Life Style

Humans are not the only ones who experience heatstroke: our four-legged friends can suffer from it too.And with summers getting more intense around the world, they are at more risk than ever.The data speaks for itself, with the World Meteorological Organization confirming that 2024 was the warmest year on record.Hong Kong, too, sweltered through scorching temperatures in 2024, logging its hottest year since records began in 1884 – and this year is shaping up to be another summer of hot weather warnings.For veterinarians in the city, summers of soaring heat, combined with high levels of humidity and pollution, means that treating dogs for heat-related illnesses has become a frustrating cycle.“Every summer, we see dogs in Hong Kong die from preventable heatstroke,” says Lloyd Kenda of Hong K...

As we enter the height of summer, remember to stay hydrated and out of the sun – and what better way to replenish your energy than with an iced coffee or two at one of these new cafes around town?From Hong Kong Island to the New Territories, coffee lovers have plenty of new spots to discover. Read on to find out more.1. No TitleNo Title is located on Gough Street in Central. Photo: Instagram/tomytongA new independent coffee bar with a unique point of view, No Title has taken over the space that used to be Hakawa Chocolate on Gough Street in Central.One of its menus acts as a kind of mood survey, with questions such as “What’s your ideal state of mind right now?” and “What’s the scene where a cup of coffee awakens you best?” so that the barista can make a bespoke cup of coffee to suit your ...

It’s a great weekend to catch up on new openings as we prepare to bid farewell to the month of June. The duo behind Socio have just opened their second concept, positioned as a “premium cocktail club”. After Dr. Fern’s closed in January, the doctor is back as The Pottinger opens gin concept The Doctor’s Residence. Round out your weekend on Kowloon side as Nicola’s Night returns to Terrible Baby with its second edition, dubbed The Italians.Thursday, June 26Gossip opens in CentralGossip in Foco is being positioned as a “premium cocktail club” in Hong Kong’s Central district. Photo: HandoutWhat: It’s no longer just a rumour – Amir Javaid and Max Bajracharya (two of the creators of Socio) have opened Gossip in the Foco building, in the heart of Central. The duo are positioning the venue as a “...

The sixth month of the Lunar Year brings career prospects and stable incomes for many Chinese zodiac signs, while some may experience jealousy and back-stabbing.Health should be top of mind, as various ailments could affect different zodiac signs. Feng Shui master Andrew Kwan reveals what each zodiac sign should look out for this lunar month.Rats (1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020)This month, Rats can expect stable career prospects but should focus on improving their efficiency to avoid being bogged down by trivial matters and be wary of back-stabbing colleagues.Feng Shui master Andrew Kwan at SCMP’s office in Causeway Bay, Hong Kong. He gives his predictions and advice for all 12 Chinese zodiac signs this month. Photo: Jelly TseFinancially, income will remain steady, but it i...

Born in Hong Kong and raised in Canada, Tim Fung is a digital creator and the twin brother of popular singer Jay Fung. He spoke to Andrew Sun.I have been fortunate enough to experience a rich multicultural upbringing, surrounded by Western cuisine and hearty home-cooked Chinese dishes, like the comfort flavours of my grandmother’s stir-fried tomatoes and eggs, steamed eggs with dried scallops, and Hong Kong-style borscht. My culinary journey expanded upon returning to Hong Kong.I used to work in Tin Hau, so I would often visit Man Shing Restaurant (16 Wun Sha Street, Tai Hang. Tel: 6902 2688), known for their steamed pork patty with salted egg yolk. To me, it is probably the city’s best steamed pork patty. Topped with a golden yolk and drizzled in a secret soy sauce, it looks so appetising...

Summer is in full swing, as are Hong Kong’s dining activations and events. From new menu launches to special pop-up collaborations, there’s enough going on this weekend to keep every foodie busy, whether Indian food is your favourite or you prefer a brunch with breathtaking views.If these events still don’t tickle your fancy, our 2025 100 Top Tables Guide has more fine dining to fill your weekend.Friday, June 27Aash-e bawardi (beef curry with a beef and lentil dumpling), part of the Royal Experience Tasting Menu at Leela in Hong Kong. Photo: HandoutLeela’s Royal Experience Tasting Menu invites guests to discover a story of lost recipes from India’s ancient dynasties and royal courts. Presented with modern flair, each dish transports guests to the dining tables of emperors, healers and warr...

Got plans for Hong Kong’s July 1 public holiday next week?If you’re looking for a place to go, here are five cute cafes in which to spend the afternoon, offering things like Jellycat-themed sets and DIY painted cakes.Read on to find out more.1. UkiyoBritish soft-toy brand Jellycat has become very popular in recent years and their signature plush toys, or plushies, can be seen both on social media and as keychains on the bags of every other person on the street.Some enterprising cafes have started to incorporate the brand’s charming designs into their food and drink items. The hashtags #jellycatcoffee and #jellycatcoffeecups collectively have over 8 million views on RedNote, a Chinese social media platform also known as Xiaohongshu.Ukiyo, a cafe in Tsim Sha Tsui’s K11 Musea shopping centre,...

Hong Kong sisters Claire and Valia Gontard have a strong personal connection to the Indonesian island of Lombok: their maternal grandfather was born there and they have been regular visitors since 2013.It made sense, then, that the island, known for its pristine beaches and world-class waves, is the location for their first hospitality venture, Somewhere Lombok.Nestled on a lush cliff overlooking the surfing paradise of Are Guling bay in the south of Lombok, the luxury resort features 20 stand-alone villas, each with a private terrace and plunge pool.“So many guests have said that the photos of this place do not do it justice,” says Claire via Zoom, with swaying palms and clear blue water behind her. It is easy to see how the sisters fell under the island’s spell.The infinity pool at Somew...

When Hong Kong native and bartender Andrew Ho co-founded the speakeasy Hope & Sesame in Guangzhou, in China’s Guangdong province, in 2016, he saw the bar landscape in mainland China as more focused on trying to catch up with global trends than on honing hospitality and service. He sought to break that mould.Break it he did. And after nine years of perseverance, his efforts have resulted in him receiving the 2025 Bartenders’ Bartender Award, the only category in the Asia’s 50 Best Bars awards voted for by bartenders from respected establishments.“As a bartender, you always think [winning the award] is going to happen to someone else,” he says. “You really never think about it. I’m super surprised but also very happy that all the work we’ve done in the past 10 years has come to fruition....

An easy-going, family-first approach to life looks great on Singaporean actor-turned-illustrator Edmund Chen. Not only does he look much younger than his 63 years, he feels younger, too.In his youth, he starred in a string of Singaporean television drama series such as Sunshine After Rain (1987), the sci-fi romantic comedy Star Maiden (1988) and the police action series Patrol (1989).It was on Patrol that he met co-star Xiang Yun – still a popular actress today – and the two were married within months.To stay in top shape for these roles and others in his 20s and 30s, he followed rigid diets and strict fitness routines, pushing himself hard physically.Being strict with himself as a young man helped Chen develop a sculpted body with well-defined abs – that he maintains to this day. Photo: I...