https://www.scmp.com/rss/299565/feed Uniquely Hong Kong is a series focusing on the things that set the city apart from the rest of the world. From its oldest families to its fascinating trades, South China Morning Post gets to the heart of what makes Hong Kong tick. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Hong Kong’s enchanting night markets have long showcased the city’s cultural diversity, culinary delights and economic vitality. While these bustling venues have traditionally catered to locals, their potential to attract tourists and boost the economy has once again come under the spotlight. The “Night Vibes Hong Kong” campaign includes new night markets as a core feature and has so far undoubtedly boosted local foot traffic after sunset. While night markets can help generate income and attract... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/article/3236874/forget-new-night-markets-night-vibes-hong-kong-should-revitalise-old-ones-first-temple-street-night?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/article/3236874/forget-new-night-markets-night-vibes-hong-kong-should-revitalise-old-ones-first-temple-street-night?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 07 Oct 2023 03:15:08 +0000 Not too long ago, the allure of the humble mahjong tile was thrown once again into sharp relief, as decades-old artisanal Hong Kong producer Biu Kee was served an eviction notice. Angered and indignant, fans flocked to the mahjong tile carver’s tiny Jordan space, eager to get their hands on a piece of history. At the eleventh hour, the store was given a reprieve and allowed to continue its operation. But the interest in mahjong has been reignited – and the timing couldn’t be more... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3199776/hong-kong-bars-new-cocktails-pay-homage-mahjong-local-cafes-and-barbecue-pork-love-letter-citys?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3199776/hong-kong-bars-new-cocktails-pay-homage-mahjong-local-cafes-and-barbecue-pork-love-letter-citys?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 18 Nov 2022 04:45:08 +0000 Hong Kong has been an extremely difficult place to enter for non-residents and tourists since the coronavirus pandemic began. However, in April the government began allowing non-residents to fly in, and although the floodgates have yet to open, it’s expected that the number of arrivals at Hong Kong International Airport will begin to grow soon. There’s still a seven-day hotel quarantine for all arrivals, but once that period ends there’s plenty to see for those who haven’t been back for a while... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/travel-leisure/article/3179226/m-and-palace-museums-ocean-parks-water-world-five-hong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/travel-leisure/article/3179226/m-and-palace-museums-ocean-parks-water-world-five-hong?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 29 May 2022 00:15:12 +0000 With over 50 Michelin-starred dining venues across the city, Hong Kong boasts some of the world’s best fine-dining experiences that range from the surprisingly affordable to ultra-exclusive and overpriced. Thanks to Covid-19, the city has had to endure more than its fair share of draconian anti-pandemic restrictions such as an evening dine-in ban that has only just been lifted. As a result of the reduced service hours coupled with sky-high rentals, many high-end restaurants have suffered losses.... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3176700/extraordinary-power-hong-kongs-two-dish-rice-meal-boxes-home?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3176700/extraordinary-power-hong-kongs-two-dish-rice-meal-boxes-home?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 07 May 2022 04:15:16 +0000 Branding is more relevant than ever in today’s world, as we are constantly bombarded with ads and pitches for the latest – but not necessarily greatest – product on the market. But successful branding is not always down to flash and panache. One such example of understated branding is Chinese shoe brand Feiyue. The meteoric global rise of its trainers has nothing to do with unattainable prices or exclusivity – they are relatively inexpensive compared to other top sports shoes. You can get a pair... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/arts-culture/article/3175142/what-hong-kongs-best-brand-forget-vitasoy-or-white-flower?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/arts-culture/article/3175142/what-hong-kongs-best-brand-forget-vitasoy-or-white-flower?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 23 Apr 2022 01:45:13 +0000 The other day I decided to give Turning Red a watch, given the buzz that the film has generated in the Asian community. This movie is the proud outcome of the first all-female leadership team under the Disney brand, and may this be the first film of many that feature more “taboo” topics such as gender and sexuality in animated family films. I must say that I absolutely loved the movie – but, underneath the cutesy Pixar animation and heart-warming narrative, it was one that left me with mixed... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/family-relationships/article/3171726/disneys-turning-red-left-me-empathising-mum-and?