What to know about Sai Kung

What is Sai Kung known for?

Sai Kung is located in the North Eastern part of the New Territories and is the second-largest area of Hong Kong by landmass. Sai Kung is only partly urbanised and most of Sai Kung consists of Country Parks and a UNESCO Global Geopark. A mecca for the adventurous, hiking trails and waters sports await visitors who come to explore. 

What you have to do

Most of the day-to-day activity bustles around the town centre. Once a sleepy fisherman’s village, the streets fuse old Hong Kong charm with local shops dotting its alleyways and squares alongside more contemporary establishments. On weekends, expect to jostle with out-of-town crowds in this otherwise laid-back community. 

How to get there

It takes a bit of planning to get to Sai Kung, but the effort is worth the reward. Sai Kung is not on the MTR network and the best way to get there is by taxi, bus, or minibus. The good news is that there are several MTR stations (Hang Hau, Mong Kok, Choi Hung) with minibuses that go directly to Sai Kung. 

For those who drive, there are several public car parks in the town centre. For ease and convenience, try the Wilson multi-storey carpark in Sai Kung Town Centre (22-40 Fuk Man Road, Sai Kung) and the Kau Sai Chau Public Car Park (Wai Man Road, Sai Kung).

Where to do water activities in Sai Kung?

Watersports aficionados are in for a treat in Sai Kung. The calm waters that surround the bay, sheltered by some bigger islands nearby, make it a great spot for various water-based activities. 

Ah Kwok Watersports

Take a short walk down the Sai Kung promenade to Ah Kwok Watersports (Tai Mong Tsai Road, Sai Kung) on Sha Ha beach where you will find kayaks, SUPs, windsurfs and wind foils available for rental. On busy weekends and public holidays, it is advisable to make a reservation in advance to avoid disappointment. Set off from the beach to explore the surrounding bay but be careful when navigating the sampans and speedboats that whizz along the way. 

Blue Sky Sports Club

Sai Kung is surrounded by a collection of islands that boast rare geographical formations that have formed over the years due to wave and wind erosion. For the adventurous, try exploring some of Sai Kung’s UNESCO Geopark and admire the hexagonal rock formations by Kayak or SUP. Blue Sky Sports Club (Sha Ha Road, Sai Kung) provides organised excursions to these sites. 

Wake Plus

For adrenaline junkies, Sai Kung is also a popular spot for wakeboarding and wake-surfing. A number of operators such as Wake Plus offer this activity and rates are charged by the hour. The rate would include the rental of the boards, life jackets, and coaching tips for first-timers. 

Sai Kung Scuba and Splash

Below the surface of Sai Kung’s crystal waters are some interesting diving spots teeming with marine life such as clownfish, starfish, and moray eels. In addition to the coral reefs around Hoi Ha Wan, Sharp Island, and Ninepin Islands, divers can go slightly further afield to explore sunken artefacts such as a cargo ship, shipwreck and even a car! Sai Kung Scuba and Splash are PADI-recognised dive centres that offer beginner courses and various diving options based on ability and intention. 

Ham Tin Speedboat

If you are in search of the chill factor, Sai Kung has many pristine beaches to choose from for some R+R. The most accessible is Trio beach, a relatively flat and well-signposted 30-minute walk from Hebe Haven. There is also an option to get a sampan to this beach from the Hebe Haven pier. If you are in the mood to explore, take a boat to one of the beaches further afield. Ham Tin Speedboat provides a return service for $360 per person to Ham Tin, Sai Wan and Long Ke.  

Where to hike in Sai Kung?

The majority of Sai Kung is made up of two nature parks covering 7500 hectares of land. With miles and miles of hiking trails, you will be spoilt for choice whether it is serious adventure you are looking for, a laid-back family hike, or simply looking to tick off stages of the famous 100km Maclehose Trail.

Ham Tin

A popular hike to do is the hike into Ham Tin. This a relatively easy 1.5-hour hike with stunning views along the way that ends at a pristine beach which makes the hard work worthwhile! The easiest route starts at Sai Wan pavilion within the Sai Kung East Country Park. It is downhill for the first part of this hike as you get into Sai Wan Tsuen beach. Stop here for a snack at one of the beachside cafés before pushing on uphill for the next section. Breathtaking views will await you as you descend into Ham Tin. If a day relaxing at the beach is not enough, camp overnight at this popular camping spot. The restaurant on the beach serves simple food and drinks and has restroom facilities and tents to rent for ease and convenience. 

Sharp Peak

Not far off the Maclehose 2 trail is a more challenging hike for the brave-hearted. Sharp Peak, as the name suggests is a hike that involves steep gradient and some rocky scrambling. Hikers who take on this challenge will be rewarded with the most spectacular, unspoilt panoramic views of Tai Long Wan but make sure to check for good weather and have the proper equipment before tackling this hike! A slightly easier version of this would be High Junk Peak in Clearwater Bay country park also within Sai Kung. 

Three Fathoms Cove (Kei Ling Ha Hoi)

There are also various hikes of every level to do over at Sai Kung West Country Park. If you are a beginner, try the Three Fathoms Cove hike. Although fairly long in distance, this scenic flat coastal trail brings you back in time as you wander through a restored Hakka Village and old Catholic Chapels whilst also admiring the flora and fauna of the mangroves and wetlands along the way. Seasoned hikers can put their endurance to the limit on Maclehose Section 3, a 10-kilometre hike with 3 peaks each approximately 400m high.

What to eat in Sai Kung?

It is hard to go hungry in Sai Kung with the number of restaurants serving a wide variety of good quality grub. From the local cha chaan teng to chic cafés and family-friendly restaurants such as Pepperoni’s (1592 Po Tung Road, Sai Kung) there is something for every palate. 

Chuen Kee Seafood Restaurant

An obvious dining choice when visiting this seaside town is one of the many live seafood restaurants dotted along the main pier. Sit back and enjoy the harbour view at the rooftop terrace of Michelin-recommended Chuen Kee Seafood Restaurant (87–93 Man Nin Street, Sai Kung) where they will prepare the day’s fresh catch straight off the fishing boats in the harbour or simply chose from a stunning array of fish, shellfish and molluscs from their many tanks. 

Yau Ley

Off the beaten track, Yau Ley (Lot 359, Sha Kiu Tsuen, Leung Shuen Wan, Sai Kung) on High Island is another family-run seafood restaurant worth a mention. Fresh seafood, unspoilt vistas, and a secluded beach await those who visit either by boat or by hiking from Pak Tam Au in Sai Kung East Country Park. 

Saigon Pho and Bakso

Sai Kung is a melting pot for international cuisine. For good value, head to Saigon Pho (Shop 2 & Shop 16, G/F, Sai Kung Building, 42-56 Fuk Man Road, Sai Kung), where you can get a hearty bowl of their speciality pho for under $100. The broth uses a secret mix of spices and herbs and is slowly simmered for over 12 hours to ensure maximum flavour. For a Bali beach vibe, head over to Bakso (G/f, 9 Wan King Path, Sai Kung) to try the famous Indonesian meatball soup and hang out with the surf crowd.

2084

For something different, try some innovative plant-based tapas at 2084 (5 Sha Tsui Path, Sai Kung), Sai Kung’s first vegan restaurant. This restaurant serves Asian-inspired small bites that are popular with herbivores and omnivores alike

What to drink in Sai Kung?

Turtle By The Sea

Nothing beats unwinding after a long day with a sundowner by the sea. Kick back and enjoy an al-fresco cocktail on the spacious deck of Turtle by the Sea (Sai Kung Waterfront, Sai Kung), located by Sai Kung Pier. This newcomer to the Sai Kung F&B scene is garnering a loyal following for its funky vibes, extensive drink menu, and delicious small bites.  

Padstow

A favourite amongst locals and day-trippers is Padstow (112 Pak Sha Wan, Sai Kung), a gastropub opposite Hebe Haven. In addition to serving classic pub grub such as fish and chips and pies, Padstow is a watering hole for craft beer enthusiasts with a selection of local and imported pours. As the exclusive importer of WEST beers in Hong Kong, be sure to enjoy a pint of St Mungo’s on draught whilst there.  

Little Cove

No list is complete without a caffeine-fix pit stop and luckily Sai Kung is teeming with little cafes serving honest coffee. Join the queues at Little Cove (Shop 1&2, G/F, Siu Yat Building, Sai Kung) for a coffee, and if you appetite allows, indulge in one of their breakfast offerings such as the Pulled Pork Benedict or a healthy breakfast bowl.

NN Coffee

Also worth a mention is NN Coffee (G/F, 47 See Cheung St, Sai Kung) with its minimalist slate gray exterior that oozes chic. Apart from the usual coffee selection is also an interesting tea selection from more common Matcha and Chai Lattes to the delicate flavours of Lychee Oolong. 

Where to shop in Sai Kung?

BeCandle

In and amongst the shops selling beach essentials typically found in a seaside town are some hidden gems to peruse. Locally produced in small batches at their Sai Kung workshop, buy Hong Kong by stocking up on handcrafted candles at BeCandle (G/F, 102 Man Nin Street, Sai Kung). Each candle is housed in an elegant glass jar and comes in a variety of fragrances ranging from the more traditional scents such as bergamot and sandalwood to the more playful ones such as Full City Roast aimed at recreating your favourite coffee shop right at home!

Raymond Deli Club

With so many great beaches, Sai Kung is a great place for a picnic. Make a pit stop at Raymond Deli Club (G/F 28 Man Nin St, Sai Kung) to fill your picnic hamper with high-quality imported produce at reasonable prices. For a top tip, call ahead and order one of their cheese and charcuterie boxes. The mouthwatering selection of cheese and cured meats are presented beautifully alongside fruit and nut accompaniments. 

Kidnapped Bookshop

If you have time to spare, browse the wide selection of books at Kidnapped (7 Man Nin Street, Sai Kung). This independent bookshop has a wide range of fiction and non-fiction titles in addition to unique coffee table books and cookbooks that make great gifts. The friendly staff is always on hand for advice and to help with your next read!

FAQ about Sai Kung

Header image credits: Leung Cho Pan via Canva

What to know about Tai O

Tai O is a small fishing village located in the western part of Lantau Island, Hong Kong known for its long history stretching back centuries!! The iconic image of Tai O, and what gives it its nickname, the “Venice of Hong Kong”, is that the original village was built on stilts, with many of its structures reaching out over the water. Tourists and locals alike flock to the area to check out the interesting sights, from brightly painted boats to traditional Chinese temples. The best way to explore Tai O is by taking a boat tour – you can see the traditional houses and way of life as well as get some great views of the area including the now Instagram famous, blue rope-drawn ferry bridge. Your trip would also be incomplete without getting a bite at Market Street, where you can sample the delicious local seafood.

To get to Tai O one of the fastest routes is to take the MTR to Tung Chung and then take bus number 11. Another option is to take the ferry from Central Pier No. 6 to Mui Wo. Then from the Mui Wo Pier, take bus number 1.

What to do in Tai O?

Take a boat ride

It might seem like a small place, but there are tons of activities to make your day trip worthwhile. To truly get a feel of the village, you must experience it like the locals – by sampan! For just HK$20, you can take a ride around this unique space and experience daily life as it has been for centuries.

Click Instagram-worthy pictures at the Blue Rope-Drawn Ferry Bridge

Another must-do item is to walk to the Rope-Drawn Ferry Bridge, which has become popular for its bright blue colour. If you’re lucky, you can even see it drawn up to let big boats pass.

Visit Temples

Moreover, Tai O Fishing Village is home to a number of temples. The favourite is usually Yeung Hau Temple which is a 17th-century temple dedicated to a Song Dynasty general and is popular for the festivities around the Dragon Boat Water Parade. 

Check out the Tai O Heritage Hotel

Another historic spot to visit (or stay at!) is the Tai O Heritage Hotel. It was converted from the old Tai O Marine Police Station built in 1902 and now offers a cosy and historic stay at their nine-room boutique hotel.

Spot the Pink Dolphins

Last but not least, for animal lovers, if you’re lucky, you might be able to spot the famous Chinese White Dolphins or Pink Dolphins as they’re more commonly known. Just head to the Fu Shan viewing point (and be sure to bring a pair of binoculars!)

What to eat in Tai O?

It is home to many food delicacies, but you have to start at Tai O Market Street. The street food is legendary, and some of the delicacies that you can pick up as you roam the street include Jianbings which is the savoury Chinese crepes. You can customize what is inside but pork floss and shrimps are always good choices. The funnily named ‘Husband’ is actually a mixed shrimp paste and stir-fried minced pork roll. And of course, there are the giant fish balls, the size of golf balls that are boiled and soaked in chilli soup – a Tai O speciality!

Tai O Bakery

This one might be a bit of a wait, but it is worth it! Serving supposedly the best Chinese Sugar Doughnuts across Hong Kong. Fluffy, eggy, melt in your mouth! Have it piping hot for just HK$15. What more could you ask for?

Tai O Bakery, 66 Kat Hing Street, Tai O | +852 2985 6821

Tai O Store

If you’re looking to sit down and enjoy your seafood, although there isn’t much seating, Tai O Store is the go-to. Known for the seafood barbeque, they offer the freshest seafood, right out of the water! Oysters, Scallops, Shrimps, Cuttlefish, and Squids are just some of the delicacies. And they are served of course, with Tai O’s signature shrimp paste.

Tai O Store, 68 Tai O Wing On St, Tai O

Tai O Fei Mao Li

You have probably seen the Cats of Hong Kong Instagram account and know that these feline creatures are adored here. But at Tai O Fei Mao Li, the adoration is taken to the next level. Drop in for a quick bite and enjoy this little cat cafe. For just HK$25 for every half an hour, you can play with the kitties to your heart’s content. Plus, there is a charitable element with the proceeds going towards supporting the Tai O strays!

Tai O Fei Mao Li, 67 Kat Hing St, Tai O | +852 9497 4206

Tai O Lookout

Views are plenty in Tai O but few beat the one from the Tai O Lookout, the restaurant in Tai O Heritage Hotel. Surrounded by greenery and incredible panoramic views of the sea, this is definitely worth a visit. The decor is inspired by the colonial era and the food is pretty good too! The shrimp paste features heavily and you can’t leave without trying their signatures such as the Deep-fried Shrimp Toast, the Tai O Lookout Fried Rice and the Mountain Begonia Egg Waffle!

Tai O Lookout, 14 Shek Tsai Po St, Lantau Island | +852 2985 8383

What to drink in Tai O?

NAK Kafé

For a cafe vibe in the middle of this historic village, check out Nak Cafe. It is known for the best coffee in the area, and people rave about their espresso tonic. In addition to serving classics like eggs benedict and affogatos, you can also find some locally inspired bites such as the truffle prawn toast. Plus the staff, especially Kevin, are super friendly and welcoming. And it’s dog friendly!

NAK Kafé, 20 Tai O Wing On St, Tai O | +852 2368 8030

Tai O Tea Shop

Also on the waterfront, you can find a traditional Chinese Tea shop, that offers you insight into the tea culture of Tai O and Hong Kong. Enjoy classics from lemon tea to tea eggs to plum juice.

Tai O Tea Shop,111 Shek Tsai Po St, Tai O | +852 9086 7738

Tai O Banyan Tree café

Closed Tuesday to Thursday, this is still one of the favourites for a coffee date. You can expect great pasta, speciality cakes, and of course, coffee alongside scenic views of the village. They also have a lifestyle store section that sells unique souvenirs. P.S. This was featured on the Netflix Series, Restaurants on the Edge! 

Tai O Banyan Tree, G/F, 68 Kat Hing Street, Tai O | +852 6999 8213

Solo Café

For a prime dragon boat parade viewing location, and of course a great view in general, Solo is a great spot to relax after a long day site seeing. They offer a great speciality coffee or if you’re looking for something cold, they also have an ice drop coffee. Also included are light bites and homemade desserts such as cheesecake, tiramisu, and a serradura (biscuit mousse)

Solo Café, G/F, 86-88 Kat Hing Street, Tai O | +852 9153 7453

Where to shop in Tai O?

Tai O Market

It is not a store but you can find some great knick-knacks and souvenirs as you explore Tai O Street Market. The delicacies of course include shrimp paste and salted fish, alongside other dried seafood but you can also find things like jewellery, lanterns, bamboo hats, and fans.

Tai O Market Street, Shek Tsai Po St, Tai O

Global Tribe aka EARTH.er

Hidden in the depths of the fishing village is a funky little shop selling sustainably made goods sourced from around Asia. It has a number of items such as bags, shoes, clothing, and accessories all made locally using traditional Asian craft techniques. The interior is also super cool, shabby chic so it’s definitely worth a visit. Earth.er, 83 Kat Hing Street, Tai O, Hong Kong

FAQ about Tai O

Header image credits: Millevache via WikiCommons

How to get to Tai Hang?

Tai Hang is well served by public transport. Located a stone’s throw away from Tin Hau MTR station, hop on the Island Line and use exit A2 upon leaving. A 10-minute walk from the station, go along Causeway Road before turning left, just past Queen’s College, down Fire Dragon Path. Alternatively, ride one of the many buses that stop at Tin Hau Public Transport Interchange (next to the MTR station) or take a tram and get off at Victoria Park (Westbound) or Hing Fat Street (Eastbound).

What to do in Tai Hang?

Be mesmerised by the “Fire Dragon Dance”

Held yearly during Mid-Autumn Festival, this is a not-to-be-missed spectacle of fire, light, dance, and sound. Led by a 300-person strong team of Tai Hang residents past and present, the star of the three-day parade is a magnificent 67-metre-long dragon lit up by incense sticks. Legend has it that this dance became a yearly ritual after it miraculously warded off a plague in the 19th century. If crowds are not your thing, immerse yourself in this piece of cultural heritage by visiting the Fire Dragon Heritage Centre, a 3-storey Grade III listed building, located on School Street.

Fire Dragon Heritage Centre, 12 School Street, Tai Hang | +852 3513 7772

Browse contemporary art at The Shophouse

Hong Kong’s contemporary art scene has been abuzz lately with the recent opening of M+. Less known is this hip art space that showcases modern exhibitions curated from home-grown and overseas artists. Steeped in architectural history, The Shophouse is a restored Grade III listed pre-war Tong Lau boasting 4000 square feet of gallery space spread across different floors and themed rooms. Whilst perusing the art within its walls, do also spare a moment to admire the “Shanghai plaster” facade and the wrought iron that frames each window from the outside. 

The Shophouse, 4 Second Lane, Tai Hang | info@theshophouse.hk (by appointment only)

Get your fortune read at Lin Fa Temple

Tucked away on the edge of Tai Hang is a beautiful temple dedicated to the goddess of mercy, Kwum Yum. This temple which translates as “Temple of Lotus” has a unique semi-octagonal facade adorned by wooden windows with intricate carvings. Visitors flock to this popular site to marvel at the murals of Phoenixes and flying dragons on the inside of the roof and whilst there why not take a glimpse into your future with a Chinese Fortune Teller reading. 

