street food at CHEUNG CHAU Island

CHEUNG CHAU is a small island 10 km southwest of Hong Kong island. It is nicknamed as the 'dumbbell island' because of its shape. This is where we stayed during our trip in Hong Kong last February. It was Chinese New year and it was very difficult to look for cheap holiday deals and accommodations. So when our godmother offered her place, me and my wife immediately accepted her suggestion. 


True enough, it became one of the most memorable aspect of the trip. Going back to the island for the 2 nights of our stay in Hong Kong felt like going back home. It usually take 45 minutes to an hour from Central to Cheung Chau on an ordinary ferry. We often took the fast craft as it saves time, 30minutes or less, something we desperately lack during our stay.

street food at CHEUNG CHAU Island

CHEUNG CHAU served as our refuge. Catching the last ferry ride gave me some kind of thrill and at the same time made me feel like I am part of the place. We were like commuters after a days work, except that in this case, we were out navigating the tourist spots of Hongkong.


It was winter and the nights were usually cold. This adds to the drama of the place. I am a melodramatic person and I love reflecting before going to bed. The 30-minute ferry ride gave me the time to think about the day that was and plan for the next morning.

Upon exit at Cheung Chau Island's ferry terminal, one can see night vendors with their tempting street food. Our godmother who came to meet us at the dock on the first day told us that such is the scene in the island every night. This adds to the country feel of the place. The island is small and so it gives you the impression that everybody knows everybody and that life here is a little laid back compared to the busyness of HongKong's central district. 


As a matter of fact, no car is allowed in the island. It's either you walk or ride your bicycle. Yeah, no public transport and no 4-wheeled private vehicle as well. The rendezvous with the street vendors is a form of socialization for the locals. I saw a lot of teenagers seemingly on school break bonding with their peers in the wee hours.

It was in these stalls where my wife and I had short dates. Fun memories. She would point at the food that she wants and I would buy it for her. She would normally choose the on-the-stick items which costs 8HKD-10HKD  while I reach for some change on my pocket. Of coarse that doesn't stop me from doing mental calculations as to how much it would cost back home.I really find it a bit expensive for street food. $8HK would mean 40+ pesos in the Philippines.


Our godmother was quick to note though that prices are usually higher on holidays. It's legal in the island to raise prices on holidays especially during Chinese New Year so the cost usually doubles. We might have come at an unfortunate time then.kidding!!!

I am the most terrible person you can find when it comes to recalling food names. I failed to bring my pen and notebook that time so I missed all the names of the food we tried. All I can remember is that some of the fishball-looking food that they have are bigger than what we have here in the Philippines and that they have cheese in them. Really delicious. This is essential for travelers weary after a whole day of going around the city.

So you see, the night market in Cheung Chau served both as a savior for our empty stomach and a way for me and my wife to bond in the cold nights of Cheung Chau Island.

After having our fill of the street food we walk our way to our godmothers house a few kilometers along the sea passing through other food establishments and residential units. This is what I miss about Cheung Chau.

Indeed, cheap holiday deals might not be easy to find during Lunar New Year in Hongkong and the prices are usually higher including night food but the experience is all worth it. Night markets are alive and that means more street food to feast.The atmosphere is simply different. Try it if you are not a picky eater, even the more exotic ones. It's part of the travel experience.

I would love to go back to Cheung Chau and experience the late night ferry ride, the street food and the walking down the street along the sea while breathing the Islands cold winter air. I miss Cheung Chau!!!!

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By the way, in my desperate attempt to recall the name of the street food we tried in Cheung Chau, I came across this interesting blog from Malaysia. You might want to read it.http://emeryn.com/2011/05/05/hong-kong-street-food/