If you recently saw Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In, you may be itching to explore the area that inspired it. If so, let us introduce you to Kowloon City! This lively neighbourhood is brimming with character, from mouthwatering eats and hidden noodle joints to charming bakeries, quirky cafes and some of the best Thai and Halal food in the city. From the historic Kowloon Walled City Park to delicious food adventures, we’ve rounded up all of our favourite spots to help you dive into this vibrant corner of Hong Kong.

Sassy Tip: Head to AIRSIDE before 13 April to catch an immersive exhibition dedicated to Twilight of the Warriors, which restores the full film set!

Read More: Your Neighbourhood Guide To Jordan & Yau Ma Tei

Jump To:
How To Get To Kowloon City
Kowloon City Restaurants & Bakeries
Kowloon City Cafes & Bars
Things To Do In Kowloon City

How To Get To Kowloon City

The easiest way to get to Kowloon City is by public transport, and thankfully there are plenty of convenient options to choose from! Here’s how you can get there:

• MTR to Lok Fu Station (Kwun Tong Line): Take Exit B, then hop on a short taxi ride or walk approximately 15–20 minutes to the heart of Kowloon City.
• MTR to Sung Wong Toi Station (Tuen Ma Line): Take Exit B3 and you’ll find yourself just a few minutes’ walk from Kowloon City’s main streets, perfect for diving straight into all the action!
• Bus options:
  • Bus 1 or 1A: Runs from Tsim Sha Tsui Ferry Pier and takes you right into Kowloon City.
  • Bus 106: A great option if you’re coming from Hong Kong Island, as it travels from Central and Admiralty through the Cross-Harbour Tunnel.
  • Bus 2F: Convenient if you’re starting from Mong Kok or Yau Ma Tei.
  • Bus 113: Ideal for those traveling from Causeway Bay or Wan Chai.

Kowloon City Restaurants & Bakeries

Amporn Thai Food

Housed in Kowloon City’s cooked food centre, famed for purveying some of the highest quality produce in town, Thai dai pai dong Amporn Thai offers beloved regional dishes at reasonable prices. The menu is especially well-suited to larger parties with diverging tastes, and covers all the bases: tom (boiled dishes), yam (spicy salads), tam (pounded foods) and gaeng (curries). For dessert, Amporn’s rendition of mango sticky rice is the crème de la crème. Compared to the boxed varieties stacked across Little Thailand, this version is thoughtfully composed and includes both white and black glutinous rice — the latter, tinged a deep amethyst, lends rich and nutty undertones to this summery sweet treat!

Amporn Thai Food, Shop 9, 3/F, Kowloon City Municipal Services Building, 48 Hau Wong Road, Kowloon City, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2383 1700

Read More: Where To Find Authentic Thai Food In Hong Kong

Kwai Yue Zai Wo Kee Lung

Kowloon City earned the nickname “Little Chaozhou” after a wave of immigrants settled there post-war, filling the streets with their dialect and delicious Chaozhou-style restaurants. While the Teochew population has dwindled over the years due to the demolition of the Walled City and the airport’s relocation, the district still holds onto its cultural roots. Kwai Yue Tai Wo Kee Lung is a bakery doing exactly that, and it’s the perfect spot to snag a sugar cake or coconut-coated sweet treat!

Kwai Yue Tai Wo Kee Lung, 59 South Wall Road, Kowloon City, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2382 1673

Islam Food Since 1950

A long-standing Muslim-owned restaurant started by Old Mr Ma, Islam Food is one of the last halal Northern Chinese-style places left in Hong Kong. While Ma’s Restaurant tended towards Uyghur-style meals, Islam Food takes inspiration from all of Mainland China, with Hui Muslim leanings. You’ll see plenty of halal signage everywhere, and the menu features delectable beef and veal dishes (the pan-fried beef buns are widely popular!), spicy soups and a variety of rice and noodle options.

Islam Food, 1 Lung Kong Road, Kowloon City, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2382 2822
Islam Food, 33-35 Tak Ku Ling Rd, Kowloon City, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2382 1882

Read More: Halal-Certified Restaurants & Eateries In Hong Kong

Banh Mi Bakery

Here’s an underrated gem for you: affordable and delicious banh mi in the heart of Kowloon City! The menu has a ton of Vietnamese dishes beyond the popular sandwich, but it’s obviously best known for the banh mi. There’s 11 different filling options (from classic pâté to more original choices like curry chicken), customisable spice levels and add-ons like extra pate, avocado and cheese! Unfortunately, though, there aren’t any veg banh mi options, so if you don’t eat meat, this is definitely one to skip!

Banh Mi Bakery, 49 Lung Kong Road, Kowloon City, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2360 2883

Read More: Team Sassy’s Favourite Banh Mi Spots

Tak Cheong Noodle

This Hong Kong-famous noodle shop is well hyped, and for good reason. There’s nearly always a queue for the super affordable joint, but it’s worth the wait! We highly recommend trying out the signature dish: bouncy, handmade fishballs and fishcake with noodles in a rich comforting broth.

Tak Cheong Noodle, G/F, Comfort Court, 88 Fuk Lo Tsun Road, Kowloon City, Kowloon, 2718 3838

Read More: The Top Five Places To Get Cart Noodles In Hong Kong

Hoover Cake Shop

There’s no place like Hoover Cake Shop if you’re in the mood for a classic Hong Kong-style baked good. The place has been around since the 1970s, so their buttery, flaky egg tarts are baked in traditional moulds, and their retro cakes are truly nostalgic. We also recommend the pandan sponge cake, coconut cream bun and red bean biscuit for those that like more traditional flavours!

Hoover Cake Shop, 136 Nga Tsin Wai Road, Kowloon City, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2382 0383

Read More: The Ultimate Egg Tart Hierarchy In Hong Kong

Sanpokong Golden Thai BBQ

There’s a whole lot of options at this humble Thai spot in Kowloon City, but it’s really known for its barbecue skewers — especially the BBQ chicken wings and BBQ Thai sausage. Each skewer has about six pieces of meat, and prices are as low as $15!

Golden Thai BBQ, Shop C, G/F, Prince Mansion, 386A–B Prince Edward Road West, Kowloon City, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2383 8273

Read More: Your Guide To Hong Kong Street Food

Fong Wing Kee

This legendary Kowloon City hotpot and satay noodle spot has been serving up deliciousness since 1952! Their signature satay broth is thick, creamy, and packed with sweet, peanut-y flavour, making it more like a rich stew than a soup, and everything you cook in it gets coated in that incredible sauce. Don’t miss their fresh and tasty must-tries like lotus root slices, oysters, hand-cut beef and crispy fried fish skin. Finish it off with some instant noodles, thinly-sliced beef, and an ice-cold drink for the ultimate hotpot experience!

Fong Wing Kee, G/F, Goldfield Mansion, 85-87 Hau Wong Road, Kowloon City, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2382 1788

Read More: The Top Hot Pot Spots In Hong Kong

Kowloon City Cafes & Bars

Tai Wo Tang Cafe

Once a Traditional Chinese Medicine clinic, Tai Wo Tang has revitalised this nearly century-year-old building and turned it into a Western-style cafe — with a little bit of Hong Kong cuisine sprinkled in! You’ve likely seen the fried chicken and Cantonese egg waffles on Instagram (weird in the best way), and another popular choice is the homemade pineapple bun with foie gras — the latter is good, but a little overwhelmingly rich, in our opinion.

Tai Wo Tang Cafe, 24 Nga Tsin Long Road, Kowloon City, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2623 2006

Read More: Where To Go For Traditional Chinese Medicine & Alternative Therapy

YOI Coffee & Bakery

Yoi Coffee & Bakery is a cosy little café known for its handmade pastries and baked goods. They serve up coffee made with single-origin espresso beans from Australia’s Dukes Roasters, ensuring top-notch flavour in every cup. Don’t miss their desserts, especially the pistachio-filled religieuse à la pistache — a dreamy two-tiered choux pastry!

YOI Coffee & Bakery, 20 Lung Kong Road, Kowloon City, Kowloon, Hong Kong

Read More: Our Favourite Bakeries In Hong Kong

Lento

Another Western-style cafe in Kowloon City, Lento is a cutesy and Instagrammable spot with a solid selection of drip coffees. The food is not bad, although a tad on the pricey side — we will say, if you’re hungover and in need of a pick-me-up, the $138 “all day breakfast” (scrambled eggs, smoked salmon, salad, focaccia, has brown, sausages and bacon!) is pretty great.

Lento, G/F, 428 Prince Edward Road West, Kowloon City, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 5247 6077

Read More: How To Survive A Hong Kong Hangover

Blossom

It’s hard to capture the vibe of this place in words and images, but imagine if a knick-knack filled speakeasy bar and a minimalist Tokyo-style cafe had a baby. Well, that’s Blossom! The Kowloon City location is actually its second venue (the first is near HKU), and it does not disappoint — especially if you’re craving tiramisu.

Blossom, G/F, 45 Nam Kok Road, Kowloon City, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 5247 6077

Read More: The Best Wifi-Friendly Cafe Spots In Hong Kong

Things To Do In Kowloon City

Kowloon Walled City Park

Walk off your food coma in Kowloon Walled City Park — the official remnants of the infamous Kowloon Walled City! Originally, this site was home to a number of lawless dwellings, packed residences and factories, essentially operating as a sovereign city. The area was completely turned over during the 90’s and now houses this stunning, 31,000-square-metre Chinese garden. Set among waterfalls and pavilions, it’s the perfect spot to wander around and while away a few hours – weather permitting of course!

Kowloon Walled City Park, Tung Tsing Road, Kowloon City, Kowloon, Hong Kong

Read More: The Top 20 Tourist Attractions In Hong Kong

Cattle Depot Artist Village

This Grade II historical building used to be the community slaughterhouse, however it’s had a much-needed renovation since then and has been turned into a village for artists. Distinctive red brick and pointed roofs tiled in Western style surround the complex, which is s now home to around 20 art groups. They hold regular exhibitions with both local and international art, alongside concerts and theatrical performances!

Cattle Depot Artist Village, 63 Ma Tau Kok Road, To Kwa Wan, Kowloon, Hong Kong

Read More: Where To Buy Affordable Hong Kong-Themed Wall Art

AIRSIDE Shopping Mall

Airside opened its doors September 2023, bringing a new designated landmark to Kowloon City! Designed by the architecture firm Snøhetta, this massive complex includes a lively shopping mall with restaurants, cafes, trendy stores and unique entertainment options, including an indoor surfing restaurant.

AIRSIDE, 2 Concorde Road, Kai Tak, Kowloon, Hong Kong

Read More: New Beauty Buys In Hong Kong This Month

Kowloon City Wet Market

Rumour has it that this is one of the best wet markets in the city! Certainly one of the biggest wet markets in Hong Kong, you’ll get a good dose of old school Hong Kong at one of the 500+ stalls. From vegetables to high grade cuts of American beef, you’ll head home bags a-brimming.

