What’s On HKG: Best Things to See, Do, Eat, Drink on Mar. 9 - 15, 2023 

Ahh, another week is upon us, and you’re looking for cool things to get up to in the 852! We’ve saved you the hassle with The Beat Hong Kong’s rundown of the best places to hit up and things to do right now—from blink-and-you'll-miss-it pop-up sights and new restaurant openings, to the hottest activities that you shouldn’t miss.

To keep your finger on the pulse of the city, follow The Beat Hong Kong to see what’s best in store for the week ahead. 

1. Hong Kong International Literary Festival

Returning to the city for a nearly two-week run, the Hong Kong International Literary Festival and Young Readers Festival are set to sweep us away into the world of literature and all its wonderous offshoots. From exploring the secret life of Hong Kong’s shopcats with photographer Marcel Heijnen around Sai Ying Pun, to tucking into the story behind Yardbird co-owner Matt Abergel’s new cookbook with esteemed food writer Susan Jung, there is a treasure trove of perspectives and stories to be shared.

Racking up a line-up of over 100 keynote speakers across a range of topics, from both local and international origins, as well as over 100 fun activities for all ages, get set to explore! Check out this link for the full programme schedule, and to purchase tickets to talks and special programmes.

When: Mar. 6 - 12

Where: Venues vary depending on event

How much: Prices vary

2. Where the Wild Things Are

Bringing the outside in, PopCorn mall has set up a lush outdoor lifestyle market that’s brimming withs specialized gear and goods to make your wayfaring extra memorable and convenient. Grab your camping buddies along to sift through nifty tents and sleek shelters or load up your backpack with accessories that’ll ensure you will be the comfiest camper around for miles. There will also be a variety of crafts from local vendors to check out as well.

When: Now until Mar. 12

Where: Atrium, L1, PopCorn 1, 9 Tong Yin Street, Tseung Kwan O, New Territories

How much: Free

3. Global Citizens – Asia

Hypeart, a contemporary art platform, has teamed up with THE SHOPHOUSE to put together an exhibition featuring works from 14 emerging Asian artists based around the world. The exhibition, called Global Citizens-Asia, will focus on portraiture and the futurist implications of this art form.

Portraiture has long been a unique record of one's life and emotions, but today's societal attitudes have given rise to its new and myriad forms. The medium is set across a whole spectrum of talent; from Xue Ruozhe’s minimalistic yet mimetic renderings of female figures and everyday scenes, to the fluid graffiti-esque abstractions by Natisa Jones, to ¥ouada’s post-pop art pieces that explore the convergence of branding and pop culture in art amidst the late-stage capitalist setting of today. Do note that viewings are by appointment only, and THE SHOPHOUSE team can be emailed for reservations.

When: Now until Mar. 15

Where: THE SHOPHOUSE, 4 Second Lane, Tai Hang, Hong Kong

How much: Free

4. All About Us

The 28th ifva Festival is once again popping up at the Hong Kong Arts Centre to showcase fresh Asian talent in short film, animation, and media arts. Featuring screenings of media works from across the region, the works encompass an entirety of themes that from the struggles of life and death, to uplifting daily episodes. Another special festival highlight the VR Special Prize empowered by Meta, and the CINEMA 2.0: Illuminating Vacuum exhibition, which allows audiences a more interactive and intimate cinematic experience through the spec tech.

On top of that, there will be panels on VR, a creative film showcase by the "All About Us" collective of ethnic minority youth participants, and a solo exhibition of Lau Ching-wa Jess, the awardee of the 27th ifva Media Art Category Gold Award. Click here to see the full programme, and here for more information on ticketing.

When: Now until Mar. 11

Where: Hong Kong Arts Centre, 2 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong

How much: Prices vary

5. Return to Lamma Island

Lamma Art Collective, the offshore island mainstay for arts and music, is making a proud return. In lieu of their reopening, the space is welcoming all to a three-day arts celebration that features a series of performers each bringing their own unique voice and talents.

The line-up includes duo Baba and Sasha who have transformed folk music and handpan playing into exciting new tunes, followed with indie cover artist Aileen on Friday. Saturday is a wonderous mix of performance storytelling from multidisciplinary Honduras-born Hong Kong-based artist Balatro, as well as a cumbia and downtempo-infused guitar performance from Karen y Los Remedios. Lastly, Sunday is here to soothe with chilled out songs from the sultry tones of Reggie the Leaf, vocalist of homegrown band RIDDEM. Sign up for entry by clicking here.

When: Mar. 10 - 12

Where: Lamma Art Collective, 23 Yung Shue Wan Main Street, Lamma Island, New Territories

How much: Free

6. Matchali Made in Heaven

Artisanal matcha concept Matchali has expanded their options to include new cocktails and a matcha-spiked Yebisu Premium beer that’s geared towards the health-conscious. Boasting a new series of up to 10 spiked tipples that are now available on the all-day menu, guests can enjoy a brand-new happy hour ritual with less guilt and zero compromise on satisfying drinks.

Leading with Japanese ingredients, the new drinks feature items like Cousins in Kyoto (HK$85), a play on the classic G&T, and the Spiked Yuzu Lemonade Matcha (HK$85), which combines the zest of citrussy yuzu and a matcha infusion over floral gin. A must try is the menu’s signature drink, the Matchalini (HK$80), a rework on the espresso martini that ups the ante on creaminess using ceremonial-grade matcha, almond milk, and vanilla. What’s more, Matchali will be hosting a rockin’ block party on Mar. 17, with complimentary drinks from the new menu and a live DJ.

When: From Feb. 28 onwards (New menu available)

4PM – 8PM, Mar. 20 (Block party)

Where: Matchali, 5 Moon Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong

How much: Starting from HK$80

7. Mask On, Mask Off

Unmasking to reveal a new menu of stunning cocktails inspired by Japanese ritualistic performances, Gishiki Lounge Bar Manager Billy Lau and his mixology team are taking guests on a journey through the stage of Noh theatre. Categorised into the progressing sections of; Jo, Ha, and Kyu, each component of the experience is carefully structured so that flavours compound on top of one another, resulting in a complex and satisfying palate.

The cocktails themselves are named after iconic Noh masks, each embodying the characteristics and stories of each character. The signature Fudō (HK$138) is served in a Japanese cherry wooden box and shrouded in a cloud of smoke, providing an enigmatic introduction, the smoky and sour Magojiro (HK$138) follows to give a smooth blend dedicated to a Noh character known for her noble yet enigmatic beauty. A strong finisher (or starter, if you are keen) is the umami-laden Yamanba (HK$138) which takes guests on a journey through the Japanese forest, combining shiitake mushrooms, nori tincture, and black winter truffles over a whisky base.

When: Available from Feb. 28 onwards

Where: Gishiki Lounge, Shop 01-LG103, LG1/F Block 01, Tai Kwun, 10 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong

How much: HK$138

8. Desayuna mucho, come más, cena poco y vivirás

Bringing together Latin-American cuisine with the Spanish spirit of gin, Sai Ying Pun speakeasy Ping Pong Gintonería is throwing together a Mexican feast to delight all foodies. Boasting a spread that includes all the cuisines’ highlights, the menu for the night is comprised of Guacamole with pork crackling, sweetcorn soup, chicken birria over rice with tomato and coriander salad, and a sampler trio of tacos of fish, beef milanesa, and green tomato with corn. Finish on a sweet note of churros with passion fruit ice cream for that warm and cold contrast. Reserve your seat at the table here.

When: Mar. 15

Where: Ping Pong 129, 129 Second Street, L/G Nam Cheong House, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong

How much: HK$520

9. R&R

Discover the ultimate culinary and artistic experience with VEDA’s exclusive 9-course dining event this March. Marking a collaboration between Executive Chef Raul Tronco and artist Riya Chandiramani, the meal plays with your senses by leaving your taste buds tingling and your artistic senses ignited.

Chef Raul has curated a menu that draws inspiration from Riya’s journey and artistic style, with a particular focus on vegetarian cuisine. With only 50 bookings available, the dinner is a unique opportunity to explore the interplay between the art and food, and to taste the flavours of India in a new and innovative way.

Each guest will also take home a limited edition, signed artwork by Riya and a menu by Raul, showcasing their collaboration. For the first 10 bookings, VEDA has a special gift in store that’s perfect for exploring the art scene in Hong Kong this March. Tickets are available here. The VEDA team will directly contact all reservations regarding selecting a dining time.

When: Mar. 13 - 26

Where: VEDA, 2 Arbuthnot Road, Central, Hong Kong

How much: HK$1,688

10. ODDS Are in Your Favour

As the weather warms up, ODDS has partnered with the renowned French cellarmaster Régis Camus's sake brand, HEAVEN SAKE, to showcase the unique cross-cultural fusion of Franco-Japanese sake. In an exclusive 5-course sake pairing menu, ODDS will be serving three of HEAVEN SAKE's Junmai sakes to complement the flavours of the concept’s Japanese fine dining dishes.

Showing a beautiful tapestry that marries these two palates together, the Hokkaido Sea Urchin and Corn Mousse is paired with the smooth and delicately floral Blue Junmai Ginjo to awaken your palate Teppanyaki is a staple at ODDS, so it's no surprise that the pairing menu includes the fresh and tender Amadai Teppanyaki, accompanied by Orange Junmai Daiginjo. Seasonal Sushi with Buri, Sea Uni, and Hokkaido Spot Prawn, all freshly flown in from Japan are elegantly plated to entice your senses, before choosing between Saya Wagyu Steak or Saga Wagyu Beef Slices, both made from premium Japanese Black Wagyu Beef. Discover the many aromas of the complex yet elegant HEAVEN sake with fresh, remarkable fare. Reservations are available here.

When: Now until Apr. 30

Where: ODDS, Shop G2, G/F, Standard Chartered Bank Building, 4-4A Des Voeux Road, Central, Hong Kong

How much: HK$1788