When it comes to world-class cities, nowhere in Asia quite compares to Hong Kong. Here, east meets west in a city where shopping days include high fashion as well as street markets like Temple Street that date back to the Qing dynasty. Days can be spent exploring the statues and spying on monkeys at the Temple of Ten Thousand Buddhas, then capped off with a night out on the town.

And speaking of partying, if you feel like having fun, Hong Kong is the place to be. A celebration is always in season, from the spectacular Chinese New Year (February 14, 2010), to the thrilling boat races that accompany the 2,000-year old Dragon Boat Festival (June 16, 2010) and the vibrant  Mid-Autumn Festival (September 22, 2010) popular with children for its traditional moon cakes. Whether it’s fireworks, energetic dragon dances, Chinese operas, elaborate parades or traditional music, revelry is always on Hong Kong’s agenda.

With so much happening in this metropolis, you’re sure to work up an appetite, and now is the absolute best time to sample some of Hong Kong’s culinary delights. Now through March 2010 come celebrate Hong Kong Food and Wine Year, with special offers at restaurants presenting the city’s culinary diversity (see sidebar on page 7) —  from traditional dim sum to adventurous fusion creations. Plus, special events including tastings and concerts at the first annual Wine Carnival, and a litany of food-themed street parties in neighborhoods across the city will help celebrate the Culinary Capital of Asia.

A Taste of Hong Kong

Below are insider restaurant and culinary experiences not to be missed during a visit to this energetic city, as recommended by Jen Catto, Gourmet magazine.

Chuen Kee

Take a one-hour ride to the waterside village of Sai Kung — overlooking a harbor of sampans. This is the in-the-know destination for authentic seafood in Hong Kong. Chuen Kee is our favorite along this stretch and is famous for its giant crabs stir-fried in a piquant ginger-scallion sauce.

87-89 Main Nin Street

Dynasty Restaurant

This dim sum haven rises above Victoria Harbor and is exemplary of high-style Cantonese fare. Its dim sum is more haute than the everyday variety that abounds in Hong Kong — and well worth paying a bit more. While you can get all of the traditional options (cha siu baau, dumplings, etc.), there are a number of standouts including offal and other unusual dishes, such as bird’s nest and duck liver sausage.

Renaissance Harbour View Hotel Hong Kong, 1 Harbour Rd., Wanchai

Chilli Fagara

This hidden gem in SoHo (Central) is worth sussing out for its spicy specialties. Up the ante with chili jumbo prawns — served within a pile of stir-fried red chilies — and be sure to try the Chilli Fagara-style crab, served atop plumped, dried chilies that get hotter and — hotter as they cook.

51A Graham Street, SoHo (Central)

Lei Yue Mun - Seafood Bazaar

Located on the Kowloon side of the entrance to Hong Kong harbor, this massive fish market should be on every culinary traveler’s sight-seeing list. Select your own fish at one of the market stalls (look for the especially busy ones), then take your catch to one of the restaurants outside of the market, where they will cook it to your specifications — just pick the sauce.

Hui Lau Shan

Dessert is an art form in Hong Kong, and Hui Lau Shan is a museum that curates an eye-popping collection of colorful masterpieces. We recommend sampling as much as you can of their variety, but if you must choose one, indulge in the mango pudding. Topped with mango puree that’s topped with coconut ice cream that’s topped with mango slices — this towering pile of dessert is just what we needed to power us through our travels.

Hong Kong, New World Tower, Huaihai Zhong Lu