In The Know with Marisa Yiu

I’m an architect, designer, curator and an advocate for all things design. I run ESKYIU with my partner Eric Schuldenfrei. Our creative practice is composed of architects and multidisciplinary designers challenging the built environment in dynamic ways. We integrate art, design, culture and technology to create exciting social experiences that embrace the public realm and empower positive interactions amongst communities. I also support Design Trust, a nonprofit initiative in Hong Kong that is a funding platform focusing on content relating to HK and the Pearl River Delta, a passion project for me!

I grew up in Kowloon- and always loved going to Chiu Chow food and Thai places in Kowloon city to even corner noodle shops. Now that I live on the island HK side my neighbourhood is Tai Hang. There are many great ramen noodle places, Vietnamese local eateries and Chinese dessert places that are great! In the cold winter I love Chinese “Da Bin Lo” hot pot and there are endlessly delicious ones in Tai Hang. For comfort food it’s got to be Shanghainese like “Snow Garden” or “Ding Tai Fung” restaurant in Causeway bay. Our studio practice is in Wong Chuk Hang, so there’s a great thai place in the Nam Long Shan Road Cooked Food Market that is super local and delicious.

I am a huge fan of the Upper House bar and Café Grey for drinks and the view. I am a big fan of all things from Chef David Lai (and Yenn Wong’s) restaurants like Fish School, Mak Mak, 22 Ships and David’s “Neighborhood”. I love Duddell’s dimsum and drinks at their garden terrace, and of course my old family favorite is Spring Moon Restaurant at the Peninsula Hotel. Japanese-wise a new find is Uehara (Tai Hang) creative and fresh sushi.

Lately, it’s the beach at Repulse Bay, or escaping to Deep Water Bay  with the family. Maggie & Rose is the usual spot these days for us and the little ones in Hong Kong. Looking for places to run around and at the same time watch the sailboats. I also find it quite relaxing and hypnotic being on the Star Ferry or if lucky enough on a friends junk or boat on the weekends!

I love markets and markets; from food to knick knacks. Wanchai market , flower market in Prince Edward road (Kowloon), bird market, fish markets, wet markets…. I enjoy also walking down Ap Liu Street in Kowloon to see wide range of electronics to fun objects. Shop wise Kapok is great, the one on Sun Street or in PMQ. I also really love crafted elements and like Ricky Lai’s Open Quote at PMQ.

As a creative person and on constant deadlines or projects, our studio is our entertainment! Being in Wong Chuk Hang (moved there in 2009) we enjoy the endlessly the transformation of this area flanked by the Aberdeen (in Chinese known as “Little Hong Kong”) and the industrial area which is changing. Please check out our experimental garden installation called “Industrial Forest” at Spring Workshop. Galleries like Blind Spot to Gallery EXIT and Hong Kong New Music Ensemble at Southsite. Also shout out to an exciting new project that is being developed by the owner of Salon 10 in Wong Chuk Hang I’m looking forward to. As for events every 2 years to the Bi-City Biennale of Architect/Urbanism, (which we curated the 2009 edition on the West Kowloon site). I am very much looking forward to seeing Herzog De Meurons’ project for the Central Police Station (one can have a peek there on Old Bailey Street and Hollywood Road from the outside and see the fascinating façade details) and the upcoming M+ museum which has been doing amazing pop up shows and projects all over the city. I also highly recommend reading Zolima Mag, a new online journal for a taste of Hong Kong culture and updates!

I love the old Chinese house slippers and old rattan chairs, large dimsum baskets; and maybe even a Red A lamp seen in local wet market and local butchers!

Listen to Marisa’s playlist on our Tribute Hotels Spotify Channel.