What to know | Hong Kong travel notes: Ahn Sung-jae’s Mosu, Happy Valley night racing and Central bakeries

Hong Kong has recently continued to demonstrate its urban character of blending the old and the new on the tourism and dining landscape, including its horse racing tradition that has lasted for more than 180 years, celebrity chef restaurants made famous by Netflix shows, and famous shops lining the streets of Central. Several strongholds that have recently received attention serve as a reference for understanding the urban landscape of Hong Kong.

Wednesday Night Racing at Happy Valley Racecourse

Happy Valley Racecourse was established in the nineteenth century and is the oldest existing racecourse in Hong Kong. Horse racing, like double-decker buses and Hong Kong-style milk tea, is regarded as an important cultural asset that continues from the British colonial period. The racecourse holds the "Happy Wednesday" theme night race every Wednesday, and the season usually lasts from September to July of the following year. In addition to the exciting races, there is also an outdoor party space next to the track, providing catering and entertainment performances. Even if you are not familiar with horse racing betting, you can feel the unique lively atmosphere of Hong Kong.

On-site dining options

The Vantage restaurant located in the United Grandstand of the racecourse focuses on an immersive watching experience. Guests can enjoy a panoramic view of the track and the Hong Kong skyline. The restaurant provides original cocktails, selected wines and multi-national shared dishes. There is an AI horse picking station in the venue, which uses artificial intelligence to analyze the odds of winning the horse. Professional Racing Specialists provide race guides. DJs are also arranged to play music during the half-time break, integrating catering, technology and entertainment.

Review of Eileen Chang’s Repulse Bay Exhibition

To commemorate the 30th anniversary of Eileen Chang’s death, The Repulse Bay held the exhibition “Eileen Chang’s Repulse Bay: Love and Fragile Beauty”, which ran from October 1, 2025 to March 1, 2026. It has now ended. The exhibition displayed the hotel's old menu from 1941, historical photos, and reproductions of Eileen Chang's manuscripts and letters loaned by the Metropolitan University of Hong Kong, showing the literary legend's connection with the Repulse Bay Hotel, which was the key stage of her classic novel "Love in a Fallen City". During the exhibition, the The Verandah at The Repulse Bay simultaneously launched Eileen Chang-themed afternoon tea, as well as replica lunch and dinner menus that restore the traditional signature dishes of the Repulse Bay Hotel, including French onion soup, slow-cooked American beef short ribs and baked Alaska, all of which are limited supplies during the exhibition.

Ahn Sung-jae’s Mosu Hong Kong

Mosu Hong Kong, located on the 3rd floor of the M+ Museum in the West Kowloon Cultural District, is the first overseas branch of Korean celebrity chef Ahn Sung Jae. Ahn Sung-jae is well-known for serving as a judge on the Netflix cooking reality show "Culinary Class Wars". His precise requirements for taste are highly praised by viewers. The restaurant continues the innovative Korean cuisine style of the Seoul main store, using seasonal ingredients to reinterpret traditional flavors. Signature dishes include burdock peel tart and abalone taco. The interior design is modern, with views of Victoria Harbor and echoes the artistic atmosphere of M+.

Famous bars and bakeries in Central

Bar Leone on Bridges Street in Central was founded by Lorenzo Antinori. In 2025, it was selected as the Best Bar of the Year in the Tatler Best Award Asia Pacific and ranked among the top 50 best bars in the world. The bar implements the "Cocktail Popolari" philosophy and emphasizes the return to purity and high quality of drinks. Signature dishes include Yuzu Negroni and Olive Oil Sour, which are paired with smoked olives, Italian sausage focaccia and other wine snacks.

Vission Bakery, also located in Soho, Central, was created by Winnie Pang, the founder of Cookie Vission. It is described as the "Hermès of the baking world". Its signature matcha mochi Danish pastry and pistachio custard are often queued when they are baked every day. Vision Nine, the sister store next door to the brand, specializes in generous portions of American cakes. The two stores are located next to each other, making them a dessert spot worth stopping by when walking in Central.

Fine dining and authentic street flavor

If you are looking for a high-end dining experience, Amber, the French restaurant on the 7th floor of the Landmark Mandarin Oriental Hotel, is led by culinary director Richard Ekkebus. It has been awarded two Michelin stars for 16 consecutive years, and won three stars in the Michelin Guide Hong Kong & Macau 2025, while maintaining Green Star certification. The cuisine is rooted in French techniques and integrated with Asian umami and fermentation aesthetics, emphasizing the original taste of ingredients and the concept of zero waste.

Travellers who prefer local tastes can go to the Sheung Wan branch of Samsen Thai Restaurant on Su Hang Street in Sheung Wan. Unlike the Wan Chai store which specializes in boat noodles, the Sheung Wan store focuses on Northern Thai flavors and street stir-fry. The signature Northern Thai Golden Noodles (Khao Soi) is a rich yellow curry soup base paired with fried crispy noodles and egg noodles. It is a popular choice to accompany wine and meals.