On a bright Saturday morning, a group of friends went hiking at Lantau island.

After arriving in Hong Kong for over two weeks, it was time to leave the bustling city for some tranquility. No hiking trip is complete without great food.

Each step I took, I was anticipating the taste of good food. Huffing and puffing after an hour or so, our first pit stop was at a country café. This bare bone café was all about experiencing country side food. Wooden tables, rustic chairs, and great hospitality greeted us.

I had the green herbal grass drink. With a bitter cool notes, the drink replenish my body on track for our next food pit stop.

Along the way, I noticed some jack fruit and bananas.

After a few thousand steps, the next town heightened the senses. Arriving at a fishing town, I hip hopped over to street vendor that were eager to showcase their treats. One notable was an old man that grilled dried squid. After grilling the dried squid, a quick brush with a sweet sauce finishes off the dish.

With chewy texture, the squid attractive taste comes from the nutty sweat notes from charred seafood. Sea-sweat savory notes derive from drying the squid in the sun.

A few stalls away, the grilled clams played center stage. After grilling the bi-valves, minced garlic finished the dish. The spicy garlic tones married so well with sea-sweat meat.

For additional snacks, the grilled fish roe and dry shrimp were savory treats.

When traveling, I suggest diners to eat with range. Try the city food, but also the country side food. Try the mom ‘n pops, but also dine at the chain restaurants.