Lin Ka Fung Temple, Lily Street, Tai Hang | +852 2578 2552

Admire Chinese Renaissance architecture at Haw Par Mansion

This mansion and its surrounding gardens, remembered fondly as Tiger Balm Gardens, once housed Hong Kong’s first amusement park. Whilst the majority of the land has now been redeveloped, the mansion remains and is now home to Haw Par Music, a social initiative aimed to promote music, heritage, and art in the community. Visit this Grade I listed building to admire the unique architecture and vintage furniture or take a walk in the private garden and spot some tiger figurines from days past. 

Haw Par Music, 15A Tai Hang Road, Tai Hang | +852 3165 1212

Learn a new skill

If doing is more your thing, become a candy master at Papabubble. Book into either their rock candy or lollipop workshop and learn the art of combining 5 simple ingredients – water, sugar, glucose, colour, and flavour – into customised colourful little sweet bites. Another fun thing to try your hands at is the floral workshops and flower jamming classes available at van der Bloom LAB located in Little Tai Hang. 

Papabubble, 34 Tung Lo Wan Road, Tai Hang | +852 2367 4807

van der Bloom LAB (by appointment only), 1/F, Little Tai Hang, The Garden House, 15A Lin Ka Fung Street East, Tai Hang | + 852 6513 5723

What to eat in Tai Hang

Bing Kee

A foodie heaven, there is no shortage of restaurants serving a plethora of cuisines in Tai Hang. On a stroll around the neighbourhood you won’t be amiss to see people enjoying Hong Kong classics on plastic stools and foldaway tables at Cha Dongs such as Bing Gee, located next to upscale restaurants serving modern plates of food.

Bing Kee, +852 5619 9369, 5 Shepherd Street, Tai Hang

Chin Jor Fan Tong

If you are in the mood for comfort food, head to Chin Jor Fan Tong. Recognisable from the outside by its traditional wooden shophouse doors and kitsch neon lighting, at this noodle house you can create your own bowl of noodles by choosing the broth, spiciness level, type of noodles, and toppings. 

Chin Jor Fan Tong, +852 5118 1869, 39 Sun Chun Street, Tai Hang

Elementary

For a more sophisticated dining experience, Elementary does not disappoint with its friendly service and contemporary sharing dishes that fuses Asian, European, and Middle Eastern flavours. Plan your visit to coincide with one of their themed weekday dining nights and enjoy $10 oysters on Wednesdays and 2-for-1 steaks on Tuesdays. 

Elementary, +852 2362 2812, 15-16 School Street, Tai Hang

Sushi Shin

Also worth a mention is the exquisite plates of sushi and sashimi at Sushi Shin. The food at this highly revered restaurant is always fresh and the vibe is reminiscent of Tokyo with minimalist wooden decor and a sushi counter. 

Sushi Shin, +852 2398 8000, Shop 1-2, G/F Wing Hing Court, 110-114 Tung Lo Wan Road, Causeway Bay

If your visit to Tai Hang doesn’t allow you time to dine in, take-away delicious sweet treats from Artisanal bakery Plumcot (G/F, 10A Sun Chun St, Tai Hang), or try one of the interesting cookie flavour combinations at Cookie Vission (Shop D, 6 Wun Sha St, Tai Hang).

What to drink in Tai Hang

Fineprint

From lattes to fancy cocktails, you won’t go thirsty in Tai Hang! This little neighbourhood has fully embraced cafe culture with independent coffee shops that serve freshly roasted coffee dotted along its streets. Whilst you cannot really go wrong, Aussie-inspired Fineprint is worth a mention. Located along Lily Street, watch the world go by whilst sipping some of the best coffee in Hong Kong. If coffee is not your thing, try their famous masala chai which is a delicate blend of sweet spices to provide a perfect balance of warming notes to your black tea.

Fineprint, +852 5503 6880, 1 Lily Street, Tai Hang

Buddy Bar & Cafe

For something stronger, grab a drink at Buddy Bar & Cafe. Favoured by local residents, this street corner hangout is always bustling with people catching up with friends or having drinks after a hard day’s work. With its selection of craft beer in addition to the standard bar offering, this intimate spot has a loyal following of regulars who keep coming back for friendly service and laid-back vibes. 

Buddy Bar & Cafe, +852 2882 9780, G/F, 22 School Street, Tai Hang

Maka Hiki

Another watering hole worth a visit is Maka Hiki, located on the second floor of the Little Tai Hang. Step into this tropical-inspired hangout and be transported to an island paradise where you can sip on classic cocktails such as Pina Colada or if brave, try one of their interesting sounding signatures such as Bikini Girl which is a delicious blend of tequila, lychee, cucumber, rose water and cranberry. With a cosy roof terrace, this spot is perfect for a sundowner. 

Maka Hiki, +852 2155 1777, 2/F Little Tai Hang, The Corner House, 98 Tung Lo Wan Road, Tai Hang

Where to shop in Tai Hang

Fashionistas should make a beeline for One Of A Kind (9A Sun Chun Street, Tai Hang), a boutique selling fashion-forward sustainable jewellery at affordable prices. Stop by and check out their Crystal & Enamel collection, as seen at Lane Crawford, a playful and fun collection of sparking crystal encased in bright neon accents that is perfect for layering or wearing on its own. 

Step into The Plant of Devil (4 Sun Chun Street, Tai Hang) and you could mistake it for a gallery with its chic grey stone floors and contemporary art. This shop specialises in exotic caudex plants that come in all kinds of weird and wonderful shapes. These plants are distinctive for their swollen roots and would add an interesting touch of nature to any home.

If browsing is more your thing, spend some time at Moon of Silence (36 Sun Chun Street, Tai Hang) where each item is specially curated to tell a story. From incense sticks to Japanese ornaments and vintage crystal glassware, this shop is home to an eclectic mix of interesting finds. Proudly Hong Kong, many local items such as handcrafted Conspiracy chocolate and Hong Kong Distillery toiletries can be sourced there. Another couple of treasure troves for one-of-a-kind vintage finds worth visiting are Kanamoto Hardware (G/F, 30B Wun Sha Street, Tai Hang) and The Minimal (38 Sun Chun Street, Tai Hang).

