Your ultimate guide to Hong Kong

From August 8 to 9, the Hong Kong Sake Festival is returning to The Mira Hong Kong for its third year running. Over the two days, the hotel has partnered with the Federation of Japanese Sake Industry of Hong Kong (FJSIHK) to host the annual sake soirée. This year, attendees can browse through over 800 varieties of premium sake and shochu from 30 local distributors across 43 Japanese prefectures. With offerings such as award-winning bottles from the 2025 Oriental Sake Awards and rare shochu varieties selected by the Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association, there’s plenty to sample. Plus, The Mira’s culinary team will whip up Japanese bites to go with your premium spirits. From fresh sashimi and seared sushi to delightful nibbles like takoyaki and kushiyaki skewers, these offerings are sure to pair perfectly with your sake selections. Along with the sake tastings, attendees will take home a gift bag worth $1,000, which includes items like an Austrian Riedel crystal glass and exclusive dining vouchers. You can also join in on the fun with carnival games for a chance to win Japanese-inspired gifts.  The sake-centric celebrations continue even after the Hong Kong Sake Festival, as the hotel will be hosting the 2025 Sake Sensation in August at its modern European restaurant, Whisk. From August 11 to 24, guests can dive into their sommelier’s oma-sake pairing menu, which features a rotating lineup of six types of competition-grade sake each night, handpicked by international sommeliers. Don’t miss Whisk’s sake free-flow Sunday brunch on August 17, as diners have the exclusive chance to sip unlimited competition-grade sake while enjoying brunch staples. Secure your tickets to the Hong Kong Sake Festival on The Mira’s e-shop.

If there’s one thing about Hongkongers, it’s that we love TamJai and TamJai SamGor noodles. (Whether you’re more a fan of the yellow bowls or black bowls is a different can of worms.) Lovers of the Yunnan-style rice noodles can now look forward to collecting some adorable plush toys from the brother brands, as well as two new mobile games where players can win exclusive promotions and discounts. Get the TamJai Club mobile app on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to find a cutesy cartoon-like game where ingredients have to battle a ravenous volcano. The game is split into four chapters with five missions each, and every time players finish a chapter, they’ll get awarded with a coupon to get a rice noodle bowl for just $1. Finish all four chapters to win free Hunan chicken wings for a year! In a similar vein, the SamGor Spicy Club mobile app houses a pixelated fighter game with four chapters containing five missions each. The reward for finishing each chapter is a coupon to redeem rice noodle bowls with an increasing number of ingredients for just $1, until defeating the entire game unlocks a year’s worth of free Hunan chicken wings. The first 30 people to complete the game will also win a golden ticket that’ll allow you to skip all queues when dining in-store in Hong Kong – an absolute score during Hong Kong’s busy lunch hours. But arguably the best part of these new promotions from TamJai and SamGor is the fact that they’re releasing a set of collectable plush toys, shaped like some of the most commonly ordered ingredients in their noodles. These include a Chinese chive, a beef ball, a mushroom, and a slice of century egg – and if you download the TamJai app, you’ll also find that they’re the fighter characters in the game. The plush toys are available to purchase at 30 select TamJai Yunnan Mixian stores across Hong Kong, at a price of $88 per character, and they’ll also throw in a $40 cash voucher with every purchase. Another way to get your hands on the collectables is to lock in and be one of the first 10 people to complete the TamJai Club game, which will earn you a complete set of the toys. TamJai and SamGor’s game promotions will run from July 15 to August 25, so make sure your apps are all up to date and start clicking from Tuesday! 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: Accidentally Wes Anderson to hold first Hong Kong exhibition this July Hong Kong’s first Hot Air Balloon Festival to lift off this summer The Metropol Restaurant in Admiralty will close down in September

