Fascination and Manners in Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s image as “Asia's world city,” is further enhanced by promoting its unique, cosmopolitan lifestyle to international audiences, showcasing Hong Kong's sophisticated blend of Eastern and Western etiquette norms. (S. Chu, 2011). I saw cafes featuring all kinds of Western bakery sweet treats, along with restaurants that offer European – Asian fusion dishes.

I love action movies; all my friends know I will watch an action movie over a romantic flick, any day or night. When traveling with my sister, some of the best sites we saw in Hong Kong have been featured in films such as James Bond (at the exclusive Peninsula Hotel) in “The Man With the Golden Gun,” starring Roger Moore. The skyscraper featuring ‘The Rock’ Dwayne Johnson, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider – The Cradle of Life with Angelina Jolie. And last, but not least, Jackie Chan’s movies.

Walking around Hong Kong is fascinating. It is located in hilly to mountainous areas. From the mountain apartments to the Kowloon Peninsula, elevators help you make it up and down. In the mornings, you will be helped down quickly on these escalators. In the afternoon, they switch gears to help office workers make it back home without catching a sweat. As a tourist, I love observing, and whilst traveling down these feats of energy-saving engineering masterpieces,

Hong Kong’s image as “Asia’s world city,” is further enhanced by promoting its unique, cosmopolitan lifestyle to international audiences, showcasing Hong Kong's sophisticated blend of Eastern and Western etiquette norms. (S. Chu, 2011). I saw cafes featuring all kinds of Western bakery sweet treats, along with restaurants that offer European – Asian fusion dishes.

Although it straddles East and West, Chinese etiquette is very much alive in Hong Kong. Despite its status as a global financial hub and a melting pot of different cultures, Hong Kong retains a strong connection to traditional Chinese customs and manners. And that is what I was there for.

I was in Hong Kong to experience the culture it is so famous for — dim sum being just one of them. Fortunately, my sister's friend was available for an early morning experience and took us to Central Hong Kong, renowned for its traditional Chinese tea and authentic dim sum.

Lin Heung Tea House, which opened its doors in 1918. They were able to guide us in how to order dim sum because, without them, we would have appeared to be a pair of ‘stunned mullets’ trying to work out how to get food to our table!

Even before you get to your table, you will be waiting in a line that goes outside and possibly around the corner. Once you are inside, then you will have to find a table very quickly which may be shared with travellers or locals, which is a beautiful, enriching moment.

Tea is served first which ranges from Oolong tea, Pu’er tea, Jasmine tea to Shoumei tea. The waiter provides two teacups one large for steeping tea and the small tea sup for drinking. To request more tea, tap two fingers next to your cup on the table. This gesture originated from a historical legend involving Emperor Qian Long and his servant, signifying gratitude.

You may be given a white pair of chopsticks, which his for eating and another colour, which may be black, for serving from communal dishes. A traditional Chinese spoon called ‘tanggeng’ on your right side is for serving only. If both chopsticks are the same colour, use the closest one for eating and the farthest one for serving.

The dim sum is offered on traditional trolleys. You will need to follow the trolleys with the tally card. Once you have selected what you want to get stamped and get back to your table while your food is hot. Quite the dim sum experience.

After finishing your meal, place your chopsticks together on the right-hand side of your plate. At dim sum, avoid placing chopsticks on top of your bowl or plate; return them to the designated chopstick rest. Avoid stick chopsticks into food or cross them, as it's considered rude.

Discarded bones and food should not go inside the small bowls, but on the designated plates or on the table. Some places provide plastic sheets for disposing of bones after the meal.

Hong Kong offers a cinematic experience both on and off the screen. From exploring its hilly terrain to navigating its innovative transportation systems, one is provided a glimpse into the city's blend of tradition and modernity.

Amidst the action-packed adventures, my sister and I, found solace in the diverse culinary scene. I was so pleased to holiday in Hong Kong and felt it wasn’t enough to just stay there for one week.

🍽️Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J. Graber, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia