Hong Kong

Edward J. Hahn

Local Expert

Edward J. Hahn

I am a retired management consultant living in Hong Kong.  I have been here over 16 years.  Before that I lived in both Southern and Northern California as well as The Philippines and Saudi…

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Finding a Good Cup of Coffee in Hong Kong

  • Review
  • Sunday, November 23, 2008

There are three kinds of coffee shops in Hong Kong, Western style coffee shops, Chinese coffee shops serving Western style coffee, and Chinese coffee shops serving Chinese style coffee.

 

Of the three, the only kind that serves consistently good, strong coffee are the two chains, Pacific Coffee and Starbucks. 

 

Pacific Coffee which was founded here in 1992 with a small outlet in the lower ground floor of Times Square is my personal choice.  They have 66 outlets spread around the city.   Click on the Pacific Coffee link to locate them.  They used to serve Seattle's Best and I believe were, at one time, financially connected.  Now they market under their own name.  

 

I prefer Pacific Coffee because the coffee is stronger than anywhere else in Hong Kong, the sandwiches and pastries are superior to those offered in other coffee shops, they sell a great variety of fruit juices, sodas and other types of drinks, they offer salads, and their stores are larger and more comfortable.  They also have free broadband internet and wi-fi.    

 

The over 100 Starbuck's outlets in Hong Kong, part of the Maxim Group, are similar to the 12,000 other Starbuck's around the world.  Starbuck's may be shrinking in some areas but it is constantly growing here in Hong Kong.    Most stores have sandwiches and pastries.  The service is efficient and courteous, with Chinese characteristics, meaning sometimes you have to work hard to get a reaction or smile.  This is true of Pacific Coffee employees, too.

 

As far as I am concerned these are the only "authentic" coffee shops in Hong Kong.  The Chinese coffee shops serving Western coffee are often not inviting and the quality of the coffee is inconsistent.  The shops serving Chinese style coffee are few and far between and unless you like your coffee the consistency of weak tea, to be avoided.  If you wish to have a truly Hong Kong experience,patronize a Tea House.  I'll be reviewing them in a later posting.

 

it's important to note that Pacific Coffee and Starbucks are not the only places to get good coffee.  Many of the fine restaurants particularly in four and five star hotels, Italian, other Western European venues serve excellent coffee but that isn't their main attraction.

 

HK International Airport Food: Personal Choices

  • Review
  • Thursday, November 20, 2008

After I finished the previous Review of all the eating places at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), I realized that too much information can be a bit overwhelming so I decided to pick a few of the restaurants in each of the major areas of the airport that I would choose with time on my hands.  

 

My criteria are that it be a good value, confidence in the food itself, convenient location and time sensitivity.  Based on that here are my choices.

 

Terminal One, Unrestricted, Departure Check-in Area, Levels 7 and 8.

 

I picked three here as it is a very popular place to see people off.

 

Grappa's Bar & Italian Restaurant

If I had a couple hours, I would choose this excellent Northern Italian Restaurant first.  It is located on the Mezzanine (level 8).  I can unreservedly recommend the restaurant based on years of patronage at their in-town locations.  They have a good wine list.  In the evenings a small trio plays live music.  

 

Lost City of Snacks

With only a short time available and a minimal amount of Hong Kong currency in my pocket, I would choose this fast food outlet.  Located below the mezzanine and with only six stools, this place can become crowded - the reason being it's the best bargain in the airport.  Want get rid of your Hong Kong coins?  Buy a BBQ pork bun or a dish of noodles.  If you missed going to a dai pai dong (street noodle bar) while running around Hong Kong, this food is what you missed.  How they can afford the rent with their prices is beyond my understanding.

 

Pacific Coffee

Located before the check-in counters on the left.   Hong Kong's Pacific Coffee shops are my favorites as opposed to Starbucks and a few others.  It's been around longer than anyone else and generally has better pastries and sandwiches.  It also provides Wi-Fi access not available in other parts of the airport.  A good spot for some of those last minute e-mails.