Whether you’re a casual Instagram user or a photography fanatic, you’ve likely come across a post by Accidentally Wes Anderson (or AWA for short), a platform known for showcasing moments in daily life that replicate the American filmmaker’s signature symmetrical style. This internationally acclaimed art project has held exhibitions in cities such as London, Tokyo, Seoul, and Los Angeles, and this July, it’ll be arriving in Hong Kong for the first time at The Mills and Airside simultaneously. Photograph: Courtesy Ludwig Favre/Accidentally Wes Anderson From July 15 to September 14, these stunning exhibitions will feature over 100 real-life photographs taken by AWA’s founders and global contributors that embody Anderson’s whimsical style, complemented by the exhibition space’s bold colours and meticulously designed installations that reflect the filmmaker’s iconic centred framing.  Photograph: Courtesy Valentina Jacks/Accidentally Wes Anderson Both exhibitions will display the colourful photos in different thematic zones – hotels, doors and facades, pools, lighthouses, and a Hong Kong-themed section. Additionally, the hotel zone at The Mills’ exhibition will recreate the iconic entrance and reception from The Grand Budapest Hotel – so be sure to snap photos here! What’s more, visitors can also check out each exhibition’s Hong Kong-exclusive AWA pop-up store, featuring merchandise such as posters, tote bags, pins, and more. Entrance to both exhibitions is free, find more details about AWA’s first Hong Kong exhibitions on The Mills’ Facebook page. 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: MTR will offer half-price rides for one day in July Hong Kong’s first Hot Air Balloon Festival to lift off this summer The Metropol Restaurant in Admiralty will close down in September

If you’ve always wanted to visit Cappadocia in Turkey to witness their famous hot air balloons filling the sky, here’s your chance to experience a slice of the same magic right here on home turf. The AIA International Hot Air Balloon Fest Hong Kong (HABFest) is our city’s first international-scale hot air balloon event, and it’s bound to be a blast. From Albuquerque’s balloon fiesta in New Mexico and the balloons that float over Luxor to offer great views of Egypt’s ancient temples and the Nile, to Asia’s largest balloon festival in Saga, Japan, hot air balloons have always held a special place in adventurous hearts worldwide. Hong Kong’s HABFest will feature distinctive balloons from all over the world, including Canada, the UK, Germany, and Japan. There will be six large balloons measuring up to 20 metres in height, as well as over 10 smaller ones around 11 metres tall – and even a tailor-made panda-shaped balloon created specially for our city. Depending on the weather, there might also be rides on a large tethered hot air balloon! Photograph: Courtesy Grand Events Asia After seeing these balloons filling the sky against our iconic cityscape, stick around for the Hot Air Balloon Night Glow Show, which features live music performances by a star-studded lineup of some of Hong Kong’s beloved musicians, including Joey Yung, Leo Ku, Kay Tse, Louis Cheung, Gin Lee, ToNick, Kenny Kwan, LMF, and more. The festival will also be set up like a carnival, with game booths, food stalls, and retail outlets. In addition, sporty participants can join the AIA Balloon Run, a charity fun run on September 6 along the coastline with hot air balloons framing the harbour view – all proceeds will be donated to Outward Bound Hong Kong to support youth development initiatives. The HABFest will run from September 4 to 7 at the Central Harbourfront Event Space. Tickets are now on sale, ranging from $150 to $1,480, with concessions available along with family package discounts. A limited amount of early-bird tickets will be available until August 10. Check out the official website for more details. 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 reading: The best things to do in Hong Kong this weekend (July 11-13) The Metropol Restaurant in Admiralty will close down in September Tropical Cyclone Danas brings torrential rain to Hong Kong over the weekend