Kowloon City Wet Market, 100 Nga Tsin Wai Road, Kowloon City, Kowloon, Hong Kong

Read More: Your Guide To Wet Market Shopping In Hong Kong

Seven Kee Closet

While Kowloon City has become a foodie destination, it’s not all noodles and egg tarts. Check out Seven Kee Closet, a small fashion outlet selling the best of vintage designs. It’s hard to walk out of here without a new statement piece – you’ve been warned!

Seven Kee Closet, 50-52, Lion Rock Road, Kowloon City, Kowloon, Hong Kong

Read More: Where To Find Second-Hand & Vintage Clothing In Hong Kong

The post Your Guide To Kowloon City: Restaurants, Cafes & Attractions appeared first on Sassy Hong Kong.

Get ready for the perfect Sassy giveaway for all music lovers — two lucky readers will win four premium tickets to Hong Kong’s most unique live music event: Live At The Big Top at AIA Carnival!

The Big Top will once again transform into a musical extravaganza for AIA Carnival’s Grand Finale week from Tuesday, 11 February to Sunday, 16 February, 2025. This year’s incredible line-up will feature local and international talents including the returning favourite MANIA: The ABBA Tribute show. Travel back in time to revisit one of the world’s best pop groups with this professional tribute show from London’s West End. MANIA has been touring all over the world since 2000 and is now returning to Hong Kong to recreate the ABBA phenomenon at the circus ring!

If this world-famous show has you saying “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!”, enter before Sunday, 26 January, 2025 for the chance to be one of two lucky winners to snag four premium tickets!

What You’ll Win

• A set of four premium tickets, worth $2,800, for the MANIA show at 1pm on Sunday, 16 February, 2o25

AIA Carnival, Central Harbourfront Event Space, 9 Lung Wo Road, Central, Hong Kong, Instagram: @latbt.official, www.aiacarnival.com

Enter Now!

Click here if you want to be updated with upcoming giveaways, reader’s promos and more!

The post GIVEAWAY: Live At The Big Top appeared first on Sassy Hong Kong.

Get ready to be swept off your feet, as the Czech National Ballet brings the timeless magic of “La Sylphide” to Hong Kong this March! This isn’t just any ballet — it’s the oldest surviving masterpiece still performed in its original form, celebrated as the very first Romantic ballet. Performed by the Czech National Ballet (one of Central Europe’s most celebrated dance companies) with a history dating back to the 1800s, this production is brimming with lively characters, breathtaking choreography and a story that’s perfect for families to enjoy together. Since its dazzling debut with the Royal Danish Ballet in 1836, “La Sylphide” has enchanted audiences with its spellbinding mix of fantasy, passion and elegance. Now, it’s your chance to snag some tickets and witness this ballet’s history, artistry and wonder, all in one unforgettable performance!

A Romantic Ballet Like No Other

Johan Kobborg’s choreography brings a fresh twist to a timeless classic, blending tradition with a modern spark. As a former star of the Royal Ballet in London and the Royal Danish Ballet, Kobborg knows how to create magic on stage. His take on “La Sylphide” revives hidden gems from the past while making the story feel as vibrant and relatable as ever. It’s romantic ballet at its best — beautifully preserved, yet full of life for today’s audiences!

 Dance with the Magic of the Bournonville Style

What makes “La Sylphide” truly magical is the iconic Bournonville style, a hallmark of early 19th-century Romantic ballet. This unique style demands extraordinary precision and artistry from the dancers, who must execute impossibly light leaps, lightning-fast footwork and intricate beats with breathtaking grace. But it’s not just about the technical mastery: the dancers’ vivid, natural acting draws you into the story, making every moment on stage feel alive and deeply emotional. It’s an experience that will leave you mesmerised!

A Scottish Fairytale Full of Wonder

Picture this: a rugged highland setting where male dancers don traditional kilts, adding a touch of Scottish charm to a magical story. At the heart of the tale is James, a young man torn between two worlds — a life of duty with his fiancée and the irresistible pull of a mystical sylph who leads him into a realm of magic and temptation. His experience embodies the themes of love, desire and the realisation that not all dreams are meant to come true. The clash between fantasy and reality will pull at your heartstrings while keeping you on the edge of your seat!

Grab Your Tickets Now!

Whether you’re a seasoned ballet fan or just trying to score some culture points, “La Sylphide” promises something magical for everyone. Join us at the 53rd Hong Kong Arts Festival and let “La Sylphide” transport you to a world where magic and dance come together in perfect harmony. If you’re seeking an unforgettable cultural outing or simply wish to immerse yourself in a spellbinding fairytale, this extraordinary performance is one you won’t want to miss!

Where: Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
When: 6 to 8 March, 7:30pm; 8 March, 2:30pm
How much: 6 to 8 March 7:30pm: $720, $620, $520, $420, $320, $220 (students: $360, $310, $260, $210, $160, $110); 8 March 2:30pm: $680, $580, $480, $380, $280, $200 (students: $340, 290, 240, 190, 140, 100) — head here to book!

Hong Kong Arts Festival Society, Room 1205, 12/F, 2 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, 2824 3555, Instagram: @hkartsfestival, www.hk.artsfestival.org

The post The 53rd Hong Kong Arts Festival Dazzles With The Timeless “La Sylphide” appeared first on Sassy Hong Kong.

Discover the best of what’s new
in Hong Kong this January
with The Sassy Edit.

