WE'VE heard about the long lines at Hong Kong Disneyland but what about the food -- The nine-month-old Disneyland and the decades-old Ocean Park in Aberdeen are both out to lure the hungry tourist.

Eating Mickey's 'head'

One of Disneyland's more magical attractions is the eating expedition.

It's definitely an unforgettable experience to see a "real" Mickey Mouse for the first time, but why stop there. Visitors can also eat various dishes in the shape of Mickey's head.

Not scared off by their decapitated colleague, Disney characters will sign autographs and take pictures with diners in the Enchanted Garden Restaurant of the Disneyland Hotel.

The setting is a Victorian-style garden conservatory complete with potted palms and arched glass ceiling.

"Dining is another integral part of the Disney experience, as is shopping," said Rudolf Muller, executive chef of the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. The resort may be rooted in the all-American fantasy of Walt Disney, but the food in the theme park and two resort hotels reflects Asia's diverse cultures.

Different kitchens feature different styles of cooking, such as Steam Kitchens, which serve dim sum and steamed dishes; Wok Kitchens, serving stir-fried dishes; and the Curry, Noodle and BBQ Kitchens.

"Hong Kong is a very sophisticated food town, more like New York City," said Klaus Mager, director of food and beverage for the theme park. "It's a population that is very knowledgeable, very much into food."

For a quick bite, snack carts throughout the park are inspired by colorful street vendors. Carts serve fresh juices and snacks.

For more serious dining, Plaza Inn, operated by the Maxim's Group, serves Cantonese dishes. We recommend the roasted chicken, garlic broccoli, scallops and mango pudding.

Dining with the jellyfish

Not stopping with one of the finest panoramic views of the South China Sea, the two new Ocean Park restaurants in Aberdeen have added dining with 1,500 jellyfish from all over the world.

Downstairs, visitors can take in the ocean view along with the HK$6-million (US$770,218) jellyfish aquariums before dining at the Bayview Restaurant or the Terrace Cafe.

Those who reserve early or come after the 1-3 p.m. rush can eat at the eight tables next to the aquariums.

The open kitchen offers more than 70 seasonal dishes, with meals averaging HK$200 per person.

The chef's recommendations include pomelo salad with shrimp, roasted tandoori chicken roulade with wild rice burger, Vietnamese basil pork with green pepper, stir-fried seafood in won ton skin and caramel custard. The signature drinks are the Bay Breeze (alcoholic) and Sunrise Punch (nonalcoholic).

The Terrace Cafe offers relaxed outdoor dining with snacks starting at HK$20.