Hong Kong’s notoriously expensive rents, paired with a faltering economy and locals preferring to head across the border to Shenzhen for cheaper leisure activities, have meant a slew of closures in our restaurants, shops, and businesses this year. Unfortunately, here’s another one to add to the list: the Metropol Restaurant. Sitting on the fourth floor of United Centre, right across from exit D of Admiralty MTR station, Metropol Restaurant has fed Hong Kong’s diners for 35 years since opening in 1990. It is one of the few remaining restaurants in the city that serve dim sum out of traditional trolleys. Metropol also features a semi-buffet-style group of counters in the middle of the dining room, where customers can choose their own dishes to bring back to their tables. Having to take your table’s card out to get stamped for each dish is a nostalgic dining experience that’s almost extinct by now, especially in today’s age of ordering via QR codes. Metropol’s final day of operations will be on September 27. It is currently run by catering group Heichinrou, which opened a Chinese restaurant in Yokohama, Japan, back in 1884. During the pandemic years, the company closed the 138-year-old restaurant in Japan and also filed for bankruptcy in Tokyo’s court in May this year. Currently, Heichinrou also operates two other eponymous restaurants, in Diamond Hill and Kwun Tong, though it is not certain if these will also face closure. Citing unnamed sources, TVB reported earlier this week that the property occupied by Metropol Restaurant will be put up for sale. Go and visit for dim sum with a side of nostalgia before yet another beloved Chinese restaurant shutters for good! 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 reading: Tropical Cyclone Danas brings torrential rain to Hong Kong over the weekend Tickets for Epik High’s Hong Kong concert drop this month Japan’s Chiikawa Ramen Buta is set to open in Hong Kong this August

Hong Kong woke up to night-like dark skies, rolling thunder, and an absolute deluge this morning. Under the influence of Tropical Cyclone Danas moving southwest across eastern Guangdong today, the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) has issued a Red Rainstorm Warning signal at 9.36am, later downgrading it slightly to an Amber Rainstorm Warning at 10.40am. According to the weather watchdog, it looks like heavy downpours will persist into the weekend. With the remnant of Danas and an active southwest monsoon, there will be heavy showers and squally thunderstorms over the territories at least for the next couple of days. The forecast for both today, July 10, and Friday indicate thunderstorms and heavy downpours, with temperatures reaching a high of 30 degrees Celsius. There will still be showers on Saturday, and as the rain eases off moving into early next week, temperatures are set to get very hot, reaching a maximum of 34 degrees Celsius next Tuesday, July 15. As there is both torrential rain and a relatively strong southwest monsoon at play, the HKO has warned that the weather over these two days will be relatively severe, with intense gusts affecting the city. As of 9.50am, gusts measuring approximately 75km per hour were recorded at Waglan Island. Members of the public should seek safe shelter if outdoors, stay away from watercourses, and be wary of flash floods. Keep an eye on the weather at the HKO website. 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 reading: General ticket sakes for Epik High’s Hong Kong concert open soon Japan’s Chiikawa Ramen Buta is set to open in Hong Kong this August Hong Kong government to change the name of ‘space oil’ drug to make it less appealing  

Hong Kong’s High Skools have something to really look forward to, as Epik High has confirmed the Hong Kong leg of their 2025 Asia tour. This will be the first time that the South Korean hip-hop group has performed on our shores in six long years – they went to Macau in 2024 and 2023 – so we’re most definitely hyped for it. Epik High released their first mixtape Pump in June last year – a jazz-leaning melodic project that took the three members back to basics and experimenting after over 20 years of making chart-topping bangers – and then went on a tour of North America, but now they’re bringing their undeniable artistry, heartfelt lyrics, and strong stage presence to Asia. Mark your calendars for September 14, when Tablo, Mithra Jin, and DJ Tukutz will take the stage at AXA Dreamland. Tickets run from $880 to $1,680, with VIP and SVIP ticket holders receiving early entry, holographic photo cards, Hong Kong-exclusive commemorative tickets, the chance to win autographed posters by raffle, and access to a group photo session with Epik High.  Priority pre-sale begins on Wednesday, July 9 at 6pm exclusively on Off Grid, while general sales go live on July 23 at 12 noon on Klook. Concertgoers who have purchased their tickets before September 5 can participate in a lucky draw for special benefits, so keep an eye on their social media for winner announcements. 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 reading: Hong Kong government to change the name of ‘space oil’ drug to make it less appealing 5 new Hong Kong restaurants that you need to try this July The top art exhibitions and shows in Hong Kong this month