 

Terminal Two, Unrestricted, Departure Check-in Area, Levels 5 and 6 (sometimes called Sky Plaza)

 

As I said in the previous review, though I am familiar with some of these restaurants, I have never actually eaten in Terminal Two.  I almost always check in at the Airport Express and go through immigration and Security immediately after arrival at HKIA.  Interestingly, it has more restaurants than the departure area in Terminal One.

 

Chao Inn

Shop 033:  Since it is a Hong Kong style coffee shop, I know I'll get fast service and edible food.  Chao Inn offers a complete menu of Cantonese dishes, coffees and teas as well as juices and other liquid concoctions.  I've not tried this outlet but I always enjoy visiting these type of places because of the hubbub and people watching opportunities.

 

Green Cottage Vietnamese Restaurant

Shop 032: I have eaten at The Green Cottage in town and the food was good if not spectacular.  I do enjoy Vietnamese food so if I had an hour or so, I would definitely try this place.  I also know that I would not leave with that stuffed feeling that I can get at Western type outlets.  

 

Honolulu Cafe

Shop 037A:  Since this outlet offers the famous Hong Kong Egg Tarts, which are a delight to eat.  I would stop here if I had limited time and just wanted dessert.  You can watch the bakers produce the tarts, also.  Honolulu Café also offers all kinds of baked goods as well as light snacks and sandwiches.  Lots of seating available.  

 

Pret A Manger

Shop 118 on Level 5:  With limited time and if I wanted a quick, but well-prepared, sandwich or salad, I would go here.  My wife, Pam, and I regularly patronize our neighborhood Pret A Manger because its prices are reasonable and the food is fresh and healthy.  There is plenty of seating at this location.

 

Terminal One, Unrestricted, Arrivals' Meeters and Greeters Hall, Level 5

 

This is where people wait to greet arriving passengers and I've spent some time here, myself.  The choices are not great but, convenient, especially if you aren't quite sure how long it's going to take the person you are meeting to get their bags and get through immigration.  

 

Krispy Kreme

This is my guilty pleasure choice.  If my wife, Pam, is not with me, I can sneak a couple of these incredibly addicting doughnuts.  Try the custard-filled chocolate frosted multi-calorie extravaganza.  As mentioned earlier, it appears that Krispy Kreme doughnuts in Hong Kong contain lots of trans-fats which are not present in the U.S. products.  On a positive note they offer 15 varieties with less sugar to appeal to Asian tastes.

 

Oliver's Super Sandwiches

If I want a sandwich, this is where I go.  Oliver's Super Sandwiches shops are a favorite lunch-time destination in Hong Kong.  Sandwiches are made to order and are quite good even if a little pricey.  Nearby seating for this place is shared.

 

The Green Market

This soup and salad buffet is my wife, Pam's favorite place to wait.  It also serves noodles, other snacks and gelato.  It has ample seating within the shop. Something most of the other establishments in this area do not have.

 

Terminal One, restricted, Departure East Hall, Level 7

 

This is where you will want to spend your time after passing through Immigration and Security, You are in the restricted area reserved for those with tickets.  Be careful to give yourself enough time to get to your gate, especially gates 34-71, where you must take the train to the Northwest and Southeast concourses.

 

Cafe Deco

As I mentioned in a previous review Café Deco is one of my favorite Hong Kong establishments.  I would want to give myself at least two hours to eat and relax. They have a wonderfully eclectic menu featuring Western, South Asian and East Asian dishes plus an oyster bar.  The only items, I cannot recommend are the pastas - very pedestrian.  To provide a totally non-airport ambiance, a live band is featured Tuesday through Sunday nights.  It's not often one can find such a distinguished eatery inside an airport.

