Traveller: Gloria Chung @Foodandtravelhk Profession: Food and travel writer / journalist / food stylist Passport: Hong Kong Countries visited: 40+
Where was your last destination?
Copenhagen. I was there to binge eat for four days and I managed to get a table at Restaurant 108 and had the best cardamon bun from Juno Bakery. Then I stopped by London for an assignment about Coal Drops Yard and a food styling course at Le Cordon Bleu.What was the best and worst thing about it?
The weather was absolutely brilliant. Sunny and breezy Autumn weather. Can't complain! I took my time and enjoyed the sunshine at cafés. I love Monmouth Coffee as they serve pastry from my favourite bakery Little Bread Pedlar. Other cafés I like include Fingers Crossed and Jacob the Angel, but it really depends on which area of London I am in.What do you never travel without?
I am quite minimal in terms of packing. I would say apart from all the essentials, I just wouldn’t travel without my false eyelashes. It takes no time to put on and makes me look sharp. Perfect for travelling.What’s your favourite travel ensemble?
A striped tee, navy blazer and comfortable trousers. But I’d also bring a little black dress and probably a white shirt.Where is your favourite hotel?
That's a tough question! There are many fantastic hotels and it really depends on where I travel to. But right now the top three hotels that come to mind are:- Ryse Hotel in Seoul. It is in an impeccable location and the design is chic. It also attracts a cool crowd and most importantly, the service is fantastic. The staff are extremely helpful, professional and friendly; they even carried my suitcase and sent me to the bus station as I left!
- Hoshinoya in Tokyo is a ryokan [traditional Japanese inn] at its best. It holds Japanese design and service with an international viewpoint. Plus the staff make very good drip coffee!
- And The St. Regis in Kuala Lumpur because they make the best flat white ever.
Who do you normally travel with?
Myself mostly. 60-70% of the time I travel for work, so I do enjoy travelling alone. It's more efficient. I used to travel with a photographer, and maybe a model, but not anymore. I did however, enjoy a trip to Chiang Mai with friends and family not too long ago.What’s your favourite airline and why?
Cathay Pacific. Because they always have Asian meal options on board.Tell us your most memorable travel story.
I was on an assignment in London covering a bike tour but I fell off the bike and hurt my knees. I think I lost around a litre of blood from the injury. Everyone around me panicked but I insisted on finishing the whole tour (we were in the middle of it) before heading to the hospital. Thankfully, the nurses at NHS were extremely nice. I consider this experience very professional and heroic. Ha!Show us your favourite travel photo.
This is my latest favourite! I just love the contrast of light and shadow in Coal Drops Yard, London. The architecture always fascinates me.Share your top travel tip(s) with us!
- Think Marie Kondo when packing. Seriously you do not need extra bed sheets or a pillow.
- Make a compartment in your suitcase and sort things into different bags. I always imagine myself being checked at customs and needing to open my suitcase. I do not want my underwear on show!
- I always bring Pu’er [Chinese tea] with me. It’s good for digestion. I also bring chia seeds. It's light and fantastic for when you eat too much and feel bloated.
- Get a [mobile phone] SIM card instead of WiFi egg. It's light and does not need charging.
How do you deal with jet lag?
I adjust the time on the flight to the destination. For instance, when you board in Hong Kong, it's still day time in Paris, so you must not sleep until night time in Paris. It works quite well.Where is your favourite airport and why?
Hong Kong! We have everything really. It’s very efficient, clean and spacious. My favourite area is near Gate 28 where you can get egg tarts and milk tea at King Bakery.What item(s) do you carry on and use in-flight?
Again, I am really minimal in terms of what I bring on the flight with me, my items include:- A thermos. I ask the flight attendants to fill it up so I don't need to waste plastic cups for water.
- Eye treatment roll on from Buly 1803. I don’t just use it for the eyes. I roll it on my arm to smell, as I find the scent really soothing.
- Hand cream from Artket.
- And lip balm.
Where are you off to next?
Ishigaki [a Japanese island west of Okinawa]. I went there for a summer holiday before. I can't wait to go back and see what it’s like in winter. I miss the Ishigaki beef!The post Travel with @FoodandTravelHK appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.