Your ultimate guide to Hong Kong

“No rice, no life” goes the comical phrase, but for many people of Asian descent, the sentiment can be taken rather seriously at mealtimes. Rice is a staple in Chinese culture, not only as steamed or fried grains, but also in the form of rice noodles, rice rolls, dumplings, and even congee and cakes. One restaurant in Hong Kong is recognising the important role that rice plays in local culinary culture and giving it the laurels it is due. One-Michelin-starred Andō, the innovative East-West restaurant from Argentine chef-owner Agustin Balbi, is introducing a limited-time tasting menu that’s all about this prized grain, with a dedicated focus on local Hong Kong rice farm Yi O Rice. Available from January 19 to March, the ‘Rice’ launch will be the first edition of a new dining series at the restaurant that highlights a single ingredient, around which a special menu will be designed. Photograph: Courtesy Andō Exploring rice as the central ingredient of a dish, Andō will present the unique features of Yi O Rice’s acclaimed grains through meticulous technique and boundless creativity. Guests will taste steamed, puffed, fermented, creamed, and simmered forms of rice in creations such as Andō’s signature arroz caldoso, a brothy rice soup; crispy rice spheres with crab, rice paper rolls, prawn, and coriander; pigeon with puffed rice and red cabbage; somen with roasted rice, clams dashi, and yuzu; and inventive desserts like the sake kasu ice cream with coconut and dulce du leche and rice-inspired mignardises. Honouring rice as an ingredient is not just limited to the food. Carlito Chiu, general manager and wine director of Andō, who was recognised as the Michelin Guide Sommelier of the Year, has curated a rice-centric drinks pairing to complement the dishes. Sparkling sake from Kumazawa Brewery, Shaoxing wine from Dongqu, Korean takju, and junmai sake from Wakaze are just a few of the pairings on offer. Photograph: Courtesy Andō Hong Kong has come a long way since its agriculture, aquaculture, and fishing days, so it might be surprising to learn that there are still about a dozen or so local rice paddies in operation. Yi O village on Lantau Island is home to one of the largest remaining rice farms in the city, producing sun-dried and milled long-grain rice with only two harvests per year, once in June and once in December. It’s been said that the secret to Yi O Rice’s success is its distinct aroma and texture, making it a highly prized choice for chefs in the know. Andō’s ‘Rice’ eight-course tasting menu is priced at $1,888 per person. Book here. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: Hong Kong’s Mirs Bay is honoured as ‘outstanding example’ of beautiful bays Fortnum & Mason is closing its flagship store in Hong Kong AIA Carnival launches special offers for local students and senior citizens

Hong Kong is so much more than just towering skyscrapers, bustling shopping districts, and energetic street markets, and yet travellers exploring the city continue to be surprised by the abundance of nature and lush greenery within and fringing our megalopolis – about 40 percent of Hong Kong’s landmass is, in fact, protected countryside. In that sense, it’s always pleasing whenever Hong Kong receives brownie points for its ecological wonders. Mainland China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) recently released the fourth-batch results of its national ‘Beautiful Bays’ selection, and Mirs Bay in Hong Kong was honoured as an ‘outstanding example’ with an enviable overall score. It’s the first time that Hong Kong has received this special commendation from MEE, which manages ecological and environmental matters, so it’s a big deal to have our city’s ecological protection and marine conservation efforts recognised as part of a joint undertaking in positively developing the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area. Photograph: Courtesy gov.hk Mirs Bay is located in the northeastern part of Hong Kong around the Sai Kung Peninsula, with Kat O, Tung Ping Chau, and the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark in its vicinity. Praised for its “clean water and clean beaches, thriving marine life, and harmonious coexistence between humans and the sea,” it achieved a Class I rating in the National Seawater Quality Standard, with a Water Quality Objectives compliance rate of 100 percent. Mirs Bay is notable for its protected coastal environment and wildlife habitats, which are home to hard corals, seahorses, horseshoe crabs, and sea eagles.  MEE launched the ‘Outstanding Examples of Beautiful Bays’ campaign to celebrate excellence in marine environment protection with the goal of promoting a ‘Beautiful China’. Of the 72 nationwide applications received for this latest round of selections, just 32 were chosen as ‘Beautiful Bays’ and only 12 among them received the special designation of ‘Outstanding Examples of Beautiful Bays’, including Mirs Bay. If you want to go out and touch grass, here’s one place you could pick! Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: Fortnum & Mason is closing its flagship store in Hong Kong AIA Carnival launches special offers for local students and senior citizens Win round-trip tickets to Paris with La Vache!’s galette des roi celebrations

