Lure More Tourists to Hong Kong with Delicious Cuisine, Cantopop Tunes, and Homage to Bruce Lee
In a bid to boost its tourism industry, Hong Kong is turning its focus towards reviving and celebrating its unique cultural and culinary heritage, with a special emphasis on traditional eateries such as dai pai dong and cha chaan teng.
## Reviving the Dai Pai Dong Scene
Hong Kong officials are aiming to revive the dai pai dong culture by leveraging the city's mild winters, which are ideal for outdoor dining and socializing. This involves promoting street food and casual outdoor dining experiences, reminiscent of the traditional dai pai dong setup.
Moreover, dai pai dong, originally street food stalls, are being celebrated for their historical and cultural significance. They offer a glimpse into Hong Kong's past, providing visitors with an authentic local experience.
## Promoting Cha Chaan Teng
Cha chaan tengs, known for their fast-paced and no-frills service, are being highlighted as quintessential Hong Kong eateries. They offer a unique dining experience that is both affordable and authentic, featuring traditional dishes like rice noodle rolls and tea.
By showcasing cha chaan tengs, the tourism industry aims to attract visitors who are interested in experiencing the everyday life and culture of Hong Kong residents. This includes highlighting their role in providing comfort food and a cozy atmosphere.
## Tourism Initiatives
Hong Kong often hosts cultural events and festivals that feature traditional food and dining experiences. These events help draw tourists who are interested in exploring the city's culinary heritage.
The government and local businesses are working together to promote these traditional eateries through various marketing strategies, emphasizing their unique place in Hong Kong's history and culture.
The Hong Kong government has identified nine "tourism hotspots," but efforts are being made to ensure that the city has more to offer visitors beyond these identified areas. Exploiting the appeal of Cantopop and the popularity of Hong Kong action films from the past is also proposed to boost tourism.
Despite the decline of dai pai dong, local cafes or cha chaan teng continue to operate, offering dishes such as milk tea with pineapple buns, egg tarts, scrambled eggs and toast, fried pork chop and rice or macaroni soup.
However, it's important to note that the Lan Kwai Fong Group, chaired by Allan Zeman, has not been directly linked with the revival of dai pai dong. Allan Zeman, a veteran entertainment and hospitality entrepreneur, has suggested bringing back and celebrating the dai pai dong and cha chaan teng scenes, but not specifically in the context of boosting tourism.
Since the 1970s, no new dai pai dong licences have been issued due to concerns over hygiene and noise, leading to the gradual disappearance of these iconic streetside hawker stalls. Suggestions to entice more visitors include telling more stories about the city's places and people, which could potentially help revive the interest in these traditional eateries.
This article is part one of a two-part series on Hong Kong's efforts to boost its tourism industry. Read part two here.
[1] Traditional dai pai dong setup: Large metal tables and chairs set up on the street, with the food stall typically located in the middle. [2] Traditional dishes: Rice noodle rolls, also known as cheung fun, are thin rice noodle sheets filled with various ingredients, such as barbecued pork, shrimp, or vegetables. Tea is a common beverage served in cha chaan tengs.
- As part of efforts to revive and showcase Hong Kong's cultural heritage, the government is considering promoting entertainment events that feature traditional Cantopop and screenings of iconic Hong Kong action films, aiming to attract tourists with an interest in local arts and lifestyle.
- To extend the reach beyond the identified "tourism hotspots", the economy is being mobilized to support sports venues and events, as it is believed that sports can serve as an additional attraction for global visitors, thereby boosting the overall tourism industry.
- In an integrated approach towards tourism development, the government is planning to introduce educational programs centered around Hong Kong's culinary arts, allowing visitors to gain a deeper understanding of traditional cooking techniques and the history behind popular dishes like rice noodle rolls and tea, served in cha chaan tengs.
