Breakfast was included so we saved a little time and $$. The buffet served very standard and has limited choices of food, oh well... we did not place high hopes anyway~
Took the shuttle bus to ferry terminal and we are travelling via Turbo Jet Ferry to Sheung Wan HK-Macau Ferry Terminal (上环港澳客运码头). Total traveling time was about 30 mins. Surprisingly, mum was OK but sis had seasick and nearly threw up (It shakes like a boat when it's stationary at both terminals).
Once you cross the Custom, the terminal has a direct link to Sheung Wan (上环) MTR station. Buy an Octopus Card at the counter, it works something like Touch N’ Go and works on most public transports, all major convenient stores, fast food restaurants, Starbucks, supermarkets, bakeries, self-service vendor machines and major photo service outlets. The price of the Octopus card (HK$) would be HK$150 (Deposit $50 + Stored Value $100). The cost is HK$70 for children and senior citizens.
We took the MTR to Yau Ma Tei (油麻地) which is about 15 mins travelling time. They have obvious light indicators on route maps and also very clear reporting voices.
As there are no elevators, we lugged our luggage up the stairs out from MTR station, I’m mighty glad that Cityview hotel is conveniently located just 50 meters away~
As there are no elevators, we lugged our luggage up the stairs out from MTR station, I’m mighty glad that Cityview hotel is conveniently located just 50 meters away~
They said they have upgraded our rooms. See how tiny it is and with no windows! I wonder how small it can go if we did not upgrade to our current interconnecting rooms (Maybe they upgrade by giving windowed room to my parents??)
First stop- lunch at Kam Wah Café, Mong Kok (金華冰廳, 太子弼街47号地下). It’s actually within walking distance, but we took the MTR instead as we still have not familiarize ourselves with the roads here yet.
I swear I did my homework but we still took pains in finding the restaurant, even though it’s just a few blocks away from MTR station. Just go out at B1 exit, follow Nathan Road (弥敦道) down the street and you will find the restaurant situated at Bute Street on your right across the other end of Tung Choi Street, which is Gold Fish Street (金魚街).
A note of advice: DO NOT ask directions from street vendors especially those at Lady street (女人街). They have absolutely no intention to help and would give answers like “I operate my stall here, I only know this street”.
Most customers visited the restaurant for its pineapple Bun (菠蘿包) and egg tarts, one look at the crowd during lunch hour says it all.
Milk Tea (奶茶)
My first sip of HK milk tea- v smooth and thick, I loved them being ‘KAO’! HK style restaurants will serve plain milk tea without sugar, so you need to scope in on your own.
My first sip of HK milk tea- v smooth and thick, I loved them being ‘KAO’! HK style restaurants will serve plain milk tea without sugar, so you need to scope in on your own.
Signature Pineapple Bun (招牌菠萝包) - $4
We ordered the plain pineapple bun instead of the one with butter (菠蘿油). I enjoyed the bun’s crispy top with a natural sweetness to the spongy yet solid dough. The waitress who served us is extremely friendly, knowing that I’m taking food pictures, she purposely cut the buns into smaller pieces so we could see the innards without tearing open.
Pork Chop Pineapple Bun (猪扒菠萝包)- $ 13
We ordered the plain pineapple bun instead of the one with butter (菠蘿油). I enjoyed the bun’s crispy top with a natural sweetness to the spongy yet solid dough. The waitress who served us is extremely friendly, knowing that I’m taking food pictures, she purposely cut the buns into smaller pieces so we could see the innards without tearing open.
Pork Chop Pineapple Bun (猪扒菠萝包)- $ 13
Although not one of the best sellers, this is so much nicer than the one we tried in 義順牛奶公司, Macau. The pork is moist and not greasy until it is dripping with lard.
Char Siew Instant Noodle (叉烧公仔面) - $24
Char Siew Instant Noodle (叉烧公仔面) - $24
This came in a set with hot milk tea. The pork is good but the instant noodle is, well... instant noodle la.
Bee Hoon with Preserved Vegetables and Shredded Meat(雪菜肉丝米粉) - $24
Bee Hoon with Preserved Vegetables and Shredded Meat(雪菜肉丝米粉) - $24
This also came in a set with milk tea. I think their bee hoon is a bit different from ours, a lil thicker.
Dad liked the waitress so much and requested to take a pic with her, she laughed sheepishly while the shop owners teased her along.
In Hong Kong, you must visit to their ‘specialty streets’ which are mostly around Mong Kok (旺角) area. One will not have difficulties in remembering these interesting street names, which are pretty much self-explanatory.
One end of Tung Choi Street (通菜街)- Gold Fish Street (金魚街). You can find all sorts of goldfish, tropical fish and a huge variety of aquariums and equipments around here.
Pet Street (宠物街)- made up of these 3 streets namely Victory Avenue (胜利道)、Peace Avenue (自由道) and 太平道. You can find an astounding amount of shops here selling mostly common pets, animal clinics and pet beauty parlors.
Fa Yuen Street (花园街)- better known as Bo Hai Street (波鞋街). As its name suggests, at least 40 shops selling mainly sport shoes can be found here, also an itty whitty bit cheaper than our local prices.
The other end of Tung Choi Street (通菜街)- Lady Street (女人街), probably the most recognizable street in Hong Kong. It is almost like Petaling Street but selling mostly female goods. Stalls open from 12 pm onwards until 10.30 pm. Don’t expect the people here to be goody-two-shoes, they will give you one kind of look if you just scan their goods and walk away without the intention to buy.
Mr Softee (富豪雪糕), an ancient brand of ice cream that has been selling in HK since 1970, plays the familiar “Blue Danube” as it rolls along. I’m lucky to spot the truck as it doesn’t have a fixed operating venue.
Sai Yeung Choi Street South (西洋菜南街)- There is a high concentration of electrical goods, pharmacies, apparels and restaurants around here. If you are an anime junkie like me, this is a street you must not miss.
Clusters of rather amazing hobby shops can be found along Sai Yeung Choi Street South, Dundas Street and Nathan Road; almost like a mini Akihabara (秋叶原) of Hong Kong. If you are on a tight shopping schedule, here are three major places to explore:
CTMA Centre (兆萬中心, 1N 西洋菜南街) has a good mix of stores especially female apparels, accessories and many other toy shops.
Anchor distributors like Superman Toys and Toy Hunter sits in the Centre.
Animate- this is just directly opposite CTMA but we are running short of time to explore. You can see eye-catching huge Gundam figurines being displayed at the glass windows.
Sino Centre (信和中心, 香港彌敦道582-592號)- Walk along Sai Yeung Choi Street South until you reach the end of the street and proceed towards Nathan Road, then turn right and walk a little again then you will see Sino Centre.
Variety would be Sino's selling point- one can find figurines, anime music, manga and even cosplay costume shops. As competition is stiff here, this would be my favourite hunting ground. There are more stores on the upper levels, so be prepared to cater a few hours here.
UML Mega Store (Shop 4, 香港彌敦道579號)- UML is situated at the corner of Dundas Street (登打士街) and Nathan Road (彌敦道), which is just across the main road after you have visited Sino Centre.
Universal Megastore Ltd., the largest hobby store in Hong Kong houses all kinds of models including standard hobby goods and in-house designed models.
We unloaded back in the hotel and headed out for dinner at Café de Coral (大家樂, 旺角太子道109-118號康寧大廈地下(Shop A & B)). This is the largest Chinese fast food chain restaurant in Hong Kong and it operates more than 100 outlets locally and overseas as well.
The system works like this: you choose your choice of menu, pay at the cashier and they will give you your number. Take a seat first as your meal will be ready in about 10 mins. The kitchen will announce your number then just collect it from the counter.
Wax Gourd in Soup and Claypot Spare Ribs (赤柱冬瓜蛊 & 宫廷酱烧骨) - $43
Dad liked the waitress so much and requested to take a pic with her, she laughed sheepishly while the shop owners teased her along.
In Hong Kong, you must visit to their ‘specialty streets’ which are mostly around Mong Kok (旺角) area. One will not have difficulties in remembering these interesting street names, which are pretty much self-explanatory.
One end of Tung Choi Street (通菜街)- Gold Fish Street (金魚街). You can find all sorts of goldfish, tropical fish and a huge variety of aquariums and equipments around here.
Pet Street (宠物街)- made up of these 3 streets namely Victory Avenue (胜利道)、Peace Avenue (自由道) and 太平道. You can find an astounding amount of shops here selling mostly common pets, animal clinics and pet beauty parlors.
Fa Yuen Street (花园街)- better known as Bo Hai Street (波鞋街). As its name suggests, at least 40 shops selling mainly sport shoes can be found here, also an itty whitty bit cheaper than our local prices.
The other end of Tung Choi Street (通菜街)- Lady Street (女人街), probably the most recognizable street in Hong Kong. It is almost like Petaling Street but selling mostly female goods. Stalls open from 12 pm onwards until 10.30 pm. Don’t expect the people here to be goody-two-shoes, they will give you one kind of look if you just scan their goods and walk away without the intention to buy.
Mr Softee (富豪雪糕), an ancient brand of ice cream that has been selling in HK since 1970, plays the familiar “Blue Danube” as it rolls along. I’m lucky to spot the truck as it doesn’t have a fixed operating venue.
Sai Yeung Choi Street South (西洋菜南街)- There is a high concentration of electrical goods, pharmacies, apparels and restaurants around here. If you are an anime junkie like me, this is a street you must not miss.
