CHINESE NEW YEAR - SNAKE SOUP
Chinese welcomed the Lunar New Year on 24 January 2001 as the Year of the Snake, also affectionately referred to as the "Year of the Little Dragon". Chinese eat snake as a winter broth for its therapeutic effect because the meat is high in protein to warm the cockles of the heart, kill joint pain and strengthen bones and the back. The gall bladder strengthens bones, gives energy, relieves headaches and moisturizes eyes. Snake soup sells for less than USD5 per bowl.

Restaurants specializing in snake soup in Hong Kong

NAME	POSITION	PHONE	OPEN	FEATURES
Se Wong Fun	30 Cochrane Street, Central	2543 1032	11:00 - 22:30	Good portions but no living snakes on display.
Se Wong Chuen	G/F, 60 Jervois Street, Sheung Wan	2545 1645	10:30 - 22:00	Popular local place that sells snake soup to about 100 to 200 each day.
Se Wong Hip	170 Ap Liu Street, Sham Shui Po	2720 8361	9:00 - 21:00	Authentic Chinese food but snake soup is only sold after 1 pm.

Dim Sum
Something is always cooking in Hong Kong with oDim sum, literally 'small heart' or 'to touch the heart', is one of the mainstays of Cantonese cooking and Hong Kong's most widespread regional Chinese cuisine. A form of daytime snack, it features over 2,000 different dishes, though most Hong Kong dim sum restaurants - of which the city has many hundreds - offer around 150. Dim sum is usually served from early morning to late afternoon. Lunch and Sundays are the busiest times. At your table you are brought either jasmine tea or the strong black Chinese Oolong. You usually order from a menu, but in more traditional places you can still choose from food paraded on trolleys. Food is generally served in steaming bamboo baskets and you are charged per dish. Prices are usually very reasonable.ver 9,900 restaurants to choose from a wealth of Chinese cuisine, Asian regional specialties and Continental dishes. Be sure to have at least one dim sum of light snacks served for lunch or breakfast in local teahouses.

Jumbo Floating Restaurant
This famous HK attraction serves delicious Chinese food in a unique setting aboard a floating restaurant. There is a free sampan ride after a sumptuous meal around the fishing boats in the typhoon shelter between 5:50-9:30 each evening.

East Ocean Seafood Restaurant
This restaurant is a Hong Kong stalwart serving authentic Cantonese dishes and seasonal delicacies.
Add: 3/F Harbour Centre, 25 Harbour Road, Wan Chai Tel : 2827 8887

Cafe Deco and Peak Cafe
The views are spectacular and an international menu makes this a regular spot for local and tourists. The Peak Cafe has an outdoor garden to enjoy the views above the south side of the island.
Add: Victoria Peak Tel : 2849 5111

Stanley's Oriental Restaurant
The colonial restaurant is a favourite among locals in an intimate atmosphere to enjoy the Asian fusion cuisine and great view overlooking the waterfront in Stanley on the southside.
Add: 90 Stanley Main Street Tel : 2813 9988

Au Trou Normand
Replicates the rustic feel of a French farmhouse setting. In business over 30 years with many tried and tested French favorites. A good choice for a special meal.
Add: 6 round Floor, 6 Carnarvon Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. Tel: 2366 8754

Banana Leaf Curry House
A relaxed and amiable restaurant where the Malaysian and Singaporean curries and other dishes are eaten from banana leaves in the traditional manner (knife and fork are provided). Be sure to try one of the many fresh fruit juices.
Add: 3rd Floor, Golden Crown Court, 68 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. Tel: 2721 482l

Bohdi Vegetarian
A good, reasonably priced chain of Chinese restaurants with a wide range of dishes that should also appeal to non-vegetarians. Most outlets have a take away or stand-up counter service as well as waiter service. No alcohol is served.
Add: 56 Cameron Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. Tel: 2739 2222

Bostonian American Bar & Restaurant
An in-house hotel restaurant serving modern food, with an emphasis on steaks, seafood and Cajun-Creole dishes: particularly good for its superb buffet lunch, salads and desserts.
Add: Lower Lobby, Great Eagle Hotel, 8 Peking Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. Tel: 2375 1133 ext 2070