Saturday, August 6, 2011

A Trip to Hong Kong

One of the most densely populated areas in the World, walking through the streets of Hong Kong, you never feel like you're alone.  Located on China's southern coast, surrounded by the South China Sea on the east, south and west, Hong Kong is known for its beautiful city skyline and deep natural harbor.
Hong Kong's City Skyline
Hong Kong is the World's most vertical city, growing upward rather than outward.  Public transportation is highly used due to the density of the population, leading to its ranking of number one in the World in public transportation.  In fact, Hong Kong is ranked number in one the World in several areas including economic freedom, quality of life, corruption perception, human development, and several other areas.
A statue to Hong Kong's native son, Bruce Lee.
Hong Kong has a highly successful film industry, with many films made their being remade by Hollywood in recent years.  Film stars of Hong Kong films include Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, Chow Yun-Fat, Michelle Yeoh, Jet Lee and Stephen Chow.  "Detective Dee and the Mystery of the Phantom Flame" is a film coming out this Winter in the United States that is example of the exciting type of filmmaking Hong Kong is famous for.



The food of Hong Kong is influenced by Cantonese cuisine, Japan, and Western culture, making it some of the best culinary experiences in the World.  The main course is usually paired with either rice or noodles, similar to other Asian cultures.  Wife cake is a traditional pastry made from winter melon, almond paste, sesame, and five spice powder.  The story of the wife cake is legendary in Hong Kong.   A couple that lived a very poor life in imperial China. They loved each other and lived in a small village.  Suddenly, a mysterious disease spread. The husband's father became very sick. The couple spent all of their money in order to treat the man's father, but he was still sick. The wife sold herself as a slave in exchange for money to buy medicine for her father-in-law.  Once the husband learned about what his wife did, he made a cake filled with sweetened wintermelon and almond. He dedicated this pastry to his wife, whom he'll never forget and sold it. His cake became so popular that he was able to earn enough money to buy his wife back. 
Wife Cake.

For more Hong Kong and Chinese food choices and ingredients, stop by Harter House World Flavors, where we have a wide selection of items to choose from. 

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