DreamersLoft: April 2016

30 April 2016

Hong Kong Mar 2016 - Kitchen/Bakeware/Zakka

Discovered this zakka shop called Lost & Found, a lifestyle concept shop selling all sorts of zakka merchandise, from small furniture to accessories to ornaments, stationery and of course kitchenware. I visited this branch at Olympian City 2 and another branch at The One, Kowloon.

Lost & Found Hong Kong
http://www.lostnfound.hk/

I believe every baking/cooking enthusiast would know about the famous Shanghai Street which housed a number of kitchenware/bakeware shops.

Shanghai Street is one long stretch of road, but most of the kitchen/bakeware shops are concentrated around two blocks. What I did was take the MTR to Yau Ma Tei Station, exit C, head west along Man Ling Lane. Once I hit the main road, it is Shanghai Street already. The two blocks between Man Ling Lane (along Shanghai Street and across the street) are the main shops to look for.

Chan Chi Kee Cutlery 陳枝記 (block to the left of Man Ling Lane) is a very big shop selling all sorts of kitchenware, bakeware, equipment etc, something like Sia Huat in SG but many more stuff cluttered around in the shop. Prices are very friendly and I found some of the bakeware/kitchenware I bought here were the lowest price among the few shops.

Chan Chi Kee Cutlery 陳枝記
http://www.chanchikee.com/

G/F 316-318 Shanghai Street, Kowloon

Kwong Wing Food Industry 光榮飲食 (next door to Chan Chi Kee) is another kitchenware shop which carries kitchenware, bakeware, equipment, machinery and electronic appliances. I found the prices of bakeware here higher than the other shops, and not as much selection as well, probably because it specialises more in equipment. Can actually skip this shop if no time.

Kwong Wing Food Industry 光榮飲食

http://www.kwongwing.com.hk

G/F 312-314 Shanghai Street, Kowloon

Man Kee Chopping Board 萬記砧板 (block to the right of Man Ling Lane) is an even larger scale shop than Chan Chi Kee, with a huge selection of kitchenware, bakeware, crockery, cutlery etc (not so much of equipment or machinery). They carry a good selection of moulds for traditional pastry making like mooncake as well. Prices here quite friendly too, comparable to that of Chan Chi Kee.

Man Kee Chopping Board 萬記砧板
http://www.mankee.hk
G/F 340-342 Shanghai Street, Kowloon

I Love Cake (one shop away from Man Kee) is more of a western bakeware shop, selling bakeware, accessories, packaging materials and ingredients. The shop is small, but well-stock with all the necessary things needed for baking. I love to pop in to check out any latest baking ingredient or cutesy bakeware that they sell. A bit like Phoon Huat but much smaller scale (but still very well-stocked).

I Love Cake
http://www.ilovecake.hk/
G/F 338 Shanghai Street, Kowloon

The shops opposite to Man Kee are worth a visit too. One of the shop specialises in wood products like wooden trays and serve which I was so tempted to buy. A few shops specialises in packaging items.

Walking further up north towards Mong Kok for about 3 mins, is another building which houses two bakeware shops. On Yip Building is located on the left side of Shanghai Street (in the direction of Mong Kok).

On Level 18 is Sweet Decorations, selling mainly cake decorating and baking supplies, a bit like Phoon Huat of Singapore. Although smaller scale, but very well-stocked.

Sweet Decorations
http://www.sweetdeco.hk/
18/F On Yip Commercial Building, 395 - 397 Shanghai Street

Twinsco 二德惠 is another baking supplies shop on level 1 of On Yip Building. They also have a cooking workshop on level 10. Also like Phoon Huat but more well-stocked.

Twinsco 二德惠
http://www.twinsco.com/
1/F On Yip Commercial Building, 395 - 397 Shanghai Street

Chanced upon this shop Noble Living at Sai Kung, selling kitchenware and serveware at very attractive prices. Pretty amazed to find a hidden gem in Sai Kung.

In fact, there's another local household-ware shop that I found lots of treasure as well (forgot to take photo of the shop).

Pantry Magic at Central Hong Kong. There used to be a branch in Singapore a few years back but it has since closed down. It's located near to Tai Ping Shan Street area, and since I was on my way to teakha I, decided to pop by to take a look. Definitely on the pricey side since the merchandise sold are of higher quality and imported from the US and Europe.

Pantry Magic
http://www.pantry-magic.com/hongkong/
G/F, 25 Lok Ku Rd, Central, Hong Kong

Here's sharing the loot I got this time!

Bought these from Chan Chi Kee at Shanghai Street. Two moulds for frying eggs and a broad-based spatula which I find super useful.

Assorted bakeware bought from Man Kee, Chan Chi Kee, Noble Living, Twinsco and Pantry Magic.
I'm totally into tarts these days and very pleased to find tart cases of different shapes and sizes, especially the petite ones. And I also found a tiny (ice-cream) 2.5cm scoop which is ideal for making tiny chocolate cookies (Yes I need my cookies to be in uniform size, previously I've been using a 3cm ice-cream scoop).

Assorted serveware bought from FrancFranc, Muji, Man Kee and a local household-ware shop in Sai Kung. Fell in love with the crockery and utensils used at the cafes/Cha Chaan Teng and decided to get a few :p

A special mention about FrancFranc. It's one of my favourite lifestyle concept shop from Japan. There used to be two branches in SG but they closed down few years ago :( Glad to see the shop at iSquare, Tsim Sha Tsui this time!

