Hong Kong Dragon Boat Carnival Returns

After a four-year covid enforced break, the Tourism Board have announced that the Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races will return to Victoria Harbor on 24-25 June.

Online registration for dragon boat teams will be open from 10am on 20 March on the Hong Kong China Dragon Boat Association website.

Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races 2023 schedule

Hong Kong Dragon Boat Carnival

Hong Kong Dragon Boat Carnival

Dragon Boat Carnival
Date: 24-25 June, 2023
Venue: Off Tsim Sha Tsui East Promenade
Tickets: Free

images: HK Tourism Board

Taste of Hong Kong @ Central Harbourfront – 21 March, 2019

Taste of Hong Kong returns to the Central Harbourfront and what a pleasant surprise this year’s event is. Finally the Taste organisers seem to have looked beyond their own profit and provided an experience that visitors can savour.

The vibe is very relaxed, there were even chef’s smiling during the media preview rather than looking stressed and haggard as in past years as they raced to get their booths ready. There are more chairs!! And in a welcome nod to the environment drinking water stations mean you can refill your own bottle or glass.

This year’s selection of restaurants might not have ‘star’ status of previous editions but there’s a good variety plates to enjoy from: John Anthony; Jiangnan cuisine from Old Bailey; Nordic contemporary dining with Flying Elk; unfussy Greek at Artemis and ApolloHoi King Heen modern twists to Cantonese classics; Bia Hoi inspires Chôm Chôm; Middle Eastern plates at Francis; Sausage Commitment by Okra offers regional meats; modern Japanese at Haku; Italian pasta at Pici; Izakaya-styled Zuma and from Australia Gelato Messina.

Dishes start from $50 and each restaurant will offer four dishes including at least one Taste Exclusive and one limited edition ‘Icon Dish’.

There’s also The Singleton of Glen Ord experience ($598) with British chef Andrew Wong (A Wongs/ Khyms) which offers an hour long introduction to Singleton of Glen Ord single malt whisky and tastings of their 12, 14, 15, 18 year old offerings. These are paired with two dishes from Wong’s Michelin starred London restaurants. It’s an informative and tasty experience, although the whisky pours were not very generous, barely enough for one taste.

The middle of Taste features exhibitors and shops. Among the tastiest offerings were Japanese oysters ($40), sweet potatoes, craft beer, cider, champagne and for those who prefer tea with their food some nice hot and iced teas.

Taste runs from the 21-24 March and you can buy tickets at the door from $120.
Thursday 21st March 2019: 6-10pm
Friday 22nd March 2019: 12.30-4.30pm and 6-10pm
Saturday 23rd March 2019: 12.30-4.30pm and 6-10pm
Sunday 24th March 2019: 12.30-5.30pm

Click on any photo for the full gallery of images.

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Wine & Dine Festival 2018 – Opening Night, 25 October, 2018

The 10th Wine & Dine Festival opened under a full moon at Central Harbourfront with a dramatic drone dance over the waters of Victoria Harbour. The novel performance was but a momentary distraction to the festival visitors who danced among the booths sampling tasty bites from across the globe paired to a plethora of wines, coffee, spirits and craft beer.
Click on any photo for the full gallery of images

https://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2018/Wine-Dine-Festival-2018-Opening-Night-25-October-2018/n-Jb3Bw3/i-RzQGrLT

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Dragon Boat Carnival @ Central Harbourfront – 22-24 June, 2018

The ninth Hong Kong Dragon Boat Carnival took place on Victoria Harbour at the Central Harbourfront from the 22-24 June and featured 160 teams and over 4,500 athletes from across the globe the world – including Australia, New Zealand, France, USA, Canada, Japan, Korea, Singapore, the Philippines, Malaysia, Israel, Taiwan… – competing for 27 championships.

Click on any photo to see more images

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Additional reporting and images: HK Tourism Board

Food at the Fair

The fairground midway is all about fun and excitement, sometimes though it’s nice to take a break, grab a bite and a drink and soak up the merriment.

The food offerings at last year’s Great European Carnival were pretty gross all told. This year several restaurants are running the show including Maverick’s, Cafe Siam and f&b company  Color Chacha. There are also two candy floss and popcorn stands for all ages to enjoy. Beer is $50 for a cup. There are no water fountains on the midway

Color Chacha’s stuffed waffle Imagawayaki ($20) are available in double cheese, Hokkaido creamy custard, matcha and banana and chocolate and are very tasty. They are also offering a range of colourful fruit and sweet drinks.

https://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2017/Great-European-Carnival-Central-Harbourfront-21-December/i-jxTgh7z

Scorhios naan bread pizza is tasty but pretty pricey at $110 for a pizza that is less than 12 inches. Individual 1/4 pizza slices are $30. Flavours include Peps and Roni’s, The Fun Guys and Marge & Ritas.

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Mavericks from Pui o Beach are offering a range of sandwiches including Double Cheeseburger ($70), pulled pork ($60), smoked brisket ($70).

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While the baked potatoes ($50) are good, but again once you start adding toppings at $10 each the price shoots up.

https://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2017/Great-European-Carnival-Central-Harbourfront-21-December/i-FxJ9nLf

Great European Carnival Opening Night @ Central Harbourfront – 21 December, 2017

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The Great European Carnival has returned to the Central Harbourfront complete with a big top circus, concerts and a wide range of new rides, games and food to keep all the family entertained until the 25 February, 2018.

bc was there on opening night to catch all the early fun. Click on any photo for the full gallery of images.

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