Other star-studded markets await to shine as curtain falls on Kowloon City Market

As Kowloon City undergoes renovations, the 30-year-old Kowloon City Market -- affectionately dubbed "The Star Market" due to its notable customers including Chow Yun-fat, Sean Lau Ching-wan, and Brigitte Lin Ching-hsia -- is slated for demolition and reconstruction. 

The development prompts the question of which public market may aspire to achieve the status to be the next "star market."

Kowloon City Market: the celebrities' top choice 

Following interviews with Sing Tao Headline, The Standard's sister publication, Kowloon City Market remained the most popular pick among local artists, largely thanks to its celebrity clients.

Actress Hedwig Tam Sin-yin and Stephy Tang Lai-yan both believed Kowloon City Market was the star market as it is reported that "elder brother Fat" (Chow Yun-fat) shops there. 
 
Actor Simon Yam Tat-wah shared that he was a regular at the market, where he would buy red beans, mung beans, and lilies for desserts. He also praised the market's convenient location, diverse selection of goods, and friendly neighborhood.

Nominees for next Star Market

While Kowloon City Market remains a favorite, other markets are vying for the spotlight to emerge as the next star market.

Actress Louise Wong Tan-ni disclosed that she regularly patronizes the Mong Kok Market, not only because she lives nearby but also because of the high-quality fresh beef available there. 

She emphasized that the hand-cut beef on the first floor is particularly well-suited for hot pot preparation.

Despite not visiting the public market often, Stephy Tang mentioned that she occasionally visits the Tai Po Hui Market and the Tseung Kwan O Plaza Market for hot pot ingredients. 

Meanwhile, Smithfield Market in Kennedy Town was actor Kevin Chu Kam-yin's preferred choice for fruits given its proximity to his home. 

Tight competition between Wan Chai Market and Yeung Uk Road Market

Among the public markets, Wan Chai Market and Yeung Uk Road Market have emerged as a rising star from interviewed celebrities.

Actress Michelle Wai Sze-Nga and Elva Ni both admitted to being regulars at Wan Chai Market, with Wai jokingly noting that the market does not offer discounts to her. 

Meanwhile, Hedwig Tam and Sabrina Ng Ping from the YouTube Channel Pomato are supporters for Yeung Uk Road Market in Tsuen Wan, with Ng recommending a seafood stall on the second floors . 

Star experience in the neighborhood

Regarding the celebrity buzz, a stall owner at Wan Chai Market, Leung, confirmed celebrities frequently pop in, citing his staff's experience seeing singer Ella Koon Yun-na and actor Eric Wan Tin-chiu. 

On the other hand, a stall employee at Yeung Uk Road Market highlighted that both actor Joel Chan Shan-chung and Alice Chan Wai were her customers, praising them for their down-to-earth personalities.

As both marketplaces gained celebrity reputations, several stall owners hoped more celebrities would visit to boost the popularity.