No culinary journey to Hong Kong is complete without a visit to a cha chaan teng (or ‘tea restaurant’). It’s also a must for Lin, as these local joints serve up her favourite nostalgic treats, such as egg tarts with flaky pastry and rich milk tea, both topping the list of Foodie Pleasures of the ‘Most-liked Hong Kong Experiences’.

One cha chaan teng with a menu full of local delights and a retro vibe is Cafe Match Box, along Causeway Bay’s Fashion Walk Food Street. The colourful tiled walls and vinyl booth seats set the scene to transport diners to the 1980s ― don’t forget to snap that perfect photo for Instagram in one of the minibus booths!

For the true foodie who isn’t afraid to get up close and personal when hunting down an authentic dining experience, Lin suggests hitting up Ap Lei Chau Market and Cooked Food Centre.

Be it a live whole fish steamed to perfection or the Malaysian pop star’s personal favourite, lobster with e-fu noodles, diners can request the food stalls to prepare fresh seafood in a myriad of ways. 

If an Instagrammable moment is what you’re after, do like Lin does and head to one of the most unique markets in the city ― Goldfish Street. Located along an entire block in Kowloon’s Mongkok, Goldfish Street has a concentration of, you guessed it, shops selling goldfish. Despite what the name suggests, visitors will also catch glimpses of other pets like turtles and reptiles.

Goldfish Street was also voted as one of the top five City Checkpoints of the ‘Most-liked Hong Kong Experiences’, and an excellent locale for an inside look at how locals work and shop on the day-to-day.

Be it Chinese opera or 1990s hits from the ‘Four Heavenly Kings’ of Cantopop, if you want to test your chops or simply enjoy a unique musical performance with a drink, head to Canton Singing House for an unforgettable evening that’s sure to beat any ordinary karaoke experience. Like Lin Min-chen, don’t be afraid to challenge the house band to play just about any Cantopop tune you can think of ― chances are, they’re well-versed in music of all genres and eras. 

Lined with neon signs and vibrant street stalls, it’ll feel like you’re walking down a film set when you take a stroll down Temple Street. Lin, too, likens a visit to the famous shopping street in Yau Ma Tei to being transported onto the silver screens.

Also among the top five City Checkpoints, Temple Street represents a part of the city that’s a little rough and raw around the edges but wholly authentic. 

There are a few spots around the city you can hit up for that million-dollar Victoria Harbour view. It’s equally stunning from either the Hong Kong Island or Kowloon side. Catch the famous ‘A Symphony of Lights’ multimedia light show or one of the emblematic wooden junks sailing along the harbour; Lin, however, favours the additional element of fun when taking in the skyline from the Observation Wheel just outside the IFC on the island side.

“After getting off the ferry [from Tsim Sha Tsui], you’ll see this giant Observation Wheel,” she says. Having been on the Ferris at least four times, the breathtaking views never cease to captivate her. “It’s so beautiful every time I look at it,” she savours.

In fact, she believes it is one of the most iconic facets of the city. “This view is worth every penny. This is the most moving side of Hong Kong."