A wholehearted welcome to my blog
The magic way food reminds me of home has always fascinated me. Within the city of Hong Kong, tasting local food means tasting nostalgia; a confusing yet captivating sensation that instantaneously brings you back to your childhood.
“Was I an anomaly?” I remember asking myself from a young age as I spent much of my time in the hospital combatting my severe allergies towards poultry, shellfish and nuts. Isolated from the bustling and lively streets of the city, I felt strongly excluded from Hong Kong’s rich and diverse food culture. While others embraced their dining experiences, tasting the flavourful street food and the exquisite dim sum with their closest ones, I was struggling to find my sense of belonging in the place I called home.
Hence, amidst my treatments, I boldy stepped out into the heart of Hong Kong and embarked on a journey of food discovery with the aim of redefining my identity. Hong Kong’s local food heritage is a special one: a balanced fusion of traditional Cantonese with hints of Western colonial influence, a combination which has made Hong Kong the city it is.
Symbolising love and warmth, the city’s food culture holds the hearts, spirits and passions of Hong Kong people. No matter in a cha chaan teng on a normal afternoon, a nightout dinner at a Dai pai dong or as simple a gathering around a round table with your family, the local food that is shared not only allows many to immerse themselves into their cultural roots, but more importantly permits the reunion and celebration of our hardships and experiences. Whilst attempting to reconnect with the local cuisine, I couldn’t help but notice markings of homogenisation and globalisation within Hong Kong’s culinary industry. I frequently see international food chains located within the populous places I go to every day.
“I’m lovin it”, could be spotted every ten blocks I passed. No need for introduction… Day by day, these locations have become popular dining choices amongst Hong Kong’s younger generation. There is no doubt that these international restaurants have diversified the city’s culinary offering by broadening the food variety to meet the nutritional needs of every individual. Yet, this has brought an unaddressed concern of whether or not Hong Kong’s local food heritage can be preserved in a city that is undergoing such rapid changes and development.
With this series, I hope to share with you the treasures of Hong Kong by showcasing Hong Kong’s most iconic dishes and taking you along on the journey to visiting the oldest and most historic local restaurants.
Thanks for reading!
