Hong Kong
Pre-arrival meal was a so-so chicken congee with yellow bell peppers as garnish. Bit odd and the chicken was overcooked, but given I had to go straight into meetings when I landed, it did the job to keep me functioning.
Such an early arrival into Hong Kong (5:40am local) meant a reasonable line at immigration and customs, then a quick ride on the MTR Airport Express to the hotel. Was fun trying to find my way from MTR Kowloon Station, through the directly attached Elements Mall, and then to the hotel, 'cause the layout is... yeah. Clear but also not clear if you aren't paying careful attention to the signs. Got upgraded to a harbour view room which was amazing, except ended up being cloudy pretty much my entire trip. And leaving the hotel a few hours later wasn't much better (at least not the first time), as it turns out the hotel lobby feeds you on to private roads-- it's much better to exit through the mall.
Ended up arriving at Jenny Bakery later than planed due to the aforementioned private roads/hotel lobby fiasco, but while the lines are still long, they move fast, and I had my cookies in good time. Wandered over to Australia Dairy Company next, one of the most famous cha chaan tengs in Hong Kong. They have long but fast moving lines as well, aided by a pretty simple menu and a crowd that knows to get in, order, eat, and leave. The food was pretty okay, but the rushed vibe was not great; not sure I'd come back here again given the food was not exceptional. A few doors down, the pork chop rice at Li Do Restaurant was much more relaxed, but not much better in quality (another skip).
Later in the day, caught up with Gerald at Bolo Bolo, one of the newest and most popular pineapple bun shops. They, like many others, have basically turned them into burgers, but we both stuck to the more traditional order, with butter and jam inside. The pineapple bun is excellent, although would recommend removing half the butter at least, as it was that much butter. They're also in an alley adjacent to Lan Kwai Fong, so late afternoon the vibe was nearly deserted, like... had I gone to the wrong place??
Did a bit of shopping before parting ways with Gerald, ending up in Mong Kok. This was convenient because claypot rice was on my list, and Hing Kee Claypot Rice is a well-respected, very established local place that does a superb one. I will readily admit I am not an expert here, but the lamb, with a bit of dark soy sauced added, and an extra minute or two on the table before you open, lead to some very fluffy, slightly dry rice with a wonderful crispy bottom. Would definitely eat again.