Sad news for tea and biscuit lovers – Fortnum & Mason will be closing its Hong Kong flagship store at K11 Musea this month. Announced just this morning on the official Instagram account for its Hong Kong restaurant, Fortnum & Mason shared that its store and dining venue in Tsim Sha Tsui will serve its last customers on Sunday, January 25. Fortnum & Mason entered the Hong Kong market in 2019, marking a milestone achievement as the Hong Kong outpost was Fortnum’s first brand-owned and brand-operated location outside of the UK since the brand was founded in 1707. With the opening of a retail shop and a restaurant, Fortnum’s brought its renowned teas, biscuits, hampers, chocolates, and afternoon tea service to Hong Kong. 181 at Fortnum & Mason, named after its legendary Piccadilly address, serves traditional British high tea, alongside elevated modern British gastronomy for lunch and dinner. Its Hong Kong retail outlet also offered custom tea blending services, bottle personalisation, and even bespoke build-your-own-hamper services, so that’s a handy gifting option we’ll definitely miss. It’s not all bad news: you’ll still have a few weeks to stock up on your Fortnum’s faves at K11 Musea before the shop shutters. Plus, Fortnum’s is running a sale of up to 60 percent off in-store, so here’s a bittersweet opportunity to snag some good deals. If you’re a fan of Fortnum’s exclusive Hong Kong tea – the Fortnum’s Musea Blend with strong black Keemun, Golden Yunnan Buds, and safflower petals – better snap up the whole lot. Lane Crawfords around town will continue to stock Fortnum & Mason products, and Fortnum’s brick-and-mortar location at the Hong Kong International Airport remains open. Its products can also be purchased online at fortnumandmason.com. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: AIA Carnival launches special offers for local students and senior citizens Win round-trip tickets to Paris with La Vache!’s galette des roi celebrations Google reveals Hong Kong’s top trending keyword search of 2025 was DeepSeek

As one of the most sought after winter events in Hong Kong, the AIA Carnival is an unmissable celebration of the festive season. This year, the organisers have brought over 50 attractions to the Central Harbourfront, including thrilling rides, carnival games with attractive prizes up for grabs, immersive installations, as well as Gandeys Circus’ special winter display. From now until February 13, students and seniors aged 60 or above can enjoy discounts and even free entry to the annual event.  Students with a valid student ID can enjoy free admission to AIA Carnival on all weekdays, apart from January 9 and 16. Simply bring along your ID in physical or digital form and present it at the ticketing office to redeem your free entry! This will be valid for a day, so spend your time at the carnival wisely by hitching a ride on one of the adrenaline-pumping coasters, trying your luck at game booths, and digging into delectable treats at various food stalls onsite.  Meanwhile, both students and senior citizens aged 60 or above can enjoy a buy-one-get-one-free ticket promotion for ‘The Winter World Circus’ on weekdays. This 60-minute spectacle features a series of captivating performances and jaw-dropping acts against a winter wonderland backdrop. To cash in on this offer, use the code CIRCUSSTUDENT or CIRCUSSENIORS when purchasing your tickets online at aiacarnival.com/circus-tickets. Don’t forget to bring a valid student ID or proof of age upon entry!  Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: Win round-trip tickets to Paris with La Vache!’s galette des roi celebrations Google reveals Hong Kong’s top trending keyword search of 2025 was DeepSeek The Old Yau Ma Tei Police Station is hosting a cinematic exhibition on iconic Hong Kong cop films

