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Lisa Cam

On January 1, we will be 25 years into the new millennium.
In that time, we have gone from the first Apple iPod – launched in 2001 – to Spotify; two-megapixel digital cameras to 4k camera phones; and MySpace to Facebook to TikTok.
Food for thought, indeed. If you have not yet decided how you would like to start your 2025 and the next quarter of a century, you can ponder it at a midnight countdown or dinner in Hong Kong with your friends – we have even thrown in a celebratory brunch for those who want to keep the party going the next day.
1. Above & Beyond
For those seeking a good meal and sweeping views of Victoria Harbour before the midnight countdown, Above & Beyond offers a curated six-course dinner (HK$1,688/US$215).
The menu features premium ingredients such as wok-fried Australian lobster fillet, as well as braised abalone and sea cucumber. There are two sittings, one at 5.30pm and the other at 8.15pm – book the latter for the countdown.
28/F, Hotel Icon, 17 Science Museum Road, Tsim Sha Tsui

2. Watermark
Perched on the top of Pier 7 of Star Ferry Central, Watermark will have a six-course New Year’s Eve menu (HK$1,088) with views of Victoria Harbour. The menu is offered at two sittings; 5pm to 8pm and 8.30pm until late.
Highlights include yellowfin tuna with caviar, seared scallop with sea urchin, and main courses such as Patagonian toothfish, M7 Wagyu steak, or grilled lobster.
Shop L, Central Pier 7, Top Level, Star Ferry Central, Central
3. Avoca
Ring in the new year at the Mondrian hotel’s Avoca, where there will be a lively celebration that blends music, drinks and a view of the fireworks. For HK$880 per person, the evening includes free-flow drinks from 10pm to 1am, snacks and DJ sets.
For those looking to extend the night, à la carte drinks will be served from 1am to 2am. Limited seating upgrades – such as a VIP lounge – are available for those who want to celebrate in extra comfort.
38/F, Mondrian, 8A Hart Avenue, Tsim Sha Tsui
4. Tokio Joe
The Lan Kwai Fong stalwart on Hong Kong Island will be hosting an eight-course New Year’s Eve dinner menu (HK$980). The menu features sashimi dishes and the Tokio sushi special with uni, scallop and spicy tuna crunch. Other highlights include seafood tempura and a refreshing sesame ice cream.
16 Lan Kwai Fong, Central

5. Hutong
End the year on a spicy note with Hutong’s New Year’s Eve dinner (HK$2,025), complete with front-row seats for the Victoria Harbour fireworks. Highlights of the menu include mala spicy lobster tail, bell pepper chilli-infused black cod, mala chocolate mousse and guava sorbet.
Guests can enhance the experience with a two-hour free-flow package: Veuve Clicquot Champagne, wine, sake, cocktails and beer (HK$400); Ruinart Blanc de Blancs (HK$600); or Dom Perignon (HK$2,200).
18/F, H Zentre, 15 Middle Road, Tsim Sha Tsui

6. Aqua Luna
Ring in 2025 in style aboard Hong Kong’s Aqua Luna boat, which offers up-close and personal views of the fireworks show and city skyline for a night to remember. Tickets are priced at HK$1,688 for adults and HK$988 for children (ages 4–11), including two drinks – sparkling wine, house wine, beer, soft drinks or juice – paired with canapés from Hutong and Aqua.

7. Bedu
Celebrate at Bedu with a six-course dinner (HK$788) – and a cheeky two-hour free-flow of Perrier-Jouët Champagne for an additional HK$588.
Popular favourites include seared Hokkaido scallops with truffle, and main courses such as grilled za’atar-spiced Boston lobster, or spiced confit duck leg. End on a sweet note with the “Bedouin Delight” dessert, featuring pistachio ice cream and sumac meringue.
40 Gough Street, Central

8. Salisterra
Enjoy a seven-course New Year’s Eve dinner by chef Ricardo Chaneton at Salisterra. Priced at HK$2,088 per person, the meal features dishes such as oysters with caviar, and poached pigeon in foie gras sauce. Finish with a refreshing meringue and citrus creme anglaise.
The celebration continues with a New Year’s Eve party at Salisterra’s adjoining Green Room bar, where guests can enjoy free-flow drinks and nibbles. The party runs from 9pm to 1am for HK$1,588 per person.
Level 49, The Upper House, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty
9. Nicholini’s
Start the first day of 2025 on the right note with a festive European brunch (HK$1,288), featuring over 20 antipasti, including 24-month Spanish cured ham paired with sweet melon. The brunch features cold cuts and cheeses, along with pasta, lobster bisque, grilled red prawn with caviar sauce and more.
Main course options include beef Wellington and festive roasted goose. Guests can indulge in free-flow Perrier-Jouët Champagne, wines, cocktails and beer.
Level 8, Conrad Hong Kong, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Central


