After a long, hot summer, October brings with it cooler temperatures and drier weather – perfect for exploring Hong Kong’s far-flung country park trails; easy, breezy hikes closer to the city and beaches – before it gets too chilly to swim.
When the weather’s nice, high on the list of the best things to do in Hong Kong in October is to hop on a ferry to an outlying island. Each has its own vibe: top choices include Cheung Chau (great for seafood and tradition), Lamma (popular with the bohemian crowd) and Lantau (best for hiking). And with more than 250 islands in total, you can find some really under-the-radar gems, too.
Sticking to the city, there’s still lots going on this month. Just make sure to keep an eye on the latest COVID-19 regulations, as events and indoor dining policies are subject to change.
Full Moon Rising
The National Day public holiday falls on 1 October – which also happens to be Mid-Autumn Festival this year. As the full moon shines brightly above, Hongkongers get together to enjoy seasonal treats like mooncakes. Purists prefer the traditional version with lotus seed paste and salted egg yolks, while innovations in recent years have seen egg custard mooncakes and chocolate ‘lava’ mooncakes arrive on the scene – all of which are available around town in shops like Maxims and many high-end hotels. And this year, Cathay Pacific has also teamed up with Rosewood Hong Kong to offer its own take on the seasonal treat.
Tuck into New Menus
Traditional Spanish restaurant Olé in Central is rolling out three new menus over the next six months, each celebrating regional specialities from northern, central and southern Spain. First up is a seven-course Andalusian feast (available until 22 November) featuring dishes like deep-fried en adobo garoupa served with oregano aioli, and Seville-style braised oxtail with veggies and potatoes.
Soho’s Uma Nota continues to fuse the best of Japan and Brazil with new à la carte dishes like the Uma Nota-style nigiri, a Brazilian twist on the Japanese classic serving seared Australian wagyu beef topped with deep-fried cassava croquette and a side of ponzu sauce. It’s also rolling out new five- and seven-course ‘umakase’ – that’s Uma Nota omakase, naturally – dinner menus for those who want to indulge in a proper treat.
Once dinner is done, wash it all down with a tipple or two at Duddell’s in Central, which has unveiled a new set of cocktails devised by salon manager Mario Calderone (who used to magic up cocktail wizardry at Honi Honi Tiki Cocktail Lounge). We can’t wait to try the Pearfectioned (pear-infused Hennessy VSOP and Capovilla pear distillate served with a side of caramelised pear slices).
Fusing the best of both worlds, this month Roganic in Causeway Bay kicks off its Craft & Spirit guest bartender series on 8 October with The Diplomat’s John Nugent, who will be crafting special cocktails and mocktails for one night only at the one-Michelin-starred restaurant. Each libation is designed to perfectly complement Roganic’s seasonal dishes. Arcadius Rybak, director of bars at Rosewood Hong Kong, swings by on 22 October.
Enjoy Gourmet Takeaway and Delivery Offers
Speaking of Roganic, the COVID-19 measures have inspired a rise of takeaway and delivery services, including the ‘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).
Get Cultured with Art and Music Pop-Ups
For a dose of escapism, check out Seaweed Sunrise at Over the Influence gallery on Hollywood Road (10 October-14 November). German-born, London-based artist Super Future Kid’s first solo show in Hong Kong is a lysergic trip of surrealist cartoonish paintings that’s the perfect escapism to while away an afternoon.
Over in Tsim Sha Tsui, MoMA Design Store in K11 Musea celebrates its first anniversary with a special The Record Shop pop-up running until the end of November. Definitely one for vinyl junkies, audiophiles and fans of record culture, it’s a celebration of LPs, concert posters and books that explore the interplay between the visual arts and music. Expect to see lots of Bowie and Warhol prints.
Book a Staycation Hotel Deal
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.
