After painfully climbing the 268 steps to see Hong Kong’s Tian Tan Buddha, Peter and I took a short bus ride to visit Tai O Fishing Village, also known as the Venice of Hong Kong. Since Venice, Italy is one of my favorite cities in the world, I had high hopes for this Asian-style water town.
On the Western side of Lantau Island lies the quaint fishing village of Tai O where the homes are built on stilts and the markets sell a plethora of unique dried fish.
Thankfully, the bus ride over from Big Buddha was only fifteen minutes, because Peter gets motion sickness and if that happened he may not have been able to indulge in the fishy street food I was about to force him to eat.
Surprisingly, after the bus journey, his stomach was even feeling decent enough for a quick boat tour through the village to see the local dwellings.
The only similarities to the scenic Venice canals were that the homes were on the water, but the ride was still an interesting peek into the lifestyle of the villager, many seen completing their daily fish related tasks.
During the excursion we were also on the look out for the elusory Chinese pink dolphins, which are known to be seen in these waters. But, not today. They remain a mystery to us.
After the water tour it was off to the Tai O market for a unique street food lunch. We passed through many fish booths, inspecting the edible products for sale.
I vetoed eating anything with eyeballs. Not that I am totally opposed to that, it was just not an eyeball sort of day.
Finally, after much debate, we settled on a meal of BBQ squid jerky. For just 10 HKD ($1.29 usd) we were given two pieces of dried squid that was barbecued and cut into strips.
It tasted like a fishy jerky and was chewy like a jerky, just not meaty like a jerky. At least it didn’t have eyeballs.
Dessert was an easy choice, a Charcoal Grill Eggy Pancake for 20 HKD ($2.58 usd). Basically, a waffle with no syrup.
A really good waffle, better than the Belgians.
I had seen and smelled these at many of the Asian markets, but none were using charcoal as their heat source. It seemed to make a very crispy difference. I popped every one of them, sauceless, into my mouth at a rapid rate of speed. Peter may have gotten one as a consolation.
It was now time to board the bus back to Buddha with our bellies that looked like one, full of fish jerky and waffles. Peter’s stomach may not like the bus ride back quite as much.
Have you ever been to Tai O fishing village? Have you eaten dried squid?
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I have yet to try dried squid…I did graduate to fresh calamari last fall in San Sebastian. Seems everyone else knew how good it was, but after a few rubbery experiences earlier in life, I had somehow convinced myself calamari was not for me! Glad it didn’t have eyeballs..I think that would have pushed me over to the – no way I will try that category! Love that you try all these things and share…you pique my interest on so many things.
I tend to like calamari, but only when it is not rubbery and there is such a find line between that and tender when you are cooking it. Has to be done right! Dried squid? Probably don’t need to eat that again ;)
I haven’t eaten there before during my trips to HK, but I’m sad that I haven’t! Looks so good!!! Great shots!
The waffles were delicious and something my stomach will remember forever :)
We love your pics of Tai O. Here’s an insider tip. If you wish to stay over at Tai O and immerse yourself in the local culture for a day or two then check out “Espace Elastique” (Travelers Choice 2013) an award winning Bed and Breakfast. They also have a nice cafe and clean toilets if you just wanna get a cup of tea.
Thanks for the tip!
We’ve been and I must admit the best fish is served there. :)))
The squid was actually the only fish I tried, but there were several other things that looked enticing!
Mmmmmmmmmmm I love me some dried squid… Never had it fresh like that though!! *Thoroughly jealous*
I can’t say that I loved it, but it was an experience ;)
Hi Annette – really glad you went to Tai O when you were in Hong Kong. For me it’s far nicer than the commercial skyscraping metropolis. Sai Kung and Lamma Island are also good spots. The food is great too. My personal favourite are their barbecued cheese oyster and the doughnuts they make at Tai O which cant be found in other parts of Hong Kong. Great to meet you and safe travels. Jonny
I was happy to have made it there too, it was definitely different than downtown Hong Kong!
Thank you for sharing. Can you tell us how you arranged the bus from the Buddha to Tai O and also how the boat ride through the canals were arranged? We are going in a few weeks and this seems like the perfect escape from the city.
Your review is really great !
It s really a typical place, a old fish town in Hong Kong Country side. I may not be not much into dry fish experience but definitively worst to see this spot.
You can do hiking to infinity pool from there too
Benoit
I loved your post! And how poor Peter is taken along on your adventures :)
He secretly loves all the adventures :)