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/family-relationships/article/3171726/disneys-turning-red-left-me-empathising-mum-and?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 26 Mar 2022 01:45:13 +0000 There’s a perennial argument in Hong Kong over whether the Cantonese slang term gweilo is racist or not. Its usage has finally got some legal recognition that will hopefully put a stop to critics’ attacks. District Court Judge Herbert Au-Yeung rejected British engineer Francis William Haden’s discrimination claim based on him being called a gweilo by work colleagues, ruling that it was not a form of workplace discrimination. Haden, who was employed as a blasting specialist by Leighton... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/arts-culture/article/3168215/gweilo-offensive-word-centre-court-case-has-been-embraced?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/arts-culture/article/3168215/gweilo-offensive-word-centre-court-case-has-been-embraced?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 26 Feb 2022 01:45:14 +0000 I burst out laughing when I saw the words “bright red underwear for Chinese New Year” in a promotional email I received the other day. It was as if a divine power from above was reminding me that it is time to prepare for the Lunar New Year. It is no joke that Chinese people take the colour red very seriously, especially during the Lunar New Year period. It also takes centre stage during other significant occasions including birthdays, a business deal being negotiated, or even when playing... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/fashion-beauty/article/3164882/how-have-extra-lucky-lunar-new-year-red-underwear-and-loan?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/fashion-beauty/article/3164882/how-have-extra-lucky-lunar-new-year-red-underwear-and-loan?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 29 Jan 2022 03:15:12 +0000 Who would have thought that all it would take was a basket of dim sum – which costs around HK$20-$40 (US$2.50-US$5) – to convince Hong Kong’s elderly population to finally get their Covid-19 vaccines? For about a year, nothing could persuade Hong Kong’s 70-and-aboves to get vaccinated, not even the threat of contracting the virus itself. Even the business sector stepped in to help by offering a flurry of cash incentives by way of vaccination lotteries. Prizes included shopping vouchers valid at... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3163340/how-pull-dim-sum-convinced-hong-kongs-elderly-get-vaccinated?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3163340/how-pull-dim-sum-convinced-hong-kongs-elderly-get-vaccinated?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 15 Jan 2022 01:15:13 +0000 First of all, I want to kick off this edition of My Hong Kong with a big “thank you” to everyone who sent messages of support, personal anecdotes and some food for thought in response to my last column, titled “Cantonese is far from dead”. Over the last two weeks, I have learned a lot from individuals, cultural groups and organisations, and linguists – to name a few – who have reached out and shed new light on how Cantonese not just enriches lives but could also save lives. According to an Alan... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/arts-culture/article/3161691/learning-cantonese-shouldnt-just-be-about-cultural?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/arts-culture/article/3161691/learning-cantonese-shouldnt-just-be-about-cultural?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 01 Jan 2022 03:15:20 +0000 Every so often, we hear the “death knell” sounded for the imminent demise of Cantonese, as more and more speakers are trading it in for Mandarin. Just like Welsh and Hawaiian – both of which were nearing extinction around 30 years ago – Cantonese speakers are currently in decline. To quote a famous Chinese saying that’s popular among Cantonese people: “There are no never-ending banquets in the world”, which means nothing lasts forever and everything will eventually come to an end. Cantonese has... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/article/3159953/cantonese-far-dead-it-lags-mandarin-chinese-language-league-table-numbers?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/article/3159953/cantonese-far-dead-it-lags-mandarin-chinese-language-league-table-numbers?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 18 Dec 2021 03:00:42 +0000 Never would I imagine feeling so protective towards the “f” word, but this particular “f” word probably isn’t the one that you are thinking of. The Chinese word fuk, which means “fortune” or “good luck” in English, encapsulates one of the greatest values in Chinese culture. In Hong Kong, when we hear people say zuk fuk to someone, it means they want to impart a blessing of luck, success, prosperity and happiness onto the recipient. During the Lunar New Year, you will see front doors adorned with... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3156639/f-word-fuk-represents-one-chinese-cultures-greatest-values-and?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3156639/f-word-fuk-represents-one-chinese-cultures-greatest-values-and?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 20 Nov 2021 02:45:16 +0000 With no public holidays to look forward to in November, it is often viewed as one of the most dreaded months in Hong Kong. And it’s going to be twice as hard this year, since we were somewhat spoiled by a dynamic October. Last month, apart from a couple of statutory holidays, we also had an unexpected typhoon “holiday”. And to top it off, Halloween weekend saw revellers donning Squid Game-themed costumes. There were hot pink boiler suits and green tracksuits pouring into streets across the... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/article/3154954/rush-buy-extra-smartphone-contact-tracing-app-shows-typical-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/article/3154954/rush-buy-extra-smartphone-contact-tracing-app-shows-typical-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 06 Nov 2021 03:15:13 +0000 This month, two typhoons big and close enough to Hong Kong for city authorities to raise the No 8 typhoon signal – No 10 is the highest – were expected to strike. As they approached the city, many took to supermarkets to stock up their fridges and pantries. But these preparations were not done out of fear, but rather out of anticipation, as typhoons are something of a welcomed event in the city. Nowhere in the world will you find a group of people so eager to see a big storm hitting their city,... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/article/3153278/terrified-typhoon-not-people-hong-kong-its-time-relax-and-have-some-fun?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/article/3153278/terrified-typhoon-not-people-hong-kong-its-time-relax-and-have-some-fun?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 23 Oct 2021 03:00:14 +0000 Are you a Squid Game fan? Did you binge the entire series in a single sitting like I did, or did you have the restraint to space out your viewings? When it was first released in mid-September, I resisted watching this dystopian thriller K-drama, the reason being that I loathe herd mentality and often find films or TV series that have mass appeal disappointing, as they are not necessarily genuine masterpieces. Plus, commercial success and artistic recognition are not mutually inclusive. However,... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3151601/hong-kong-people-would-easily-win-squid-game-contests?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3151601/hong-kong-people-would-easily-win-squid-game-contests?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 09 Oct 2021 03:00:18 +0000 The Mid-Autumn Festival is less than two weeks away and the Post’s office is already abuzz with anticipation. Every year, the festival falls on the 15th day of the eighth month of the Chinese calendar; this is when the moon is at its brightest. For those of you who aren’t familiar with the lunar calendar, this year the celebrations commence on September 21. As journalists, especially those whose work is closely related to the culinary and hospitality sector, we often receive festive freebies... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/article/3148240/meddling-mooncakes-sign-we-have-forgotten-essence-3000-year-old-mid?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/article/3148240/meddling-mooncakes-sign-we-have-forgotten-essence-3000-year-old-mid?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 11 Sep 2021 03:00:18 +0000 I suspect Nicole Kidman did not, upon touching down in Hong Kong, anticipate her sojourn to film an upcoming Amazon Prime series would cause such a public outcry. The row over the quarantine exemption for the Australian actress has been well reported both locally and internationally – but for those of you who may not have heard, here’s the long and short of it. She arrived in Hong Kong from Australia on a private jet on August 12. A mere two days after arriving, she was seen visiting a boutique... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3146608/upside-nicole-kidmans-hong-kong-quarantine-exemption-it?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3146608/upside-nicole-kidmans-hong-kong-quarantine-exemption-it?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 28 Aug 2021 03:00:21 +0000 Those Hongkongers who are emigrating to Britain should not see themselves as fleeing the city, but as people who are seeking to put down roots elsewhere and seek a new life. Hongkongers do not chastise expatriates coming to the city to experience a new culture and raise their families. In fact, we embrace these visitors who inevitably become a part of the local fabric. But sadly, there have been mixed reactions towards local residents seemingly “jumping ship” and “escaping” to nations like... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/family-relationships/article/3144908/bruce-lee-chinese-food-hong-kong-has-so-much-offer?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/family-relationships/article/3144908/bruce-lee-chinese-food-hong-kong-has-so-much-offer?