Cover Hoh Loyi shares her love for Hong Kong and some of the best things to do while visiting
Hoh Loyi shares her love for Hong Kong and some of the best things to do while visiting
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Hoh Loyi is the founder of the world’s first bolo bun concept store Champion Bolo Bun and multi-concept F&B business The Platform Collective. Here, she shares her love for Hong Kong and some of the best things to do while visiting
Bolo bun concept store Champion Bolo Bun’s founder Hoh Loyi is no stranger to Hong Kong. The entrepreneur fell in love with the city during a family trip more than 20 years ago. Looking back, she shares that the vibrant city won her over with its “boundless energy and striking contrasts”.
Her love for Hong Kong and breadmaking led her to do a two-year apprenticeship at a cha chaan teng (Hong Kong-style diner). While she still keeps the name of the diner a secret, she mentioned how the joint is known for having some of the best bolo buns. Here, she learnt to create the iconic Champion Bolo Bun we love today.
With its vibrant street markets, beautiful landscapes and delectable cuisine, the entrepreneur clearly has a soft spot for the city. Now, she visits it quarterly to explore the city and see her family, who live there permanently.
Below, she shares her favourite places to eat and visit.
Above With its vibrant street markets, beautiful landscapes and delectable cuisine, the entrepreneur clearly has a soft spot for the city
With its vibrant street markets, beautiful landscapes and delectable cuisine, the entrepreneur clearly has a soft spot for the city
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Hong Kong won me over with…
its boundless energy and striking contrasts. As you explore the city, you’ll notice skyscrapers side by side with street markets such as the Temple Street Night Market—a blend of old and new just minutes apart.
What makes Hong Kong unique is…
how close it is to nature. You can go from the busy city to peaceful mountains in minutes.
Above Hoh was captivated by Hong Kong's boundless energy and striking contrasts
Hoh was captivated by Hong Kong's boundless energy and striking contrasts
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My favourite restaurant for gatherings is…
Tung Po Kitchen for its great vibes and food. I also regularly visit Baker by Lubuds (an artisan bakery) and Bing Kee (a well‑known traditional open‑air food stall). Keung Kee in Wan Chai serves the best glutinous rice, cheong fun (steamed rice noodle rolls) and Chinese desserts.
My go‑tos for local specialities are…
Master Low‑key Food Shop for egglets and 168 For Kee Restaurant for pork chop rice
I like to start my mornings…
with yum cha at Luk On Kui, or a visit to Bing Kee.
Above Hoh shares her love for exploring the city
Hoh shares her love for exploring the city
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I enjoy going to…
museums, such as M+ and the Hong Kong Space Museum, and hidden gems in the New Territories, where exciting new spots keep popping up. Island hopping is a favourite for serene escapes.
For first‑time visitors, I recommend…
going local—visit a vibrant wet market or take a ride on the tramways, which locals call the “ding ding che”. It’s a charming way to see the city while observing everyday life and getting a glimpse of its unique character.
Above MoMA Design Store, Hong Kong
MoMA Design Store, Hong Kong
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The best time to visit Hong Kong is…
between October and December. The weather then is usually pleasantly cool—think of the period as the perfect coat‑and‑cardigan season. It’s a great time to change up your style a bit.
A hidden gem is…
N.O.T. Specialty Coffee in Hysan Place in Causeway Bay. It serves excellent coffee and offers stunning views of the city’s skyscrapers. For seafood, Lei Yue Mun, where you can pick fresh seafood and have it cooked right away, is a must‑visit.
My favourite area is…
Discovery Bay. One of the few car‑free zones in Hong Kong, it’s peaceful, and an escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Credits
Images: Courtesy of Hoh Loyi
Topics
Amanda Goh was the former senior writer for Tatler Singapore.
