In The Know with Louise Wong

I tell stories for a living. I started in Hong Kong as a journalist in 1997 and I’m now Head of Content at an independent brand consultancy called Eight Partnership. My personal project is Creative City, a design and culture-led initiative that celebrates Hong Kong’s creative community through its collaborative maps, digital platforms and events.

Depends what needs comforting. It’s a little of a few things that make a hearty whole. I’m a fan of Saam Dor on Pottinger Street in Central, where I always get Gun Lam Hor with Choi Yuk Wanton & Shui Gao, generously smothered with the chili oil they make. I’m also a sucker for breakfasts at Hong Kong diners. A fluffy ham and egg sandwich in the morning is a delicious way to also watch the world go by at that hour. My recent favourite is Capital Café in Wanchai, opened by someone who used to work for Capital Records – which explains the posters of Cantopop stars on the wall.

I love an intimate dinner and my favourite nights out are actually spent in with friends and a home cooked meal. That said, I’ve had some great meals out lately, some unexpectedly so. Neighbourhood in Central, The Pawn in Wan Chai and Tri in Repulse Bay – all delighted in ways I didn’t expect. As a random aside, I had breakfast at the China Club recently and that was a refreshing change as the only other times I’ve been were for dinner.

I live in Mid-Levels so don’t have to go far for some greenery and spectacular views but we’re spoiled for choice in HK with options to head to the hills or to the water. I love a magical South Side sunset though – it’s Hong Kong Ibiza when you can see it from high up.

I generally dislike shopping and prefer browsing so I’m the last person to ask this question. As for secret finds, I highly recommend that people get lost when travelling. Discovery is the coolest thing about travel so I wouldn’t want to spoil it for anyone. Even though Creative City is packed with recommendations, it’s not meant to be a complete guide – just highlights of each district from the people who live or work there. There are plenty of places in between to explore and luckily for Tribute guests, they are staying in Yau Ma Tei, one of the most fascinating districts of Hong Kong. Just step outside and wander.

For relevant local arts initiatives, I like to head out to the industrial neighbourhoods of Wong Chuk Hang, Chai Wan and Fotan because that’s where a lot of design and art studios, workshops or galleries are located. Go visit Spring Workshop in Wong Chuk Hang because they are open-minded, welcoming and almost always have very interesting artists visiting and developing their work. Their projects are incredibly diverse, smart and always thoughtful. It’s gorgeously designed and deliberately made for people to just hang out in so don’t be shy about it – it’s practically an open invitation. Also, Things That Can Happen by artist Lee Kit and curator Chantal Wong in Sham Shui Po is a new reason to visit the district, another mad favourite of Creative City collaborators. And of course, the most established independent art space in Hong Kong is Para Site, which is now in Quarry Bay. If you are going to be in Central, then head to Soho and visit PMQ, the former Police Married Quarters that has been converted to a design-focussed creative hub with regular exhibitions. Hong Kong has only one arthouse cinema and it’s also in Yau Ma Tei. It’s called Broadway Cinematheque and if you approach it from the right direction, you’ll see their cool neon sign lights up at the night sky. There’s bookstore adjacent to it called Kubrick.

Wet markets and local dives dotted around the place. If I have time to kill, I like to wander into any random diner to observe the scene. You’ll notice how regulars interact with owners, how people come in quietly on their own and order the oddest things. I’m a huge people watcher so no matter where I travel, whether it’s overseas or at home, I am always the biggest voyeur in the room.

Discover the songs that make Louise tick with her playlist on our Tribute Hotels Spotify Channel.

“I dug out some of the music I was listening to when I first moved to Hong Kong in the late 90s. I lived in Kowloon and was so excited that my new job as a news reporter allowed me to roam the streets of a new city. It was the best introduction to Hong Kong.” – Louise Wong, Creative City