Header image credits: gionnixxx via Canva

What to know about Kennedy Town

Kennedy Town is located at the western end of Hong Kong Island, and like the Sai Ying Pun and HKU area, was mostly residential until the expansion of the MTR line in 2014. Since then, not only has it become a hot residential spot for both expats and locals, it has also seen a boatload of new openings of restaurants, bars and cafés, adding to the laid-back yet thriving social and dining scene. K-town also still retains its industrial and residential origins and you can often find hidden spots for your creative endeavours, as well as wholesale markets, adding to its charm.

Reaching Kennedy Town is easy, as it is the final, westernmost stop on the blue Island line, and it is also accessible via other modes. You can just hop on a westbound tram and get off at the end or take any of the many buses, both mini and double dekcer, that go that way.

What to do in Kennedy Town?

Belcher Bay Harbourfront

Since the MTR expanded in K-town, there has been a development in the area including the Belcher Bay Harbourfront. This 5,900 square metre area offers uninterrupted panoramic views of the Victoria Harbour and is particularly spectacular during sunsets. You can often find people exercising – running, doing yoga, or tai chi, as well as children playing on the adaptable playground. It is also dog-friendly in areas, inviting both K-town residents as well as visitors to Kennedy Town to enjoy evening play time!

Belcher Bay Promenade, from Smithfield on the west to Sai Cheung St N on the east)

Lo Pan Temple

If you are looking to explore some history and culture, Kennedy Town has that too! It is home to a historical monument and Grade I historic building. Lo Pan Temple is dedicated to Lo Pan, a Chinese carpenter and engineer in 770 to 476 BCE who was deified as a god. The temple was built by the Contractors Guild in 1884 and has an unusual jagged roof, ceramic and clay figures, and a record number of paintings on the walls.

Lo Pan Temple (15 Ching Lin Terrace)

Smithfield Market and Cooked Food Centre

Wet markets are always our favourite for fresh fruit and fish and Smithfield Municipal Services Building even has a cooked food centre, or food court! Our local recommendations include 雞煲, a favourite for spicy chicken hot pot often served with everything from noodles to tofu to vegetables. Another unmissable spot, because when you make the trip to Kennedy Town you need to make the most of it, is Cheuk Kee Congee, known as one of the best congee restaurants in Hong Kong. Be sure to grab your yau zha gwai (fried dough sticks)!

Smithfield Market and Cooked Food Centre (12K Smithfield, Kennedy Town)

Volunteer at Hong Kong Dog Rescue

If you’re looking for somewhere to volunteer when you’re visiting Kennedy Town, Hong Kong Dog Rescue is one of the oldest animal rescue in Hong Kong, founded in 2003. It has had multiple locations across Hong Kong but has recently moved its small dog and puppy homing centre to Kennedy Town. They need you to be above 18 years of age and undergo training before you can walk the dogs, but it is a great way for those who are looking for ways to volunteer and are missing puppy cuddles.

Hong Kong Dog Rescue (Shop 4, G/F, Brilliant Court, Sai Hong Lane, No.28 Praya, Kennedy Town)

Play board games at Wheat and Wood

One of the hidden gems of the area is the board game café Wheat and Wood. It is the perfect thing to do in Kennedy Town to wind down. Grab a bunch of friends that are all bored of hikes, beaches, and LKF, and whether it’s Settlers of Catan or Ticket to Ride, bring out your competitive side and have a awesome afternoon of games starting at HK$100 per person, with nachos and cold brews on the side.

Wheat and Wood (Shop 6, G/F, Brilliant Court, 28 Praya, Kennedy Town)

What to eat in Kennedy Town

11 Westside

If you are looking for authentic, delicious Mexican food, 11 Westside is a must-try restaurant in Kennedy Town. They are famous for their guac, which is made tableside as per your taste, but don’t miss out on their tacos, especially the mango shrimp and al pastor which both combine tangy, sweet, and savoury flavours impeccably. P.S. get 50% off of tacos on Taco Tuesdays!

11 Westside (1/F, The Hudson, 11 Davis St, Kennedy Town)

Timur

We love momos, the Nepalese take on the beloved dumpling, and Timur has some of the most reasonably priced and delicious ones we’ve found in Hong Kong. And be sure to ask for their red sauce – it’s hot, but it’s worth it! Not only is the food amazing, the people running it are also great, so definitely check out this hole in the wall restaurant which offers a range of Nepalese and Indian food in Kennedy Town.

Timur (Shop B1, 25-33 Hau Wo St, Kennedy Town)

Aziza

This family-run Egyptian restaurant (which also has a location in Sai Ying Pun) is the go-to for authentic Middle Eastern cuisine in Hong Kong. You can sample the iconic dishes such as hummus and babaganoush (eggplant dip) along with their shawarmas and skewers. But our favourites are the side dishes – the pita bread and homemade couscous – oh-so-warm and fluffy! And do leave space for dessert because there is nothing quite like a baklava to end a meal.

Aziza (Shop D, 28 Hau Wo St, Kennedy Town)

Breeze Bistro

For stunning views of the Kennedy Town waterfront while enjoying a fresh Mediterranean meal, check out the newly opened Breeze Bistro. Whether it’s morning coffee, an after-work drink or a romantic dinner, the restaurant has a wonderful vibe that transports you to Greece. They use the freshest ingredients to make a delicious beef tartare, whole grilled seabass, and spinach and ricotta ravioli. It’s also pet-friendly!

Breeze Bistro (G/F, May Sun Building, 7-8 New Praya, Kennedy Town)

What to drink in Kennedy Town?

Winston’s Coffee

Almost synonymous with Kennedy Town, this coffee shop/bar is a hotspot in Kennedy Town for both your morning brew as well as your late night booze. The best of both worlds! Their espresso martini is to die for, but we keep returning for their friendly baristas, fun events, and sense of community.

Winston’s Coffee (Shop 8, The Hudson, 11 Davis St, Kennedy Town)

Missy Ho’s

Behind a hidden door you will find Missy Ho’s, an eclectic, funky Asian fusion bar and restaurant. Think birdcages, Japanese graffiti and superheroes. It claims that it is a bar quite like no other, with drinks, especially cocktails, that are both familiar and different enough to be exciting. Try their Saketini or Matcha 48, and you’ll have to agree. Also, this is the only spot in Kennedy Town that does shisha!

Missy Ho’s (Shop G9, G/F, Sincere Western House, 48 Forbes St, Kennedy Town)

Lex Coffee

For an Instagram-perfect coffee date, Lex Coffee is the destination in Kennedy Town. Not only does it offer specialty coffee and healthy cuisine, they also display and sell affordable artworks. But really, you’re there for their artsy print coffee, which prints famous artworks like Van Gogh’s Starry Night onto your coffee. Or if you are an experience person, record yourself drinking the sparkle coffee ball.

Lex Coffee (100 Belcher’s St, Kennedy Town)

GRAIN Gastropub & Brewlab

Having taken over the space from Little Creatures, GRAIN is a collaboration with Gweilo Brewlab that gives craft beer afficionados access to the newly developed brews before they are released, and even tests experimental beers with diners. With flights and new concoctions to choose from, it’s a beer lover’s paradise. There are options for non-beer drinkers too, such as the Gweilo Watermelon Dragon Fruit Chilli Imperial Gose. Pair these with food inspired by and made with beer ingredients.

GRAIN (Shop 1, New Fortune House, 3-5 New Praya, Kennedy Town)

The Wilshire Bar (temporarily closed)

Another activity is finding hidden hotspot The Wilshire Bar. Hidden inside 11 Westside is a speakeasy by Daniel Eun and Jon Chan. They keep things simple with a menu of just 5 classic cocktails that they rotate regularly and add their own twists to. You will be delighted and surprised each time.

The Wilshire Bar (Inside 11 Westside, 1/F, The Hudson, 11 Davis St, Kennedy Town)

Where to shop in Kennedy Town?

Slowood

One of the original sustainable stores in Hong Kong, Slowood has made its mark in being plastic-free and zero-waste while still providing a range of great grocery products. The Kennedy Town location is one of the bigger ones, where you can buy everything from cleaning supplies, to natural skincare to organic food ingredients. Bring your own containers to reduce plastic waste, and you save an extra 5%!

Slowood (Shop 1-3, G/F, The Hudson, 11 Davis St, Kennedy Town)

The Tramline Liquor Co.

If you are looking for specialty beers, spirits or wines, look no further than The Tramline Liquor Co. in Kennedy Town. Founded by brothers Adam and Mark Brough, they stock a local and international selections including best-sellers such as Yukon Brewing Raspberry & Basil Spiked Seltzer, Brookies gin and tonic, and Bomber Outspoken IPA.

Tramline Liquor Co. (78 Catchick St, Sai Wan)

Shing Fat Coconut & Spices

This Hong Kong establishment has been around since the 50s, first in their original Wan Chai neighbourhood before relocating to Kennedy Town in 2017. It is a one-stop-shop for anything coconut-related including fresh coconut whole, grated, milk or water. It even stocks a number of spices for reasonable prices that can transform your cooking.

Shing Fat Coconut & Spices (G/F, 48-49 Praya, Kennedy Town)

FAQ about Kennedy Town

Header image credits: The HK HUB

Three reasons to live in Discovery Bay

Here’s the lowdown on the Islands District’s largest suburban haven:

• DB is a self-contained resort-style residential development community spread over 649 hectares. It is located on the scenic northeast coast of Lantau Island and boasts sweeping views of neighbouring Peng Chau Island and Hong Kong Disneyland, as well as Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and Lamma Island.
• It is home to a truly international community comprising over 20,000 residents from more than 50 countries.
• Residents have access to two plazas, two premium clubhouses, an oceanfront alfresco dining hotspot and several early childhood, primary and secondary education institutions. In addition, there is a 27-hole golf course and a world-class yacht club.

Things to do in Discovery Bay

DB is part of an extensive network of scenic hiking trails – starting with the walk up to Discovery Bay Lookout Point, to the various trails to Mui Wo (via Trappist Monastery and Tiger’s Head) and Tung Chung (via Tiger’s Head). The neighbourhood’s broad sidestreets are perfect for biking and skateboarding. There is also a private beach with a playground, where you can kayak, paddle board and watch dragon boat races, not to mention a park where you can picnic and play sports, and several playgrounds. If the indoors are more your thing, there is a large indoor playground, a mall and DB Ice Rink, Hong Kong’s newest international-standard ice skating rink, which opened in May.

DB residents also have easy access to some of the other attractions on Lantau Island, such as Hong Kong Disneyland and Inspiration Lake, the Ngong Ping 360 cable car, the Big Buddha, Po Lin Monastery, Citygate Outlets in Tung Chung, and Peng Chau Island.

Transportation

DB residents are not allowed to have their own vehicles, and taxis are prohibited from entering the neighbourhood. Instead, there is a local hire car (taxi service) and an internal bus service to transport residents around the area and to/from the ferry. Some residents use golf carts to get around, especially if they live further away from North or South Plazas.

The neighbourhood is well-serviced by regular buses that operate to the Sunny Bay MTR station, Tung Chung and HK International Airport. There is a high-speed ferry service that connects residents to Central within 25 minutes, as well as an overnight bus.

Housing

The biggest draw of DB is its low-density housing with a wide selection of high-rise, low-rise and detached houses, most of which have spectacular sea views. European-style designs, duplexes and gardens make DB a sought-after choice. Rents differ based on the number of bedrooms and location. If, for instance, you want to live in a two-bedroom apartment near the South Plaza and, consequently, the ferry pier and main bus terminus, the average minimum rent is $18,000. Those who prefer the quieter North Plaza area – which has a taxi stand and direct buses to Sunny Bay – will pay anything upwards of $22,000. Some of the newer apartment complexes in North DB come with private swimming pools. Many residents who don’t live near either of these hubs own or rent golf buggies – the going rate for which is $8,000 per month.

Shopping

DB has an eclectic range of shops in its two plazas and newly opened mall, which adequately meet the day-to-day needs of its residents. The two major supermarkets are Fusion and Market Place, and there are specialty stores like European Touch, POLISHFOOD.HK, Star Mart and Slowood. There are also well-known outlets such as Wing On, JHC, Watson’s Wine, 7-11 and Watsons. In addition, there are regular shopping events, such as the Sunday Market and Plant Market, as well as summer specials, Easter Egg Hunts, and a Christmas market.

Coffee shops

Coffee is the non-alcoholic recreational drink of choice in DB, which is evident in the area’s numerous cafés. There’s local favourite Uncle Russ, Caffe Pascucci and The Coffee Academics, and big names like Starbucks and Pacific Coffee.

Eating and drinking

Restaurants and takeaway establishments in DB can be found in three areas. D’Deck is in the main plaza close to the ferry pier and features a diverse array of alfresco restaurants overlooking Tai Pak Bay. There are more restaurants in DB North Plaza and DB Mall. The cuisines on offer include Chinese, Mexican, Thai, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, Italian, Indian, Mexican, Turkish and Vietnamese. Here are our top 10 dining picks.

Koh Tomyums: An award-winning restaurant serving authentic Thai fare in a relaxed indoor and outdoor setting with panoramic views of the beach and bay.

Peony: Located in the Discovery Bay Recreation Club, members and non-members can enjoy authentic Chinese cuisine, including dim sum and Cantonese delicacies.

Zaks: The main draws of the largest restaurant in DB are the family-friendly alfresco atmosphere, extensive menu that has everything from Asian flavours to fresh seafood, and a drinks list featuring tropical cocktails.

MooFish by Zaks: This relatively new addition to the DB culinary landscape, located just above Zaks, specializes in quality surf and turf cooked to perfection and served by attentive wait staff.

McSorley’s Ale House: A pub grub fave featuring everything from Indian curries to traditional fish and chips. The drinks list is extensive, but the popular picks are the beers, which include draught Guinness and craft beer.

Il Bel Paese: This popular DB dining destination has three sections: a restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating, a specialty grocer’s, and a gelataria.

22 North: Diners who frequent this brasserie are fans of their fresh seafood, poultry and steak from Australia, France and the US. The stunning views of the beach and promenade don’t hurt either.

Hemingway’s: This oceanfront bar and restaurant is popular for its all-vegan menu (with everything from rendang to quesadillas) and live music on weekends.

Viet Bu Tong Kitchen & Bar: DB residents with a hankering for pho or banh mi now have a restaurant where they can sample Vietnamese food, along with Western fare.

Solera Restaurant and Bar: This Mediterranean-inspired restaurant has an outdoor terrace area where you can sip on sangrias, nibble on tapas, and sample a variety of Spanish dishes from its comprehensive menu.

There are also more budget-friendly options like McDonald’s, Subway, Paisano’s Pizzeria, and Ebeneezer’s Kebabs and Pizzeria, as well as takeaway joints like Sushi No En, Tasty House and Osman Bey Turkish Food.

Medical, dental and veterinary services

Discovery Bay has two medical practices, a children’s therapy centre, two dental clinics and a veterinarian clinic.

Medical practices

Island Health: General practice.

Quality Healthcare Medical Centre: Physical check-up centre.

SPOT Children’s Therapy Centre: Assessment, support and therapy for children with medical or developmental needs.

Dental clinics

Health and Care Dental Clinic: General dentistry, cosmetic treatments and specialist dentistry.

Bayside Dental Practice: Dental clinic for adults and children.

Pet medical centres

Island Veterinarian Services: Vet and grooming services.

Schools in Discovery Bay

Since DB is favoured for family living, there are several quality education options, including playgroups, pre-schools, primary and secondary schools.

Playgroups

Funfit: This playgroup, located in the spacious Club Siena, has active learning programmes for children aged 6 months to 3 years, as well as accompanied and drop-off classes for children aged 2.5-4 years.

Kidznjoy: The Discovery Bay branch of this Hong Kong-wide playgroup offers play-based accompanied classes for newborns and for children up to the age of 3.

Little Gems: This Reggio Emilia-inspired playgroup offers accompanied classes for children aged 12-18 months and over, and drop-off classes for children aged 2-5 years.

Mandarin Time: This Mandarin playgroup held at Epicland has classes for kids aged 1.5-3 years and 3-4 years. The classes include approximately an hour of Mandarin time and another hour of free play at Epicland.

Tree of Joy: Located in the new DB Mall, this international play centre follows a Reggio Emilia-inspired programme for children up to 5 years old.

Woodentots: A Montessori playgroup catering to children aged 18 months to 3 years (toddler class), and 2.5-6 years (pre-school class).

Sunshine House: A playgroup-to-preschool campus in North DB that follows the British Curriculum and Early Years Foundation Stage, and has a Mandarin bilingual option.

Pre-schools and kindergartens

Bayview House of Children: This learning centre is based on the Montessori method and offers activity groups and primary school preparatory classes for children aged 12 months to 6 years.

Discovery Mind: This educational organisation offers playgroup, pre-nursery and kindergarten classes with a curriculum based on the National Curriculum of England, with a strong emphasis on Mandarin.

Discovery Montessori School: Discovery Montessori School is an international pre-school that offers a bilingual curriculum (English and Mandarin) for children aged 1-6 years.

Primary schools

Discovery Montessori Academy: This school is the first IB PYP Montessori Primary School in Asia and has a bilingual curriculum for children aged 3-12 years.

La Petite Enfance: A registered kindergarten following a French curriculum for children who plan to continue their studies in French, which has English and Mandarin as options.

L’Ecole Pierre at Marie Curie Education Centre: This French primary school also offers English and Mandarin classes.

SKH Wei Lun Primary School: A government-subsidised Chinese-language primary school with classes from P1 through to P5.

Secondary schools

Discovery Bay International School (DBIS): This was the first international school in Discovery Bay and follows the British Curriculum. The Primary and Secondary School campus caters for students from Year 1 to Year 11. It operates a kindergarten on a separate campus for Nursery and Reception children (3-5 years).

Discovery College: Discovery College is a private independent school offering an English-language International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum. It offers a Primary Years Programme (PYP) for children aged 3-12, a Middle Years Programme (MYP) for children aged 11-16 and an IB Diploma Programme (DP) for students aged 16-19, among others.

HKILA: An international school that provides inclusionary ‘stage-not-age’ education, based on the latest UK National Curriculum objectives, and caters to Year 1-9 students.

Fitness, sports and dance

Discovery Bay has two members clubs, a golf club and a yacht club. There are also several indoor and outdoor fitness and sports clubs, as well as dance classes and personal trainers.

Clubs

Discovery Bay Recreation Club (DBRC) and Club Siena: These members’ clubs have several sporting facilities, such as tennis, squash and basketball courts, cricket nets, swimming pools, ten-pin bowling lanes, table tennis, snooker tables and a climbing wall. Both clubs also have table tennis, Wing Chun, gymnastics and tennis classes for children and adults.

Discovery Bay Golf Club: Houses a 27-hole golf course, a swimming pool and mahjong rooms.

Lantau Yacht Club: A world-class yacht club that also gives members access to the DBRC, Club Siena and golf club.

Fitness clubs

Capoeira: Classes for adults and children.

Embody: Pilates and yoga studio.

Kapuhala: Group training, spin studio, personal training and pre-teen fitness classes.

The Beat: Group fitness classes, pilates and yoga, kids’ fitness, dance and personal training.

