Clearing your leave at the end of the year? Why not have a winter wonderland Christmas in Hong Kong?

Hong Kong is the perfect holiday destination to beat the heat and head for a short winter getaway. When the weather’s cool and the winds are blowing, what better way to keep warm with some comforting traditional Hong Kong food. We narrow down four of the best mix of traditional and modern dining establishments, giving your taste buds a festive flavour adventure fitting for the holiday season.

1. Hot Pot

Think simmering pot of broth cooking meat and fish balls in a cold winter evening. All that yummy warmth! That’s why hot pot is a Hong Kong staple during the cold winter months.

Get a one-of-a-kind hot pot experience at the Drunken Pot. A modern contemporary restaurant that aims to reintroduce the hot pot experience with 18 creative broth choices, including interesting flavours such as the signature sake broth featuring exclusive sake from Japan.

Another hotpot destination known for its creativity and quality is Megan’s Kitchen in Wan Chai Road. The restaurant offers diners with three different soup bases in one pot, diversifying the dining experience. Try their new soup flavours like duck soup with snow pear, leek and tangerine peel, and all-time favourites like tom yum cappuccino with a thick layer of foam on top.

2. Claypot rice

Another popular comfort food to go to during the winter in Hong Kong is the ever so famous claypot rice. Steaming pot of rice covered with a choice of toppings such as tender chicken ribs, drizzled with soy sauce — the perfect way to warm up during the cold winter. The best part of the dish is scraping off the crispy rice at the bottom of the pot as you are about finish your meal.

Make a trip down to the local’s favourite claypot restaurant, Kwan Kee, located at 263 Queen’s Road West, Sai Ying Pun. With over 20 years of history, Kwan Kee is well-known for its mouth-watering claypot dishes like duck and spare ribs, traditional Chinese sausage, beef and egg. Be sure to head down a little early before it gets packed from 7pm onwards.

If you prefer something a little different, head over to Chuen Moon Kee at the Man Fok Building in Mongkok that serves claypot dishes with specialty seafood including prawns and white eel. Unlike other restaurants, the restaurant owner uses a special stove with dual functionalities that allows him to cook the claypot rice using a combination of electricity and gas for the perfect consistency.

3. Barbecues

Hot and juicy grilled meat — warm comfort food for the body and soul. Visitors in Hong Kong will be spoilt for choice when it comes to restaurants with barbecue delicacies.

At Hyatt Regency Hong Kong, Sha Tin, guests can tuck into an all-you-can-eat barbecue dinner at the Pool Bar. On the menu are succulent meats and seafood on the grill such as, spring chicken, rib-eye steak, king prawns, and salmon. Also in the extensive spread are refreshing salads and seasonal seafood, as well as desserts like yuzu cheesecake, mango pudding and ice cream! (Because who says you cannot have ice cream in winter?)

If you happen to be at Aberdeen, never miss a traditional, Southern-style barbecue smoke meats and seafood at CRFT-PIT. Enjoy flavourful smoked meat such as smoked wagyu, beef short ribs, ham and roast chicken as well as seafood when you visit them.

4. Winter desserts

Finished your main course and still craving for more warmth? Indulge in warm Chinese desserts to ward off the winter chills.

In the Western District, this century-old restaurant is rumored to be the oldest eatery of its kind in Hong Kong. Located on Centre Street, Yuen Kee, is known as one of the dessert masters in this region. Top picks here include sweet almond, black sesame, and walnut soups that will leave you wanting more.

For a plethora of desserts, head over to Luk Lam Dessert at Sham Shui Po and be spoilt for choices with over 50 sweet treats to select from. Feel your body warm up when you treat yourself to some traditional red bean and green bean soups. Remember to leave some tummy space for the popular durian and mango-flavoured pancakes.

So pack your winter jacket and head to Hong Kong with an empty stomach to experience a delectable feast this winter. For more information on Hong Kong’s WinterFest campaign, visit www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/best.

#hongkong #winterinhongkong #foodinhongkong #bestfoodinhongkong