I returned back to Hong Kong after 4 years of leaving the Island. To my great surprise, the first thing (or change) I noticed (obviously!!!) was the numerous amount of cake shops and cafes they have in Hong Kong EVERYWHERE you go…cupcake shops, macaroon shops, chocolate shops, bread shops, pastries shops, designer cake shops… you name it..they have it!!!!
The Hong Kongers have clearly adopted a cake culture. Most of the luxurious hotels offer an afternoon tea in their lobbies and many of them even have their own cake shops!!
Below is a short story of how western food evolved in Hong Kong (information which I gathered from various sources):
The culture of Hong Kong can best be described as a foundation that began with China, and became more influenced by British colonialism. After the 1997 transfer of sovereignty to the People's Republic of China, Hong Kong continued to develop an identity of its own. Although the majority of Hong Kong's people are ethnically Han Chinese, 150 years of rule as a separate British colony, as well as political separation from the rest of mainland China have resulted in a unique local identity. Elements of Traditional Chinese culture combining British western influences have shaped Hong Kong in every facet of the city including the food culture.
Hong Kong’s cuisine is not only an exotic fusion of Eastern and Western flavours, but is also a great variety of creative culinary delights with local characteristics, making the place a world renowned Gourmet Paradise. Food holds an important place here: from dim sum, da been lo (hot pot), fast food, to the most rare of delicacies. There are many special foods and drinks in Hong Kong. Hong Kong-style Chinese pastries are carried by most bakeries in Hong Kong, like the Portuguese egg tarts (Pastel de Nata), pineapple buns, wife cake, Jin deui and cream bun.
Changing from simple stomach-filing food and drinks to gourmet enjoyment, from humble eateries to superb restaurants and from local Chinese tastes to exotic delicacies, Hong Kong’s food culture has actually reflected the economic, social and livelihood changes that Hong Kong has undergone over the past hundred and more years. The success or otherwise of restaurants, the popularity of cuisines and the change of taste have not only marked the different expectations of food and drinks at different times, but have also become a collective memory of Hong Kong people.
Western food emerged in 1842 when Hong Kong became a British colony. Most Western-style restaurants were found in high-class hotels and their patrons were mainly foreigners. By the beginning of the 20th century, there were already quite a number of Western-style restaurants in Hong Kong catering to upper-class Chinese residents. At the same time, many sorbet cafés began operating in Central and Sheung Wan, which sold highly popular soft drinks, ice-cream, bread and pastries. After the war, Western-style restaurants sprang up in various districts. Russian cuisine also came to get a slice of the cake. After the 1950s, restaurants specializing in South-east Asian food also entered the market. Tea cafés (Cha Chaan Teng) were derived from Western-style restaurants and after the war, more and more tea cafés and sorbet cafés were to be found all over the territory. Sorbet café (Yam Bing Shut) and tea café were localized Western-style restaurants which charged less than the high-class Western-style restaurants, and were therefore more affordable to ordinary people. After the 1950s, those eateries were often simply called “bing shut” (ice cafés) or “bing ting” (ice restaurant). They could be found anywhere in Kowloon or on Hong Kong Island, especially in the newly completed public housing estates. Unlike sorbet cafés which sold milk tea, coffee and bread, tea cafés were licensed to sell congee, noodles and rice as well. In the tea cafés, set menus for breakfast, lunch, “ordinary meal” and “fast meal” were always available. Today, Western-style restaurants in Hong Kong are no longer confined to English restaurants. Eateries serving different cuisines like French, Italian and Spanish are common, while tea cafés can be found anywhere in the city. The uniqueness of a tea café is evident in its blend of Eastern and Western food served, which are always changed to suit the taste and lifestyle of patrons.
Anyway enough of history now… I compiled a list of very cute little cafes and cake shops for you, in case you live in or are travelling to or stopping by Hong Kong! Scroll down for pictures of some delicacies!!!
Passion by Gerard Dubois
Sevva Miss B’s sweets
Kisses Cupcakes
The Four Seasons
The Peninsula
The Mandarin Oriental
You can even have tea with Jimmy Choo here
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