With a new event, brand and shop launching every other minute in Hong Kong, it can be hard to keep up with what’s happening around town. Enter “The Sassy Edit”, our monthly roundup of everything new that’s worth knowing about. Ahead, we’re spoiling you with indulgent treats, from caviar and new beauty buys to spend your lai see on, limited-edition CNY collections and more.

Read More: Things To Do In Hong Kong This Month

What’s New In Hong Kong This January

Hypebeans Kuromi Café Plush Toys

If you missed the Hypebeans X Kuromi merch pre-order last month, you’ll be happy to hear that the collection is now available online and in-store! Along with water bottles, tumblers, totes and tees, the collab merchandise also features these adorable plush toys and bag charms! Our fave is the mirrored Glam Plush, perfect for touching up your lippie on the go!

Read More: Our Favourite Cafés In Hong Kong: Study Spots, Hidden Gems & More

The Freewaves Set To Tame Your Tassles

Too overwhelmed by curly hair products and don’t know where to start? Say hello to Freewaves, your go-to solution for celebrating and embracing those gorgeous natural waves! Born from the Founder, Ella’s journey of taming her “unruly” hair (and ditching damaging straighteners), this fab line features five must-have products designed to nurture and define your beautiful waves. Forget heat tools – embrace your hair’s true potential with just five simple steps. The set includes a gentle and nourishing shampoo and conditioner, a hydrating leave-in pack with rice water, a protein leave-in pack to protect those locks and finally, a lightweight gel for styling.

Sassy Tip: Grab your bundle as a discount of $990 (originally $1,100)

Use code SASSY to get 10% off your first order. Valid until 31 January, 2026.

Read More: Our Editor Tried The Curly Girl Method — Here Are Her Results

Huda Beauty’s New Ube Collection

If there’s one thing that’s gone absolutely viral this month, it’s the new purple yam-inspired “Ube” collection by Huda Beauty. On the skin, these products can appear anywhere from electric lilac to subtle pink depending on your skin tone. The product launches include the well-loved Easy Bake Loose Baking & Setting Powder in Ube Birthday Cake, a liquid Blush Filter in Ube Cream and Faux Filler Lip Gloss in UUU-Baby.

Read More: The Best Places To Get Lash Extensions In Hong Kong

Nude Beautique Launches 100% Cotton Bath Robe

Looking for the ultimate post-spa indulgence? Nude Beautique‘s new cotton bath robe is giving us all the cosy vibes! This luxe loungewear essential ticks all our boxes with its ultra-soft breathable fabric that feels like a warm hug. We’re obsessed with the chic design featuring an adjustable belt and roomy pockets (perfect for stashing our phone during those lazy Sunday mornings!). Trust us, this piece deserves a spot in your self-care routine. Treat yourself or add it to your wishlist — your relaxation game will never be the same!

Sassy Tip: Grab your bath robes now for a discounted price of $499 (originally $699), valid until 31 March, 2025.

Read More: Holistic Healing Solutions To Start Your Year Right

Lush’s Year of Snake 2025 Collection

Looking to “shed the old and strike gold”? Lush has launched a collection of sparkling, golden shower goodies to help you do exactly that. Sweet orange and lime oils are buried within the sparkly snake Rebirth bath bomb, while the Swirl of Happiness scrub is filled with grapefruit and bergamot oil. Keeping with the fresh theme, the Sunrise shower gel is scented with Sicilian lemon oil.

Read More: Collagen Boosting Products That Actually Work

Diptyque’s Limited Edition Amande Candle

Already missing the cosy Christmas candle season? Diptyque has you covered with a limited edition launch to keep you warm for the rest of winter. Inspired by la galette des rois, a cake enjoyed on 6 January across France, this candle combines scents of almond, sandalwood and iris to create a mouthwatering treat! Just beware, you can’t actually eat this.

Read More: 25 Simple Pleasures We Swear By For 2025

Caviar House & Prunier Opens In Lee Gardens

Located in between the stores Hermès and Christian Dior in Lee Gardens, Causeway Bay, the newest Caviar House & Prunier venue is offering up the finest French caviar delicacies. The launch brings in exclusive treats like six-inch Caviar Basque Cheesecake, a premium caviar and Champagne tea set and the most indulgent Chinese New Year hampers you could ever imagine!

See all Caviar House & Prunier’s locations here. 

Read More: The Best Afternoon & High Tea Sets In Hong Kong

MM6 Maison Margiela’s Lunar New Year Collection

While the main launches in MM6 Maison Margiela’s gender-neutral Lunar Near Year collection include sweats, hoodies and graphic T-shirts, we actually prefer the complementary line of silver jewellery, all engraved with red “6”s to mirror the brand’s logo. Featuring simple bangles, rings, chain necklaces and small hoop earrings, the jewellery feels legitimately unisex and timeless.

Read More: Hong Kong Jewellery Shops – Online & Independent Designers And Stores

Flat Iron Burger’s The Flying Cobra

Flat Iron Burger and A Spark of Madness present a limited-edition burger, “The Flying Cobra”, filled with a coiled pork and prawn sausage (inspired by classic dumpling fillings) fried to perfection and glazed with a sweet, umami-packed Cantonese XO sauce and honey. Nestled in a toasted sesame bun, it’s topped with crispy wonton skins, tangy Chinese pickled cucumbers and Spark’s fiery “Crack Mayo”, a cha chaan teng-inspired spicy kick.