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 14 Aug 2021 02:45:17 +0000 It was definitely a proud – and undoubtedly historic – moment for all Hongkongers when Cheung Ka-long won the gold medal for men’s individual fencing this week. I was almost brought to tears seeing television news footage showing a local shopping centre packed with people cheering for Cheung as he won the first Olympic gold for the city since windsurfer Lee Lai-shan won in 1996. When Lee took Hong Kong’s first ever Olympic gold medal, Cheung wasn’t even alive; he was born mere weeks before the... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/family-relationships/article/3143128/proud-hong-kong-cheers-its-olympic-champions?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/family-relationships/article/3143128/proud-hong-kong-cheers-its-olympic-champions?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 31 Jul 2021 03:00:11 +0000 It’s common to have crushes on celebrities – even celebrities have crushes on other celebrities – and often harmless. However, a recent Hong Kong phenomenon has gone from seemingly innocuous to downright scandalous. A significant portion of the local female population seems to have fallen under the spell of Canto-pop boy band Mirror. The 12-member ensemble rose to fame through a reality television talent show three years ago. Hilariously, their rising popularity has prompted the desperate spouse... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3141351/canto-pop-boy-band-mirrors-success-hong-kong-can-be-used?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3141351/canto-pop-boy-band-mirrors-success-hong-kong-can-be-used?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 17 Jul 2021 03:00:14 +0000 There is a Chinese saying that goes something like: “Money will make the devil turn millstones,” the Chinese equivalent of the oft-said phrase “money talks”. In a bid to boost Hong Kong’s particularly low vaccination rates, the local business community has offered a slew of extravagant prizes to be won via lotteries to get Hongkongers flocking to vaccination centres. Prominent companies such as CK Hutchison and Sun Hung Kai Properties have piled on all sorts of high-end prizes worth millions of... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/article/3139556/should-hong-kong-be-offering-vaccination-lottery-prizes-flats-cars-and?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/article/3139556/should-hong-kong-be-offering-vaccination-lottery-prizes-flats-cars-and?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 03 Jul 2021 03:00:10 +0000 Alongside trams and the MTR subway system, minibuses are a mode of transport that remain iconic to the city of Hong Kong.  If you’ve lived in Hong Kong long enough, you will have boarded one of these, as they can get you just about anywhere for a fraction of the cost of a cab – and probably just as fast.  But if you have ridden these buses, you will also know the differences between the green-topped minibuses and the red-topped ones.  The green minibuses are regulated, meaning they have strict... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/article/3137799/hong-kongs-red-minibuses-take-you-no-frills-trip-wild-side-so-maybe-we?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/article/3137799/hong-kongs-red-minibuses-take-you-no-frills-trip-wild-side-so-maybe-we?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 19 Jun 2021 03:00:00 +0000 The historical events that led to the founding of Hong Kong are also at the root of the city’s tailoring culture. It all goes back to the 19th century, the period explored in James Clavell’s epic doorstop of a novel, Tai-Pan, published in 1966. When China-based British and American entrepreneurs began to accumulate fortunes in the opium trade, tailors from the UK saw the potential for profit catering to these newly affluent individuals.  14 new restaurants and menus in Hong Kong to check out in... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3136963/david-bowie-bruno-mars-old-hong-kongs-tailors-made-suits?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3136963/david-bowie-bruno-mars-old-hong-kongs-tailors-made-suits?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 14 Jun 2021 00:00:00 +0000 Just the other day, some friends and I were discussing which country has the best comfort food. We couldn’t decide on a dish or a country, but we all agreed that each culture offers its own version to suit specific tastes and needs. The concept of comfort food resonates with every one of us, even those who reside in the “eat to live” crowd. Everyone has a dish they turn to when they’re in need of a mood booster. But what constitutes comfort food also differs from one individual to another. Even... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3136037/comfort-foods-go-chinese-congee-has-no-equal-it-food-love?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3136037/comfort-foods-go-chinese-congee-has-no-equal-it-food-love?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 05 Jun 2021 03:00:18 +0000 In a cosmopolitan city like Hong Kong, people tend to judge others by how they dress. This perception is fittingly encapsulated by a local saying that goes, “first respect the silky clothes, then the man.” I know some people who can “scan” a person, and – within seconds – they can tell precisely how much their ensembles are worth or whether their outfits are out of season. However, I grew up being taught to judge a person by their character rather than their appearance. Even if someone appears... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/arts-culture/article/3134348/chinese-people-smile-says-so-much-more-words-so-why-all-long?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/arts-culture/article/3134348/chinese-people-smile-says-so-much-more-words-so-why-all-long?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 22 May 2021 05:15:17 +0000 Summer is fast approaching, daily temperatures are rising and it’s becoming more humid in Hong Kong. Still, I remain hopeful we will be able to, before mid-June, enjoy at least another month of reasonably cool nights. This is because I am a firm believer in Chinese wisdom. One useful nugget of wisdom I like to impart around this time of year is: “Don’t put away your winter clothing before eating Dragon Boat zongzi ”. The Dragon Boat Festival occurs on the fifth day of the fifth month of the... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/arts-culture/article/3132594/eat-brain-drink-warm-water-life-hacks-chinese-folk-wisdom?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/arts-culture/article/3132594/eat-brain-drink-warm-water-life-hacks-chinese-folk-wisdom?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 08 May 2021 03:00:09 +0000 That dynamic couple 7-Eleven and their many progeny have largely taken over from the mom ’n’ pop stores – 街坊士多 (gaai fong si do) – that used to be a feature of every self-respecting Hong Kong ’hood and which provided not just drinks, snacks and an earful of local gossip, but a free telephone, too. You didn’t even need to ask: just walk in, pick up the handset (google that if you need to) and dial. Sure, everyone’s got their own mobile wedged into their ear nowadays, so who needs the Dings’... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/article/3112367/hong-kongs-mom-and-pop-stores-are-disappearing-fast-you-can?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/article/3112367/hong-kongs-mom-and-pop-stores-are-disappearing-fast-you-can?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 03 Dec 2020 05:15:13 +0000 When I first heard the idea of building a “Hong Kong 2.0” in the British county Lincolnshire, my initial thought was that it bordered on absurdity. Plus, it is rather random: why Lincolnshire of all the counties in Britain? According to BBC Radio 2 host Jeremy Vine, who recently floated the concept, Lincolnshire would be ideal because it is one of the most sparsely populated counties in Britain. So for three million displaced Hongkongers, it seems like the perfect place to start anew. The idea... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3093664/why-build-hong-kong-20-britain-hongkongers-can-create?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3093664/why-build-hong-kong-20-britain-hongkongers-can-create?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 18 Jul 2020 01:30:11 +0000 I am not really into fast fashion but it is still unsettling to see a string of popular fashion chains closing down and leaving Hong Kong. Esprit is shutting down 100 stores including all those in Asia, except in mainland China, and Topshop just announced the closure of its last outlet in Hong Kong amid coronavirus-induced sales slump. Hong Kong is famous for its food, skyline, and shopping; and with no sales tax it’s been crowned as a shopping paradise. There are as many fashion boutiques as... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3092653/closure-topshop-outlet-its-time-hongkongers-buy-better-wear?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3092653/closure-topshop-outlet-its-time-hongkongers-buy-better-wear?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 10 Jul 2020 07:44:50 +0000 It’s certainly a good thing that the world is becoming more aware of racial issues and learning to embrace racial differences. So when people make hurtful, offensive, or racist comments, no matter who or how important they are, they will now be held accountable by the world at large. A case in point is the term “kung flu” used by US President Donald Trump at a recent campaign rally in Oklahoma. Trump has been pushing this phrase as a way to shift the blame of the coronavirus pandemic to China or... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3091638/hong-kong-needs-wake-racism-city-may-not-be-obvious-donald?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3091638/hong-kong-needs-wake-racism-city-may-not-be-obvious-donald?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 03 Jul 2020 02:13:47 +0000 Hongkongers haven’t felt upbeat and positive for a while, and I can’t say that I blame them. But the mood drastically changed last weekend after the government further eased social-distancing measures to allow public gatherings of up to 50 people, just in time for Father’s Day. With the significant relaxation of rules, there was a palpable sense of relief as the city returned to its former bubbly self. With the resumption of wedding banquets and most types of celebrations, not to mention locals’... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3090738/hong-kong-cash-handout-proves-money-can-buy-happiness-city?