Wet Markets

Every Hong Kong community has several wet markets - a convenient place to buy fish, meat, vegetables and fruit.  In Tai Po, the wet market was moved indoors to a flash new building a few years ago.  It is a magnificent venue, with three floors, and lots of community activity.  The ground floor holds fish mongers and butchers.  There, you can buy the most astonishing range of shellfish, ocean wild fish, farmed fish and reptiles - some are alive; if you prefer meat, you can buy all manner of pork, beef, chicken and lamb - cut to your specifications.  Many people shop here daily to purchase the best buy and best beast for their dinner.

The fruit and veggie stalls are on the next floor - and all manner of items can be found - stalls full of ginger, arrays of tofu, bean sprouts and the usual cornucopia of fruits and greens.  Also, many specialities are available - pickled vegetables, spiced tofu, noodles.  You can also find organic veggies in this area.

On the top floor is the exciting dai pai dong- the noodle and dim sum stalls where you can order your meal and dine alongside the locals.  This could be considered the true centre of any community.  Everyone seems to be there - young and old.  Children do their school work under the watchful gaze of their grandparents.  Wheelchairs are rolled up to the table, and people stop by to chat with one another.  The small tables groan under the piles of cups,bowls, chopsticks and spoons held in little plastic baskets.  A large bowl of tea is placed on the table so you can wash your utensils while you wait for your order to arrive at your table. I really like the dim sum stalls there, and with a group of friends, we can polish off 7 or more steamer baskets of small dumplings and yummy parcels of food for a mere $50 HK (about $7 US) - not a bad dining experience.  Pots of tea arrive at the table, locals exchange words with us, and all is well in the world.