Flat Iron Burger, G/F, 27 & 29 Elgin Street, Central, Hong Kong

Read More: Your Guide To Hong Kong Street Food

7-Eleven Collabs With Fujiya Milk Girl & Sho-Chan

We’re all for unlikely collaborations, and this one takes the cake. 7-Eleven has teamed up with beloved characters Peko Chan (Fujiya Milk Girl) and So-Chan (Chanzi) to launch eight new “Denim Style Bags”, available until Friday, 28 February! These red-and-blue designs feature adorable character avatars, peach blossoms, Japanese fireworks and festive New Year symbols. Perfectly practical, versatile and seriously nostalgic.

Click here more information on where and how to purchase the bags.

Read More: How To Plan The Perfect Chinese New Year Look

MALIN+GOETZ Limited Edition Set

MALIN+GOETZ rings in the Lunar New Year with a limited-edition bergamot hand and body wash, wrapped in red and adorned with the auspicious white narcissus flower. Celebrating the significance of citrus (symbolising happiness and abundance!) this festive twist on their signature wash is the perfect gift.

The post The Sassy Edit: This Month’s Must-Haves In Hong Kong appeared first on Sassy Hong Kong.

Get ready to celebrate the Year of the Snake at the luxurious Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, where auspicious festivities await! This Chinese New Year, dive into a whirlwind of vibrant celebrations that promise to have you slithering into 2025 with good fortune!

Step into the Mandarin Oreintal’s hotel lobby, transformed into a stunning display of colourful Chinese lanterns and fragrant flowers, setting the perfect backdrop for your New Year festivities. Don’t miss the exhilarating Lion Dance and eye-dotting ceremony on Lunar New Year’s Day at 1pm, a spectacular sight that attracts blessings of prosperity for all!

Foodies, this one’s for you! Indulge in exquisite culinary creations at the Mandarin Oriental’s one-Michelin-starred restaurant Man Wah, featuring a special menu crafted by Executive Chinese Chef Wong Wing Kwong. Savor the Sautéed Lobster in Superior Fish Broth, rich with flavors and well wishes for a thriving year ahead. Delight in the Honey Glazed Sun-dried Oyster, a symbol of abundance, or the Braised Mushrooms in Casserole that whisper luck and peace with every bite.

For those looking to pamper themselves, unwind with the Year of the Snake Oriental Qi Rebalancing massage at The Mandarin Spa.

Head here to discover more about the Mandarin Oriental’s Chinese New Year offers and deals!

Mandarin Oriental, 5 Connaught Road, Central, Hong Kong, 2522 0111, www.mandarinoriental.com

The post Slither Into The Year Of The Snake With Mandarin Oriental appeared first on Sassy Hong Kong.

While many of us have grown up in Hong Kong, there is still a handful of us who are new to the Chinese culture and traditions this Fragrant Harbour holds. When the Lunar New Year approaches, we often catch ourselves asking, “Wait, so how exactly does lai see work?”. Stay respectful to age-old tradition and avoid a string of misfortune and judgement! From how much you’re expected to give to lucky sayings and numbers, who is and who isn’t to distribute red packets and more, we’ve highlighted all the lai see do’s and don’ts. Save this cheat sheet for The Year of the Snake!

Read More: How To Celebrate Chinese New Year 2025 In Hong Kong

The Tradition Of Lai See Red Packets In Chinese New Year

According to ancient Chinese folklore dating back to the Han Dynasty (206 B.C.–220 A.D.), it’s believed that an evil spirit would roam the streets on Lunar New Year’s Eve and attack anyone who was sleeping.

One year, a couple gave their son a pocket of gold coins to play with — who wrapped and unwrapped them in a red cloth to distract himself and stay awake. He did eventually fall asleep but when the demon approached, the gold coins shone so bright they warded the evil spirit off. This led to the belief that the colour red wards off evil and started a tradition of giving lai see red packets for good fortune.

The gold coins eventually changed to bills but the symbolism of the colour red remains. Lai see is distributed at auspicious events and occasions like Lunar New Year, weddings, birthdays and other festive gatherings.

Read More: Chinese New Year Gift Hampers & Festive Food Baskets In Hong Kong

Who Gives To Who — The Big To Small Rule For Lai See

Lai See is distributed to wish prosperity and good luck for the coming year from seniors to juniors, parents to children, married couples to single relatives and employers to their employees. Rule of thumb, go from big to small to avoid being seen as rude. The elder ones in the family also give lai see to domestic helpers, security guards and service providers.

It’s always good to carry spare red packets containing $20 in your bag, so you can hand lai see out to miscellaneous service staff like waitstaff, those who help you find taxis at hotels and so on.

Read More: The Best Hong Kong Hotel Staycation Packages

How Much Lai See To Give And Numbers To Avoid

The amount of lai see given in red packets is largely dependent on the closeness of the relationship between the giver and receiver. The closer you are, the more you are expected to give. And there are a number of customs you need to keep in mind, including:

• Each lai see packet can only contain one single dollar bill — use crisp notes either straight from the bank or good-as-new ones.
• Do not give coins or crinkled and wrinkled notes.
• Do not give lai see amounting to odd numbers as it’s associated with bad luck (our banknotes are all even which makes it easier for you!).
• Do not give increments of four; the number four (四) in Chinese is pronounced sei which sounds identical to the word “死”, also pronounced sei but meaning death.

Sassy Tip: Stay organised — group different red packets for different groups so you don’t accidentally end up giving the wrong ones!

As a rough outline for how much to give, you start with $20 for security guards and start going up to $100 to $300 for service providers and domestic helpers, and around $1,000 for close relatives. Again, this is all dependent on how much you want to give and how close you are. The reason for giving lai see red packets is to spread good fortune, wish luck and prosperity and pay respect, which ultimately amounts to much more than the money you collect.

