Maria Cordero's tastes run from tiny local eateries to innovative cuisine

Maria Cordero wears many hats. When the singer, actress and TV host from Macau - lovingly known by fans as "Fat Mama" - isn't busy filming her cooking show or rehearsing for concerts, she can be found preparing meals for her husband, children and grandchildren.

In what little down time she has, Cordero likes to explore restaurants around Hong Kong, sharing the experiences with friends and family. And, with a plethora of cultures ingrained in our city, her choices are endless.

"Food is very convenient in Hong Kong," she says. "Whatever you want, you can find here."

Whether it's Chinese food - including Chiu Chow, Shanghainese and Cantonese - or Western cuisine, Cordero is impressed by the quality and authenticity of many restaurants in the city. But perhaps what she is most impressed by is the business-minded nature of some of the city's smaller cha chaan teng, which show how "Hong Kong is a place for survivors".

These local tea cafes, Cordero says, constantly impress her with their vast range of dishes. "One restaurant can serve traditional French toast and milk tea, but also sizzling steaks and Japanese-style noodles."