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[Herald Economy = Kim Myung-sang] The Hong Kong Tourism Board is reminding travelers that the city’s food scene—from grab-and-go street bites to elevated tasting menus—is a key part of its tourism appeal.
On June 1, the board said it supported the tvN variety show “Cooking Is Painful!” to shine a spotlight on Hong Kong’s diverse culinary landscape.
“Cooking Is Painful!” follows chefs taking part in a cooking-exhibition project to spark new culinary ideas. The cast includes webtoon artist and TV personality Kim Poong, comedian Lee Eun-ji, and chefs Jeong Ji-seon, Lee Moon-jung and Jo Seo-hyung.
In the Hong Kong episode, the cast sampled a wide range of local eats. They strolled along Victoria Harbour and the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade, kicking off their food tour at Mami Pancake—known for gai daan jai, or egg waffles. These treats are made by cooking an egg batter in a honeycomb-shaped mold and are a quintessential Hong Kong street snack.
The episode also showcased the Four Elements Dinner Show at the Hyatt Regency Hong Kong, Tsim Sha Tsui. This five-course meal, themed around fire, water, earth and air, blends projection mapping, immersive sound and storytelling—delivering a dining experience that’s as much performance as it is food.
The cast relied on the culinary guide Taste Hong Kong, published by the Hong Kong Tourism Board in partnership with the Chinese Cuisine Association, to find beloved cha chaan tengs. Taste Hong Kong curates roughly 250 restaurants across the city, recommended by about 50 local master chefs.
One spot featured in the guide, Swiss Cafe, has been a cha chaan teng mainstay for two generations. It’s known for signature items like Swiss chicken wings, Hong Kong–style milk tea, French toast and comforting macaroni soup.
The program also introduced Lin Hing Tea House, a nearly century-old dim sum institution that opened in 1926. It still offers the traditional cart service, with staff pushing freshly steamed dim sum between tables—so you can dig into Cantonese staples like har gow and siu mai alongside house specialties. The cast rounded out their visit with stops at top tourist spots such as the Ladies Market and Victoria Peak Tower.
Hong Kong effortlessly mixes tradition with modern flair, where local favorites sit comfortably alongside fine dining. In March’s Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list, Hong Kong’s The Chairman and Wing took first and second place, respectively. The Hong Kong Tourism Board says it will continue partnering with others to promote the city’s culinary attractions to travelers.
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