In case you’ve been living under a rock, the little critters from Chiikawa are arguably the most popular animated characters of the moment, due to their adorable looks and quirky personalities. From their large-scale exhibition set to open in August to their collaboration with McDonald’s, these animated characters have taken the city by storm. Ever experienced that surge of cute aggression where you just want to bite something because it’s so adorable? Well, you’ll soon be able to do just that, because Chiikawa have just announced on Instagram that they’re bringing Japan’s massively popular Chiikawa Ramen Buta – a Chiikawa-themed ramen restaurant – to Hong Kong. Photograph: Instagram/@chiikawaramen The Japanese animated series has teamed up with local hospitality group Flames Concepts and is set to unveil the Hong Kong location by mid-August. While there aren’t many details yet about what will be available at our city’s outpost, Hongkongers will likely get to slurp up bowls of Chiikawa-themed ramen in a restaurant fully decked out with these adorable characters. Photograph: Instagram/@chiikawaramen Based on what we’ve seen on social media, diners can order bowls of tonkotsu broth ramen, which come in three different sizes and have their corresponding characters – mini (Chiikawa), small (Hachiware), and large (Usagi). Each ramen order comes topped with chashu, garlic, and a character-shaped piece of fish cake. Plus, diners will receive a sticker of the character based on their bowl size.Stay tuned to our page as we find out more details about this ridiculously adorable ramen restaurant closer to August. 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 reading: Epik High returns to Hong Kong on their Asia tour this year Hong Kong government to change the name of ‘space oil’ drug to make it less appealing 5 new Hong Kong restaurants that you need to try this July

In an anti-drug event over the weekend just past, Hong Kong’s security chief Chris Tang said that the government plans to rename the drug currently known as ‘space oil’ to reduce its appeal. Space oil is the street term for a narcotic substance containing etomidate, which is a short-term anaesthetic. It is usually inhaled through vaping and has been getting increasingly popular, especially among younger Hongkongers, because it is cheap and convenient to consume, becoming our city’s third most commonly used drug by people under 21. The government has been trying to clamp down hard on space oil since it gained popularity in 2023, including it in Hong Kong’s Dangerous Drugs Ordinance in February alongside cocaine and ketamine. The issue had previously been brought up at a Legislative Council meeting last month that the name space oil had ‘unnecessarily romanticised’ the drug, and earlier this February, the government had already started referring to the narcotic as ‘space oil drug’ officially, instead of just space oil.  It now looks like space oil is going through another rebranding, as the security chief confirms that the government will be announcing its new name soon. Nothing has been set in stone yet, but Tang had also compared the appearance of space oil users to ‘zombies’ before and suggested changing the drug’s moniker to ‘zombie oil’ instead. If the goal is to make drugs sound less fun, perhaps they shouldn’t name them after anything you can theme Halloween costumes around. Watch this space for updates on what we should call space oil next. 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 reading: 5 new Hong Kong restaurants that you need to try this July G-Dragon has added an extra Hong Kong concert to his Übermensch tour Temperatures in Hong Kong to reach 33 degrees Celsius or above this week