 

Champions' Sports Bar

Whenever I am unable to access a VIP lounge and I have an hour or more to kill, I come here.  In addition to a huge T.V., there are snooker and foosball tables. The menu is a typical for an American sports bar with a couple pleasant surprises like bacon wrapped prawns.  They also have my favorite beer, Stella Artois, on tap along with an extensive list of bottled beers.  The service is efficient and friendly.  

 

King's Palace Congee & Noodle

If it was morning and I wanted a congee fix before heading off this would be my choice -sit-down dining but speedy efficient service with reasonable prices.

 

Wildfire

If I hungered for good pizza and had an hour to eat, this would be my choice.  It also has a nice bar that overlooks one of the runways.  In some ways it reminds me if TGI Fridays.  They serve full meals and snacks too.  

 

Terminal One, restricted, Departures, Food Junction, West Hall, Level 6

 

 

If I am concerned about getting to my gate on time, Food Junction is a good choice.  You will find it at the junction of the Southeast and Northwest concourses.

 

Panopolis

Since time would be an issue, this would be my first choice.  This branch or franchise is one of a number of international airport outlets offering sandwiches, pastries and drinks.  Plenty of shared seating available.

 

Precious Congee

Once again, assuming I didn't have time for my Congee-fix at King's Palace, I would stop here.  This outlet offers a number of variations.  They also serve "rice sheet" rolls.  This is a self-serve fast food outlet.  Ample shared seating is available.  

 

Hong Kong International Airport: Foodie's Paradise

  • Review
  • Wednesday, November 19, 2008

If Tom Hanks, as seen in the movie "Terminal", had been stuck at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) or Chek Lap Kok as the locals know it, he may have never wanted to leave.  I, personally, think it's the finest airport in the world, Singapore or Amsterdam, notwithstanding.  

 

Incredible shopping aside, it has the widest range and largest number of eating establishments in one place, I've ever seen.  In trying to organize this article, I was flummoxed.  Should I do it by type of restaurant, by cuisine, by price or by location?  I finally decided alphabetical by location would be the most convenient differentiator and so that you can follow along I've provided a link to an interactive map of the airport with dining choices one of the interactive options.

 

There are two terminals at HKIA.  Terminal One is by far the busiest.  Terminal Two has the advantage of allowing passengers to eat in uncrowded conditions.  They are both within easy walking distance of one another so you are free to choose no matter what Terminal you checked in at.   The boarding gates serve both terminals so if you, like me, do not want to delay going through immigration or you are a Transfer passenger, you can still get a fine meal in the departure area, even out on the Gate Concourses.  

 

I, obviously, have not eaten at all of the restaurants, I will be listing and evaluating.  In some cases, I have been at their in-town facilities and will offer my opinion of the quality of the food based on that experience.  If I've heard good or bad things about a place I'll add that information, too.      

 

Terminal One, Unrestricted, Departure Check-in Area, Levels 7 and 8.

 

A Hereford Beefstouw Steak House

A very good, though pricey, steak and seafood restaurant on the mezzanine (level 8) just before immigration.  The service was adequate but not great the one time I was there.  Good wine list.  Owned and operated by Grappa's, the well known Hong Kong Italian restaurant chain.

 

Ben & Jerry's

Great ice cream but be prepared to gulp when you see the prices.  Same as in town but - wow!  There are very few places to sit down.  You might want to wait until you go through immigration where there is another outlet and lots of seating.

 

Caffe Ritazza

Located below the mezzanine.  Since I prefer Pacific Coffee, I've never tried this place.  Not much seating.  Offers coffees, teas, iced drinks, sandwiches and pastries.

 

Energetic Juice Bar

Located below the mezzanine.  More a grab and go place with very little seating.  Since you have to drink everything before the security area, I suggest you wait to slake your thirst until after Immigration and Security.

 

Fairwood

Located below the mezzanine.  Just as many Chinese restaurants in the West prepare their dishes for Western tastes so do Fairwood and others like it prepare Western food for Chinese tastes.  Even the cafeteria style Chinese food is blah.  Its most redeeming feature is that it's cheap.  There are so many good Asian restaurants; it would be a shame to waste your time here.  

