lagged after my recent trip back to Europe and am happy about it - keeps me awake as late as I want!

So who are you supporting???

Hong Kong Octopus Card

I really don't know why did I put this post up that late, but anyway it had to appear on my blog one day.
There are so many things about Octopus card here in Hong Kong. It is like a vital thing you have to get as soon as you get through passport control in the airport.
You can get it at any MTR station. And there are plenty of these, including right in the airport building.
It works sort of similar to London Oyster card, you buy it for 150 HKD (round 12 GBP), 100HKD of these 150 you have on your card as a credit.
Octopus is in use literally everywhere. Transport is the obvious thing - MTR, buses, trams and boats you can pay for with it.
Then you can use it to pay your bill at plenty of shops, all the shops located in MTR zone - and there are so many of shops there with food and loads of other things.
Octopus is accepted for payment in many eating places, but make sure at the till you can do that before ordering.
You can top up Octopus at any MTR station, but be ready to do that with no less than 50HKD and always in cash ( I seriously don't understand why on earth do they now accept cards payment in MTR...).
If you are living in Hong Kong you can link your Octopus to your credit card online and you don;t have to top up it - there always be 250HKD (22 GBP)  a day to use topped up automatically next day (and 250HKD in Hong Kong is really enough money for transport meaning).
If you are in Hong Kong just for a visit, hand you Octopus back in MTR station on departure and receive 90% of its actual cost, so about 45HKD (remember 100HKD out of 150HKD price went into your credit, so the actual price of Octopus is 50HKD).
So that is really convenient and easy thing to get here.
Octopus Card is Hong Kong must have for both tourists and residents.

Hyatt Hotel Hong Kong buffet

We had something to celebrate and were looking for a place with proper selection of meals.
My husband had recently visited this place due to his work meetings and following his recommendation I was exited to try this place asap!
We went for lunch buffet in Hyatt Shatin and we were not disappointed!
They give you about three hours of time for lunch and it is just enough to try at least 50% of proposed food.
Buffet tables are full and fresh, selection is impressive.
It is one of the best hotel buffets I had tries, though I have some experience of visiting 5 star hotel buffets.
I was impressed with the amount and variety of fresh seafood and freshly made sushi, amazing roast beef and tender parma ham selection.. There is no end to describe each and every of meals there.
The real star of the buffet is dessert table. It is giant and impressive. All sorts of cakes, homemade ice cream (not from powder!) and sweet sauces for matching.
I would go there again and again indeed for lunch option only, as you still have the whole day to deal with that load in your stomach and you can visit gym or pool towards the end of the day rather than choosing dinner will allow you roll out of the restaurant and go to sleep straight in the taxi with all these calories being adjusted by your hips :)
Apart from the obvious food quality and quantity, Hyatt Shatin is located in nice area and you can enjoy pleasant walk in its backyard or move to the pool bar for a drink or two :)


As por the price - weekends are around 350HKD, weekdays - 290HKD, 10% - service charge, though service is worth much more - they were looking after us really well, proposed to replace my husband's latte once it was cold, changing plates and supplying with fresh cutlery.

Hong Kong Science Park

Science Park is location of offices and shops right beside the sea with lovely promenade, cycling path, shops and convenient infrastructure. As a company you cannot simply rent an office in Science Park, there is some special commission, partially governmental, to approve your application. You activity should be related somehow to modern technology, physics, chemistry etc. So companies located here are all kind of in the same professional field. 

There is Pacific Coffee here, large lunch venue, supermarkets, banks and couple of restaurants for official or private events celebration. 

First time I had been here I was really impressed.. It feels like some space station or something space related.. like future came indeed closer.

We love it here and are spending fare amount of time in Hong Kong Science Park :)

There are all sorts of events held here including some public exhibitions etc.

Apart from other obvious advantages there are very little kids here and generally place is very civilized in terms of people's behavior. 

Hot in Hong Kong. Skin Protection.

The summer is coming towards Hong Kong in rather rapid way...
I had been in Uk just few days ago and the difference in air temperature is incredible! It is about 35 degrees here in Hong Kong now as average (end of May), plus crazy high humidity is not helping much.
So beware! use high SPF creams and wear hats etc to protect your skin from this craziness! especially if you had never experienced temperatures like these.
I use Piz Buin 30SPF for allergic skin. works good for me.
Shops over here propose a lot of SPF skin care, one of the most common ones is Australia Gold, the smell is amazing! though i still stick to Piz Buin for the effect and lack of greasiness.
                                         

I am back!

I was away for a while. Though only from my blog, but we are still here - in Hong Kong. We had some trips out since I last talking to you such places as Guilin and Schengen in China, Kyoto in Japan and couple of trips back home to UK over the Christmas time and not so far ago.
What had happened with me, my introduction into Hong Kong life and Hong Kong introduction with me.. Well a lot of things really.
I will try to post gradually bits and pieces. We are still in the same flat beside the Ocean - fantastic view for us day and night, nice long walks on the promenade, really convenient infrastructure.
I had an experience working with Hong Kong company for about three months, will make a separate post on this matter..
Will tell you more about our trips and things running through my mind, and there were indeed a few of those..
So welcome back to me anyway! And thank you for reading :)
As always - am more than happy to answer any questions about expat life in Hong Kong, please feel free to contact me.