Anabela Chan is an award-winning jewellery designer who founded her eponymous brand in 2013. She originally trained as an architect at University College London, even working with the late, great Richard Rogers before turning to fashion and jewellery design and studying at the Royal College of Art.
Chan is widely recognised as a pioneer of sustainable fine jewellery, becoming one of the first designers to champion laboratory-grown gemstones and recycled materials alongside traditional high-jewellery craftsmanship. Her pieces have been worn by the likes of Beyoncé, Rihanna and Lady Gaga. Born and raised in Hong Kong until the age of 10, here she shares her favourite bars, restaurants and cultural gems in the city she still visits every year.
I was born in Hong Kong and lived there until I was 10 years old. My family then moved to Paris, and my sister and I attended boarding school in England. Our house was on MacDonnell Road in Mid-Levels, just above Hong Kong Park – a green oasis in the city. I used to spend many afternoons at the aviary there, admiring the colourful exotic birds. To this day, I still visit Hong Kong every year. I love the energy, the diversity and the unique experience where traditions co-exist with modernity; nature with cityscape, where East meets West. Also, Hong Kong has one of the best food scenes and nature hikes in the world – both my favourite things to do.
I would start the day with a hike on one of Hong Kong’s many scenic trails: Dragon’s Back and Violet Hill are both great. If you are feeling adventurous, take a junk boat from Central to one of the islands. Try a trail that takes you to one of the many pristine sandy beaches with turquoise waters for a swim. I’ll then stop by a local cha chaan teng coffee shop for a HK-style breakfast.
You can’t go wrong with the classic french toast with peanut butter and condensed milk, paired with a cup of Hong Kong-style milk tea (black Ceylon tea with condensed milk). Although there are no shortages of Michelin-starred restaurants in the city, traditional dim sum and street foods are a must. Another couple of low-key gems are Cheung Hing Coffee Shop in Happy Valley and the Yee Shun Dairy Company in Causeway Bay for milk pudding desserts.
After a quick change to freshen up, I’ll go for lunch at Luk Yu Tea House in Central. It is one of the oldest in the city and both my grandfather and father have been regulars since the 1950s. Growing up we would visit every Saturday for lunch. Duddell’s is also another favourite with a modern and refined menu. Hong Kong has invested significantly in its cultural and art districts; the M+ contemporary art museum and Palace Museum are neighbouring world-class establishments that I love to visit every time I’m there.
I’d follow this with a drink at Carlyle & Co. at the Rosewood Hotel with the most incredible view of Victoria Harbour. I’ll then take the Star Ferry back over to Hong Kong Island, with dinner at Ho Lee Fuk, Trattoria Felino, or Yardbird – followed by a night cap at Peridot Bar at The Henderson, designed by Zaha Hadid. If there’s time, pop into the unassuming Man Mo Temple, which is tucked away next to an apartment building on Hollywood Road but is one of the city’s oldest temples.
And then you will need another three days at least for all the shopping!
Words: Interview by Gemma Billington
Gemma Billington is a London-based writer and editor