 

Grappa's Bar & Italian Restaurant

An excellent Northern Italian Restaurant located on the Mezzanine (level 8).   While I've never eaten at this location, I can unreservedly recommend the restaurant based on years of patronage at their in-town locations.  They have a good wine list.  In the evenings, a small trio plays live music.  

 

Hang Heung's Kitchen

A quite good Chinese restaurant with dishes from many of China's provinces.  Sit-down service on the mezzanine (level 8).   A bit pricey for a Chinese restaurant but worth it.

 

Maxim's Chinese Restaurant

A Hong Kong institution.  This facility is located on the mezzanine (level 8).  Excellent Cantonese cuisine.  Very good Dim Sum.  Sit-down service.

 

Lost City of Snacks

Located below the mezzanine.  With only six stools, this place can become crowded - the reason being it's the best bargain in the airport.  Want get rid of your Hong Kong coins?  Buy a BBQ pork bun or a dish of noodles.  If you missed going to a dai pai dong (street noodle bar) while running around Hong Kong, this food is what you missed.  How they can afford the rent with their prices is beyond my understanding.

 

Pacific Coffee

Located before the check-in counters on the left.   Hong Kong's Pacific Coffee shops are my favorites as opposed to Starbucks and a few others.  Thry've been around longer than anyone else and generally have better pastries and sandwiches.  This venue also provides Wi-Fi access not available in other parts of the airport.  A good spot for some of those last minute e-mails.

 

Popeye's Chicken & Biscuits

This is one of two outlets and is located below the mezzanine.  Eating fast food fried chicken is not my idea of the best way to prepare for a long flight.  I've had Popeye's chicken in other airports and have never been that impressed.  I doubt if I'll try it here.  

 

Terminal Two, Unrestricted, Departure Check-in Area, Levels 5 and 6 (sometimes called Sky Plaza)

 

Caveat Emptor: While I am familiar with some of these restaurants, I have never actually eaten in Terminal Two.  I almost always check in at the Airport Express and go through immigration and Security immediately after arrival at HKIA.

 

Interestingly, it has more restaurants than the departure area in Terminal One.

 

Barbecue Plus

Shop 097:  This is cafeteria style fast food Chinese BBQ.  Not to be confused with Western BBQ.  Seating is shared with other restaurants but is ample.    

 

Burger King

Shop 096:  What, no McDonald's?  If you've had a Burger King hamburger anywhere, this location will provide no surprises.  Seating is shared with other restaurants but is ample.    

 

Chao Inn

Shop 033:  A Hong Kong style coffee shop, Chao Inn offers a complete menu of Cantonese dishes, coffees and teas as well as juices and other liquid concoctions.  I've not tried this outlet but I always enjoy visiting these type of places because of the hubbub and people watching opportunities.  Since the Chao Inn is in the airport, it may not provide the same kind of ambiance. Plenty of "sit-down and be served" tables.

 

Double Star Cafe & Restaurant

Shop 093: As I said in an earlier review, "Just as many Chinese restaurants prepare their dishes for Western tastes so do Fairwood and others like it prepare Western food for Chinese tastes."  This is one of the others.  Its prices are reasonable and you can sit down and order.  

 

Famous Famiglia

Shop 096: Shared with Burger King.  Fast food New York style pizza served by the slice.  Evidently there are other outlets in U.S. airports, though I've never seen one.  Might be worth a try.  Seating is shared with other restaurants but is ample.

 

Green Cottage Vietnamese Restaurant

Shop 032: I have eaten at The Green Cottage in town and the food was good if not spectacular.  I do enjoy "Asian food with French Characteristics" to paraphrase Deng Xiao Peng and therefore do recommend that you give this place a try, especially if you've never eaten Vietnamese food before.

