This is a six-day guide to where you can eat.

Today

You may go to the Convention Services Centre today to check out the programme.

While there, kick off your Hong Kong experience with a dim sum lunch at the Golden Bauhinia (G/F, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai, 2582 7728).

You can tell good dim sum from bad by the flavour and texture. A good har gau (shrimp dumplings) should have a firm skin and plump, fresh shrimps inside, and the seasoning should not overpower the natural flavours.

A steamer of dim sum has up to four dumpling-type items or a small plate of food to be shared by everyone.

Those who do not eat pork should note that Cantonese food - even vegetable dishes - are often cooked with pork stock.

Waiting staff should be informed about special dietary needs before orders are placed.

Tomorrow

With seminars running from 9am to 12.30pm at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, a big breakfast is definitely in order.

Eat as much as you like from the breakfast buffet at the Grand Cafe (Lobby, Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, 1 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, 2588 1234).

For $195, the spread offers dishes ranging from British and American to Japanese.

There are live stations for fresh omelettes and Chinese congee.

After the 6pm Step-off International Parade at the Tamar Site, delegates can check out the city's great dining options. You are likely to be wearing casual clothes, which is perfect for a hangout session at the New York-style restaurant and bar Madison's (G/F, Hutchison House, 10 Harcourt Road, Central, 2523 4772), which is across the street from where the parade disperses.

Recommended dishes include mud crabmeat on sliced fennel salad and avocado flan in finger lime dressing ($116), slow-cooked lamb leg burger with applewood smoked cheddar cheese and rocket lettuce and garlic aioli, pickles and fries ($268) and, of course, the New York cheesecake ($55).

Wednesday, June 29

If you need a coffee before your 9.30am opening plenary session at the Hong Kong Coliseum, there is a great place at the Metropolis Mall. Cafe Colorado (Shop 712, 7/F, The Metropolis Mall, 6 Metropolis Drive, Hung Hom, 3162 8377) has a following that swears by the coffee.

An Americano costs $20. There is also a good range of sandwiches.

If you are attending the Connecticut Teenage Dance at the Regal Hongkong Hotel (7pm-10pm) instead of the International Academy Awards Banquet at the HKCEC, you may want to drop by the hotel's Windsor Arms Sports Bar (B2 Regal Hongkong Hotel, 88 Yee Wo Street, Causeway Bay, 2837 1749).

This is a good, unpretentious place to enjoy a couple of beers or cocktails before heading to the show. Happy hour starts at 5pm.

After the show, you are right across the street from one of the newest additions to Hong Kong's dining scene, OPIA (at 1/F, JIA, 1 Irving Street, Causeway Bay, 3196 9100), the signature restaurant at JIA boutique hotel.

The menu consists of 'Australian freestyle' dishes such as crispy pork belly with apple, ginger, coriander and red onion salad ($130), sumac-spiced lamb cutlets with eggplant and soft herbs and Persian feta salad ($280), and creme brulee flavoured with Jerusalem artichokes and truffle oil ($85).

An eight-course tasting menu is available for $800.

Thursday, June 30

After the International Show at the Hong Kong Coliseum (5.30pm-6.15pm) you may want to fire things up with a Thai meal at the alfresco restaurant The Patio (7/F, Harbour Plaza Metropolis Kowloon, 7 Metropolis Drive, Hunghom, 3160 6880).

Dishes include deep-fried tiger prawns with red curry sauce ($208), pad thai (fried noodles with tamarind sauce, $75) and sticky rice with mango ($65).

The appetiser of the month is pak bung grob (fried spinach salad served with prawns and minced pork, $88).

Friday, July 1

For the free afternoon after your final plenary session, you may want to take a short cab ride to Tsim Sha Tsui for a taste of Hong Kong's colonial history at The Peninsula (Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2920 2888), arguably the city's most prestigious hotel.

The colonial-style Lobby is a great all-day drinking and dining venue, but it is the Peninsula Classic Afternoon Tea ($220 for one person or $320 for two) that is the most legendary and loved by all Hong Kong socialites. Served daily from 2pm to 7pm with classical music from The Lobby Strings each afternoon (except Mondays), the tea set comprises sandwiches, savoury snacks and cakes with a choice of tea - Chinese, Indian, fruit and herbal.

Saturday, July 2

The convention ends today with the 2005-2006 International Board of Directors Meeting and you have the rest of the day free.

Take a trip up to Cafe Deco (1-2/F, Peak Galleria, 118 Peak Road, The Peak, 2849 5111).

This high-ceilinged art deco-inspired restaurant with commanding views of Hong Kong serves great oysters, a good range of pizza and pasta dishes, and fantastic cocktails alongside sushi, noodles and tandoori.

This place also serves up good steaks ($112 to $558).