We’re a week into July, and with exciting events like international artist Joan Cornellà returning to Hong Kong for a large-scale art exhibition, the Hong Kong Book Fair, and an exclusive pop-up from British designer Anya Hindmarch, this month is shaping up to be a fun-filled one. But if you need a break from the sweltering heat, why not take shelter while grabbing a bite at some of the city’s new dining venues? Here are five new must-try restaurants in Hong Kong you need to check out. Photograph: Courtesy Shoo Loong Kan  1. Shoo Loong Kan  Eating hot and spicy food can help cool you down in hot weather. It sounds counterintuitive, but when you work up a sweat while eating, it cools you down as it evaporates. With that in mind, Sichuan-based fiery hotpot chain Shoo Loong Kan has opened its first Hong Kong branch in Lee Theatre Plaza. They’ve got a supreme beef tallow spicy broth made with blended chillies and spices that’ll tantalise your taste buds, but the signature Tianfu yeast preserved soup base is a milder option if you’d prefer something more mellow instead. As for hot pot add-ins, the restaurant offers a wide selection of premium beef cuts, fresh seafood items such as fish heads and prawns, as well as a variety of fresh veggies. Photograph: Joshua Lin  2. Pineapple Bakery Ok, so they’re not technically a restaurant, but we think Pineapple Bakery in Sheung Wan definitely deserves to be on your radar. Like their name suggests, this bakery specialises in pineapple buns, one of Hong Kong’s most beloved staple baked goods, but they’ve jazzed them up by using premium ingredients like free-range Ping Yuen chicken eggs and French AOP butter. Since opening for business this month, Pineapple Bakery has been the talk of the town amongst local foodies, and their pineapple buns are selling out like hotcakes. Only 88 of their coveted buns are sold daily, so refer to their Instagram to see when the baps come fresh out of the oven. Don’t forget to try their other offerings like classic and pandan-flavoured cocktail buns or pork floss bun filled with bacon and scallion cream cheese, and pair it all with their nitrogen-brewed silk stocking milk tea (which also comes with a cute mini pineapple bun). Photograph: Joshua Lin  3. Thai Pai Dong (Central)Since opening in September 2024, Thai Pai Dong has become one of the hottest spots in town for authentic Thai fare, and has recently opened a brand-spanking-new branch on Staunton Street, which means you won’t have to commute to Jordan for their scrumptious Thai plates. Expect to chow down on Wagyu beef boat noodles, pad kee mao (drunken noodles), crab meat omelette, and more. Unlike its flagship venue in Jordan, Thai Pai Dong’s Central branch offers Thai-inspired cocktails after 9.30pm, and we reckon this outpost will be popular for those unwinding after a long day. Photograph: Courtesy Moodle by the Grand 4. Moodle by the GrandMoodle by the Grand is the place to be if you find yourself craving a big bowl of noodles. This restaurant in Wan Chai’s Hopewell Centre specialises in regional noodle dishes from all across China, so you won’t find any rice dishes on their menu. Whether you like Beijing’s savoury zha zhang mian (black bean sauce noodles), Shaanxi’s youpo biangbiang noodles tossed in oil, or Cantonese braised beef shank and tripe noodles, they’ve got it all. Don’t forget to pair your dishes with Moodle by the Grand’s curated tea set inspired by the five elements, or opt for delectable Chinese desserts like osmanthus jelly cake with bird’s nest. Photograph: Courtesy Peng Leng Jeng 5. Peng Leng Jeng Chef Archan Chan and teammate Johnathan Leung of Ho Lee Fook have joined forces to open Peng Leng Jeng, a pop-up dai pai dong in the heart of Central. This joint venture gets its name from a popular Cantonese slang that directly translates to ‘cheap, beautiful, and great’, which represents the dining experience here. On their menu, you’ll find all sorts of plates like crispy oyster omelette, Hong Kong-style mala chicken in a sizzling clay pot, crispy pork ribs tossed in mayonnaise, and plenty more. Be sure to pair your sizzling hot dishes with an ice-cold bottle of Blue Girl, or ask the restaurant’s staff for their wine list if you’d prefer something classier. This neon-drenched venue will only be around until August 31, so you’d better book your tables fast if you want to experience this quintessential Cantonese dining experience.  Click here for even more new restaurant openings in Hong Kong, and more information about these dining venues. 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 reading: G-Dragon Hong Kong concert 2025: Tickets, prices, dates, and more Hong Kong proposes recognising same-sex partnerships – but with a caveat The M+ façade is showing magical Hong Kong moments from analogue photos

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!

These cool (and just a tad creepy) faceless sculptures are here for the whole of Hong Kong Arts Month, so make time in your diary to visit this month

What is villain hitting and why are old ladies beating paper with a shoe for $50? Of all the weird and wonderful traditions we have in Hong Kong, this one is definitely up there.