Read More: How Much Money Should You Give As A Wedding Gift?

When To Give Lai See Red Packets

Lai see must be given within the 15 days of the Lunar New Year. You can start handing your red packets out on the first day — which falls on Wednesday, 29 January, 2o25 this year — and have them all distributed by Wednesday, 12 February, 2025 which is the Spring Lantern Festival.

Read More: Where To Watch The Chinese New Year Fireworks In Hong Kong

Kung Hei Fat Choy! What To Say When Giving And Receiving Lai See Red Packets

When giving red packets, the elders will usually wish success to the younger generation, whereas the receivers will wish good health to the elders. Nonetheless, the following greetings can go both ways:

• “Kung Hei Fat Choy” (恭喜發財) – Congratulations and wishing you prosperity.
• “Sun Nin Fai Lok” (新年快樂) – Happy New Year, or more formally, “Gung Ho Sun Hei” (恭賀新禧)
• “Sun Tai Gin Hong” (身體健康) – Wishing good health.
• “Dai Gat Dai Lei” (大吉大利) – Wish you good luck.

Don’t forget your “doh jeh” when receiving your red packets with two hands. And don’t open your lai see in front of the giver — it’s considered rude.

Now that you know exactly how to give lai see like a local, from all of us at Sassy, Kung Hei Fat Choy!

Read More: Chinese Classes In Hong Kong – Where To Learn Mandarin And Cantonese

Editor’s Note: “Red Packets Do’s And Don’ts: The Etiquette Of Giving Lai See” was most recently updated in January 2025 by Veena Raghunath.

The post Red Packets Do’s And Don’ts: The Etiquette Of Giving Lai See appeared first on Sassy Hong Kong.

Let’s face it — planning a wedding can be overwhelming. From choosing the perfect venue to finding the right vendors, there’s a lot to tick off your list. But what if you could do it all in one day, in one stunning location? Enter the “Opulent Oasis Wedding Showcase”, a full bridal idea-mill at The Repulse Bay on Sunday, 19 January, which will have your wedding worries melting away. From breathtaking seaview venues to exclusive perks, this is the ultimate event to help you plan your dream day with ease. Couples can explore spectacular spaces, attend staged wedding ceremonies with live music and soak in all the inspiration, so you can leave with a camera roll full of ideas for your big day!

A Wedding Wonderland With Insta-Worthy Backdrops

If you’ve been dreaming of a picture-perfect wedding, The Repulse Bay has you covered. Think fairytale settings that will make your heart skip a beat, from the lush Front Lawn and Seaview Terrace, complete with jaw-dropping ocean vistas, to the romantic charm of The Verandah, one of Hong Kong’s most iconic wedding venues. Fancy a grand celebration? Check out The Marquee, a stunning white-tented oasis open to soft ocean breezes. If you’re looking for something more intimate, head over to the enchanting alfresco Secret Garden, complete with a woodland backdrop and peekaboo sea views!

One-Stop Planning Solutions For Your Big Day

The showcase will bring together a lineup of top-notch wedding vendors, offering everything from photography and videography by KC Chan Photography and Mattography to dreamy bridal gowns from To Be Wed and dapper suits from MODE Tuxedo. Need florals? Blackbird Conservatory and Flora & have you sorted. There’s even Sovos Perfumery for that signature scent, Sanstation for designer stationery, and live music options from Harmony Productions International Limited.

Sassy Tip:  Pre-register for wedding-themed arts and crafts workshops and a bridal makeup seminar by Joman Wedding!

Here’s the best part — couples who book their wedding at The Repulse Bay during the showcase will enjoy complimentary perks and privileges for a minimum food and beverage spend of $260,000. Expect goodies like hotel or flight ticket vouchers for your romantic honeymoon.

Save The Date!

When: Sunday, 19 January, 2025, 12pm to 6pm
Where: The Repulse Bay, 109 Repulse Bay Road, Hong Kong (shuttle bus available to and from Admiralty!
How much: Free entry; register here

The post Envision Your Dream Wedding At The Repulse Bay’s Opulent Oasis Wedding Showcase appeared first on Sassy Hong Kong.

We may be about a month into 2025 but the real big deal in Hong Kong is Chinese New Year! Once you’ve learnt the traditional customs, sorted out the perfect festive fit and gathered lai see to give out (I’m talking to you, newlyweds!) — you’re ready to celebrate the biggest festival of the year. We’re talking Chinese New Year fireworks, the Cathay CNY parade and so much more for the Year of the Snake. Plus, we’ve rounded up some tasting menus and staycations, so you can ring in the Lunar New Year in style. This is your ultimate guide to Chinese New Year 2025 in Hong Kong.

Read More: Plan The Perfect Chinese New Year Outfit 

Jump To:
When Is Chinese New Year?
What To Do
What To Eat & Drink

When Is Chinese New Year?

Chinese New Year celebrates the start of the Chinese lunisolar calendar year, tending to mark the end of a cold, dark winter and welcome spring. This year, the first day of that calendar will fall on Wednesday, 29 January, 2025, welcoming the Year of the Snake — a creature that symbolises wisdom, agility and transformation in Chinese culture.

Traditionally, the festival could be celebrated over up to 15 days, starting from its Eve through to the Spring Lantern Festival (not to be confused with the Mid-Autumn Lantern Festival). We get three statutory public holidays for the Lunar New Year in Hong Kong, so Chinese New Year holidays will fall on Wednesday, 29 January, Thursday, 30 January and Friday, 31 January this year.