Random glassware from FrancFranc and Lost & Found. The plant in the glass jar is actually fake! LOL! Suitable for a plant-killer like me :p

Aren't the two glass containers cute? I'm good at this, buying stuff just because they look cute :p

Overall, I really enjoyed my zakka shopping in Hong Kong. Found the selection, variety and prices generally more attractive than that of SG (although still not as wide selection as compared to Japan). (really wish to complain about variety of kitchen/bakeware and baking supplies in SG, it sucks!).

And here, I conclude my 9-part posting on Hong Kong, just a little sharing on my personal experience, hope it's an enjoyable read :)

Hong Kong March 2016 - Streets and Sights

Continued from
Hong Kong March 2016 Introduction
Hong Kong March 2016 - Food Trail I Cha Chaan Teng
Hong Kong March 2016 - Food Trail II Roasted Goose, Noodles, Congee, Dim Sum
Hong Kong March 2016 - Day trip to Sai Kung
Hong Kong March 2016 - Food Trail III Dining at Sai Kung
Hong Kong March 2016 - PMQ
Hong Kong March 2016 - Food Trail IV Teakha Tea Cafe

Prior to this trip, I never had the chance to stroll along the quieter neighbourhoods or notice anything interesting sights around the streets. Was always rushing around, eating and shopping.

Indeed it became an eye-opener for me, to finally notice a different side of Hong Kong, a more charming and charismatic one amidst the commercialisation of it all.

Was strolling along a random street (I think somewhere near Shanghai Street?) when I noticed this lovely flight of stairs with flora painting. A cheery sight indeed.

I think these flight of stairs lead to the Kowloon Park? A pity I didn't have time to visit the park which I heard is an oasis of tranquility amidst the hustle and bustle of Kowloon.

Couldn't believe this was my first time commuting via the famous mid-levels escalator of Central Hong Kong. It's definitely more convenient and easy than walking uphill in the Central/Soho area, but the downside is, you'll missed the streets and sights of Soho area. I guess convenience is more important to the locals.

Got off the escalators at some point and explored the streets of Soho area. Many swanky boutique and concept shops around the area.

Artsy wall mural which attracted many avid photographers/tourists. Instead of waiting for the place to be cleared, I simply "stole" a shot from this couple who was taking a long time posing and taking photos :p

Bold murals created a different vibe to this area.

In contrast, old-school poster like this brought back a sense of nostalgia.

One of my favourite streets in Hong Kong, Des Voeux Road West, or known to the locals as Dried Seafood Street (海产街). Besides topping up on dried seafood and herbal products here, I also love watching the trams that ply along this street.

Buying dried seafood and herbal products here is quite intimating to me though, partly because the staff were mostly aggressive, and because of my poor Cantonese which posed a problem when I tried to ask questions or prices. I guess just have to be thick-skin.

Was walking along Queen's Road West when I came across this large tree that's inclined at 45 degree angle. In fact, inclining trees are a common sight in Hong Kong island due to the hilly terrain. Just found it amazing.

Charming restaurant/cafe along Tung Street, which is near Tai Ping Shan Street. I was on my way to teakha I and chanced upon it. Took a peek at the interiors and I love the vintage furnishings and ambience! Alas I was too full so didn't have chance to go in for a meal. Next trip!

School near Tai Ping Shan Street. Lovely colours and murals.

Charming florist at Tai Ping Shan Street.

Later on when I read more about Tai Ping Shan Street, realised this area is fast becoming another trendy and hip place with many cafes and concept shops popping up. Next time I must visit again and take my time to stroll around the area.

The famous Ladder Street of Sheung Wan. I heard that before the mid-levels escalators were constructed, locals used to access the mid-levels district/Tai Ping Shan through this Ladder Street. Not sure how many flights of stairs there are (a few hundred?). Luckily I was at the top of the stairs and walking down, instead of up!

Shot taken en route to Olympian City, West Kowloon. Blocks of housing like this is a common sight in Hong Kong. Saw the "cubes/box" installed on top of windows at every household interesting. Wondering what they are?

Saw these pretty yarn crochet tied to the fence along Ladder Street.

Certainly spruce up the otherwise boring old fence.

Apparently this is called "yarn bombing", originated in the US by avid street artists, and now spreading throughout the world. Hopefully I get to see this in SG.

Open-air market in Mong Kok (near to Langham Place, whole stretch of street behind Reclamation Street). One of my favourite market to visit in Hong Kong, vibrant and crowded, but quintessentially Hong Kong.

Lots of fresh fruits on sale.

Seafood galore.

The greens available look so appetising, had to resist the temptation to buy.

Assortment of dried goods.

Discovered this wet market near Choi Hung MTR Station on our way back from Sai Kung.

Roasted meats for sale. The hb insisted on buying braised pigeon.

Freshly wrapped wanton for sale.

The prices of fruits and vegetables here were cheaper as compared to the market at Mong Kok, I guess since this is the outskirt.

Large variety of dim sum for sale!

The street of Mong Kok. Still as exuberant, with the loud neon signs.

Ladies' Market has lost its appeal, well at least to us.

The last day before returning home, we spent a couple of hours at Sham Shui Po, selling popular electronics and value-for-money clothing, popular among locals especially during weekends.

The accessories shops here at Nam Cheong Street and Yu Chau Street are a haven for craft lovers, as they are super stocked with all sorts of ribbons, trims, beads, buttons etc etc.

Heard that nearby there's a Ki Lung Street which is supposedly a fabric market. Didn't have time to venture there though.

Very glad that I uncovered many new areas this time round and hopefully return for me next time!

Stay tuned for my final post upcoming on Kitchen/Bakeware and zakka shopping :)