Hong Kong Lit Club
Hong Kong Lit Club
Podcast Description
While the city is often portrayed as a busy financial hub where nobody has time to read, the reality is that people do read - and they write, too. Discover the work of both past and contemporary authors, and dive into the the literary heritage of Hong Kong that often gets overlooked. Each episode will feature three parts: a read-aloud ("Words Unfold"), either by your host, Julia, or by guest authors reading their own pieces, a discussion section to delve deeper into the meaning of the text ("Deep Dive"), and a short language section focussing on a Cantonese word or phrase ("Local Lingo"). Ultimately, this podcast is a celebration of Hong Kong's literary landscape and an invitation for listeners to embark on a literary journey that transcends borders.Learn more here.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
Focused on the literary heritage of Hong Kong, the podcast explores themes of identity, cultural reflection, and intergenerational relationships with episodes that feature contemporary works, discussions on the impact of technology on storytelling, and explorations of local language.
While the city is often portrayed as a busy financial hub where nobody has time to read, the reality is that people do read – and they write, too. Discover the work of both past and contemporary authors, and dive into the the literary heritage of Hong Kong that often gets overlooked. Each episode will feature three parts: a read-aloud (“Words Unfold”), either by your host, Julia, or by guest authors reading their own pieces, a discussion section to delve deeper into the meaning of the text (“Deep Dive”), and a short language section focussing on a Cantonese word or phrase (“Local Lingo”).
Ultimately, this podcast is a celebration of Hong Kong’s literary landscape and an invitation for listeners to embark on a literary journey that transcends borders.
Learn more here.
Guest: Christine Wong – James Beard Award-nominated author, plant-based cook, food photographer, and sustainability advocate.
In this episode, we chat with Christine Wong in a bustling Hong Kong cha chaan teng about her culinary journey, the art of veganizing iconic comfort foods, and how our food choices connect to culture, family, and the planet’s health.
- Key Topics & Discussion Points:
- The Spark of the Journey: How making baby food for her toddlers ignited a path to culinary authorship and plant-based advocacy.
- The Vibrant Hong Kong Table: The story behind her James Beard-nominated cookbook; a mission to preserve culinary nostalgia and disappearing food traditions with a future-forward, plant-based twist.
- The Gutsy Vegan Makeover: The creative challenges of reimagining meat- fish- and dairy-heavy classics like wonton noodle soup, steamed eggs, and beef brisket noodles without relying on processed mock meats. (Spoiler: Cabbage steaks and sweet potato puree are heroes!).
- Nostalgia vs. Innovation: Balancing deep respect for tradition with the desire to innovate, and why visual appeal and “eating with your eyes” are so important in her recipes.Cooking Philosophy & Tips:
- Beginner-friendly recipes from her book (steamed “egg,” sautéed veggies).
- Essential tools for a small kitchen (steamer rack, long chopsticks, a good pan).
- The importance of time, planning, and making cooking a communal, family activity.
- Family & Food Memory: The influence of her grandmothers (“Mama”), early food memories of Lunar New Year, and passing on cultural heritage to her children raised in New York.
- The Hong Kong Food Scene: The stark contrast (and surprising harmony) between street food stalls and fine dining, and the growing but gradual shift toward plant-based options in the city.
- Sustainability & Conscious Cooking: How her work, including co-authoring Living Without Plastic, ties together personal health, cultural representation, and eco-friendly kitchen choices.
Resources & Links:
- Christine’s New Cookbook:The Vibrant Hong Kong Table (Chronicle Books)
- Christine’s Website:https://www.consciouscooking.studio/copy-of-home
- Follow Christine onInstagram: @thevibrantveggietable and Substack: @thevibrantveggietable
Support the Show: If you enjoy Hong Kong Lit Club, leave us a 5-star review and share this episode with a friend who loves food, culture, or just a great story! Instagram: @hongkonglitclub
Disclaimer
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