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3090738/hong-kong-cash-handout-proves-money-can-buy-happiness-city?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 27 Jun 2020 02:00:08 +0000 I am writing in reply to the letter “One Asian supermarket chain has set a target for cutting single-use plastic: pity it’s not from Hong Kong” (June 15). The Hong Kong government faces four barriers to the implementation of plastic-free policies. First, incompatibility with Hongkongers’ lifestyle. Hongkongers prize convenience and enjoyment and are accustomed to using plastic. For example, they prefer to purchase food in disposable plastic containers because they think this is more hygienic and... https://www.scmp.com/comment/letters/article/3089743/go-plastic-free-unfortunately-hong-kong-residents-prize-convenience?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/letters/article/3089743/go-plastic-free-unfortunately-hong-kong-residents-prize-convenience?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 21 Jun 2020 00:45:10 +0000 When I was a child, I remember my friends loved to visit my house because we always had a lot of food stocked in the kitchen. Despite being a small family of three we had two fridges, one of which was a freezer, and there was lots of cupboard space for copious amounts of canned food. My friends used to joke that my family had more than enough food to survive a nuclear fallout. Those growing up in a Chinese household will never starve because there is always more than enough food and ingredients... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3089821/chinese-kitchen-buckets-rice-makeshift-containers-stashed?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3089821/chinese-kitchen-buckets-rice-makeshift-containers-stashed?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 19 Jun 2020 09:47:37 +0000 After I wrote about the Chinese virtue of frugality in this column a couple of weeks ago, I received some readers’ feedback. They found it interesting – even admirable to an extent, and some found it slightly odd that Chinese people often go to great lengths just to save a few dollars. Canadian comedian Russell Peters summed it up perfectly in one of his comedy acts about how a Chinese shopkeeper could drive a hard bargain. In one of his most popular stand-up sessions, Peters describes an... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3088783/mole-hair-luck-long-pinky-nail-status-symbol-and-split?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3088783/mole-hair-luck-long-pinky-nail-status-symbol-and-split?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 13 Jun 2020 02:00:09 +0000 The coronavirus pandemic has turned many uniquely Hong Kong behaviours on their head, and whether this is for better or for worse is yet to be decided. In the pre-virus days, many of us probably had the unpleasant experience of having lift doors shut in our face. Hongkongers are notorious for being overly impatient; instead of holding the lift door open, many tend to vigorously press the close-door button. Before Covid-19, when someone had their finger on the close-door button, they would behave... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3087581/coronavirus-pandemic-and-hongkongers-survival-skills?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3087581/coronavirus-pandemic-and-hongkongers-survival-skills?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 05 Jun 2020 02:30:06 +0000 We Chinese are a frugal bunch and proud of it. Being good with money is considered a virtue, while flaunting your wealth is often frowned upon as crass and shallow. I remember when I got my first credit card, I often used it to treat my relatives to meals at family gatherings. My older relatives would endlessly advise me to get rid of the plastic because they believed it would drive me to huge debts or even bankruptcy. And they were right, as I found out later. Their inspirational advice came in... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3086745/chinese-frugal-and-proud-why-splashing-cash-doesnt-always?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3086745/chinese-frugal-and-proud-why-splashing-cash-doesnt-always?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 30 May 2020 02:30:09 +0000 Ocean Park has been making waves in the news recently, but for the wrong reasons. The city has been debating whether the park should be saved from imminent closure next month. The home-grown attraction seems to have fallen out of favour with Hongkongers, many of whom are unsure whether it should be thrown a HK$5.4 billion (US$696.6 million) lifeline from the government. If this had happened several years ago, there wouldn’t be any debate as most Hongkongers would be supporting the park. It’s... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3085438/hongkongers-collective-memory-and-ocean-park-dilemma?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3085438/hongkongers-collective-memory-and-ocean-park-dilemma?