Read More: Public Holidays In 2025 – How to Maximise Your Annual Leave

CNY Events: How To Celebrate Chinese New Year 2025 In Hong Kong

Lee Tung Avenue — Traditional Dragon & Lion Dance

On the first four days of the Lunar New Year, the iconic avenue will become full of life with traditional lion dance performances. Traditional festive food will be also distributed to spectators to drum up the joyous atmosphere. On 7 February, the Dragon and Lion Dance Spectacular will return with breath-taking pole jumping performances and the parade of a golden dragon!

When: Wednesday, 29 January to Saturday, 1 February, 2025 and Friday, 7 February, 2025
Where: Lee Tung Avenue, 200 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
How much: Free entry

Discovery Bay Chinese New Year Market 2025 — Handmade Hong Kong

And make sure to also pencil in Handmade Hong Kong’s annual Chinese New Year Market in Discovery Bay! Again, beautiful handmade offerings from local vendors will be on offer, like art, jewellery, candles, activewear, apparel, sweet treats, savoury eats and so much more.

When: Sunday, 19 January, 2025; 11am to 6pm
Where: DB Plaza, 1 Discovery Bay Road, Discovery Bay, Lantau Island, New Territories, Hong Kong
How much: Free entry

Chinese New Year Flower Markets 2025 — Victoria Park & More

Heading to a Chinese New Year flower market in Hong Kong is almost synonymous with the festival. We’re expecting a total of 15 2025 Lunar New Year fairs and flower markets across the city, with the biggest at Victoria Park in Causeway Bay. Fairs will open on Thursday, 23 January, giving you plenty of time to get ready for the new year — stock up on festive flowers, lucky kumquat trees, CNY decorations and Year of the Snake plushies and toys, while munching on Hong Kong-style eats and other treats.

When: Thursday, 23 January to Wednesday, 29 January, 9am to 12am
Where: 15 locations across Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, the New Territories and Outlying Islands, at various parks and playgrounds — see the list here
How much: Free entry

2025 Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade

Cathay’s Chinese New Year Night Parade is back! Expect a procession of stunning floats to spread auspiciousness and luck across Tsim Sha Tsui, and plenty of musical and dance performances before, during and after. Buy tickets for spectator stands or find somewhere along the parade route to view for free — make sure to check the parade route map!

When: Wednesday, 29 January, 6pm (pre-parade performance); 8pm to 9:45pm — see full timings here
Where: Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon. From Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza, 10 Salisbury Road through Canton Road, Haiphong Road and Nathan Road — see the parade route map here
How much: Free if you head to a spectator-friendly spot along the parade route. You can also buy tickets for spectator stands from the Hong Kong Tourism Board Kowloon Visitor Centre located in the Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry Pier — see pricing here

Lam Tsuen Well-Wishing Festival, Wishing Tree & New Night Market

Visit Lam Tsuen’s Wishing Tree to participate in Hong Kong’s Well-Wishing Festival — the age-old custom of writing your hopes and dreams for the year ahead on joss paper and throwing them into the wishing tree’s branches in Tai Po. If your paper stays on the tree without falling back down, it’s believed that your wish will come true! This year, we’re expecting lotus lanterns, golden mandarins, food stalls, a couple of performances — and a planned night market in Tai Po as part of the government’s “Night Vibes Hong Kong” campaign.

When: Wednesday, 29 January 10 to 12 February, 2025
Where: Lam Tsuen Wishing Tree, Lam Tsuen Wishing Square, Lam Tsuen Heung Kung Sho Road, Lam Tsuen, New Territories, Hong Kong
How much: Free

2025 Lunar New Year Fireworks Display In Hong Kong

Catch the annual Chinese New Year Fireworks show from either side of the Victoria Harbour; watching a guaranteed-to-be big, beautiful, display as Hong Kong ushers in the Year of the Snake with a bang. The best places to watch the fireworks in Hong Kong will be along the shores of Tsim Sha Tsui, Central, Admiralty and Wan Chai — see our top fireworks vantage spots here.

When: Thursday, 30 January, details have yet to be announced
Where: Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong

Chinese New Year Food: What To Eat Over Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year Specials At The Astor

There’s no better way to ring in the new year than with seasonal Chinese ingredients — think chicken soup, wolfberry and whelk, pork knuckle, braised sea cucumber, fried abalone and oyster with bamboo shoot!

When: Wednesday, 29 to Friday, 31 January, 2025
Where: The Astor, B1, Eaton HK, 380 Nathan Road, Jordan, Kowloon, Hong Kong
How much: lunch starts at $538; dinner starts at $778 — book here

Read More: The Best Hong Kong Dim Sum

The Cakery’s Vegan Afternoon Tea

The Cakery and MAYA Bakery at K11 Musea are offering a decadent vegan afternoon tea for two, exclusively during Chinese New Year! From no-added sugar sweets to a wide selection of teas, the tea set is both indulgent and guilt free.

When: Saturday, 10 to Saturday, 7 February
Where: Shop 217, level 2, K11 Musea, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong
How much: $328

Read More: The Best Afternoon Tea & High Tea Sets In Hong Kong

Yong Fu Hong Kong Chinese New Year Specials

Five new year-inspired dishes are presented by the one-Michelin-starred fine dining restaurant Yong Fu, including clams in ginger and wine sauce, braised sheep belly, crispy Sichuan chicken and steamed brown croaker!