 

Habibi Cafe

Shop 171 on Level 5: I suspect this place may be a little hard to find nestled away on a different floor but it is the only venue available for anyone who requires Halal food.  The menu looks quite good and, as with much Middle-Eastern food, will allow you to board your plane without feeling stuffed.

 

Hang Fa Lau

Shop 025 on Level 5:  Another level 5 eatery that serves good Cantonese food, at a sit-down venue.

 

Heineken Bar

Shop 032: There is always time for a beer and this may be a good place to enjoy draft Heineken and other potables.  It is also the only bar in the airport that does not serve food.

 

Honolulu Cafe

Shop 037A:  This outlet offers the famous Hong Kong Egg Tarts, which are a delight to eat.  You can watch the bakers produce them, also.  Honolulu Café also offers all kinds of baked goods as well as light snacks and sandwiches.  Lots of seating available.  

 

Itamae Sushi

Shop 037B:  If you want your sushi delivered on a conveyer belt, this is the place to go.  You can also watch the chefs make the sushi in the middle of the sushi parade.  I have no evidence of problems but, personally, I avoid eating uncooked seafood that isn't made to order.  

 

Krispy Kreme

Shop 015: Krispy Kreme recently closed six of its Hong Kong stores but kept the two airport locations operating.  I love the taste of Krispy Kreme doughnuts even while realizing they aren't good for me.  To exacerbate matters, it appears that Krispy Kreme doughnuts in Hong Kong contain lots of trans-fats which are not present in the U.S. products - "Fast Food Colonialism"?  On a positive note they offer 15 varieties with less sugar to appeal to Asian tastes.

 

Macao Harbour Restaurant

Shop 028:  Macanese food, a blend of Portuguese and Cantonese cooking, has until recently only been available in Macao.  Now, it's at HKIA.  I suggest you try the Portuguese Chicken, and some of the seafood dishes.  This is a sit-down restaurant with internet access.

 

Pret A Manger

Shop 118 on Level 5:  if you want a quick, but well-prepared, sandwich or salad, it would be worth your while to go down to Level 5 and visit this outlet.  My wife, Pam, and I regularly patronize our neighborhood Pret A Manger because its prices are reasonable and the food is fresh and healthy.  There is plenty of seating at this location.

 

Qian Shao Bai Wei

Shop 118, Level 3:  One of the few shops at this level, this outlet, owned and operated by Maxim's Group, offers Chinese barbecue meat (Siu Mei) a number of different ways as well as other Chinese fast food choices.  By and large, Maxim restaurants are a good value and their food is above average.

 

QQ Rice

Shop 115, Level 3:  Another Level 3 choice, QQ Rice offers "grab and go" rice cakes as well as other packaged rice products.  They have very limited seating.  QQ Rice is owned and operated by the West Dragon Group whose other restaurants I've patronized and enjoyed.

 

Saint Honore Cake Shop

Shop 117 on Level 3:  This bakery gives you another good reason to wend your way down to Level 3, especially if your sweet tooth needs feeding.  The baked goods are extraordinary and include some non- sugary items like sausage buns.  There is ample shared seating.

 

Sarangchae

Shop 125, Level 5:  I know almost nothing about this Korean restaurant except that it has an exceptional view.  This sit-down restaurant has lots of seating but it appears no "cook it yourself" barbecue at the tables as in other Korean restaurants.

 

Sawasdee Thai

Shop 035:  There are hundreds of Thai restaurants in Hong Kong.  If you missed them all on your visit, here's your last chance to sample Thai cuisine.  This is a "sit-down and order" restaurant.  I'm not familiar with the quality of the food or the service.

 

Shanghai Lao Lao

Shop 034:  This fast food outlet features Shanghai "Home Style" food.  While some of the dishes are similar to their Cantonese counterparts there are many different treats you might want to try.  The prices here are reasonable so you can experiment without hurting your wallet, too much.   There is ample shared seating.

 

Starbucks Coffee

I personally prefer Pacific Coffee but Starbucks has become ubiquitous in Hong Kong.  There are three outlets at HKIA.  This is one of them.  Limited Seating.  