Various rituals and traditions following the dawn of a new year. In France, the Epiphany brings forth a time-honoured tradition that puts an iconic pastry at its fore. Every January, families and friends gather to share a galette des roi, or the King’s Cake, an indulgent, flaky pastry cake with a special filling. In case you haven’t heard of this tradition, nestled in a layer of custard within the galette des roi is a fève – literally translating to a bean, because traditionally a fava bean would be used – and the person who discovers it first in the lucky slice will be crowned royalty for the day. Bringing this tradition to life in Hong Kong, La Vache! is now offering its interpretation of this classic French pastry across its branches for dine-in and takeaway plus an enticing lucky draw.  From now until January 31, La Vache! is offering galette des roi for dine-in and takeaway, with a special ‘golden ticket’ — in the form of an almond — hidden within as a fève. Guests enjoying a meal of steak frites at the restaurant can round things off with a King’s Cake (you don’t need to stick the youngest child under the table, unless you want to), and the diner that finds the fève in their slice will be crowned royalty. The coronation will even be toasted with a complimentary round of bubbles for all. To cash in your lucky treat, simply share your discovery on Instagram. Don’t forget to tag the restaurant and use the hashtag #LaVacheRoyals for a chance to win two round-trip tickets to Paris!  La Vache!’s galette des roi promotion is available from now until January 31 for takeaway and dine-in across its branches. A whole galette des rois is priced at $588, while single slices are priced at $128 each.  Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: Google reveals Hong Kong’s top trending keyword search of 2025 was DeepSeek The Old Yau Ma Tei Police Station is hosting a cinematic exhibition on iconic Hong Kong cop films Hong Kong Jockey Club plans to open a fourth riding school in Tseung Kwan O

“AI is coming for our jobs!” Or is it that we are coming for AI, and AI is coming into our jobs? Google Hong Kong has released the results of its annual Year in Search report, and the city’s trending keyword searches of 2025 included no fewer than four instances of AI in the top 10 alone, indicating pronounced interest in exploring AI technologies. Photograph: Courtesy Google Hong Kong The robots are here: Hong Kong’s AI obsession Generative AI chatbot DeepSeek ranked first, followed by AI assistant Grok at sixth, ByteDance’s multimodal AI Doubao at seventh, and Google Gemini at eighth, giving us a glimpse at the kind of AI tools that Hongkongers could be looking at incorporating into their personal and professional lives – or are already using as part of their day-to-day. Google populates its data-driven Year in Search report with the highest search-volume increases of the year, meaning that these topics had significant search surges in 2025. Photograph: Courtesy Google Hong Kong The stories that moved and shook us Other than AI, local news and celebrity passings also featured prominently in the top trending searches for keywords. November’s heartbreaking tragedy, the five-alarm fire at Wang Fuk Court, ranked second, while Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu and Hong Kong singer-songwriter Khalil Fong were close behind, prompted by their untimely deaths at 48 and 41, respectively. As expected, Wang Fuk Court also topped the list for top trending searches for local news, followed by queries about severe weather and public health concerns. “Black Rainstorm Signal” was the second-most searched term for local news, and Hongkongers also asked about Severe Tropical Storm Wipha, Super Typhoon Ragasa, chikungunya fever, norovirus, and etomidate, the space oil drug that Hong Kong is clamping down on. Photograph: Courtesy Google Hong Kong Decoding Gen Z and Alpha slang If the slang of today’s youth baffles you, rest assured – you’re not alone. Google recorded colloquial expressions among Hongkongers’ top trending searches, with “67”, a term popular among Gen Alphas, topping the list. “Scoundrel” – is that even considered slang? – came second, followed by “Sigma Boy”, popularised by the same-named meme song. Photograph: Courtesy Google Hong Kong A surprising shift in travel horizons Interestingly, Google has also recorded the top trending searches for the weather forecasts of outbound destinations – presumably because of Hongkongers’ travel plans to these places – and the results might surprise you. At the top of the list is Toronto, followed by Phu Quoc in Vietnam, Sendai and Ishigaki Island in Japan, and a few mainland Chinese cities in nearby Guangdong province such as Dongguan, Qingyuan, and Zhongshan. No mention of Tokyo, Seoul, London, Sydney, Paris, or other world capitals – it looks like travel tastes among Hongkongers might be changing. Photograph: Courtesy Google Hong Kong Pop culture trends in 2025 In people and celebrities both local and global, trending searches included the infamous Nanjing Sister Hong, tennis star Coleman Wong Chak-lam, actor and TV chef Nicolas Tse, Donald Trump, American online streamer IShowSpeed, Coldplay, and comedian Jimmy O. Yang, among many others. Google Hong Kong also shared the top trending searches for lyrics, and – surprise, surprise – it was the hit tune of the year, “Golden” from KPop Demon Hunters. So what we’re hearing is that next time we go to karaoke, there’s no excuse for not singing along! Check out Time Out Hong Kong’s own list of trending topics in 2025! Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: The Old Yau Ma Tei Police Station is hosting a cinematic exhibition on iconic Hong Kong cop films Hong Kong Jockey Club plans to open a fourth riding school in Tseung Kwan O This popular Thai street food restaurant has opened a new branch in Kowloon City

