Picture This: Tonic Food & Dried Seafood Streets in Hong Kong

The trolleys are affectionately known as ding dings in Hong Kong, China

A whole fleet of double decker street cars rolls endlessly back and forth along the north shore of Hong Kong Island, which is the most bustling part of the city.

The trolleys are affectionately known as “ding dings” for the bells they seem to be constantly ringing.

Tonic Food Street, Hong Kong, China

Because the fare for these wonderful old trolleys is also a mere pittance, we jumped on and off several times, whenever something caught our eye.

Toward the western end of the line, we bailed out at Queen Street.

This area is famous for ancient Chinese medicines, traditional herbal remedies, and tonic foods such as ginseng and bird’s nest.

Shaping the birds nests on tonic food street in Hong Kong
Shaping the bird’s nests

Jars of Birds Nests on Tonic Food Street, Hong Kong

These are real nests, taken from swiftlets, and can cost up to $5,000 a pound.

Needless to say, we did not make a purchase.

We wandered up and down Wing Lok and Ko Shing Streets looking into shop after shop filled with strange and exotic items that are believed to promote health, vigor, and long life.

Deer antler at tonic food street in Hong Kong
Deer Antler (with skull)

The life expectancy in Hong Kong is among the highest in the world, so who are we to argue?

Deer fetus on Tonic Food Street, Hong Kong
Deer Fetus

Dried animal on a stick on Tonic Food Street in Hong Kong

See more of our adventures in Hong Kong!

Close by is Des Voeux Road, known as Dried Seafood Street. We were amazed by the offerings, truly works of art, every one.

Beautiful jars of abalone at Dried Seafood Street in Hong Kong

Offerings on Dried Seafood Street in Hong Kong, China

The nearby Queen Street Rest Garden also focuses on health in a beautiful setting.

The Queen Street Rest Garden in Hong Kong

The Queen Street Rest Garden in Hong Kong

See more of our adventures in Hong Kong!

The Queen Street Rest Garden in Hong Kong

Also at the markets…

Dragon fruit in Hong Kong, China
Dragon fruit
Mangosteen in Hong Kong, China
Mangosteen

David & Veronica, GypsyNester.com

Delve deeper:
See all of our antics in Hong Kong!
Explore the enormity (and beauty) of Big Buddha
Check out the celebrated Jumbo Kingdom in Aberdeen Harbor
Find out more about the whimsical Panda Hotel
Learn our tips on how (and how NOT to) fly to Asia
Continue along with us on our Amazing Asian Cruise though China, South Korea and Japan!


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4 thoughts on “Picture This: Tonic Food & Dried Seafood Streets in Hong Kong”

  1. Wondering wich months are the best time to visit Hong Kong? Flying from USA. And what other countries to visit while in HK. I love your photos and description. I read your book and love it!

    1. Thank you so much Rosalind! We are certainly not experts on Hong Kong. We used it as a base for leaving on a cruise to China, South Korea, and Japan. We would suggest that you research some more for best time of year, etc.

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