Clusters of rather amazing hobby shops can be found along Sai Yeung Choi Street South, Dundas Street and Nathan Road; almost like a mini Akihabara (秋叶原) of Hong Kong. If you are on a tight shopping schedule, here are three major places to explore:
CTMA Centre (兆萬中心, 1N 西洋菜南街) has a good mix of stores especially female apparels, accessories and many other toy shops.
Anchor distributors like Superman Toys and Toy Hunter sits in the Centre.
Animate- this is just directly opposite CTMA but we are running short of time to explore. You can see eye-catching huge Gundam figurines being displayed at the glass windows.
Sino Centre (信和中心, 香港彌敦道582-592號)- Walk along Sai Yeung Choi Street South until you reach the end of the street and proceed towards Nathan Road, then turn right and walk a little again then you will see Sino Centre.
Variety would be Sino's selling point- one can find figurines, anime music, manga and even cosplay costume shops. As competition is stiff here, this would be my favourite hunting ground. There are more stores on the upper levels, so be prepared to cater a few hours here.
UML Mega Store (Shop 4, 香港彌敦道579號)- UML is situated at the corner of Dundas Street (登打士街) and Nathan Road (彌敦道), which is just across the main road after you have visited Sino Centre.
Universal Megastore Ltd., the largest hobby store in Hong Kong houses all kinds of models including standard hobby goods and in-house designed models.
We unloaded back in the hotel and headed out for dinner at Café de Coral (大家樂, 旺角太子道109-118號康寧大廈地下(Shop A & B)). This is the largest Chinese fast food chain restaurant in Hong Kong and it operates more than 100 outlets locally and overseas as well.
The system works like this: you choose your choice of menu, pay at the cashier and they will give you your number. Take a seat first as your meal will be ready in about 10 mins. The kitchen will announce your number then just collect it from the counter.
Wax Gourd in Soup and Claypot Spare Ribs (赤柱冬瓜蛊 & 宫廷酱烧骨) - $43
Like our Kim Gary Restaurant, everything here has a Café de Coral signature taste, which will never swerve far from excellent. The chicken was quite nice, and I’m quite surprised at the bountiful amount of fillings scooped from the soup.
Red Bean Float (雪糕红豆冰）
The char siew was juicy with adequate honey sauce, I did not try the chicken but they seemed satisfied with it too.
Temple Street (庙街)- also known as Men’s Street (男人街). The market place operates from 5 pm onwards till late and this takes less than 10 mins walk from Cityview hotel.
If you want to dine in at Temple Street, Hing Kee Rice in Pot ( 兴记煲仔饭, 油麻地廟街19號) will be a recommendation. (My verdict: This is a well-known shop but not necessarily great tasting~). Speaking about food, I wonder where the filming of “God of Cookery” (食神) took place ^^
I thought I could find many men’s clothes, instead, I see a very pasar malam style night market selling souvenirs, handicrafts, tea sets, Jades, feng shui accessories, antiques and cheap electronic products. You will be able to spot many fortune telling stalls around the street near to Tin Hau Temple (天后庙).
An entire row of shops selling porn movies and books, all AUTHENTIC stuff. Now I understand why Temple Street is being called Men’s Street.
End of Day 2
The char siew was juicy with adequate honey sauce, I did not try the chicken but they seemed satisfied with it too.
Temple Street (庙街)- also known as Men’s Street (男人街). The market place operates from 5 pm onwards till late and this takes less than 10 mins walk from Cityview hotel.
If you want to dine in at Temple Street, Hing Kee Rice in Pot ( 兴记煲仔饭, 油麻地廟街19號) will be a recommendation. (My verdict: This is a well-known shop but not necessarily great tasting~). Speaking about food, I wonder where the filming of “God of Cookery” (食神) took place ^^
I thought I could find many men’s clothes, instead, I see a very pasar malam style night market selling souvenirs, handicrafts, tea sets, Jades, feng shui accessories, antiques and cheap electronic products. You will be able to spot many fortune telling stalls around the street near to Tin Hau Temple (天后庙).
An entire row of shops selling porn movies and books, all AUTHENTIC stuff. Now I understand why Temple Street is being called Men’s Street.
End of Day 2
5 comments:
the hotel looks good, but i checked the rates quite exp at approx rm400++ per night. how much did u pay?
We paid $467.50 per room, that's about RM210 :) I think they gave us early bird special rates. I know other Malaysian DIY travellers like to stay in Dragon Inn, Mongkok- cheap price and strategically located in the middle of town.
I am surprise that Hongkies actually like to buy gold fish and the gold fish street can actually survive.
The figurines shops damn appealing !!!
Wonder if buying some x rated movies and bring back to malaysia is legal??
A very wonderful 2nd day journey !
Pin: come to think of it, a whole street of kam yu lou haha...
well no one break open my bags in the airport to see whether i brought illegal stuff tho...so it's still acceptable i presume???
Hey, i'm going to hk in mid-dec... still finding out abt the different places 2 go. where do u read reviews abt hk food? the food tt u took photo of looks yummy...
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