It’s official: The Singapore-Hong Kong travel bubble will start on November 22, allowing air travel between the two cities without quarantine, as long as passengers test negative for COVID-19. If you’re a Singaporean planning to visit the Fragrant Harbour, here are six festive-worthy activities to add to your itinerary—from a European-style Christmas market to an indulgent Cantonese feast with a yuletide twist.
Go shopping at the Landmark Christmas Market
From now until end December, luxury shopping mall Landmark plays host to a Christmas market reminiscent of the ones in Europe this time of year. Dressed up as Santa’s grotto, the atmospheric market offers a wide selection of products and seasonal exclusives from brands like Polo by Ralph Lauren, British chocolate maker Charbonnel et Walker, Italian accessories brand Senreve, as well as La Maison du Chocolat, The Armoury, BarkMall, Indigo Living, Town House, Reign Abalone House, Cookie DPT and the Mandarin Oriental gift shop. Those planning their next house party can also check out a dedicated wine shop, which stocks exclusive labels from The Whisky Library, Sake Central, Sunday’s Spirits, and Dr Fern’s. Meanwhile, an original bakery concept has also been created for the pop-up. Freshly Baked by Richard Ekkebus, the chef of Amber at The Landmark Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, will purvey more than 15 baked goods and sweet treats that pay homage to his childhood.
More information here.
Tuck into fine Cantonese cuisine at Mott32
What’s a trip to Hong Kong without some delectable eats? At the award-winning Mott 32, diners can tuck into a Cantonese-accented seasonal menu (from HK$1,880) amid an immersive winter wonderland-themed space. Just for a month, the celebrated restaurant will feature a canopy of silver-frosted greenery and a stylised Christmas tree as its centerpiece. Diners can look forward to a succulent turkey feast with a contemporary Chinese twist—first served Peking duck-style, followed by minced turkey on prawn crackers, and then a shredded turkey salad with greens, Chinese pickles, and cranberry dressing. On Christmas Day itself, a decadent set meal (HK$1,388) will take pride of place on the menu, with highlights like barbecue pluma Iberico pork, foie gras, and the restaurant’s signature apple wood-roasted 42-days Peking duck. For sweet endings, there’ll be a chocolate yule log.
More information here.
Meet Hong Kong’s coolest young chefs at BaseHall
Overlooking the scenic Victoria Harbour, Jardine House is home to the newly opened BaseHall, a multi-concept food hall at its basement. Here, a full schedule of Christmas activities await guests throughout December, including carolling, a tree lighting ceremony, live music performances, and a special visit from Santa himself. To complete the experience, there’ll be plenty of food from some of the city’s best culinary names, such as Roti Tori, Cookie DPT, Moyo Sik, Return of Lemak, and Treehouse.
More information here.
Indulge in a traditional festive feast at Mr Brown
Nestled in the busy commercial district of Wanchai, popular neighbourhood smoke and grill house Mr Brown will serve the traditional turkey dish, along with all of its trimmings in time for the festivities. Starters for both Thanksgiving and Christmas menus include clams on toast with n’duja and tomato, smoked meatballs with barbecue chipotle, and enduring favourites such as the house made English muffins filled with Iberico pork or pastrami, and whipped mackerel served with fish roe and pretzel bread. The main affair is a succulent smoked roast turkey complemented with sides like pecan and bacon stuffing, maple glazed sweet potato, and smoked pork brussels sprouts. A heart-warming apple and pecan pie served with vanilla bourbon cream rounds out the holiday meal.
More information here.
Deliver Christmas to your doorstep with Relish
Prefer to stay in and avoid the festive crowds? Consider booking Relish’s holiday-themed feasts, which are priced from HK $1,800. Fully prepared with only final touches and minimal cooking steps required, the sets, which feed up to six, include six traditional sides, a main course, a dessert, sauces like cranberry, gravy and bread sauce, two bottles of wine, as well as a box of Christmas crackers. Diners can choose from a variety of mains, including beef wellington with red wine sauce, rolled bronze turkey breast and leg, and salmon en croute. Meanwhile, sides include pigs in blanket, sage and chestnut stuffing, brussels sprouts with bacon, braised red cabbage and duck fat roast potatoes. For desserts, classics like sticky toffee pudding and Christmas pudding with brandy butter will satisfy anyone with a sweet tooth.
More information here.
Treat yourself to a Middle Eastern-inspired festive meal
A well-loved eatery among locals in Wanchai, Francis serves comforting and hearty Middle Eastern dishes. Just for the festive season, chef Asher Goldstein will roll out two menus that capture the restaurant’s signature laid-back vibes. A traditional Jerusalem-stuffed roast shoulder of lamb served with saffron spiced rice, generously bejewelled with sweet currants and pomegranates, is the star of both menus. The Christmas menus will also offer veg-centric mezze and main courses, such as smoked carrots and a trio of dolma (stuffed dishes). Other classic Middle eastern favourites include hummus, baked halloumi, and falafel, alongside festive specials like the Moroccan-inspired quail pastilla and atayef (a sweet Arabic pancake).
More information here.
BLACK FLY BIRD 