The golden age of Hong Kong cinema saw the production of blockbuster titles like A Better Tomorrow (1986), The Conman (1998), and Infernal Affairs (2002). Packed with action, suspense, and good ol’ “nonsense” humour that’s representative of local comedies, these iconic crime films not only offer gripping stories but also capture the essence of life in our city in the 70s and 80s. Now, cinephiles and cultural enthusiasts can relive their favourite scenes from these classics at the Old Yau Ma Tei Police Station. Opened on January 2, the ‘Yau Ma Tei Police Station: A Cinematic Journey’ delves into local cop film classics through reconstructed sets, collectibles, original scripts, and much more.  Organisers couldn’t have picked a more apt setting for an exhibition spotlighting Hong Kong cop vs triad films. Not only did the façade of the Old Police Station appear as a backdrop for a good number of iconic titles, but the restored building also retains its original Edwardian architecture that’s representative of colonial buildings in the 20s, while the majority of the two-storey structure is opened for the public to explore. This nostalgic location definitely sets the stage for an immersive affair.  Photograph: Courtesy Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency Visitors enter through a retro-style cinema entrance before moving onto five immersive spaces: CID Office, Identification Parade Room, the Armoury, Surveillance Room, and Detention Cells. Designed by local filmmakers and inspired by police stations of decades past, each zone pays homage to classic titles by embedding real props from films like Raging Fire (2021), A Better Tomorrow, and New Police Story (2004) throughout the exhibition space. Highlights include a recreated scene from Infernal Affairs where Andy Lau’s main antagonist deletes his colleague’s undercover records from the police database, a functioning two-way mirror in the Identification Parade Room, an interactive replica firearms prop display, as well as restored, original detention cells where suspects were actually held before and during questioning.  Photograph: Courtesy Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency The ‘Yau Ma Tei Police Station: A Cinematic Journey’ exhibition is now open at the Old Yau Ma Tei Police Station, 627 Canton Road, Yau Ma Tei. Tickets are priced at $30 per person, with concessionary tickets available at $10 per person. Children aged six or below can enter the exhibition for free. Book your tickets online at cultural.cityline.com as there will be no ticket sales onsite. Find out more at fpf.ccidahk.gov.hk.  Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: Hong Kong Jockey Club plans to open a fourth riding school in Tseung Kwan O This popular Thai street food restaurant has opened a new branch in Kowloon City Dogs will be allowed to travel on MTR trains for the first time in March

Hong Kong’s public riding schools have racked up a waiting list of more than 20,000 people at current count, but the waiting time for a spot – which can take up to several years – could soon be shortened with a new facility in Tseung Kwan O. Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) has applied to the Sai Kung District Council for the development of its fourth public riding school, which – should the project be approved – would help address the high demand for equestrian facilities in the city and afford up-and-coming equestrian talents more opportunities to hone their skills.  According to the proposed plans, the new riding school will be situated on a landfill site in Tseung Kwan O, and will include riding facilities, stables, an administration and visitor centre, school buildings, sand arenas, paddocks, viewing galleries, and a veterinary clinic, on an area spanning approximately 46,500 sq m. If all goes well development-wise, construction will commence by the end of 2027 and be completed by 2030.  Photograph: Courtesy Hong Kong Jockey Club HKJC currently operates three public riding schools in Tuen Mun, Pok Fu Lam, and Lei Yue Mun to facilitate equestrian activities, in addition to a private, members-only school in Sheung Shui – the Beas River Equestrian Centre, which boasts a large indoor paddock and an international-standard competition arena. Its Pok Fu Lam school recently reopened in October after a three-year reconstruction, and now includes more stables, a new indoor sand arena, classrooms, training simulators, and viewing galleries. Hong Kong is also home to a number of independent riding schools and clubs, though the high cost associated with regular lessons and memberships generally prices people out of pursuing equestrianism on a more dedicated level. With the opening of a fourth public riding school, HKJC hopes the waiting time for a spot in its programmes will be shortened, especially for beginners. New facilities will also help to increase its capacity of catering to riders and visitors, which currently stands at over 60,000 individuals per year. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: This popular Thai street food restaurant has opened a new branch in Kowloon City Dogs will be allowed to travel on MTR trains for the first time in March This nostalgic exhibition in Sham Shui Po is shining a light on the art of neon signs

