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Venice

Queen of the Adriatic.


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Last updated June 2020
In the summer of July 2017, Jono and I flew in to Venice, the famous floating city of canals by the Adriatic sea.

Venice has long been on our list.  It's picturesque landscape is a prominent feature in many films, including the James Bond.

It is a romantically charming city with ornate architecture and winding canals.

Get lost in the streets and its neighbouring islands to explore what this marvellous gem
​has on offer.
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Must Visit
Rialto Bridge

If there is one bridge you must cross over, make it the Rialto Bridge.
The ornate stone bridge is a marvel by itself rebuilt several times since its first construction in 1173.  At it's peak, it offers amazing views of the Grand Canal and its surrounding buildings.

Food
​
Our Top Eats

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Baked Bun with Barbecue Pork, Tim Ho Wan
Hong Kong is a foodie's delight, there is something for everyone.  We've had lots of tasty food so I've tried to narrow it down to a few.  I know for sure I have missed a lot of great eateries but these ones below have definitely stood out.  I've tried to pick foods from different categories from dim sum to barbecue roasts.
For vegan we tried Eat Well Canteen at the Old Tai Po Police Station, read more below.
  1. Dim Sum
    Tim Ho Wan & One Dim Sum
    THW in multiple locations (website) ; ODS is at 209A-209B Tung Choi St, Mong Kok
    Tim Ho Wan is a famous establishment with five restaurants throughout Hong Kong.  Said to be "the world's cheapest Michelin-star restaurant", the best dish was the 'Baked Bun with Barbecue Pork', similar to 'Char Sui Baos' but in a delightful puff pastry.  Expect long queues and to be seated near other diners.  For all other dim sum dishes, we also recommend One Dim Sum.  There is a cool wall art on display.

  2. Chinese Bakeries
    Independent Bakeries throughout Tai Po and Hong Kong
    Various location
    For a light lunch or snack, Chinese Bakeries are a godsend.  I particularly love the 'Bolo Baos' (Pineapple Buns), light and crispy on the outside, fluffy inside.  They're perfect when freshly out of the oven and cheap.

  3. Roast Duck at Macau
    Chan Kong Kei Roast Duck 陳光記燒臘店
    Edificio Milionario, R. do Dr. Pedro Jose Lobo, Macau
    Arguably the best barbecue roasts we've had in a long time.   We were just lucky to have a table (albeit shared with a nice Chinese couple).  We ordered roast duck and pork.  Both taste incredible.  The duck was juicy, the pork crackling was crispy, both had a unique peppery seasoning.  I wanted to go back for more.

  4. Vegan 🌱
    Eat Well Canteen at the Old Tai Po Police Station
    Old Tai Po Police Station, 號 綠 匯 學 苑, 11 Wan Tau Kok Ln, Hong Kong (website)
    Set in the beautifully restored old police station, this little vegan cafe is cute and run by friendly staff.  There is a nice little selection of dishes to choose from the menu including veggie balls, nuggets, rice and soup.  We got a bit of everything and was very impressed by the meals.  There is a nice chill-out vibe to the place.  Despite good dishes we were still a little peckish in the end.  When finished, take a stroll around the old police station and gardens.


  5. Portuguese Tarts at Macau
    ​Margaret's Cafe e Nata
    17A Rua Alm Costa Cabral R/C Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro, Macau
    As well as casinos, Macau is famous for it's Portuguese influence including the delightful Portuguese Tarts.
    ​There was a long queue and the tarts were fresh and hot (be careful).  There is a couple of outdoor seating to munch down the delicacy.  Apparently, another good albeit close contest is Margaret's ex husband 'Lord Stow's Bakery'.  We have yet to try.

  6. Hot Pot
    Haidelao
    Various location (website)
    Hot Pot enthusiasts (ie. Mandy) will love this Chinese establishment.  It is very popular with the locals and it's restaurants are beautifully furnished and provide plenty of entertainment (noodle spinning anyone?).  There is a wide selection meat and veg; the customer service is top notch.  There's even a robotic waiter.

  7. ​Xiaolongbao
    Din Tai Fong
    Various location (website)
    Famous for its ​Xiaolongbaos, Din Tai Fong is good dinner stop.  We met up with Tony and Jo who ordered a wide selection of dishes to try.  The Xiaolongbaos are delicious soup filled dumplings.  There is also a wide selection of rice and noodle dishes.

  8. Street Food
    Tai Po Market Food Court
    Tai Po, New Territories
    Street Food culture is huge but not as big as it used to be in Hong Kong.  So, it was great to find that across from our accommodation, Tai Po Market still served street food from traditional food stalls.  The market is buzzing with locals and the food stalls were pretty packed.  Deciding which one to go for was tricky so we just looked at what was on offer at the stalls.  We've had delicious Beef Fried Noodles, Omelettes, Pork Chops and refreshingly tasty Iced Milk Teas.

  9. Chinese Fast Food
    Cafe de Coral
    Various location (website)
    Almost forgot to mention this fast food eaterie.  It's like a fancy McDonalds but with Chinese food.  You can order from the touchscreens (as they have in McD's), pay and seat while you food is being prepared.  Your number is called and you pick up your tray and voila!  Delicious Chinese street food like Crispy Roast Pork, Char Sui Pork, Roast Duck or even a Special Fried Rice.  This eaterie is all over Hong Kong and popular in the weekends with families.
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Key Information

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Hong Kong Island
Kowloon
New Territories
Macau
Hong Kong Dollar
See latest exchange rate here

Top Activities
Burano Island

Hop on a boat to Burano Island, famous for its colourful houses.
Quieter and serene, take a stroll around the small island.

Tip
The Octopus Card

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The Octopus Card is your passport to everything in Hong Kong.  Not only does it work as a travel pass, its pays for your shopping, laundry, restaurants, cafes, in fact it is accepted as a main method of payment in virtually everywhere.  You can top-up the cards in any MTR station.

Leave a comment

Have you tried any of the places mentioned above?  Perhaps you would like to suggest further recommendations.  Let us know what you think. Drop us a comment below.

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About me


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About me

Ever since my first proper backpack back in 2004, I have craved new experiences and cultures from around the world.  You can follow my journey through the videos, photography and journals all captured here online.

Read my latest blog post here.
Learn more about me here.
Contact me here
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