Hong Kong: A Whilrwind Affair, Part 3-3
Day 2: Central Hong Kong (3-3)
Last Wednesday, I made an “impulse” trip to Hong Kong for the first time. What started out as my soul’s plea for new landscapes became a whirlwind adventure that opened my eyes, challenged old perspectives, and shifted personal paradigms. This is a 6-part story about my 4 days in the most densely populated city in the world.
After lunch, we headed to Rachel’s favorite bakery Kee Wah. Ever since she got me some of their shortcakes as a gift a year ago, I have been curious about bakeries in Hong Kong. I knew I wanted to get some local munchies but didn’t expect to spend a few hundred dollars at a bakery!
Kee Wah Bakery
Guys, say hello to Hong Kong’s finest munchies! From traditional favorites to contemporary originals, Kee Wah has been baking Chinese pastries for its customers for more than 70 years. What started out as a humble mom-and-pop shop in the 1938 is now a multinational operation in mainland China, Taiwan, Japan and the United States. Originally famous for their mooncakes, Kee Wah now boast a variety of 500 confections so you are bound to find something that will seduce, impress, and compel you to leave their store a little poorer than when you entered it.
Jackie at Kee Wah
Even if their baked goods do come at a hefty price, the quality does make up for it. I have found that most Chinese bakeries either sell low-grade versions of old-style pastries or simply abandon them altogether. What I love most about Kee Wah is their commitment to offer gourmet versions of classic Chinese pastries while keeping very current with the times.
One bite of their crispy eggrolls and I was transported back to a moment in my childhood. Memories of my grandmother opening a Chinese biscuit tin with rows of eggrolls inside came rushing back to me. The difference this time was that the eggrolls tasted even better than how I remembered it, because it is better!
What I ended up getting a ton of are their crispy Tea Cookies. I love how each of their tea cookies have bits of tea leaves in them, and biting into one of them releases distinct aromas of Red, Green or Jasmine tea. Love them!
If you don’t have time to head to Central to get munchies, no worries. Kee Wah has a branch at the airport! If you do, then here’s where to go to get poorer but happier:-
Kee Wah Bakery
30 Wellington St., Central
Tel: 2537 0178
Business hours: 0730 – 2000 (mon – sat) | 0830 – 1930 (sun)
Although the day didn’t quite end there (more shopping and an awesome foot massage), I can’t wait to introduce you to some folks so I’m wrapping Part 3 up with a photo I took from dinner!
So... anybody want some snake soup?
Do you have the guts to order that? Obviously we didn’t, but I thought I’d show you what an exciting menu we were presented!
Follow me to “The Dark Side” next and meet some cool folks in Hong Kong…
Part 4 of 6 will be published (hopefully) on Monday, 30th Nov 2009. Got a little busy suddenly.