notjeff

Forget those polished dim sum palaces in Central that charge HK$80 for three har gow. Real Hong Kongers hit neighborhood tea houses where old uncles unfold newspapers over jasmine tea and argue about horse racing. Look for places packed with locals who clearly aren't tourists — Bonus points if there's a queue of grannies outside.

Essential orders that separate tourists from locals: har gow (shrimp dumplings with translucent skin that shouldn't tear), siu mai (pork and shrimp dumplings topped with crab roe), char siu bao (BBQ pork buns that should be fluffy, not dense), cheung fun (silky rice noodle rolls), and those perfect egg tarts for dessert. Order jasmine tea — It's not optional, it's how you digest all this.

Where locals actually go: Lin Heung Ku on Wellington Street (chaotic trolley service, prepare to elbow for dumplings), One Dim Sum on Nathan Road (Michelin-rated but still HK$40 per basket), or any Maxim's Palace location if you want the full trolley theater. Weekend mornings are mayhem but most authentic — That's when three generations show up together.

Budget HK$180-280 per person for a proper feast, and yes, you're supposed to share tables with strangers. Pointing at what you want is perfectly acceptable dim sum etiquette.

Service used to be included and you just rounded up to nearest euro. Now half the places in Marais and Saint-Germain have tip options on card machines and I have no clue what's expected.

Asked my Airbnb host in République — She said 5-10% becoming normal at nicer bistros around Boulevard Saint-Germain, but traditional cafés and brasseries still don't expect beyond rounding to nearest euro.

Definitely not Jeff's opinion but maybe bring cash for tips so you're not awkwardly stabbing at card machine while waiter watches at Le Procope.

When Seoul overwhelms escape to Seongbuk-dong residential area between Hansungdae Station and old Seoul City Wall. Winding hanok-lined streets have tiny cafes serving maybe 10 people maximum - zero tour groups.

Try Cafe Onion Anguk branch hidden in renovated traditional house. Perfect for reading between Gyeongbokgung crowds. Seongbuk-dong locals walk dogs here, elderly residents tend small gardens. Real Seoul neighborhood life happening quietly.

Hidden gem at Carrer Requesens 2 in Gràcia. Cover charge is just €8-12 depending on the act, and that includes your first drink. Real jazz, flamenco fusion, and experimental music Tuesday through Sunday.

Shows start around 10pm but get there by 9:30 for decent seats. It's tiny - maybe 50 people max - so you're basically sitting with the musicians. Thursday nights are jam sessions where local and visiting musicians jump in.

Metro L4 to Joanic, 5-minute walk. Cash only bar.

Look, everyone's going to tell you tuk-tuks are "part of the experience" but nobody mentions you'll get fleeced if you don't negotiate upfront. Current fair rates: Siem Reap Airport to Old Market area is $7-8 (not the $15 they'll initially quote), full-day temple circuit including waiting time is $18-22, and short city hops should never exceed $3. The magic words are "including waiting time" — Without this, your driver will literally abandon you at Angkor Wat while you're mid-photo.

Bring sunglasses, a scarf, and honestly consider a face mask because the dust on temple roads will turn you into a walking archaeological artifact. The red dirt gets everywhere and I mean everywhere. Find a younger driver with decent English for multi-day temple visits — They know which side of Angkor Wat gets the best light at 7:23am and won't take you to the same "secret" viewpoint every other tourist gets dragged to.

When they inevitably suggest their "cousin's restaurant" or "friend's silk shop," just smile and decline. Most drivers are genuinely helpful people trying to make a living, but some get kickbacks from tourist traps that charge $12 for a $3 plate of fried rice. Stick to your plan and you'll both have a better time.

Pro tip: Download the Grab app as backup — It works in Siem Reap and gives you non-negotiable pricing when you're too tired to haggle after a 12-hour temple marathon.