If you love hide and seek, look for the enchanted Tanao Cafe Bar that is hidden in a historical site in the Phra Nakhon area near the bustling Khao San road in Bangkok, Thailand.

Upon entering the Tanao Cafe Bar, you’ll be greeted by the alluring sight of a grand centennial building owned by the royal family. This building has been renovated to include an indoor, air-conditioned glass dining area. As for those seeking a more al fresco experience, the Tanao Cafe Bar also has a charming garden under the shade of a majestic tree where diners can enjoy their meals while surrounded by a soothing embrace of green nature.

The Tanao Cafe Bar serves the finest food, from home-made pastries to great cocktails.

Prepare to tantalise your taste buds with a selection of signature starters like Miang Bua Luang (Miang Kam wrapped in bite-sized lotus petals), Kratong Tong (Shrimp Salsas in crispy cups), and Somtum Salmon Rolls (Rice paper salmon spring rolls with papaya salad).

Goong Che Nam Pa is a raw prawn dish served with dipping Thai sauce, which is very much a Thai-style sashimi. Moo Pla Ra is fried sun-dried pork served with a spicy-sour sauce that is perfectly complemented by sticky rice and a selection of raw vegetables.

The Tanao Cafe Bar also takes pride in reviving an ancient recipe for Traditional Vermicelli Salad. Rich in flavours of garlic and fried dried shrimp, this salad is a nostalgic journey of flavours through time.

Beside the iconic Khao Ob Saparod (Thai pineapple fried rice with prawns), another must-try signature main dish is the Spaghetti Singha Nua Sua Tai, a captivating fusion of Western and Thai cuisine. In this exquisite creation, al dente spaghetti is paired with spicy Northern Thai sausage.

From classic coffees and teas to an enticing selection of soft drinks, mocktails, cocktails, and more, the drinks menu at Tanao Cafe Bar is carefully crafted to provide a feast for the eyes. It also offers quite a few exclusive dessert creations for sweet lovers, like The Tanao Affogato with Coconut Ice Cream, The Tanao Ruammit, and the Coconut Sundae. 

Although Hong Kong reopened its borders in 2023 and launched the “Hello Hong Kong” tourism campaign with 500,000 free flights, the recovery post-pandemic has been slow and challenging. Many shops in popular tourist destinations remain vacant, awaiting new tenants. However, the surviving establishments are grateful to have witnessed a gradual resurgence in business.

Food holds a cherished place in the hearts of Hong Kongers. From local favourites like beef and wonton noodles to succulent roasted meats, the culinary offerings meet a variety of tastes and budgets. Economy rice shops now provide a more diverse range of dishes that are visually appealing; nonetheless, they are commonly served cold. It is a no-go if you are looking for a nice, hot meal. Otherwise, a simple, golden, crispy polo bun coupled with a steaming cup of Hong Kong milk tea is always something to consider.

Many locals grew up with Yung Kee when it first started up as a roadside food stall. Today, the restaurant occupies an iconic building in one of Hong Kong’s most expensive areas, Central District. To visit and savour Yung Kee Restaurant’s famous double charcoal-roasted goose and their other timeless dishes is a must for all tourists. The restaurant features different themed areas for dining, from the nostalgic 1960s Shanghai ambiance to contemporary fusion spaces. For an elevated food experience, it is recommended to make a special booking for private VIP rooms that are available on the higher floors.

Since the return of Hong Kong to China, the Sichuan boiled fish dish (Shui Zhu Yu) has become increasingly popular with the locals. Mian Restaurant, located in the prestigious Murray Hotel, is probably the best around for offering this dish. The fiery delicacy from China combines dried peppers, Sichuan peppercorns, and fresh fish, creating an endorphin rush that is spicy and savoury yet compounded with a numbing experience to challenge the diners senses to “culinary heights’.

The Hong Kong dessert scene is another heaven for food enthusiasts. Crispy egg tarts, egg waffles, steamed milk puddings, and sweet dessert soups are available in almost every corner of the popular spots. While many are queuing outside the Australian Dairy Co. for the famous double steamed milk puddings, it is advisable to opt for Kai Kai, an alternative Michelin-awarded dessert shop that offers equally good steamed milk puddings with shorter queuing times. Speaking of drool-worthy desserts, the amazing artisan cakes of Dan Wen Li by Dominique Ansel are another one not to be missed.

As always, remember to call it a day with a cup of local Hong Kong milk tea or a robust, strong coffee. Immerse yourself in the city’s rich culinary traditions, where old and new intertwine to create a food journey that you will always remember.