Jumbo Kingdom

Description:

• Maybe you've heard about Hong Kong's floating restaurant in Aberdeen, in operation for more than 30 years and claiming to be the largest floating restaurant in the world. Although Hong Kong certainly has more authentic and more affordable restaurants, if you've always wanted to eat in a floating restaurant, simply take the bus to Aberdeen and then board one of the Jumbo Kingdom's own free shuttle boats, with departures every few minutes from the waterfront Aberdeen Promenade (another option is to join one of the nighttime organized tours that stop here for dinner). Although the exterior of the restaurant is as ornate and -- perhaps to some eyes -- as gaudy as you could hope for (have your cameras ready as the boat approaches), the interior underwent a complete overhaul a few years back that rid it of its opulent golds and reds and transformed it into a contemporary venue. Specializing in fresh seafood, Jumbo Kingdom also offers roasted goose, Peking duck (HK$320/US$42/£21), and changing seasonal dishes, but my favorite meal here is dim sum, available from an English menu (from trolleys on Sun and holidays) until 4pm -- certainly the least expensive way to enjoy the floating restaurant experience. Dragon Court, a smaller, more formal dining hall, offers the same fare, with dim sum served only off a menu; you might be able to get a table here immediately on Sunday, bypassing the first-come, first-served waiting list for the more popular -- and more fun -- main dining hall.

• © Frommer's 2012

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Recommended 2010