Jackson Wang (Wong Gaa Yi, 王嘉爾) may be known throughout the world as a member of K-Pop band GOT7, but did you know he’s a Hong Kong native through and through? The former Asian Games gold medallist fencer for the Hong Kong national team is named Hong Kong Tourism Envoy by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, and seeks to bring an international audience to his lovable home country. We sit down with Jackson at the Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival 2018 to find out more about his favourite eats and places to hang out while in Hong Kong.
We know that you are an extremely busy person and it’s great to have you at the Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival today. How do you feel about the festival this year?
I hardly have the opportunity to come back as I’ve not been back for a while, not more than a few times a year, so I’m ecstatic to be back. I’m so happy to be able to experience these kinds of food, not only food, but also Hong Kong culture. I really appreciate it and am very happy to be here.
If you had to choose some of Hong Kong’s best food, what would be the best in your opinion?
Char chaan teng (茶餐廳), dai pai dong (大排檔), five treasure rice (八寶飯), six treasure rice (八寶飯), now there’s even a seven-treasure rice (八寶飯), it has gained a new level. Also, soy braised chicken, white cut chicken, roast pork, roast duck, fried intestines (紅腸), eggs, salted eggs, whatever eggs you want, its great!
If you had to choose five Hong Kong food that are must-try’s, what would you recommend?
You can’t just choose five dishes! There’s too much good food, but if I had to choose five it would be five treasure rice (八寶飯), six treasure rice (八寶飯), seven treasure rice (八寶飯), imitation shark fin soup (wun jai chi, 碗仔翅), curry fish ball (咖喱魚蛋), rice noodle rolls (fun cheung, 粉腸), siu mai, har gou, egg waffle (gaai dan jai, 鷄蛋仔), cocktail bun (gaai mei bau, 鸡尾包), pineapple bun (bo lo bau 菠蘿包), Ovaltine, coffee with tea (yin yeung, 鴛鴦), there’s just too many to name. I can’t list them all.
If you were to describe yourself as a Hong Kong dish, what would it be?
I would say Ovaltine Dinosaur, as I’m quite “strong” flavoured.
What do you miss the most about Hong Kong?
It would be the food from char chaan teng and dai pai dong. I grew up eating this food from a child and because I can’t take spicy food, it’s what I really miss about Hong Kong the most… everything about Hong Kong man!
What would you recommend to see?
First of all, Victoria Peak and Shing Mun River. Why the river, you ask, well because you can exercise there and it gives you peace of mind. The environment is very relaxing. Many professional athletes train there. I used to practice there too. As for going out, I would say Central and Lan Kwai Fong. It’s a nice place to take your friends to relax and chill.
Describe Hong Kong in 3 words…
Eat, drink, play.
For more information, see our experience at the Hong Kong Wine And Dine Festival 2018.
| PHOTOGRAPHY BY: PANDA PHOON AND HONG KONG TOURISM BOARD | WEBSITE: DISCOVER HONG KONG |