Food and drink

Best Things to Do in Hong Kong in August

We’ve scouted out Hong Kong’s best delivery menus, cool new bars and afternoon tea sets to check out this August – just keep an eye on the evolving COVID-19 restrictions

It’s August, which means it’s hot, humid – and high time to find some things to do in Hong Kong to beat the heat. Hong Kong’s secret islands offer up an appealing mini escape, and there are plenty of scenic hikes and lesser known trails for an early-morning or sunset ramble.

But we’ve also found some fun stuff to do among the city’s bustling neighbourhoods. Before you head out, be sure to check the latest local restrictions, as events and indoor dining and drinking policies are subject to change.

Enjoy Takeaway and Delivery Offers

Simon Rogan at Home promotion from Roganic, featuring fresh pea soup with pike perch and pea salad, and staples like soda bread and roast pork shoulder

The ongoing COVID-19 precautionary measures have inspired the rise of takeaway and delivery services. Michelin-starred restaurants that are normally tough to book are now promoting fine-dining menus for the comforts of your own home. One such restaurant is Roganic with its ‘Simon Rogan at home’ promotion: three-course menus include fresh pea soup with pike perch and pea salad, along with staples like the revered soda bread and roast pork shoulder (dishes subject to change).

Similarly, two-Michelin-starred Ecriture’s Écriture a La Maison delivery service lets you sample chef Maxime Gilbert’s modern French cooking in the comfort of your home. Choose from an a la carte menu that includes the signature caviar and uni tart and the oven-roasted Bresse chicken, served with truffled mashed potatoes.

Black Sheep Restaurant Group has also got creative with its takeaway options – Rajasthan Rifles sells ‘refreshment hampers’ for picnicking at nearby Victoria Peak Gardens – and its Summer Festival adds some extracurricular activities to the diary throughout August, such as an afternoon of oyster shucking and wine tastings at Osteria Marzia.

Check to see what your favourite Hong Kong restaurants have on offer, as many have pivoted to delivery and takeaway and could use the support.

Explore Art Online as a Form of Therapy

+VE/-VE exhibition at Art Next gallery in Kwun Tong, Kowloon

During August and September, Art Next gallery in Kowloon’s Kwun Tong neighbourhood is running +VE/-VE, an exhibition of new works by over 40 local artists that were created in the era of social distancing. They address themes of isolation and concern, as well as celebrate connection and the resilience of local communities. The exhibition launches online first. Depending on the evolving COVID-19 situation, you may be able to see it firsthand at the gallery later (check the website for updates).

Indulge in Treats for Two

In Admiralty, the Cookie DPT pop-up continues to dominate Instagram stories and draw foodies to The Upper House. The brand’s beloved American-style (and sized…) cookies are available daily at the outdoor terrace of The Lawn on Level 6 until 30 August. Tuck into flavours such as brownie filled with chocolate chip and the ‘Earl Gray’, designed especially for The Upper House.

Italian-Japanese fusion restaurant Ammo, part of the Asia Society also in Admiralty, has a whimsical summer treat: Mr. Men Little Miss Take Afternoon Tea at AMMO. Head chef Jack Law’s spread comes with Little Miss-stamped macarons and Mr Men cookies and mini quiches, along with the usual delights like finger sandwiches and scones. The set for two is available until 27 September and costs HK$548, and includes two personalised Mr Men Little Miss mugs.

L’Occitane x Le Meridien Cyberport afternoon tea set for two at the hotel’s Prompt Bistro

There’s also the new L’Occitane x Le Meridien Cyberport afternoon tea set, which presents a spread of delectable savouries (mozzarella profiteroles, anyone?) and sweets (passion fruit meringue, catch your fancy?), at the hotel’s Prompt Bistro. The set for two costs HK$398 and comes with two complimentary L’Occitane gift sets containing several best-sellers from the French beauty brand, as well as a 20 per cent discount voucher.

Cool Off with Cocktails and Champagne

The Daily Tot, a newly opened bar in Central, Hong Kong

It’s been a while since we had a flash new bar opening in town, and the imminent arrival of The Daily Tot has us excited. It brings a slice of Havana to Hollywood Road in Central, with fine Caribbean rums served in its airy terrace and lounge. Beverage manager Gerry Olino, previously of Dr Fern’s Gin Parlour and Foxglove, has masterminded 12 signature rum cocktails that showcase this versatile spirit – though you can always choose to sip your rum neat instead.

Modern izakaya Zuma has unveiled its own seasonal cocktails, with tequila as the spirit of choice. Opt for a glass of Bajiru Smash (reposado tequila, agave, cucumber, lemongrass, lime, yuzu) or the fruity Shapu (blanco tequila, longan sake, lime and yuzu, watermelon and shichimi umeshu).

Up on the 28th storey of Cubus in Causeway Bay, Moon Yue is offering four hours of free-flowing Moët & Chandon Impérial Brut Champagne for $288 per person, if you order anything off the a la carte Chinese menu (6-10pm, through 31 August).

Book a Staycation Hotel Deal

Four Seasons Hong Kong, staycation

While we’re all dreaming of our next overseas getaway, staycations in Hong Kong’s best hotels are the next best thing – offering some pampering, pools and good-value dining. Check out the best Hong Kong hotel staycations to book now.

Plan Ahead for These Hong Kong Events:

2 Sep: Hungry Ghost Festival

13 Sep: Mid-Autumn Festival

29 Oct-1 Nov: Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival

Cathay Travell Book

ABOUT

Discovery online brings together all the inspirational travel writing from our two inflight magazines, Discovery and Silkroad. Be sure to look out for the print editions when you next fly with Cathay Pacific or Cathay Dragon.
Discovery Book Silkroad Book