Journeys Within Travel Blog

The famed Victoria Harbour skyline just gained a new spotlight, as Sugar, the iconic rooftop bar atop East Hong Kong hotel, has quietly undergone a comprehensive revitalization. Known for providing spectacular views across Island East, the bar has premiered an entirely new culinary and beverage program, fusing cinematic nostalgia with innovative gastronomy. The unexpected revamp introduces the “Golden Age” cocktail menu, masterminded by resident barman Alvin Ching, alongside sophisticated Japanese-Hong Kong fusion bar bites from Sous Chef Wing Yuen.

The relaunch successfully capitalizes on Hong Kong’s celebrated film history, offering patrons a compelling, thematic experience against a stunning metropolitan backdrop. This new direction provides an essential destination for locals and visitors seeking high-quality dining and drinks paired with classic Hong Kong culture, especially as the city’s weather shifts toward cooler temperatures, ideal for open-air venues.

A Golden Age Tribute to Hong Kong Cinema

The heart of the new concept is the “Golden Age” cocktail menu, where barman Alvin Ching pays homage to classic and cult Hong Kong films. Each of the seven specialized creations draws inspiration from unforgettable movie moments, translating them into complex, flavorful concoctions.

A prime example is the Chungking Express, an ode to the cinematic motif of canned pineapple, blending Japanese gin with tropical and citrus notes. For fans of Stephen Chow’s comedy, the Kung Fu Hustle provides an earthy, complex profile, whimsically served with a lollipop, mirroring the protagonist’s journey. Perhaps the most conceptually daring cocktail is Initial D, which references the film’s tofu delivery theme by incorporating unexpected ingredients like malted soybean ice cream, hazelnut liqueur, and vodka.

Other legendary films inspiring the menu include Wong Kar-wai’s In the Mood For Love, the crime thriller Infernal Affairs, and the enduring romance of Fly Me to Polaris.

Savouring Hong Kong Classics with a Twist

Complementing the cinema-inspired drinks is a new bar bites menu curated by Sous Chef Wing Yuen of East Hong Kong. The selection masterfully bridges Japanese culinary techniques with traditional Hong Kong elements, elevating popular dim sum and snacks for a sophisticated setting.

Highlights from the Hong Kong Classics series include:

• Grilled Eel and Sakura Shrimp Turnip Cake: A savoury blend of traditional texture with premium seafood.
• Negi Toro Siu Mai: Traditional pork dumplings enhanced with fresh scallion and fatty tuna.
• Salmon and Avocado Cheung Fun: Rice noodle rolls filled with an unexpected, creamy fusion twist.
• Crab Miso Spring Roll: Crispy spring rolls packed with rich crab and umami miso flavour.

These creative pairings ensure that the food is as memorable as the theatrical cocktails and the panoramic vistas spanning Victoria Harbour and Kowloon.

Enhanced Rooftop Experience

Beyond the new concepts, Sugar has amplified its engagement with guests. The venue now features a new chef’s counter, allowing patrons to view the mixologists at work and even attend intimate cocktail demonstrations.

With Hong Kong’s seasonal weather becoming more temperate, the timing of Sugar’s ambitious relaunch is opportune. The combination of award-winning mixology, innovative culinary design, and one of the city’s finest backdrops establishes Sugar as a must-visit destination for those eager to toast the “Golden Age” of Hong Kong cinema beneath the city lights.

Hong Kong’s top male foil fencers, led by Olympic medalist Edgar Cheung Ka-long and World Champion Ryan Choi Chun-yin, secured a historic gold medal in the team foil event at the 15th National Games on November 19, demonstrating world-class prowess and significantly boosting the city’s final medal count. The decisive victory over the Fujian team, achieved on home ground at the Kai Tak Arena, marked Hong Kong’s first-ever team foil gold at the prestigious mainland competition, solidifying the city’s status as a global fencing powerhouse.

Elite Team Nets Breakthrough Victory

The gold-winning squad featured an exceptional blend of experience and new talent: Edgar Cheung Ka-long, Ryan Choi Chun-yin, Lawrence Ng Lok-wang, and Leung Chin-yu. This triumph came just days after the individual events, where Choi and Cheung had secured a bronze medal and faced defeats against competitors, including Fujian’s Xu Jie. However, the team rallied for the final match, transforming those individual setbacks into collective motivation.