Hong Kong’s Kowloon City is widely known as ‘Little Thailand’ for its concentration of Thai communities, shops, and restaurants. In this historic neighbourhood, authentic cuisine and culture thrive, creating a haven for longtime Thai eateries to preserve their craft and giving way for new ventures such as Thonglor to spread their wings and appeal to a new generation of diners. Well, it seems that in just a handful of months, Thonglor has charmed the taste buds of Hongkongers so thoroughly that it’s grown too big for its current space – cue the opening of its second venue right next door to the first! Led by chef Henry Pattanin Leung, Thonglor burst onto the local dining scene in autumn 2025, capturing our attention with its nostalgic decor, lively atmosphere, and signature Kurobuta pork boat noodles and wagyu beef boat noodles – now here’s some friendly competition to Samsen! Its wallet-friendly prices and comfort-casual spin on Thai cuisine by no means compromise the flavour or quality, making Thonglor an instant hit. Photograph: Courtesy Thonglor Now with the opening of Thonglor 2.0, the space leans into the bold vibes of neon lights and pared-back backstreet restaurants, creating the sort of eatery that you might accidentally stumble into when roaming the streets of Bangkok where, without preamble and fuss, you’ll be treated to one of the best meals of your life. New dishes have been added to Thonglor’s menu as part of the expansion, including a fragrant khao soi ($128) that blends Northern Thai-style curry noodles with succulent beef cheek; lemongrass- and Thai basil-infused steamed clams ($98); wagyu pad see ew ($108) for an indulgent take on the beloved sauce-coated flat noodles; piquant pork kra pao ($98); and moo ping ($58), the classic street food of marinated grilled pork skewers. Photograph: Courtesy Thonglor But that’s not all – Thonglor 2.0 is also channelling the spirit of Bangkok nightlife with a new late-night snack menu, which is served during happy hour from 3pm to 7pm, and again after 9pm till close. Expect nibbles of Thai red sausage ($58), Northern sausage ($58), crab meat fried rice ($128), pork mince salad ($88), and grilled pork neck ($88), all designed for sharing between groups and to be washed down with Thai-inspired cocktails like the Siamese Sour ($78), Lemongrass Collins ($78), Thai Lime Mojito ($78), and chilled bottles of Singha and Chang beer. Diners observing Dry January are also well catered to with mocktails such as the Pandan Cake ($58) featuring coconut cream and homemade pandan syrup, watermelon lychee slushie ($58), or longan nahm ($38). With Thonglor 1.0 and 2.0 being right next to each other, the two venues form a cohesive experience that honours the unmatched street food scene of Bangkok, which pulses with vibrant energy, divine smells from the grill, and mouthwatering flavours. Why not start your culinary journey at the original location and end the night at the new one? Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: Dogs will be allowed to travel on MTR trains for the first time in March This nostalgic exhibition in Sham Shui Po is shining a light on the art of neon signs Movie sequel for beloved 2000s TVB drama A Step Into the Past grossed biggest opening day of all time for a Hong Kong film