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How the red Chinese candy box bestows blessings of luck and wealth during Lunar New Year

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Vietnamese-American chef Tu David Phu inspired by his mum’s zero-waste recipes

Food and Drinks

8 Hong Kong New Year’s Eve dinners and a New Year’s Day brunch to ring in 2025

Hutong’s New Year’s Eve dinner is complete with front-row seats to the Victoria Harbour fireworks. 

Whether you want to party at Above & Beyond (pictured), sail on the Aqua Luna, or nurse a hangover at Nicholini’s, we have the spot for you for a New Year celebration in Hong Kong. Photo: Above & Beyond

Watermark’s six-course New Year’s Eve menu includes M7 Wagyu. Photo: Watermark

Hutong’s New Year’s Eve dinner is complete with front-row seats for the Victoria Harbour fireworks. 

Tickets for the Aqua Luna New Year’s countdown cruise are priced at HK$1,688 for adults and HK$988 for children. 

The New Year’s Eve menu at Bedu features a wide choice of dishes. 

Enjoy a seven-course dinner at Salisterra on New Year’s Eve. Photo: Salisterra

Where a Londoner finds Yorkshire puddings in Hong Kong, plus ‘exquisite’ fine dining

Dim sum at Maxim’s Palace, which has “ladies pushing dim sum carts”, Chantel Shafie says. Photo: SCMP

Jeweller Chantel Shafie, who has been in Hong Kong for two decades, shares where she eats classic British fare, traditional dim sum and more. Photo: Chantel Shafie

Dishes from the Lobster Bar in Hong Kong. Photo: Instagram/@lobsterbarhk

Dim sum at Maxim’s Palace, which has ladies pushing dim sum carts. Photo: SCMP

A seasonal main course at Arcane. Photo: Instagram

7 places for your matcha needs in Hong Kong, from drinks to ice cream to cake and more

Matcha, powdered green tea from Japan, is having a moment. Photo: Getty Images


Matchali is touted to be Hong Kong’s first home-grown matcha brand. It is one of seven spots we recommend in the city to try the powdered green tea. Photo: Matchali

Kosei Kamatani is the founder of Via Tokyo, a matcha ice cream and dessert shop in Causeway Bay. Photo: SCMP

Basao Tea is dedicated to Chinese Gongfu tea and Japanese matcha.

Tastes from your TV? Scientists invent device that can mimic sugar, salt … and durian

The gadget looks like a lollipop and is able to send VR taste sensations when electrified. Photo: PNAS

A view of the backside of the lollipop-shaped device invented by researchers at City University of Hong Kong that promises to zap tastes onto your tongue. Photo: PNAS

The integrated circuit embedded in the lollipop device. Photo: PNAS

Hong Kong noodle history and the different noodle styles explained

Shrimp roe thick noodle lo mien from Kwan Kee Bamboo Noodle in Hong Kong. Photo: Llewellyn Cheung

Roast goose with lai fun rice noodles from Yung Kee in Hong Kong. Learn about the different kinds of noodles served in the city, how they are traditionally made, and the foods they are typically paired with. Photo: Llewellyn Cheung

Wheat noodles originate in Northern China, while rice noodles have Southern Chinese origins, says Dr Siu Yan-ho, a lecturer in Chinese language and literature at Baptist University. 

Marco Li Ka-chi of Kwan Kee Bamboo Noodle balancing on a bamboo pole to make noodles. Photo: Llewellyn Cheung

Shrimp roe thick noodle lo mien at Kwan Kee Bamboo Noodle. Photo: Llewellyn Cheung

 Cheung Wing Kee started making noodles in the 1950s, producing small quantities using labour-intensive methods.

Roast goose with lai fun rice noodles. The thicker, neutral-tasting noodles are perfect for absorbing the flavours from the roast goose and broth. Photo: Llewellyn Cheung

Lifestyle

Food & Drink

Whether you want to party at the Mondrian, sail in style on the Aqua Luna, or nurse your hangover at Nicholini’s, we have the place for you


Whether you want to party at the Mondrian, sail in style on the Aqua Luna, or nurse your hangover at Nicholini’s, we have the place for you.


What to do in Hong Kong

Where to eat in Hong Kong

Hong Kong dining & recommendations

Hong Kong Fine Dining