 

The Baltic

Shop 036:  Someday, I'll figure out why a Japanese fast food outlet is named "The Baltic".  It features curries and ramen noodles.  I am not familiar with the quality of the food.  There is ample shared seating.

 

Tian Xia Dumplings

Shop 032: I love stuffed Cantonese dumplings.  That might explain why some people think I look like a dumpling.  You can "grab and go", eating your dumpling(s) on the way to the gate or you can sit down at this location and enjoy a selection of them.  

 

Wong Chi Kee

Shop 051: While some might consider this a fast-food shop, the noodles served here are exceptionally good and are made in the traditional manner.  Next to dumplings, I love noodles and this would be a good place to get them.  You can also buy packaged noodles here.  Unfortunately the seating is limited.

 

Terminal One, Unrestricted, Arrivals' Meeters and Greeters Hall, Level 5

 

If you find yourself waiting to meet someone whose flight is delayed and you don't have time to walk over to Terminal Two, this area has a number of places where you can grab a quick bite to eat.

 

Ajisen Ramen

In addition to Ramen noodles this fast food outlet offers other snack dishes.  Limited shared seating.  Plan on eating standing up.

 

Burger King

What, no McDonald's?  As mentioned earlier, if you've had a Burger King hamburger anywhere, this location will provide no surprises.  I'm not sure about the seating arrangements at this location.    

 

Cafe de Coral

Like the Fairwood, mentioned earlier, cafeteria style Café de Coral serves very blah western and Chinese food at an extremely reasonable price.  There would be two reasons to go here.  One, it's very inexpensive or two, you've had enough spicy, pricey food on this trip and just want something plain and cheap.   There is plenty of seating.

 

Genki Sushi

A Japanese friend told me she'd go hungry rather than eat at any of the Genki outlets.  Even though the Japanese are obsessive about their food, I took her advice and have never visited one of these restaurants.  However, in town, they are always crowded.  I think because they offer the cheapest sushi in Hong Kong.  This is a conveyer belt sushi place with ample seating.  

 

Hui Lau Shan

Chinese desserts, as you may know, are not at all like Western desserts.  For one thing, they are healthier because they have far less sugar and often contain sago or coconut or fresh fruit.  If you haven't already, try one of these desserts.  You may be pleasantly surprised at how tasty and healthful they are.

 

Krispy Kreme

If you crave an unhealthy dessert there's always Krispy Kreme.  As mentioned earlier, it appears that Krispy Kreme doughnuts in Hong Kong contain lots of trans-fats which are not present in the U.S. products.  On a positive note they offer 15 varieties with less sugar to appeal to Asian tastes.

 

Maxim's Deluxe

This is a "grab and go" bakery outlet with no nearby seating.  As I mentioned earlier, by and large, Maxim outlets are a good value and their food is above average.


MiX

This chain has opened outlets all over Hong Kong.  It's basically a juice, healthy snacks and wraps bar.  The only place, also, in the airport where you can get a smoothie.   It has very limited seating.

 

Oliver's Super Sandwiches

Oliver's Super Sandwiches shops are a favorite lunch-time destination in Hong Kong.  They basically provide food to go, not eat in.  Sandwiches are made to order and are quite good even if a little pricey.  Nearby seating for this place is shared.

 

The Green Market

This is basically a soup and salad buffet outlet.  It also serves noodles, other snacks and gelato.  It has ample seating within the shop.  Something most of the other establishments in this area do not have.

 

The Spaghetti House

The pasta served here is strictly for Asian tastes.  The sauces tend to be bland.  I prefer a spicier approach which I can get at Grappa's or Wildfire.  On the other hand, the prices here are very reasonable, the service is speedy and you can sit at your table and relax.  

 

Terminal One, restricted, Departure East Hall, Level 7

 

After passing through Immigration and Security, You are in the restricted area reserved for those with tickets.  Unfortunately for all, except the chosen few, some of the best eating at the airport is available only here.  East Hall has both full service restaurants and a Food Court with plenty of shared seating.