When: Sunday, 12 January to 29 January, 2025
Where: Yong Fu Hong Kong, Shop 2, G/F & 1/F, Golden Star Building, 20-24 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
How much: A la care speciality dishes start at $358 — book here

Read More: The Best Steakhouses In Hong Kong

Mott 32 Unveils Chinese New Year Menu

Out of all the delicious speciality new year’s dishes, a must-try is the lobster and abalone lo hei salad, which not only features symbols of abundance and good fortune, but also has a perfect blend of freshness and umami.

When: Wednesday, 29 January to Wednesday, 12 February, 2025
Where: Mott 32, Standard Chartered Bank Building, 4-4A Des Voeux Road, Central, Hong Kong
How much: A la carte items range from $88 to $1080— book here

Chinese New Year Pici x The Chilli Lab Collaboration

This limited edition festive collaboration adds a little bit of Chinese sweet and spice to your traditional Italian pasta, with dishes like The Chilli Lab Salsiccia, Shaoxing Haa Jung Ravioli and Tim Aap Tagliolini!

When: Monday, 13 January to Friday, 28 February 2025
Where: various locations across Hong Kong
How much: A la carte items range from $88 to $160

Duddell’s Chinese New Year Set Menu

An eight-course set menu at Duddell’s, a one-Michelin-starred restaurant in Central, offers traditional dishes like chicken soup with fish maw, abalone with shiitakand dried black moss, fried rice with scallop and red bean cream dumplings.

When: Monday, 20 January to Wednesday, 12 February, 2025
Where: Duddell’s, Level 3 & 4, 1 Duddell Street, Central, Hong Kong
How much: $1588 per person (plus $450 for a Hennessy drink pairing, inclusive of three cocktails!) — book here

The post How To Celebrate Chinese New Year 2025 In Hong Kong: CNY Events, Menus & More appeared first on Sassy Hong Kong.

Clean girls, rejoice, because this year we finally bid adieu to the most unabashedly marketed shade of 2024, Brat green, and welcome the 2025 Pantone Colour of the Year: “Mocha Mousse”! The first-ever brown shade to earn the title has so far acted as rage-bait for maximalist influencers (cue the comparisons to Millennial grey), but there’s really no need to lose our heads. Mocha Mousse is rich, velvety and comforting, and there’s plenty of opportunity to spice it up — think expresso martinis, charred s’mores and hints of tobacco. The Pantone execs have decreed that the 17-1230 shade captures demure and mindful indulgence, evoking our longing for everyday joy, but never mind all that. What’s important is that someone else has determined what’s in, so now you don’t need to worry about it. To make your life even easier, we’ve rounded up 15 cocoa captivators, from chic nail polish, tailored trousers and silk scrunchies to decadent fragrances, so that you can officially embrace the new Pantone Colour of the Year. 

Read More: The Sassy Edit – What’s New In Hong Kong This Month

Slip, Pure Silk Scrunchies – Light Brown

$285

Read More: Our Editor Tries The Viral “Curly Girl” Method

Mise En Scene, Hello Bubble Hair Dye – Ash Beige

$89

Read More: The Best Hair Salons In Hong Kong

Lush, Cup O’Coffee Mask

$180

Read More: Dry Skin Hacks That Actually Work

SKIMS, Fits Everybody Crewneck Long Sleeve

$600

Read More: The Comfiest Loungewear For Cosy Season

Urban Outfitters, Leopard Print Platform Boot Mug

$158

Read More: Our Go-To Furniture Stores & Hardware Shops

Sinful Colors Nail Polish – Coffee Drip

$42

Read More: Your Guide To Nail Salons In Hong Kong

Kapok Comforts x MMB, Lemon Coffee Cushion

$450

Read More: The Top Bed Linens In Hong Kong

H&M, Wide Tailored Trousers – Dark Brown

$199

Read More: Winter Fashion Trends Designers Are Loving

NYX, Ultimate Shadow Palette

$110

Read More: Viral Beauty Dupes You Can Find In Hong Kong

CASETifY, Ripple Case – Latte

$469

Read More: Local Brands We Are Loving Right Now

Cotton On, Closed Toe Buckle Slide – Brown Teddy

$229

Read More: The Best Shoe Shops In Hong Kong

Starbucks, Mocha Premium Coffee Mix

$29.90

Read More: The Best New Cafes In Hong Kong

Ole Henriksen, Peptide Lip Treatment – Creme Brulee

$185

Read More: Our Favourite Collagen Boosting Products 

Maison Margiela, Replica Perfume – Coffee Break

$833

Read More: Team Sassy’s Current Go-To Fragrances

Zara, ZW Collection Faux Shearling Jacket

$899

The post 15 Mocha Marvels Inspired By The 2025 Pantone Colour Of The Year appeared first on Sassy Hong Kong.

Get ready for Sassy’s latest giveaway just in time for New Year — 10 lucky readers will win exclusive Beauty Surprise Box worth more than $5,000 jam packed with luxury skincare, haircare, and makeup for the ultimate glow up!

Oh!Glow is an e-commerce platform that combines beauty, skincare and lifestyle products from around the world. It supports small, independent, niche brands with strong social and eco-friendly agendas, cool and innovative products, and all cruelty free with high-quality ingredients, formulas and results.

What You’ll Win

• An exclusive Beauty Surprise Box worth more than $5,000 jam packed with luxury skincare, haircare, and makeup for the ultimate glow up!

Oh! Glow, www.ohglow.hk, www.instagram.com/oh_glow_hk

Enter Now!

Click here if you want to be updated with upcoming giveaways, reader’s promos and more!

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 appeared first on Sassy Hong Kong.