Tailored Suit From The Armoury, Photo Credit: The Armoury
When you think about Hong Kong souvenirs, the first things that come to mind are likely kitschy chopsticks or faux handbags. But beyond the street markets and malls, the city is full of tasteful, high-quality keepsakes that will remind you of your visit to this dynamic destination.
Tailored suits
Getting measured up for an expertly tailored suit is practically a Hong Kong rite of passage. A few of the top haberdashers include W.W. Chan & Sons, Ascot Chang (inside the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star The Peninsula Hong Kong) and The Armoury.
Known for its handsome British and Japanese looks, The Armoury also offers gorgeous accessories such as leather bags, ties and Hong Kong-inspired Patinova cufflinks (think silver coins, jade and dragons).
While the best tailors no longer do 48-hour turnarounds, they can ship the finished product back home.
Silk Crane Print Jumpsuit from Shanghai Tang, Photo Credit: Shanghai Tang
Local threads
If you don’t have time for a made-to-order ensemble but wish to take a piece of sartorial Hong Kong home with you, stop into one of the many indie designer stores to find your perfect fit.
Melissa Bui does beautiful contemporary women’s wear, while Shanghai Tang crafts elegant looks with a Chinese spin for both men and women.
Prefer to wander? Shopping hubs like Star Street in Wan Chai, PMQ (a restored Police Married Quarters) in Central and Tai Ping Shan in Sheung Wan all have clusters of boutiques, coffee shops and relaxing wine bars.
Bucket Bag From Rose Mischa, Photo Credit: Rose Mischa
Gorgeous travel gear
Here’s a slice of Hong Kong that you can keep at your side at all times: locally designed travel gear. If you’re in the market for a new handbag or weekender, check out Mischa. Inspired by wanderlust and Asian aesthetics, these hexagon-patterned canvas bags come in a variety of shapes, colors and sizes to suit your style.
Meanwhile, both ladies and gents will appreciate the Hong Kong-centric designs at Goods of Desire (GOD). The travel accessories and home goods collections span everything from eye masks to slippers, toiletry bags and weekenders.
For something extra practical: Designed to enhance circulation, Hong Kong-based Zarie workout leggings are the ideal long-haul travel pant.
Contemporary art
While fine art, ancient Chinese antiques and high-profile international galleries have propelled the city on to the global art circuit, it’s the emerging contemporary local art scene that’s most fascinating for travelers.
Snap up Hong Kong prints by Australian artist Danielle X at iDecorate in Causeway Bay, visit Odd One Out for lithography and etchings, or collect vintage posters and maps at Picture This in Central.
Traditional teas
In Chinese culture, tea is the most ancient and widely consumed beverage — perhaps even eclipsing water — and you can taste high-quality leaves at traditional teahouses such as the newly renovated LockCha in Hong Kong Park right next to the Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware.
Ask about pu’er — an earthy, fermented black tea that’s packed into dense discs for easy transport — and browse the handmade ceramic cups and pots while you’re there.
Captain’s Bar Silver Tankard, Photo Credit: Captain’s Bar
Fresh brews
If tea doesn’t quite do it for you, Hong Kong’s evolving craft beer scene provides a more effervescent souvenir.
Stop into the storied Captain’s Bar at Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong to sample the custom Captain’s Bar Beer, by pioneering local brewery Young Master Ales, then pop into the gift shop to take home one of the hotel’s signature silver tankards.
To get straight to the source, you can also visit Young Master Ales brewery in Wong Chuk Hang (on the south side of Hong Kong Island) to tour the facilities, taste-test the latest concoctions and pack a growler to go.
