By Emme Chau

Have you ever visited a traditional Hong Kong market and seen the variety of stalls? Affordable goods, local delicacies, and an extensive range of accessories are available in the markets.?Speaking of, there is one such market conveniently near Renaissance College. The Food Garden (Heng On Market) is well-known to students in RCHK. Here is what to expect:

Located within the Heng On Commercial Centre, at 1 Hang Kam St, Ma On Shan, the floral-themed Chung On Wet Market has an interior design of a “secret garden”. Decorated on the ceiling are vibrant flowers and vivid butterflies, filling the market with a refreshing nature scent. This market features a European-styled exterior look acting as its design theme. It operates daily from 7 in the morning until 8 at night, which gives residents living near the Heng On area plenty of time every day to buy their essentials.

Heng On Market is the first market in Hong Kong with 360˚ Octopus services and e-payment systems, providing extra convenience for customers and shoppers. It also features wheelchair-friendly entrances and facilities to ensure all customers can enjoy their shopping experience. Within the market, you can buy a variety of local Hong Kong delicacies, including Siu Mai, steamed rice rolls, egg waffles, curry fish balls, and so on. Not only does it sell Hong Kong treats, but fresh produce and live poultries are also available to be bought, providing a great source of vitamins and minerals for all customers, as well as traditional Chinese medicine and bakeries with goods that are sold at low prices. Furthermore, there are approximately 80 available stalls, with a food corner that is open until 2 in the morning, an ideal area for late-night meals.

Based on students' preferences for stalls in Renaissance College, HOT-STAR Large Fried Chicken (豪大大雞排 in Chinese), a prevalent and international stall, is a clear favourite. Most known for their crispy and succulent large fried chicken and their delectable and tangy salt crisp chicken, they cost HKD$58 and HKD$44, respectively. Founded in 1992 in Taichung, Taiwan, HOT-STAR uses a distinctive processing technique and deluxe herbal marinate recipe, quickly making it a classic street food of the Shilin Night Market, creating sales achievements reaching over 3000 servings per day. HOT-STAR has won several exceptional awards, including the Gold Medal of National Consumption and the Second Place award of Street Fighter Group in the competition of Looking Entrepreneurship Expert in Taiwan. It is no surprise that the students of RCHK feel the same way about the delicious fried chicken.

According to reviews of HOT-STAR from various stalls in other areas of Hong Kong, customers are satisfied with what they offer. One reviewer stated, “This is a Taiwanese-based takeaway restaurant that specialises in large fried chicken that is thin, flat, seasoned well, and fried nicely.” Another stated, “Worth a try if you are looking for something quick, good, and affordable.”

Heng On Market is one of the countless markets in Hong Kong. With each market showcasing different concepts and specialities, you can find a unique blend of cuisine and culture. Certainly, there are other markets worth exploring as well, including the Chung On Market. But whether you are searching for authentic street food, purchasing useful home essentials or enjoying the organic atmosphere, the Heng On Market is a versatile and exceptional choice.