Contributed by Gengta Tan: Hing Kee Restaurant @ 19 Temple Street, Yau Ma Tei, Hong Kong

Celebrating New Year 2011 in Hong Kong Although, the New Year's Eve is not as grand as the Chinese New Year, but one thing is for sure, there no shortage of the joy and excitement in China. If you are in Chine to spend your New Year holidays then head towards Hong Kong. Hong Kong is one of the most famous destinations for wining, dining and entertainment. On the New Year's Eve in Hong Kong, prefer a restaurant to dine which has a good atmosphere and serves great food. It's better to book your New Year table in advance to avoid the last minute.

Hong Kong New Year Eve Dining

Times Square shopping mall in Hong Kong. The zealous celebration of the New Year in China is a happening party. China's famous city Hong Kong attracts the maximum travelers. The Times Square shopping mall in Hong Kong holds the famous ball drop like that of the Times Square in New York city. The apples are lit up and this special event is called the "Times Square Apple Countdown."

Hong Kong New Year Eve places and activities

The Ngong Ping 360 cable car, a shaky and risky ride is the stuff for the adrenaline junkies and sporty travelers. There are various other avenues to celebrate the dazzling New Year's Eve in Hong Kong. The dazzling fireworks over the harbor can stirs up the visual delight. The best places to hang around with friends and family are along the waterfront in Wanchai or Tsim Sha Tsui. They are pretty crowded and perfect places to see the people of Hong Kong in the celebration mode. If you looking for serious eating, drinking and partying? Then the Lan Kwai Fong district is the best option. The Lan Kwai Fong district is an excellent place to have a gala time and entertaining throughout the year.

Some of the popular places in Hong Kong where people gather to watch the fireworks are Central District, Causeway Bay and Tsim Sha Tsui harbourfront, Victoria Harbour, Culture Center, Tamar Site and Ocean Terminal. The Countdown Carnival, is celebrated where tens of thousands of local and tourists gather. The entertaining programs such as physical theatre, music, dances and magic shows are also the star attractions. With so much of entertainment and excitement lined in Hong Kong for the New Year's celebration, it is next to impossible to say 'No' to a trip to New Year's trip in Hong Kong.

Having dinner at this popular restaurant before New Year Celebration

Hing Kee Restaurant has about 5 or more branches around that Temple Street area, and they all have the same menu and sell the same things. There was also another bigger restaurant that was beside this particular Hing Kee, that already had a huge queue outside it.

There’s plenty of choices for you to pick from with regards to what you actually want in the with the claypot rice, ranging from HKD18 for some basic things like Beef with Rice Pot to HKD45 for things like frog legs and eel.

On Anthony Bourdain’s programme, No Reservations, had an episode on Hong Kong, and one of the places he went to in that episode was Temple Street Market for claypot rice. Therefore, claypot rice at Temple Street Market was a must go for me.

 

Hing Kee Restaurant

Previously a roadside stall that started out by whipping up hearty claypot rice and oyster omelettes (HKD$20) for night revellers and Triads, Hing Kee now serves the same under a roof but without the atmosphere. For our last supper, we went to Hing Kee Restaurant (19 Temple Street, Yau Ma Tei) for some classic Hong Kong clay pot rice.

 

Stir-fried HK Kailan

Deep Fried Squid with Pepper and Salt

Spare Ribs with Rice Pot for HK$23. According to my HK relative's, you have to put the soy sauce, then close the lid to let it steam for a bit before eating it. The flavors were homey and comforting. The sausage was lovely, as was the crispy rice at the bottom