The atmosphere in Kai Tak Arena was electric, fueled by an enthusiastic local crowd eager to watch the rematch against the strong Fujian contingent. Hong Kong maintained a consistent lead throughout the final, establishing a 25-21 advantage by the closing bouts. The critical segment saw Ryan Choi deliver a stellar performance, defeating Chen Weiquan by a score of 5-2, which cemented the victory. The final score settled at a commanding 45-34, underscoring the team’s dominant execution and tactical superiority.

This performance not only set a new personal record for the fencers but also provided a moment of immense national pride for Hong Kong sport. The win reaffirms the effectiveness of the city’s athletic development programs, particularly in fencing, following Cheung’s monumental success at the previous Olympics.

Record Medal Tally Closes National Games

The 15th National Games concluded the following day, November 20, marking a highly successful outing for the Hong Kong delegation. Team Hong Kong competed across 28 events and amassed a record haul of 19 total medals.

The final count included:

• Nine Gold Medals
• Two Silver Medals
• Eight Bronze Medals

This unprecedented number of podium finishes reflects a significant achievement for Hong Kong’s athletes on the national stage. The team foil gold was a stellar highlight, contributing substantially to the delegation’s successful campaign.

The performance at the National Games demonstrates Hong Kong’s ongoing commitment to cultivating elite sporting talent capable of competing—and winning—against the best in the region. The spotlight on sports like fencing, historically an area of strength, promises continued investment and international representation for the city in future global competitions. Fans and aspiring athletes alike are now looking ahead to see how this current generation of fencers will perform at the next round of world championships and international games.

Tired of travel itineraries marred by predictable chain stores and homogenized high streets? Discerning travelers are increasingly seeking genuine local flavor, the kind found tucked away on avenues championed by residents. To guide this pursuit, Time Out’s global network of editors and city experts has curated and ranked the world’s “coolest streets” for 2025, using criteria spanning food, culture, community spirit, and pure fun. While dozens of international locales made the prestigious cut, two standouts in Asia, both just a short flight from Hong Kong, offer compelling reasons for immediate exploration.

These rankings move beyond mere commercial appeal, focusing instead on streets that capture the soul and innovation of their respective cities. They represent vibrant arteries where independent businesses thrive, history overlaps with contemporary trends, and the local community truly congregates.

Asia’s Top Contenders: Osaka and Chengdu Shine

For those in Hong Kong looking for compelling weekend inspiration, the top five list features two magnetic destinations in East Asia. Securing the second-place spot globally is Orange Street in Osaka, Japan.

Located in the Minami Horie district, just steps from the bustling Shinsaibashi shopping arcades, Orange Street is a paradigm of urban evolution. While it gained notoriety in the 2010s as a haven for streetwear aficionados and sneaker culture, the street has recently reverted to its classic strengths: vintage finds. Today, Orange Street is a treasure trove for thrifters, packed with independent boutiques specializing in vintage furniture and pre-loved fashion. Shoppers can hunt for everything from designer vintage accessories to unique, one-off apparel samples at discounted prices.

But the street caters to more than just retail therapy. It’s also a perfect refueling destination, featuring cozy cafés, authentic Osakan street food vendors, and modern neo-izakaya joints, ensuring weary shoppers are swiftly revived.

Further afield but equally enthralling is Fanghua Street in Chengdu, China, which ranked within the top five. This avenue perfectly illustrates Chengdu’s dynamic duality, blending relaxed, traditional neighborhood life with a burst of contemporary, youthful energy. Fanghua Street is defined by its low-rise residential architecture, interspersed with creative hubs. Here, intimate coffee shops transition seamlessly into evening wine bars, while bohemian art studios sit adjacent to decades-old, hole-in-the-wall snack stalls serving local delicacies.

The Global Coolest Streets of 2025

While Asian streets offered a strong presence, the global crown for the coolest street of 2025 belongs to Rua do Senado in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Situated in the downtown district, Rua do Senado is celebrated for its bohemian atmosphere, seamlessly integrating historic townhouses and classic Brazilian bars with cutting-edge restaurants and dynamic nightlife venues that continue to revitalize the neighborhood fabric.

Rounding out the top five global rankings are Rua do Bonjardim in Porto, Portugal (third place) and Sherbrooke Street West in Montreal, Canada (fifth place).

These curated lists offer a definitive roadmap for travellers seeking experiences that genuinely reflect city life, moving far beyond impersonal tourist traps. If you seek to inject authenticity and independent spirit into your next adventure, exploring streets nominated by those who know the cities best is the surest way to discover true local culture. For a comprehensive look at all 31 ranked destinations, the full list provides ample off-the-beaten-path inspiration for 2025 travel planning.