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 23 May 2020 03:00:09 +0000 I hate to say it, but when I discovered some local residents had tried to sell their government-issued free reusable masks online for HK$200 (US$25) each, I wasn’t surprised. In fact, I thought about how sad it was for someone to put another’s health at risk in return for such a meagre profit. The masks are part of the government’s HK$320 million bid to combat Covid-19 by providing residents basic protection, especially those who can’t afford personal protection equipment. No doubt there will be... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3084518/kindness-costs-nothing-so-why-must-some-look-make-profit?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3084518/kindness-costs-nothing-so-why-must-some-look-make-profit?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 16 May 2020 03:00:10 +0000 Many Hongkongers believe in the saying, “Chinese are not afraid of being born into a bad life, but no one wants to be given an unlucky name.” Picking the right name is everything for the Chinese, no matter where in the world they are or which diaspora they come from. In the old days, Chinese names carried an enormous weight, reflecting heritage as well as familial pride and fortune. But today’s names are dictated by personal preference rather than abiding by familial duty. People also want their... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3082329/whats-name-hongkongers-more-you-might-think?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3082329/whats-name-hongkongers-more-you-might-think?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 02 May 2020 02:00:12 +0000 We can’t talk about Hong Kong culture without mentioning the mou lei tau subculture. Mou means “nothing”, while lei tau is a play on the phrase lei yau, which means “reason” or “sense”. Accordingly, mou lei tau means “nonsensical”, which aptly describes a brand of comedy unique to Hong Kong. Mou lei tau is a type of slapstick humour that was championed by Hong Kong’s “King of Comedy” Stephen Chow Sing-chi, who popularised this comic style in his movies in the early 1990s. As mou lei tau culture... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3081342/comedic-subculture-helped-hongkongers-fight-their-fears-and?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3081342/comedic-subculture-helped-hongkongers-fight-their-fears-and?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 25 Apr 2020 03:00:08 +0000 Food occupies such a big place in Hong Kong culture and in Hongkongers’ stomachs, for that matter. Locals love all kinds of food. Whether it’s served on a skewer from a street food stall, plastic plates at a local cha chaan teng, or at an upscale Michelin-starred restaurant, they don’t discriminate when it comes to eating. There is a popular local saying that “anything that has its back facing the sky, it is for people to eat”, which is a perfect summation of how unfussy Hongkongers are when it... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3080377/food-glorious-food-whats-next-question-hongkongers-eat-it?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3080377/food-glorious-food-whats-next-question-hongkongers-eat-it?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 18 Apr 2020 03:00:28 +0000 The suspension of social gatherings in Hong Kong because of the coronavirus has put the brakes on many activities, including celebrations of all kinds. Last month, an infant whose parents had attended a banquet tested positive for the virus, but what was shocking was the 20-month-old had not even attended the event. The Chinese believe that 2020 is a double-spring leap year, making it an auspicious year for those who intend to get married. Needless to say, many couples had planned to reap the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3079340/fun-and-games-are-hold-now-hot-and-noisy-times-will-soon?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3079340/fun-and-games-are-hold-now-hot-and-noisy-times-will-soon?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 11 Apr 2020 02:00:10 +0000 This week the government ordered the temporary closure of more entertainment venues, including karaoke lounges and mahjong parlours, in response to growing calls for further restrictions to slow the coronavirus pandemic. Over the next two weeks Hong Kong will experience, perhaps for the first time in its contemporary history, being one of the quietest places in the world. After all, what is this city without the cacophony of mahjong tiles being shuffled? The disappearance of this familiar... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3078279/eerily-quiet-coronavirus-shutdown-deafening-silence-mahjong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3078279/eerily-quiet-coronavirus-shutdown-deafening-silence-mahjong?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 04 Apr 2020 03:00:13 +0000 In my last column, I wrote that wearing a mask during a viral outbreak is not simply a means of protecting oneself from infection, but is also a way to show respect and care for those around us. Shortly after publication, I received some constructive feedback, alongside some hate mail that accused me of being ignorant to the issue. One reader pointed out that the same respect should be extended to the proper disposal of used masks in public places, and I couldn’t agree more. Meanwhile, another... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3076109/wearing-mask-has-little-do-cultural-differences?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3076109/wearing-mask-has-little-do-cultural-differences?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 21 Mar 2020 03:00:12 +0000 The concept of “face” is a huge thing in Hong Kong, or any Chinese community for that matter. It is a cultural concept of bestowing respect on others, very often to someone of a high social standing or someone more senior in a family or company. The act of giving someone face indicates respect or honour to the recipient, whether it’s to favourably acknowledge who they are or their achievements. On occasion, it is a crafty way to twist someone’s arm to get what you want. For example, when you ask... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3075033/importance-saving-face-chinese-communities-cannot-be?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3075033/importance-saving-face-chinese-communities-cannot-be?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 14 Mar 2020 03:00:12 +0000 I recently came across a YouTube video of a famous local fortune-teller showing how to add extra “defence power” to a face mask to make it more effective in warding off the coronavirus. In the video, Master Edward Li Kui-ming lifts his right index and middle fingers and moves them around in a combination of powerful up and down strokes, and then over and under turns as if he is doing invisible Chinese calligraphy in mid-air. While doing his calligraphic strokes, he is also muttering chants and... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3065150/magic-mysterious-illness-and-chinese-superstition-warding?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3065150/magic-mysterious-illness-and-chinese-superstition-warding?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 07 Mar 2020 03:00:15 +0000 The common Cantonese slang gweilo literally means “ghost man” and Hongkongers often use this phrase to describe a foreigner, especially a Westerner. Although it has been generally accepted into the local vernacular, it still sparks interesting conversations as to whether the term is endearing. Whether you think the word is offensive to some degree, many, including the receiver of this quirky address, feel it is indeed one of endearment and generally consider it an acceptable generic slang to... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3052838/hong-kongs-fascination-ghosts-and-woks-shows-cantonese-can?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3052838/hong-kongs-fascination-ghosts-and-woks-shows-cantonese-can?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 29 Feb 2020 03:00:08 +0000 I have to admit that it didn’t surprise me at all when the news broke about a run on toilet paper following a panic-shopping spree across Hong Kong earlier this month as the coronavirus outbreak continues to escalate. Hoarding is nothing new in Hong Kong, since local residents love a bargain. Sometimes, Hongkongers will even buy bargain items they don’t really need, except maybe the off chance. Plus, it also seems like good sense to buy things in case of a rainy day, so why not? It all comes... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3051616/better-safe-sorry-thats-thinking-behind-irrational-behaviour?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3051616/better-safe-sorry-thats-thinking-behind-irrational-behaviour?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 22 Feb 2020 03:00:10 +0000 Anybody living in Hong Kong can tell you straight up that it is not a place for people with claustrophobia. Not only is it one of the most densely populated cities in the world — boasting nearly 6,700 people per square kilometre – but most locals have little concept of personal space. Those who have taken public transport such as buses and the Mass Transit Railway (MTR) would have experienced some level of anxiety as they are jam-packed like sardines in compartments and carriages during morning... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3050739/too-close-comfort-what-impact-will-coronavirus-have-social?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3050739/too-close-comfort-what-impact-will-coronavirus-have-social?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 15 Feb 2020 03:00:20 +0000 Before the deadly coronavirus outbreak, whenever people in Hong Kong complained about feeling slightly ill with symptoms such as sore throat or fatigue, they would most likely be told by locals they were actually suffering from jit hei or “hot air” in English. In Cantonese, being told that you are full of hot air means your internal system has accumulated too much heat and dampness. As crazy as it may sound, jit hei – pronounced yeet hey – seems to be the common cause of a wide range of minor... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3049300/hong-kong-life-making-you-stressed-run-down-or-irritable-you?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3049300/hong-kong-life-making-you-stressed-run-down-or-irritable-you?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 08 Feb 2020 03:00:10 +0000