In an attempt to boost tourism and quell a ravenous public hunger, the government has launched a two-year pilot scheme to introduce 12 food trucks to six popular tourist destinations around Hong Kong. Hurray!
In the almost sniff-able future, there will be two food trucks at each of the following locations: Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai; Salisbury Garden and Square at the Art Museum at Tsim Sha Tsui; the Central Harbourfront; Ocean Park; and Hong Kong Disneyland.
Hong Kong’s Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Gregory So said that the scheme was designed to make Hong Kong’s tourist attractions “more interesting and energetic”.
He added, “We hope the food trucks will increase and diversify Hong Kong’s food choices. They won’t compete with existing restaurants.”
A committee of food critics and representatives from the tourist attractions will determine the trucks’ operators early next year in a two stage process that will culminate in a (hopefully Great British Bake Off- style) cook off.
Applications will open once the government’s Tourist Commission has established an office.
The cost of running a truck is estimated to be around HKD600,000, with government loans of HKD300,000 available for successful applicants. Reporters, however, raised concerns that wealthy corporations and big restaurants would monopolise the industry.
However, So reassured attendees of a media session that style and creativity will be the most important criteria, not how much money is put up.
He added that the trucks must “look nice” and meet food and safety hygiene standards.
