Unsure of what to do because you’re single on Valentine’s Day? Although it’s traditionally viewed as the ultimate day for romance, there’s no one stopping solos from spending a fantastic day enjoying the sentiments of this celebration of love.
Hong Kong has so much to offer, giving you the perfect opportunity to ignore the sweet temptation of your bed and enjoy this day outside. Whether it be a day for you to practice self-love or simply spend a fun day with friends and family, there’s a plethora of activities to pamper yourself in this bustling city. Perhaps you’ll even find someone new in the process– who knows what Valentine’s Day this year will bring?
So, all the singles put your hands up, because here’s a list of places and activities to treat yourself to on Valentine’s Day in Hong Kong this year. Happy Valentine’s Day in advance!
Treat yourself to a nice meal
A special day deserves a hearty meal, so here’s a short compilation of restaurants offering romantic meals fitting for Valentine’s Day. Gather your friends, take some photos, and dig in!
Grappa’s Cellar
At Grappa’s Cellar, you can get the best of both worlds in food and music. On Valentine’s Day Grappa’s Cellar holds a special event open to both singletons and couples. It presents a four-course Italian meal and a glass of bubbles (Prosecco), including the signature homemade Cavatelli Pasta with Sausage Ragu Broccoli Purée.
You’ll be able to enjoy your meal alongside jazz music performed by Jennifer Palor and Roger Chung, two renowned Hong Kong jazz singers. As they perform love songs from the Great American Songbook, get ready to melt into the mood for love! You can get your tickets from Ticketflap or at the restaurant directly.
Address: Shop LG08, LG/F, Lee Gardens, 28 Yun Ping Road, Causeway Bay
Chaiwala
You’ll be able to find a filling, Indian-style Valentine’s meal at Chaiwala– the “Lover Menu.” Curated by Executive Chef Prabir, the four-course meal stars classic dishes perfect for sharing, like the Aloo Tikki Chaat, Dal Maharani, and Lobster Nerulli. You can also delve into dessert at the end, a Bollywood-style delicacy to end your scrumptious meal with a sweet aftertaste. The meal is topped off with a special game where you can win an HKD 500 dining voucher.
You can access the restaurant through the entrance of the British Bar Hugger Mugger, another bar you can grab drinks with friends after your generous meal at Chaiwala.
Address: Basement, Yu Yuet Lai Building, 45-55 Wyndham Street, Central
JAJA
Looking for a vegetarian option? JAJA serves a vegetarian feast with an aesthetic Valentine’s flair. The Valentine’s special dinner set, offered from the 10th to the 19th of February, comprises a Valentine’s-themed appetizer, main course, and dessert. Some popular signatures included in this set are the Hearty-Margherita Pizza and Love Letter Crêpes, fitting to enjoy Valentine’s Day.
Accompanied with pink décor and a refreshing view of the harbor, the set is bound to impress your taste buds and your Instagram followers. Aside from the dinner set, JAJA also offers a “Spring Blossom” afternoon tea set featuring both sweet and savory snacks, best to share with friends.
Address: 6/F, Hong Kong Arts Centre, 2 Harbour Road, Wan Chai
The best time to buy chocolate and flowers
Maybe you’ll be able to indulge in cheap chocolate after Valentine’s Day from supermarkets and convenience stores. However, if you’re looking to treat yourself to Valentine’s specials, here are some chocolate offers to look out for:
Charbonnel et Walker
Charbonnel et Walker is Britain’s first chocolatier, established in 1875. Its valuable heritage has extended to reach those in Hong Kong, where Madame Charbonnel’s hand-made traditional recipes have attracted the likes of many. Although on the pricier side of the spectrum, it features a variety of boxes of chocolate selections that you can order online or pick up from the store. Be sure to try the iconic truffles that melt seamlessly into your mouth, as well as the sets of chocolate paired with champagne to warm your body and soul this Valentine’s Day.
Address: Shop 104, 1/F, Alexandra House, 18 Chater Road, Central
Butterfly Patisserie, Rosewood
The acclaimed Rosewood Hong Kong’s bakery, the Butterfly Patisserie, also offers an array of Valentine’s chocolates. From boxes filled with heart-shaped chocolates to chocolate blocks that you can hit with a wooden hammer to eat, these chocolates come in different forms to suit whatever you want– aesthetics or fun. You can explore classic flavors (dark chocolate, milk chocolate) as well as more unconventional flavors like Coconut & Malibu, Rose & Dark, and more. The heart-shaped chocolate boxes also come in varying pieces per box, the four-piece chocolate box being ideal to enjoy by yourself.
Address: 2/F, Rosewood Hong Kong, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
You can also brighten the day with flowers that encapsulate the warm spirit of Valentine’s Day at this event:
Love Lane x The Forest Valentine’s Day Market
Starting from the 11th of February, the HKMO (Hong Kong Markets Organization) is hosting Valentine’s Market outdoors in the market. Packed with a variety of flowers, chocolate, handmade items, and more, the market epitomizes the love and soul of Valentine’s Day. Expect the most– real flowers, fake flowers, flower art, flower jewelry, and more. There’s no space to feel lonely amidst these gems!
Address: The FOREST, 17 Nelson Street, Mong Kok, Kowloon
Get your heart rate up
If you want to keep your mind off the fact that it is Valentine’s Day, perhaps some activities will give you another reason to pump you up.
Bun’s 2020
Skate until you drop at Hong Kong’s largest indoor roller-skating rink, Bun’s 2020! Let the excitement of the neon lights, rollers, and lively music overshadow your loneliness. It’s the ultimate place to bump into some couples, glide around, and feel the adrenaline rush. You can join some classes based on your skating level, or you can take the liberty of free rolling sessions which are set at just HKD 190 for two hours.
Address: 7/F, Kodak House 1, 321 Java Road, Quarry Bay
Art and Wine
If you’re not looking for something too active, why not raise your heart rate with some drinks and art? The Rica Art Space has organized an art and wine party open to anyone (age 18 and up) at just around HKD 370 per person. Loosen up with some wine, and let the liquid courage take over your painting in a relaxing environment! It’s also the perfect place to meet someone new with similar interests in art and wine, whether it’s as friends or not. You can book online– make sure to book it before tickets run out!
Address: 12/F, Mirage Tower, 13-15 Thomson Road, Wan Chai
Sunset views
Romanticize your life by ending the special day with a picturesque view of the sun setting. Hong Kong has a multitude of parks and promenades where you can sit and enjoy the view of the coastline. The Belcher’s Bay Promenade in Kennedy Town is a key spot to watch the sunset, where you can hang your feet over the sea and space out. Soak into the chill atmosphere to gather your thoughts or escape your busy lifestyle and daze off; simply, relax!
All in all, you don’t need a date to enjoy Valentine’s Day, make this a special day for yourself! Love yourself, friends, and family– it’s just as worthwhile.
(Feature Image Photo Credit: Jimin Lee)