It’s finally happening – dogs will be allowed on MTR trains for the first time ever! As part of SPCA Dogathon 2026 on March 1, Hong Kong’s principal public transport operator is temporarily reducing its restrictions regarding animal companions (other than guide dogs) and letting small- to medium-sized puppers travel on its railway network! It’s a historic milestone for the city, likely helped along by the successful implementation of the Light Rail ‘Cat/Dog Carrying Scheme’, and we’re all for the inclusive arrangement. However, before you get too excited and storm the MTR with Fido and friends on March 1, it’s important to note that there are rules to this one-day special travel arrangement. MTR’s dog-friendly service is open to participants of the SPCA Dogathon 2026 – it’s designed to make their travels to and from the event venue easier. Dog owners must apply for an SPCA Dogathon 1-Day MTR Woof Pass, which can only be used on March 1 but will grant unlimited rides on the day. (Also, humans still have to pay their own fare as usual.) Each Dogathon Woof Pass holder may only bring one dog per ride. Dogs must be placed in a carrier or backpack before they enter MTR premises; pet strollers are not permitted. Same as the existing ‘Cat/Dog Carrying Scheme’ on the Light Rail, Dogathon Woof Pass holders with dogs must board and alight trains from the last carriage only, and remain in the same carriage during the journey. Naturally, doggos are not allowed to roam around in the carriage, and must remain in their carrier at all times. Photograph: Courtesy MTR Corp / SPCA (Hong Kong) Unsurprisingly – Hongkongers are huge pet lovers, after all – the demand has far outweighed the supply. As of publishing, SPCA notes that its current batch of registrations for the Dogathon Woof Pass is full, but that another release is coming soon. If you want to prepare ahead for the next drop, here’s how to secure your SPCA Dogathon 1-Day MTR Woof Pass: Visit the SPCA Dogathon website, complete the registration form, and donate $90 to SPCA. Successful registrants will receive a notification to collect their wristband, which must be worn at all times during event day. Dogathon is an annual charity walk established by SPCA, and this year, it will be hosted at the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, making for the most magical time at the happiest place on Earth for more than 3,000 pet owners and their canine friends. Join in on ‘A Magical Journey For Paws & Purpose’, which will begin at 8.30am, cover a distance of five km, and take around one to two hours to stroll. Greeting all humans and fur babies at the end of their walk is a Pet Festival at the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort Coach Park, featuring a charity marketplace, a pet playground for doggos who have tons more energy to burn, guest star appearances, and photo ops. Photograph: Courtesy SPCA (Hong Kong) Proceeds from Dogathon 2026 will be earmarked for funds that go toward saving animal lives, aiding animals in shelters, and supporting pet-inclusive initiatives. 99 percent of SCPA funding – which the organisation uses to serve the 4,000-plus animals that depend on SPCA annually – comes from donations and its services, so any amount helps. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: This nostalgic exhibition in Sham Shui Po is shining a light on the art of neon signs Movie sequel for beloved 2000s TVB drama A Step Into the Past grossed biggest opening day of all time for a Hong Kong film 90s Eurodance group Vengaboys will perform at the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens 2026

The popular Japanese mascot series Namagaki is taking over Festival Walk in Kowloon Tong with a themed installation! Since Namagaki characters began popping up inside claw machines and arcades across town, so many hearts have been captured by their simple yet lovable designs and adorably blank expressions. The Namagaki Festival features a series of installations and exhibits for fans to take pictures with, as well as a charming merch pop-up with exclusive items for sale. Photograph: Courtesy Yell / Festival Walk At the centre of the installation is a four-metre-tall giant oyster can, where Namagaki characters spill out alongside rainbow-coloured sweets. Right next door is the pastel-coloured Namagaki Washoku House, where cute oyster characters act as chef and waiter at this makeshift traditional Japanese eatery. See if you can spot the pink pumpkins dotted around the space – it’s the installation’s discreet nod to the upcoming spooky season.  Beyond photo ops, fans will definitely delight in browsing through the themed pop-up store housing over 100 exclusive Namagaki products, including 80 first launches in Hong Kong that span everything from stationery to t-shirts and tote bags. Don’t forget to stop by the Namagaki claw machine and the collectible trading card capsule machine for an adorable surprise!  Photograph: Courtesy Festival Walk In the spirit of Halloween, Festival Walk is inviting visitors to trick or treat around designated stores in the mall. Exclusive to My Festival members, take part in this seasonal activity by purchasing a $1,000 gift card to receive a limited-edition Baby Namagaki birthstone bag charm and candy can clutch – where you can store your hard-earned sweets.  Namagaki Festival will be at Festival Walk from October 24 to November 13. See footage of the Namagaki Festival pop-up here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Time Out Hong Kong (@timeouthk) Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: 18 hotels in Hong Kong and Macau have been awarded 2025 Michelin Keys OneRepublic is coming back to Hong Kong in February 2026 The best Halloween parties in Hong Kong this year

