Hong Kong City Guide: Street style Instagrammers share their favourite spots

When you think of some of Asia’s most vibrant and futuristic cities, Hong Kong may immediately spring to mind. The bustling cosmopolitan spot is the perfect blend of old and new, seeing colourful shophouses co-exist with endless skyscrapers. With a wide range of restaurants, bars, festivals, homegrown boutiques and world-renowned brands available in the city, it is no wonder that the Pearl of the Orient is a destination many find themselves going back to again and again.

We caught up with Singapore-based street style Instagrammers Louis Chan, George Wong and Timothy Kong to find out their favourite restaurants, go-to bars and shops that help them boost their street credibility.

What’s your favourite thing about Hong Kong?

“Unlike Singapore, Hong Kong has four seasons all year round. I love heading to the city in October, where the weather is pleasant with clear skies and constant warmth, yet not too humid like the Lion City.” – George

“Hong Kong’s culinary scene is just so vibrant that it’s one of the highlights of the city. You can find traditional cuisine anywhere because it’s accessible. I also love how the city never sleeps.” – Timothy

“I love cosmopolitan cities like New York City, London and Tokyo, which are all bustling in their own right. However, there’s a certain charm to Hong Kong’s busy streets and alleys that is truly unique.” – Louis

Which restaurants would you recommend?

Maxim’s Palace Chinese Restaurant (2/F, Low Block, City Hall, Central)

“Arguably Hong Kong’s most popular dim sum place, Maxim’s Palace is a quintessential dining experience you can’t miss. Here, dim sum is served in the traditional push carts where the waitress will show you what she has on offer and you can either choose what you’d like or politely refuse. My favourite dishes are the glutinous rice served in lotus leaf, as well as beancurd dumplings with prawn.” – Timothy

Dim Sum Square (88 Jervois Street, Sheung Wan)

“I got to know about Dim Sum Square through word-of-mouth and indeed, it is a local’s best-kept-secret. I’d recommend the rice noodle rolls, meatballs, pork buns, as well as shrimp and pork dumplings.” – George

“Located along Jervois Street in Sheung Wan, this is the place to go to if you want authentic dim sum. The number of locals eating there testifies that. I love the shrimp dumplings, chicken feet and pork ribs on rice, as well as the barbecued pork bun.” – Louis

Kam Wah Bakery (G/F, 47 Bute St, Mong Kok)

“Kam Wah Bakery is the place to go to if you want to indulge in some of Hong Kong’s most popular culinary offerings. The bakery is known for the traditional polo buns (a Cantonese-style sweet pastry often served with butter inside the bun), egg tarts and milk tea.” – Timothy

Luk Yu Tea House (24-26 Stanley St, Central)

“Although the dim sum here comes at a more premium price, it’s worth it because Luk Yu is one of the nicer dim sum places we went to. It’s a very traditional restaurant with good quality food — so you really pay for what you get.” – Louis

What are the best bars to go to?

Employees Only (19 Lan Kwai Fong, Central)

“This speakeasy bar originated from New York and has a nice ambience with good music. It’s not too noisy, so you can have conversations with friends. One of their signature ones is the EO Gimlet, a navy strength gin shaken with a homemade lime cordial with agave and kaffir lime leaves.” – George

Mrs Pound (6 Pound Ln, Sheung Wan)

“From outside, this unassuming speakeasy restaurant and bar looks like a traditional stamp shop. However, behind the sliding doors is an intimate space bedecked with neon signs and great music, perfect for winding down after a long day. Mrs Pound boasts an impressive menu with fusion food, as well as a drinks menu with inventive cocktails inspired by local flavours. My favourite cocktail is the Red Date Elixir made with Kinmen Kaoliang (a strong distilled liquor of Chinese origin), red date, longan syrup, flower tea and fresh lime juice.” – Timothy

Where do you usually shop?

I.T Store 

“I.T is a mecca for those with distinctive style. This multi-brand fashion house in Causeway Bay carries a variety of world-renowned street brands (such as Vans, Off-White and Chocoolate), so you’ll be spoilt for choice” – Louis

Off-White retail store (Shop B&D, G/F, 51 Paterson Street, Fashion Walk, Causeway Bay) 

“DJ and designer Virgil Abloh‘s first flagship store for his Off-White clothing line is located in Causeway Bay right in the heart of Hong Kong. For someone who loves street style, this is the best place to go for distinctive bomber jackets, sneakers and backpacks” – Timothy

Comme des Garçons outlet (Shop A&C, G/F, 51 Paterson Street, Causeway Bay)

“Comme des Garçons is one of my favourite brands, so I was definitely excited to find out that the outlet in Causeway Bay has an extensive range of men and women’s clothes. I love the Play collection, known for their high-quality basics featuring the iconic logo. ” – George

For more trendy spots in the city, visit Discover Hong Kong and follow their Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages.