https://www.scmp.com/rss/875/feed Luisa Tam has been a journalist for more than 30 years. She has held a variety of roles during her career, including working as a producer for NDR German TV, a media campaigner with Greenpeace, and as the deputy managing editor of Eastern Express. She previously worked at the Post from 1988 to 1990, before rejoining in her current role in 2015. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Luisa Tam Luisa Tam Halloween has become a significant revenue generator in Hong Kong, thanks in part to the widespread, family-friendly celebrations held in the city. It also serves as a prelude to the Christmas holiday season. The spooky celebration was not widely observed in Hong Kong until around three decades ago, when prominent Hong Kong businessman Allan Zeman established a small Halloween gathering in Lan Kwai Fong, in the city’s Central neighbourhood. This initiative helped transform the area into the... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3330627/hong-kong-used-be-halloween-hub-asia-what-city-can-do-reclaim-its-crown?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3330627/hong-kong-used-be-halloween-hub-asia-what-city-can-do-reclaim-its-crown?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 29 Oct 2025 00:15:08 +0000 Luisa Tam Luisa Tam Even though Hollywood power couple Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez have chosen to part ways, the Bennifer phenomenon continues to make headlines. The couple’s wedding in 2022, 20 years after ending their relationship, divided fans and critics alike. Now, following Lopez’s divorce filing last month, which announced – again – the end of their relationship, many critics are spinning views such as “told you so” or “doomed from the start”. Still, its ripples have sparked discussions about whether... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/family-relationships/article/3280041/what-can-we-learn-bennifer-20-expert-how-make-second-chance-love-work?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/family-relationships/article/3280041/what-can-we-learn-bennifer-20-expert-how-make-second-chance-love-work?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 29 Sep 2024 00:15:08 +0000 Luisa Tam Luisa Tam Developing an emotional connection with an artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot once seemed like science fiction, reminiscent of the 2013 American sci-fi romcom Her, which tells the story of a lonely man who forms a relationship with a virtual assistant personified by a female voice. Today, AI partnerships have become more common, with some individuals engaging in “committed” relationships for companionship and emotional support, effectively alleviating loneliness thanks to 24/7 availability. AI... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/family-relationships/article/3275454/why-ai-girlfriends-or-boyfriends-romantic-chatbot-apps-could-cause-real-life-harm?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/family-relationships/article/3275454/why-ai-girlfriends-or-boyfriends-romantic-chatbot-apps-could-cause-real-life-harm?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 25 Aug 2024 00:15:10 +0000 Luisa Tam Luisa Tam We haven’t heard much about the Night Vibes Hong Kong campaign; I wonder what has happened to it. Last September, the Hong Kong government unveiled the specifics and promotional initiatives for the campaign, including free MTR journeys after 10.30pm, discounts on late-night cinema screenings, and complimentary Wednesday nights at the Happy Valley Racecourse for the general public. By January, the initiative had been expanded with the introduction of the “Day x Night Vibes” concept across all 18... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3271152/make-hong-kong-de-stress-economy-and-it-could-draw-visitors-and-fresh-talent?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3271152/make-hong-kong-de-stress-economy-and-it-could-draw-visitors-and-fresh-talent?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 20 Jul 2024 00:15:08 +0000 Luisa Tam Luisa Tam Billionaire media mogul Oprah Winfrey is an iconic advocate for spiritual partnerships. She credits the concept for transforming her life and reshaping her perspective on relationships. Winfrey’s enduring bond with Stedman Graham serves as a beacon for those exploring unconventional relationship dynamics. Since the start in 1986, their spiritual partnership has drawn the public’s fascination, and showcases a model of deep, evolving, and non-traditional connection. The duo have meticulously... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/family-relationships/article/3266457/it-worked-oprah-what-makes-spiritual-relationship-and-how-transcend-norm?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/family-relationships/article/3266457/it-worked-oprah-what-makes-spiritual-relationship-and-how-transcend-norm?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 16 Jun 2024 00:15:09 +0000 With the announcement this week by the Hong Kong government of the schedule for 106 upcoming mega events in the latter half of the year, one immediate observation is the attempt to cater to every possible interest simultaneously. The roster includes a diverse range of offerings: 42 exhibitions, 15 sports competitions, 25 cultural showcases, 11 festivals, and 13 events focusing on finance, technology, and innovation. Critics and members of the public have voiced concerns, some labelling the... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3263908/less-more-when-it-comes-hong-kong-staging-mega-events?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3263908/less-more-when-it-comes-hong-kong-staging-mega-events?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 25 May 2024 00:15:07 +0000 In the past, Hong Kong was renowned for its competitive prices for shopping, dining and hotel accommodation, drawing tourists in droves. However, over time, this allure has diminished. Despite this decline, tourists, particularly those from mainland China, continued to flock to the city until the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, enticed by the guaranteed quality of what the city had to offer, from its exquisite cuisine to luxury malls - albeit at rising costs. I used to proudly boast to visiting... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3262004/why-tourism-hungry-hong-kong-needs-get-times-put-inclusion-front-and-centre-and-even-become?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3262004/why-tourism-hungry-hong-kong-needs-get-times-put-inclusion-front-and-centre-and-even-become?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 11 May 2024 00:15:12 +0000 The concept of “sleep divorce” has garnered much attention recently because of its endorsement by Hollywood actress Cameron Diaz. Diaz supports couples sleeping in separate bedrooms, saying that it can establish clear boundaries for personal space and ultimately lead to improved sleep quality. This, in turn, can help in managing conditions such as depression and anxiety, which may otherwise strain a relationship. Her bold statement, “Love should not get in the way of a good night of sleep”, has... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/family-relationships/article/3258611/should-you-get-sleep-divorce-pros-and-cons-sleeping-separate-bedrooms-which-can-even-benefit-couples?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/family-relationships/article/3258611/should-you-get-sleep-divorce-pros-and-cons-sleeping-separate-bedrooms-which-can-even-benefit-couples?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 13 Apr 2024 00:15:15 +0000 Kudos to the Hong Kong government for its decision to undertake the revitalisation of the city’s cherished Flower Market in Mong Kok. The initiative is part of a comprehensive plan to breathe new life into the vibrant neighbourhood, including the incorporation of a canal to connect the public leisure spaces in the area. Recently, the Urban Renewal Authority unveiled its ambitious scheme to revamp 31 buildings, ranging in age from 64 to 76 years, along with 33 shops at the flower market and in... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/arts-culture/article/3256206/canal-redeveloped-flower-market-hong-kong-they-may-work-amsterdam-vibrant-chinese-community-respect?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/arts-culture/article/3256206/canal-redeveloped-flower-market-hong-kong-they-may-work-amsterdam-vibrant-chinese-community-respect?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 23 Mar 2024 00:15:20 +0000 I must admit that I haven’t encountered any of the large “Chubby Hearts” balloons that have been appearing across Hong Kong since February 14, but I have heard various negative remarks. Some individuals have said that the inflatable installations may not effectively attract visitors to Hong Kong, while others have criticised the concept for its lack of originality. Additionally, a few sophisticated critics have stated that these balloons will not enhance the city’s reputation as an arts and... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/arts-culture/article/3252837/why-hongkongers-shouldnt-criticise-anya-hindmarchs-chubby-hearts-project-they-may-not-be-high-art?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/arts-culture/article/3252837/why-hongkongers-shouldnt-criticise-anya-hindmarchs-chubby-hearts-project-they-may-not-be-high-art?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 24 Feb 2024 01:15:10 +0000 “Scam of the century” and “refund” were among the angry chants directed at Lionel Messi and Inter Miami due to the football legend’s absence from the Hong Kong pitch during the much-publicised exhibition match on February 4. These chants continue to resonate throughout the city, and Messi’s subsequent participation in a game in Japan just three days later only added insult to injury for local fans. The incident, now infamous as the “Messi Mess”, continues to dominate headlines worldwide after... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3251375/messi-hong-kong-fiasco-how-beckham-could-have-averted-pr-disaster-century-fans-impressive-control?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3251375/messi-hong-kong-fiasco-how-beckham-could-have-averted-pr-disaster-century-fans-impressive-control?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 10 Feb 2024 00:15:15 +0000 A long-standing tradition for Chinese people over Lunar New Year is to give and receive cash in red packets known as lai see in Cantonese and hong bao in Mandarin. But what are the roots of the tradition? Who should give them out and with how much money? The Post’s Luisa Tam breaks it down for those unfamiliar with the practice. https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3251551/lunar-new-year-ins-and-outs-giving-red-packets-who-should-give-them-how-much-money-hand-out?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3251551/lunar-new-year-ins-and-outs-giving-red-packets-who-should-give-them-how-much-money-hand-out?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 09 Feb 2024 08:22:47 +0000 Everyone hopes Lunar New Year ushers in a lucky year for them, and Chinese people follow a lot of traditions to boost their luck. Read on to find out about some of them, and how to improve your fortune in the Year of the Dragon, which starts on February 10. 1. 5 ways to improve your luck in the Year of the Dragon 2024 There are 60 deities in Chinese astrology – one for each of the 12 Chinese zodiac signs (which correspond to Jupiter’s roughly 12-year orbital cycle) combined with the five... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/arts-culture/article/3251406/how-get-lucky-year-dragon-money-colours-clothing-food?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/arts-culture/article/3251406/how-get-lucky-year-dragon-money-colours-clothing-food?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 09 Feb 2024 04:45:08 +0000 Most of my column space in 2023 was dedicated to Hong Kong tourism, specifically assessing the government’s efforts to reimagine and renovate the city’s tourism industry, from campaigns like “Hello Hong Kong” to “Night Vibes Hong Kong”. It was a significant topic, considering that the city’s mask mandate was only lifted in March 2023 – making it one of the world’s longest such mandates. The importance of attracting foreign visitors to Hong Kong and encouraging locals to increasingly engage in... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/travel-leisure/article/3247264/attract-tourists-again-hong-kong-must-look-harbin-chinas-ice-capital-lessons-could-we-ever-offer?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/travel-leisure/article/3247264/attract-tourists-again-hong-kong-must-look-harbin-chinas-ice-capital-lessons-could-we-ever-offer?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 06 Jan 2024 00:15:17 +0000 Global Impact is a weekly curated newsletter featuring a news topic originating in China with a significant macro impact for our newsreaders around the world. Sign up now! Online scamming is a significant concern in China, as it is in many other countries. The Chinese government has been actively taking measures to combat the problem, including implementing stricter regulations, increasing public awareness and strengthening law enforcement efforts. It is often challenging to assert the exact... https://www.scmp.com/economy/article/3246171/global-impact-woman-iron-uterus-no-such-thing-free-lunch-scammers-china-try-weird-and-wonderful-earn?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/article/3246171/global-impact-woman-iron-uterus-no-such-thing-free-lunch-scammers-china-try-weird-and-wonderful-earn?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 25 Dec 2023 06:00:30 +0000 While divorce rates in general have been rising, the phenomenon of divorce among older adults, often referred to as “grey divorce”, has been particularly notable. Many factors contribute to this growing trend, but experts believe that increased life expectancy and changing societal attitudes have played a part. As people are living longer, healthier lives compared to previous generations, it means that individuals may have more years ahead of them after reaching middle age or retirement. As a... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/family-relationships/article/3244207/how-avoid-grey-divorce-expert-tips-keeping-your-marriage-happy-older-age-and-how-salvage-it-when?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/family-relationships/article/3244207/how-avoid-grey-divorce-expert-tips-keeping-your-marriage-happy-older-age-and-how-salvage-it-when?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 10 Dec 2023 00:15:11 +0000 I had the opportunity to attend the recent 90th-anniversary celebration of the Gloucester Luk Kwok Hong Kong, formerly known as the Luk Kwok Hotel, and it unexpectedly took me on a nostalgic journey down memory lane. Situated in the lively district of Wan Chai, it has a rich history and played a significant role in Hong Kong’s colonial past. Wan Chai, known for its vibrant nightlife, has always been a hub of activity, particularly for sailors who frequented the area for relaxation and amusement... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3242539/time-travel-tourism-hong-kong-could-it-be-boost-city-needs-attract-more-international-visitors?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3242539/time-travel-tourism-hong-kong-could-it-be-boost-city-needs-attract-more-international-visitors?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 25 Nov 2023 00:15:07 +0000 “What’s the capital of Saudi Arabia?” a senior Sunday Post editor shouted out, likely working on an editorial or proofreading a story about the Middle East. A voice from a few desks away, belonging to an Australian, promptly responded: “Riyadh.” The senior editor, also Australian, sought clarification, asking: “Do you spell it with one ‘d’ or two ‘ds’?” This was a common scene in the newsroom at the South China Morning Post when I first joined in the 1980s (I had the opportunity to work for the... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/arts-culture/article/3240745/what-south-china-morning-post-was-1980s-and-how-it-has-shaped-me-person?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/arts-culture/article/3240745/what-south-china-morning-post-was-1980s-and-how-it-has-shaped-me-person?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 08 Nov 2023 10:30:23 +0000 Who wouldn’t want an extra HK$20,000 (US$2,555) in their pocket? However, when it comes to a recent offer made by the Hong Kong government, there is an umbilical cord attached. Hong Kong aims to increase the number of babies born annually over the next three years through various measures, including a one-time cash handout and expedited access to public housing for families with new children. Announcing the move in his policy speech in October, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu also emphasised... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/family-relationships/article/3240187/us2500-cash-handout-new-parents-hong-kong-will-not-truly-foster-baby-boom-its-guilty-mum-or-dad?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/family-relationships/article/3240187/us2500-cash-handout-new-parents-hong-kong-will-not-truly-foster-baby-boom-its-guilty-mum-or-dad?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 03 Nov 2023 23:45:11 +0000 Discovering that your partner has a lover can be emotionally challenging and put you in an extremely difficult situation. This becomes even harder to manage if the person in question is a part of your social circle. It is crucial to approach this situation with care and consider the best course of action for your own well-being. While I am aware of a case where a wife hired the mistress to work alongside her to closely monitor her daily activities, it is important to note that such an approach... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/family-relationships/article/3239252/what-do-if-you-discover-your-partner-has-lover-especially-if-they-are-mutual-friend?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/family-relationships/article/3239252/what-do-if-you-discover-your-partner-has-lover-especially-if-they-are-mutual-friend?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 29 Oct 2023 00:15:21 +0000 Foreign business chambers in Hong Kong recently expressed concern over the city’s slow progress in replenishing its expatriate population. They argue that overseas talent is crucial for maintaining the city’s international status. Despite the government’s efforts to attract back expatriates, many of whom left during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic, the number of returnees has been less than ideal. Official figures revealed that from January to July, the number of foreigners who arrived from... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/family-relationships/article/3238495/does-hong-kong-need-expats-back-absolutely-foreign-talent-enhances-our-competitiveness-and-diversity?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/family-relationships/article/3238495/does-hong-kong-need-expats-back-absolutely-foreign-talent-enhances-our-competitiveness-and-diversity?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 20 Oct 2023 23:45:16 +0000 The recent announcement of actor Hugh Jackman’s split from his wife of 27 years has sent shock waves through the entertainment industry and beyond. The news has left many wondering what went wrong and questioning the very foundation of love and long-term commitment. Celebrity separations often attract intense media scrutiny and speculation. While it is natural for people to be curious about the reasons behind a high-profile split, it is crucial to respect the privacy of those involved. It is... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/family-relationships/article/3237640/even-hugh-jackman-cant-keep-marriage-intact-turns-out-even-relationships-seem-perfect-need-constant?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/family-relationships/article/3237640/even-hugh-jackman-cant-keep-marriage-intact-turns-out-even-relationships-seem-perfect-need-constant?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 15 Oct 2023 00:15:07 +0000 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 Current Hollywood blockbuster John Wick: Chapter 4 features Hong Kong actor Donnie Yen playing “Caine”, a foul-mouthed, blind assassin. His role catapults the city back into the international spotlight and is no doubt a significant moment for the Cantonese language, too. It has been many years since I last heard an entire cinema audience burst out in spontaneous laughter but when Yen uttered one particular profanity, and Keanu Reeves – who plays the titular role – copied it in his well-known... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3215366/after-john-wick-chapter-4-donnie-yen-should-be-made-global-ambassador-hong-kong-lead-surge-citys?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3215366/after-john-wick-chapter-4-donnie-yen-should-be-made-global-ambassador-hong-kong-lead-surge-citys?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 01 Apr 2023 00:15:10 +0000 Media attention in Hong Kong last week was riveted not by the government’s ambitious new tourism campaign, but images of a distraught elderly woman writhing on the ground, begging for mercy from some food and hygiene officers. Ninety-year-old licensed street hawker Chan Tak-ching is no hardened criminal. She sells roasted chestnuts outside a subway station. Her “crime” was to allow an unauthorised person tend to her cart while she popped to the toilet. “I beg you to give me a chance,” the old... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/article/3213840/forget-hello-hong-kong-are-we-heartless-hong-kong-after-elderly-woman-hawker-debacle?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/article/3213840/forget-hello-hong-kong-are-we-heartless-hong-kong-after-elderly-woman-hawker-debacle?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 18 Mar 2023 00:15:09 +0000 Soon after the “Hello Hong Kong” campaign to attract tourists was launched earlier this month, I started to receive scathing comments from my local and expatriate friends. They were united in criticism of the mood and message of the promotional videos, calling them dated and predictable. Were they not so polite, I’m sure they would have added such adjectives as cheap, tacky, cheesy and unimaginative.   Yet again, the government has enlisted local celebrities to help promote Hong Kong, when the... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/travel-leisure/article/3210512/hong-kongs-lame-attempts-attract-tourists-and-talent-smack-desperation-here-are-better-ways-get?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/travel-leisure/article/3210512/hong-kongs-lame-attempts-attract-tourists-and-talent-smack-desperation-here-are-better-ways-get?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 18 Feb 2023 00:15:08 +0000 In an aim to attract top events back to Hong Kong and reinforce the city’s reputation as an international cultural and tourist hub, the government recently launched its much-anticipated Mega Arts and Cultural Events Committee. I expect this committee, besides promoting Hong Kong’s general cultural standing, will focus on boosting our cultural diversity, literacy, sensitivity and arts awareness. Perhaps, though, we should be cautious of that word “mega”. New World Development CEO Adrian Cheng has... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/arts-culture/article/3208963/why-hong-kong-needs-culture-tsar-and-not-just-mega-events-committee-champion-our-local-identity?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/arts-culture/article/3208963/why-hong-kong-needs-culture-tsar-and-not-just-mega-events-committee-champion-our-local-identity?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 03 Feb 2023 23:45:10 +0000 “The proof of the pudding is in the eating,” as the old saying goes. In this case, there can be no doubt that Hong Kong people love the affordable two- and three-dish-rice boxes they have been filling their stomachs with over the past three years of the Covid-19 pandemic. This unglamorous, everyday meal box has helped bind people together through difficult times, as well as feed the soul, and the stomach, of the city. Love and gratefulness aside, however, alarm bells ought to be ringing at the... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3205799/hong-kongs-2-dish-rice-phenomenon-dark-sign-city-returning-widespread-poverty?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3205799/hong-kongs-2-dish-rice-phenomenon-dark-sign-city-returning-widespread-poverty?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 07 Jan 2023 00:45:08 +0000 The football World Cup in Qatar has captured the imagination of most sports enthusiasts. Some diehard fans even took time off from work to fly to Doha for the tournament. This World Cup is being viewed as a test case for the reintroduction and staging of international competitive events in light of the passing of the Covid-19 pandemic, which wreaked havoc on the global sporting scene. Thankfully this year’s contest hasn’t disappointed, with many surprises on and off the pitch.   Of all the... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/article/3202652/japanese-world-cup-fans-cleaning-stadiums-qatar-after-matches-example-hong-kong-people-start-taking?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/article/3202652/japanese-world-cup-fans-cleaning-stadiums-qatar-after-matches-example-hong-kong-people-start-taking?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 10 Dec 2022 00:45:12 +0000 A Hong Kong news item caught my eye this week about a Thai tour group on a four-day tour of the city. For the first three days of their trip they ate meal boxes in their hotel rooms. On the final day, their health codes turned blue and they could finally eat out at restaurants. They squeezed in two iconic local meals – dim sum and hotpot – before leaving. They expressed an eagerness to revisit Hong Kong, presumably for more food.   As a Hongkonger, I was thankful to see such diehard fans being... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/travel-leisure/article/3200938/thai-tour-group-hong-kong-deserve-tourist-year-medals-after-eating-meal-boxes-three-days?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/travel-leisure/article/3200938/thai-tour-group-hong-kong-deserve-tourist-year-medals-after-eating-meal-boxes-three-days?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 26 Nov 2022 00:45:08 +0000 Current trends show an increasing awareness about eating healthier foods. And, as more people adopt healthier lifestyles, being mindful of portion control has become a top priority. Many people adhere to the popular saying: “Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.” They are aware, perhaps, that nighttime eating – typically in front of the television or a laptop – results in poorer food choices, weight gain and other undesirable outcomes. However, there is some... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3199243/two-dish-rice-cheap-fabulously-rich-and-hong-kong-icon-time-declare-it-part-citys-intangible?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3199243/two-dish-rice-cheap-fabulously-rich-and-hong-kong-icon-time-declare-it-part-citys-intangible?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 12 Nov 2022 00:45:07 +0000 There have been some vibrant discussions lately about whether Hong Kong is worth visiting after the government revved up efforts to lure tourists with plans to distribute half a million free air tickets to the city and other promotional benefits. Besides providing this free passage by early 2023, there will be a slew of packaged travel deals worth a whopping total of HK$100 million (US$12.7 million), courtesy of the Hong Kong Tourism Board. For tourism-dependent cities and countries, the... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/travel-leisure/article/3197535/hong-kong-people-do-your-job-sure-our-city-more-exciting-singapore-battle-post-covid-tourists-we?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/travel-leisure/article/3197535/hong-kong-people-do-your-job-sure-our-city-more-exciting-singapore-battle-post-covid-tourists-we?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 29 Oct 2022 01:45:08 +0000 Like most people, I am a huge fan of eating incredible food at reasonable prices. Recently, it’s become a ritual for me to eat at the Queen Street Cooked Food Market in Sheung Wan every Friday night after a cinema date. Don’t be put off by its location – it’s directly underneath an unassuming municipal building and atop a wet market. But once through the double doors on the first floor, you are instantly transported to a world of gastronomic gems. Sure, there is no fancy decor – it’s only a step... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3191916/closure-hong-kongs-tung-po-kitchen-sign-change-needed-or-we?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3191916/closure-hong-kongs-tung-po-kitchen-sign-change-needed-or-we?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 10 Sep 2022 01:45:13 +0000 Hong Kong is still reeling from shock after finding out that many from the city have been lured to Southeast Asian countries on the false promises of lucrative jobs or romance, only then to be detained and forced to engage in criminal activities, mostly online scams. When victims have refused to comply, they have either been beaten or held ransom. It has also been alleged that some have been sexually assaulted. One Hong Kong man said his captors threatened to sell him to another syndicate in... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/article/3190238/hong-kongs-selling-piglets-human-trafficking-scandal-shows-how-desperate?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/article/3190238/hong-kongs-selling-piglets-human-trafficking-scandal-shows-how-desperate?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 27 Aug 2022 01:45:20 +0000 American comedian Pete Davidson is in the news again – not for his short-lived romance with reality television queen Kim Kardashian, but his entanglement with her ex. Davidson is reportedly in trauma therapy to help him deal with the ongoing harassment – both on- and offline – from US rapper Kanye West throughout his nine-month romance with Kardashian. In a music video for his single Eazy, a Claymation figure resembling Davidson is kidnapped, buried alive and decapitated by a clay version of... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/family-relationships/article/3189453/kim-kardashians-ex-traumatised-pete-davidson-how-do?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/family-relationships/article/3189453/kim-kardashians-ex-traumatised-pete-davidson-how-do?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 20 Aug 2022 20:15:20 +0000 The rainy season is in full swing in Hong Kong, and most of us have probably picked up someone else’s umbrella by mistake or “borrowed” an unclaimed umbrella because we’ve misplaced ours. While this might seem like an innocuous mistake, it’s a very big no-no during the month of the Hungry Ghost Festival. In Chinese culture, the entire seventh month of the Lunar calendar – July 29 to August 26 on the Gregorian calendar – is known as the “ghost month” and is dedicated to the dead. The last two... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/article/3188629/your-hungry-ghost-festival-survival-guide-dont-borrow-umbrella-use-bus?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/article/3188629/your-hungry-ghost-festival-survival-guide-dont-borrow-umbrella-use-bus?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 13 Aug 2022 01:45:08 +0000 The recent marriage of Hollywood heavyweights Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck has brought joy to fans around the world and given hope to people that a rekindled romance is possible for anyone. The power couple started dating sometime in 2002, but were often at the mercy of the sensationalist tabloid press. After a short-lived romance, countless magazine covers and a postponed engagement, the couple called it quits in January 2004. Now that the pair have reunited, their reconciliation has proved... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/family-relationships/article/3187875/ben-affleck-and-jennifer-lopez-wedding-shows-we-can?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/family-relationships/article/3187875/ben-affleck-and-jennifer-lopez-wedding-shows-we-can?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 06 Aug 2022 20:15:21 +0000 Another piece of Hong Kong’s identity is disappearing. The city’s rapid urban development and unaffordable rents, combined with the severe economic downtown caused by the coronavirus pandemic, means that Happy Cake Shop, in Wan Chai on Hong Kong Island, will close its doors for good on August 2. The neighbourhood bakery is meeting the same fate as the much-loved Mido Café in Mong Kok, which closed just over a week ago. Mido’s claim to fame was that it was the city’s oldest traditional cha chaan... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3187029/old-hong-kong-bakeries-are-dying-go-while-you-still-can-buy?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3187029/old-hong-kong-bakeries-are-dying-go-while-you-still-can-buy?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 30 Jul 2022 01:45:10 +0000 Tesla founder Elon Musk – the world’s richest man – has nine children with three women, part of his bid to rescue our planet from an impending “population collapse”. He has suggested others should also do their bit for the human race, as the effects of our dwindling population will be felt in less than 20 years’ time. In this column, we are not going to debate the billionaire’s controversial claim. Instead, we will examine how women choose reproductive partners. Aside from Musk’s obvious wealth,... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/family-relationships/article/3186173/what-drew-three-women-bear-elon-musk-children?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/family-relationships/article/3186173/what-drew-three-women-bear-elon-musk-children?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 23 Jul 2022 20:15:11 +0000 No one can say for certain how the popular Hong Kong phrase “add oil” (ga yau) came about. To this day, its origins remain vague and sketchy at best. For those of you who aren’t familiar with the term, it’s used to cheer people on and it’s much like the phrase, “go for it”. Some say ga yau was coined as far back as the Ming dynasty (1368–1644). Personally, I lean towards the story that it originated during the Qing dynasty (1644-1912) when it literally meant adding oil to lamps. This is how the... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/arts-culture/article/3185388/hong-kong-phrase-add-oil-older-you-think-and-we-need-it-now?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/arts-culture/article/3185388/hong-kong-phrase-add-oil-older-you-think-and-we-need-it-now?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 16 Jul 2022 01:45:10 +0000 Banksy’s artwork Mobile Lovers, a piece that depicts a couple in a loose embrace while fixated on their smartphones, first appeared on a wall owned by the Broad Plains Boys’ Club in Bristol, in the United Kingdom, in April 2014. After the enigmatic British graffiti artist claimed credit for the artwork and donated it to the club, it was soon sold to a private collector for £403,000. Nowadays, everywhere we turn we see real-life “mobile lovers” – couples staring at their phones instead of each... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/family-relationships/article/3184454/sex-or-your-phone-which-would-you-rather-go-without?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/family-relationships/article/3184454/sex-or-your-phone-which-would-you-rather-go-without?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 09 Jul 2022 20:15:08 +0000 It’s no surprise to see that, for the third year in a row, Hong Kong ranks as the world’s most expensive city in which to live – ahead of New York, Geneva, London and Tokyo. Although the survey by software company ECA International is intended for expatriates, this doesn’t mean that Hong Kong is any less expensive for locals. The only difference is that they have the option to seek out public housing or stay with their parents to save money. Considering that the current median monthly wage is... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/article/3183774/weve-all-had-enough-hong-kongs-housing-crisis-break-citys-shoebox-curse?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/article/3183774/weve-all-had-enough-hong-kongs-housing-crisis-break-citys-shoebox-curse?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 02 Jul 2022 01:15:23 +0000 American comedian Pete Davidson has dated a lot of beautiful, high-profile women. The 28-year-old former Saturday Night Live star was famously engaged to American singer Ariana Grande before rebounding to English actress Kate Beckinsale, who is 20 years his senior. Following that, he had brief relationships with model Kaia Gerber, actress Margaret Qualley and Bridgerton star Phoebe Dynevor. And since October 2021, Davidson has been dating reality queen Kim Kardashian. Although beauty is in the... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/family-relationships/article/3182889/why-pete-davidson-gets-women-kim-kardashian-and?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/family-relationships/article/3182889/why-pete-davidson-gets-women-kim-kardashian-and?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 25 Jun 2022 20:15:19 +0000 When I heard the news that the Hong Kong government would be extending the consumption voucher scheme to non-permanent residents, I thought “Great! Finally, they are being more inclusive.” It became clear, however, that the extension would not include some of the most deserving residents in our community: the 400,000 foreign domestic workers, most of whom are from Indonesia and the Philippines. The consumption voucher scheme, dispensed in two instalments worth HK$5,000 (US$637) each, is intended... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/article/3182034/hey-hong-kong-how-about-we-stop-being-racist-and-include-foreign-domestic?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/article/3182034/hey-hong-kong-how-about-we-stop-being-racist-and-include-foreign-domestic?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 18 Jun 2022 03:15:23 +0000 The courtroom drama swirling around the Johnny Depp-Amber Heard defamation lawsuit was captivating to watch and, at times, far more exciting than the average Hollywood blockbuster. Apart from the salacious details that spawned countless memes and entertained a global audience, the high-profile trial held at a courthouse in Virginia in the United States also depicted what “mutual abuse” in a romantic relationship can look like. As certified relationship and intimacy coach Nathalie Sommer points... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/family-relationships/article/3181016/dont-be-johnny-depp-and-amber-heard-signs-toxic?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/family-relationships/article/3181016/dont-be-johnny-depp-and-amber-heard-signs-toxic?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 11 Jun 2022 20:15:19 +0000 Meet Hong Kong’s newest – and most unlikely – heartthrob, Samuel Lau Sung-wai, known to his legion of fans as “Wai Wai”. Not long ago, Hong Kong husbands and boyfriends took to social media to lament losing their women to Canto-pop boy group Mirror. Now, a year later, more hearts are being broken as women flock to the butcher’s shop where Lau works, to snap a photo or steal a glance (or both). He has gained a loyal following on a fan-made Facebook group, which has amassed over 16,000 members and... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3180266/hong-kongs-butcher-heartthrob-has-city-swooning-boy-band?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3180266/hong-kongs-butcher-heartthrob-has-city-swooning-boy-band?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 04 Jun 2022 03:15:10 +0000 The coronavirus pandemic has changed the way we relate to one another in so many ways. It made or broke relationships. Some couples rode out the pandemic and came out stronger; for others, the undue pressure of Covid-19 resulted in their relationships ending in break-up or divorce. After more than two years of uncertainty, stress, anxiety and social isolation, you may be re-emerging from the ashes of multiple lockdowns looking for a new romantic connection. If you need some time to relearn how... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/family-relationships/article/3179387/post-pandemic-dating-tips-keep-mind-treat-it-job?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/family-relationships/article/3179387/post-pandemic-dating-tips-keep-mind-treat-it-job?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 28 May 2022 18:30:17 +0000 Social entrepreneur Jim Kitchen – who prides himself on having travelled to “all 193 UN-recognised countries” and to space – is the last person I would have expected to dis local street food. I would have thought his palate would be equally adventurous. I am baffled that someone who is willing to take a risky space flight – he was on the civilian manifest for Blue Origin’s fourth human space flight in March – would not spare a fraction of his tenacity to dive into far less life-threatening... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/article/3178525/travel-expert-jim-kitchen-wrong-about-avoiding-street-food-trips-food?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/article/3178525/travel-expert-jim-kitchen-wrong-about-avoiding-street-food-trips-food?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 21 May 2022 05:45:16 +0000 Many parts of the world have learned to live with Covid-19, but the last two years have thrown a curveball at the dating scene. At the beginning of the pandemic, social restrictions made dating near impossible, as people were either unable to go out for dates or were fearful of contracting the virus. But in 2022, some people are now approaching romantic relationships in new ways or have adopted a totally different view on singlehood. Some have learned not to take relationships for granted, while... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/family-relationships/article/3177659/are-you-unsure-whether-date-why-hesidating-rise-and?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/family-relationships/article/3177659/are-you-unsure-whether-date-why-hesidating-rise-and?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 15 May 2022 03:15:22 +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