 

Ah Yee Leng Tong

Owned by the aforementioned Café de Coral Group, this is an upscale Chinese restaurant with sit-down service and everything from dim sum to Cantonese banquet type dishes.  I've never eaten here but chances are it's pretty good.

 

Ben & Jerry's

As I pointed out earlier, "Great ice cream but be prepared to gulp when you see the prices".  The nice thing about getting your fix here is that you can sit down at a table, especially gratifying if you bought a dish instead of a cone.

 

Burger King

What, no McDonald's?  As mentioned earlier, if you've had a Burger King hamburger anywhere, this location will provide no surprises.  Plenty of shared seating available.    

 

Cafe Deco

I've reviewed Café Deco at length in a previous article titled: Café Deco - Not a Tourist Trap.  They have a wonderfully eclectic menu featuring Western, South Asian and East Asian dishes plus an oyster bar.  The only items I cannot recommend are the pastas - very pedestrian.  To provide a totally non-airport ambiance, a live band is featured Tuesday through Sunday nights.  It's not often one can find such a distinguished eatery inside an airport.

 

Cafe de Coral

To repeat an earlier mention, cafeteria style Café de Coral serves very blah western and Chinese food at extremely reasonable prices.  There would be two reasons to go here.  One, it's very inexpensive or two, you've had enough spicy, pricey food on this trip and just want something plain and cheap.   There is plenty of seating.

 

Champions' Sports Bar

Whenever I am unable to access a VIP lounge and I have an hour or more to kill, I come here.  In addition to a huge T.V., there are snooker and foosball tables.  The menu is a typical for an American sports bar with a couple pleasant surprises like bacon wrapped prawns.  They also have my favorite beer, Stella Artois, on tap along with an extensive list of bottled beers.

 

King's Palace Congee & Noodle

If you are in a bit of a hurry but want to have one more Chinese meal before you leave, this is a good place to do it.  Sit-down dining but speedy efficient service with reasonable prices.  If you are on a morning flight, try an authentic Cantonese breakfast of congee and black tea.

 

Millie's Cookies

This Mrs. Field's-like shop offers the same type of food: cookies, muffins, and coffee.  Plenty of shared seating.  

 

Pak Loh Chiu Chow Express

If you've missed partaking of Chiu Chow cuisine on this trip here's your chance to sample a fast food version.  I've walked by this place but never tried it.  Plenty of shared seating.

 

Popeye's Chicken & Biscuits

This is the other Popeye's outlet and if you don't want to follow my advice about flying on a full stomach of fast food fried chicken, this is your chance to belly up, so to speak.  Plenty of seating, too.

 

Wildfire

While I've never eaten at this particular outlet, Wildfire is an upscale chain my wife, Pam, and I irregularly visit mostly on Sunday evenings.   In some ways it reminds me of TGI Fridays.  You can eat a full meal or just snack.  The pizzas are particularly good.  A full bar overlooks one of the runways.

 

Terminal One, restricted, Departures Central Concourse, Gates 20-39, Level 6

 

Espressamente Illy

Between Gates 27 and 29: An Italian-style cafe featuring Illy coffee but also serving alcoholic beverages, and snacks like sandwiches, individual pizzas, pasta and desserts.  Limited seating.  Good place to wait if your flight is delayed at the last minute.  

 

Terminal One, restricted, Departures, Food Junction, West Hall, Level 6

 

If you are leaving from gates 34 and up, you will be taking the train out to West Hall.  At the top of the escalator, you will find Food Junction at the junction of the Southeast and Northwest concourses.

 

Caviar House & Prunier Seafood Bar

This is a very upscale eatery.  Caviar, salmon, champagne, exotic vodkas are a few of the offerings here.  Items are priced accordingly.  This is a fairly new addition to the HKIA dining scene.  Food is prepared when ordered.  This seems like a bit of a weird location for such a fancy establishment but, if you are up for it, I think you will have a good experience.