Remember when we all saw a giant Doraemon sitting unexpectedly at the dockyard along Tsing Yi last week? Well, the news is out and it’s not that a robotic cat is invading Hong Kong – instead, a fleet of floating inflatable sculptures will be making their appearance along Victoria Harbour next month. AllRightsReserved, the local creative brand behind last year’s thousands of panda sculptures and the recent Chiikawa exhibition in Tsim Sha Tsui, is putting on the Water Parade, where a set of four giant, floating inflatable figures will be making a debut at sea. In the lineup is Doraemon, perched on his favourite dorayaki snack; Elmo from the Kaws & Sesame Street collaboration; McDonalds’ purple blob-shaped mascot Grimace; and Labubu, the globally viral Nordic-inspired monster by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung. After a trial run in the waters of Tsing Yi on September 20, these four figures will be set afloat along Victoria Harbour on October 25, and will be shown in brand-new poses. Visit them just off of Tamar Park in Admiralty and snap plenty of photos, because when else are you going to see such universally recognised and different cartoon characters all sitting together? Photograph: Courtesy AllRightsReserved On November 1, the floating sculptures will be taken on a water parade between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, sailing along both sides of Victoria Harbour, before departing from our waters on the evening of the same day. For the entire duration of the sculpture display, there will also be a Water Parade Market at the promenade near Tamar Park. Aside from pop-up stores, F&B stands, game booths, photo spots, and a capsule toy zone, the market will also feature other internationally popular IPs from KPop Demon Hunters, season five of Stranger Things, Squid Games, Snoopy and the Peanuts, as well as Hong Kong’s classic TOLO Founding Duck, which is marking its 40th anniversary. Early-bird tickets to the festivities will be available at $50 for adults, starting at 12 noon on September 26. Walk-in tickets can also be purchased on site, subject to availability. All tickets include a $20 merchandise voucher, which can be redeemed cumulatively on purchases of every $200. Attendees can also buy a viewing platform special ticket at $150, which includes entry to the Water Parade Market. See some footage of the Water Parade here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Time Out Hong Kong (@timeouthk) Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: The best Oktoberfest events happening in Hong Kong this year The best things to do in Hong Kong this week (September 22-28) Super Typhoon Ragasa: Hong Kong braces for the strongest typhoon of the year as it approaches the city

Do you remember an exhibition last summer that displayed miniature scenes of the Central and Western districts in Pacific Place? In case you missed it, the Joyful Miniature Association (JMA) is back once again, this time with more incredibly detailed dioramas of life in Hong Kong, including seven brand-new miniatures that have never been seen before. The 24 art pieces will highlight some of Hong Kong’s famous landmarks, cultural customs, and unique lifestyles. Peek into painstaking recreations of Sunday dim sum at Maxim’s Palace in City Hall, chaotic nighttime revelry along Lan Kwai Fong, the customs of worship and pin wheel buying at Man Mo Temple and Wong Tai Sin Temple, a moving model of the fifth generation of the Peak Tram funicular railway, views of Victoria Harbour complete with boats sailing and fireworks, and more.  Photograph: Courtesy Joyful Miniature Association The new miniatures at this show include the Kai Tak Sports Park, the legendary old Kowloon Walled City, night scenes of Temple Street, horse racing, aquatic animals on sale at one of the many shops along Goldfish Street, the cable car at Ngong Ping 360, and Hong Kong’s transhipment history at the Insta-famous Western District Pier. The JMA brings together over 100 Hong Kong artists who collectively integrate the traditionally European craft of miniatures with our distinctly local culture using cutting-edge technology. If there’s one way to stroll through the most iconic sights and experiences of Hong Kong in just a few steps, this exhibition is definitely it. ‘Hong Kong: Through the Looking Glass Miniature Exhibition’ will be on display at The Peak Tower from April 25 to June 23 – JMA’s longest exhibition in the city. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Hong Kong newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox Recommended stories: Hong Kong ranked as the 10th most walkable city in the world; 1st in East Asia Hong Kong Airport Express proposes fare increase of 9.4 percent The Cheung Chau Bun Festival is hosting a carnival this Sunday

We sit down with artist and designer Joe Foti before his new exhibition in Hong Kong

March in Hong Kong is not complete without a trip to the Wanchai Convention Centre to spend a day or two at Art Basel. This year’s fair gathers 240 global galleries, with large-scale installations, paintings, sculptures, digital art, live performances, video works, and more to see!

From a world without colours to her love of big city metros, we caught up with British artist Monster Chetwynd for a round of quick-fire questions while she's in town for her new installation at Pacific Place! 

Free on Tuesdays? Head over to Hugo's in TST for their unlimited steak and frites night, which also come with Caesar salad, a dessert, and plenty of tipples – just remember to wear loose pants.

G'day foodies! Renowned chef Shane Osborn has just opened a laidback Aussie-style cafe inspired by Australian pit stops. Perfect for a casual meal when in Central.

This arts month, don't miss Hong Kong's first ASMR exhibition that will give you all kinds of tingles.

This ‘Picasso for Asia’ exhibition is the first time that masterpieces from the Musée national Picasso-Paris are being shown alongside works from an Asian museum collection. Find out what makes the Spanish master of Cubism so influential – you have until mid-July!