 

Chen Fu Ji

Part of a Singapore chain of restaurants, evidently this place offers Singaporean food.  I suspect they try to emulate Hawker type eats.  I doubt very much if you'll find "chili crab" though.  I know very little about this outlet.  Seating is shared and ample.

 

Itacho Sushi

Itacho Sushi is an upscale sushi restaurant.  No conveyer belts here.  I'm not a big sushi fan so I can't evaluate this place but I suspect it would be quite good.  Ample seating.

 

Millie's Cookies

If you missed your cookie fix in East Hall you have another chance here.  As I pointed out in an earlier comment, this Mrs. Field's-like shop offers the same type of food, cookies, muffins, and coffee.  Plenty of shared seating.  

 

Panopolis

This branch or franchise is one of a number of international airport outlets offering sandwiches, pastries and drinks.  Plenty of shared seating available.

 

Precious Congee

Cantonese Congee is great in the morning or for lunch.  This outlet offers a number of variations.  They also serve "rice sheet" rolls.  This is a self-serve fast food outlet.  Ample shared seating is available.  

 

Terminal One, restricted, Departures Northwest Concourse, Level 6

 

My Nosh Cafe

Near Gate 65: A coffee shop with a deli-like name that serves mostly western snack type items, beverages and desserts.  Limited seating.  

 

Taiwan Beef Noodle

Near Gate 65: Taiwan food is very eclectic because of the many outside influences over the centuries.  Noodles in beef stock is a standard fast food offering.  This outlet seves mainly snack items.  Seating is limited.

 

Terminal One, restricted, Departures Southeast Concourse, Level 6

 

Starbucks Coffee
Near Gate 45:  I personally prefer Pacific Coffee but Starbucks has become ubiquitous in Hong Kong.  There are three outlets at HKIA.  This is one of them.  Limited Seating.  

 

Terminal One, restricted, Departures South Concourse, Level 6

 

Segafredo Espresso Bar

Near Gate 3:  World-wide chain serving espresso and sandwiches.  Limited seating.

 

Terminal One, restricted, Departures North Concourse, Level 6

 

Starbucks Coffee

Near Gate 7:  I personally prefer Pacific Coffee but Starbucks has become ubiquitous in Hong Kong.  There are three outlets at HKIA.  This is one of them.  Limited Seating.

 

That's it!  66 chances to enjoy some of the best airport food in the world.

 

Off The Beaten Track: Outer Islands - Ap Chau

  • Review
  • Wednesday, September 17, 2008

When I was growing up in Wisconsin, I heard the story of a farmer who when asked directions suggested that, "You can't get there from here."  Ap Chau is kind of like that.

Located next to Kao O, Ap Chau has just eight residents.  No inhabited island has a smaller population.  The only way you can get there is to charter or rent a boat or junk and visit Ap Chau in conjunction with a visit to Kao O Island.  Information on visiting Kat O can be found at this link.  I must admit I've never been there myself so all this information is second-hand.     

One of the features of the island is the relatively new, empty houses, built by ex-islanders and their descendants who've made their fortune elsewhere and have re-built their ancestors' dwellings as a sign of respect.  

In the sixties, Ap Chau was a Christian community of about 700 souls.  Most of the congregation were fishermen and their families, some from Taiwan.  The island's church is still intact, though not active.  I'm told, it gives the island a certain serenity that other places don't have.    I've heard that the island is a great place to medittae. 

The people who live here, while they don't speak English particularly well, are very friendly and you may find yourself invited into someone's home for a cup of tea.  It's also possible you won't run into anyone. 

You can circumnavigate the island in about an hour.  There's not much exciting to see but the sea vistas are pleasant. 

A warning - bring your own drinks and food.  There are no stores or restaurants on the island.

One of these days, I am going to make an effort to get to this idyllic spot, myself.