Sports clubs

Auskick: Australian Rules football for kids aged 4-16.

DB Smashers Cricket Club: Cricket skill development for children aged 6-14 years.

DB Angels FC: Football team for girls aged 6-14 years.

The Bike Hub: Mountain bike training courses for adults and kids.

Hong Kong Dragons: Boys’ (U4-U14) and girls’ football (U7-U14) teams.

Discovery Bay Pirates: Rugby, netball, dragon boat and hockey teams across various age groups.

Discovery Bay Tigers: The only baseball club in DB for kids aged 5-16.

Dbees Ice Hockey: Instruction and games for children aged 5 and up.

DB Ice Skating School: Figure skating and ice hockey programs for beginners and advanced skaters of all ages.

Harry Wright International: Weekly swimming classes held at Club Siena.

Rolling Kids: Skateboarding classes for anyone aged 3 years and older.

Dance clubs

DBRC and Club Siena offer members and non-members various dance classes for kids and adults. Some of the other classes on offer include:

DMR School of Ballet: Dance studio for children located at 3 venues in DB: Sunshine House, Studio 430 and Discovery College.

HK Bollywood Divas: Bollywood dance classes for all ages.

Personal trainers

Katia Morisette: An NASM-certified and PTA Global personal trainer.

Kristen Handford: A certified pre- and post-natal coach who combines elements of strength and conditioning, TRX and cardio.

Treece Fitness: Personal training, boot camps, TRX and more.

Beauty and pampering

What’s resort living without getting a pampering session every now and then? Here are some of the most popular options in DB:

Afflatus Hair Workshop: Hair salon for men, women and children.

Dream Nail: Manicure and pedicure services, including shellac.

Haircut Corner: Children’s haircuts and luxury treatments for adults.

Nest Care: Beauty and wellness centre offering facials, massages and nail services.

Spa Botanica: Spa service at Auberge Discovery Bay hotel.

Header image credits: CBulgarna

Ship Street, starting on Johnston Road and crossing Queen’s Road East, has no shortage of diverse spots for drinking and dining. It’s been made famous by the tapas restaurant 22 Ships, which features some of Hong Kong’s most innovative and delicious tapas. From the same stable of restaurants (that also includes 208 Duecento Otto and Duddell’s), is Ham and Sherry. With celebrity chef Jason Atherton at the helm, Ham and Sherry, as its name suggests, serves 50 delicious sherries, classic tapas with a twist and aged hams from around Spain.

After exiting Ham and Sherry, look for a hidden door located in the adjacent alleyway for some fabulous cocktails in their ‘moody yet buzzy’ speakeasy, Back Bar. It’s also great for late night bites and who doesn’t love the thrill of finding a secret door with plenty of booze behind it?

Mr Brown, a recent addition to Ship Street, gets its name from the southern slang for the dark, smoky outside part of barbecued pork shoulder – that should give you an idea of what kind of place this is. Expect choice cuts of meat and fresh fish expertly smoked, roasted and grilled. Sides aren’t too shabby either, like baked potatoes covered with confit garlic, dill and sour cream. The charred theme carries over to dessert, with burnt cheesecake, or smoked and grilled fruit served with buttermilk cream.

On the upper side of Ship street, Three Blind Mice is a good bet for casual, filling food in an equally casual atmosphere. We especially like the themed nights when we get a hankering for a Beef Wellington (every Wednesday from 5pm until close) and a traditional Sunday Roast (every Sunday from 12 pm until close). Come for a fun and festive Christmas dinner, when they do a free flow feast with all the things you miss from back home – roast turkey, cranberry sauce, sticky toffee pudding – plus 2.5 hours of unlimited booze.

‘Demon Chef’ Alvin Leung, whose Bo Innovation changed the local Chinese food scene, has also given us innovative Korean dining with Bib n Hops. With two Wan Chai locations, Ship Street and Brim 28, people come here for the much-talked about Seoul-style street food. The kimchi rice ball with bacon, seaweed and mozzarella goes well with a cold Hite, or pair some Iberico ham tater tots (deep-fried mung bean hash browns) with a ‘Labuyo’ cocktail – chili infused vodka, Korean mandarin juice, and cranberry juice. Obviously, there’s bibimbap on the menu, but it comes in some refreshingly new renditions like bulgogi beef and and soft shell crab.

In the same building as Bib n Hops’ Ship Street location, the Michelin star-winning Bo Innovation, home to Leung’s ‘extreme Chinese cuisine’, can be found. The food is exquisite, unusual and visually stunning. It’s a must try particularly for a special occasion.

Johnston Road is home to the first Le Pain Quotidien outlet in Asia, housed in The Avenue. They’re big on bread, and are well known for their tartines (Belgian open-faced sandwiches) that are fresh and filling and covered in wonderful ingredients like beetroot hummus or avocado and smoked salmon. Their extensive menu also contains hot dishes, salads and an entire section devoted to eggs. Oh and then there’s the bakery, boasting to-die-for continental pastries – you have to try the Belgian speculoos biscuit if you’ve never had one.

Not too far from Le Pain Quotidien is Ophelia on Lee Tung Avenue. The gorgeous bar and performance venue, which has a ‘no shorts, flip flops, collarless or sleeveless shirts’ policy, is not for the quick-pint-and-chicken-wing crowd. The decor is stunningly intricate, with a dominant peacock theme (including real peacock feathers), copper and stainless steel motifs, and lush seating for taking in the exotic cocktails.

Along Lee Tung Avenue, Djapa combines two completely different cultures, Brazilian and Japanese, and it works really well. Billed as ‘Hong Kong’s first Nipo-Brasileiro restaurant and Japanese whisky bar’, the food is focused on the freshness of Japanese cuisine with Brazilian flavours.  The space is truly unique, not unlike an art gallery, with bold artwork by renowned artists from around the world. And if bright, colourful art doesn’t strike your fancy, than perhaps more than 300 types of exclusive Japanese whiskies, wines and sakes will.

Of course, a wander around the watering holes of Wan Chai would not be complete without a visit to Johnston Road stalwart The Pawn. Whether you just want a drink in a comfy leather chair, or are looking for an English-style boozy brunch then the Pawn has it all.

A street known for several of Hong Kong’s historical landmarks, Stone Nullah Lane is also home to some of our favourite local hot spots.

We’re a bit sad to see Stone Nullah Tavern leave the area, but in its place in the same spot is Fini’s, where we’ve had some great Italian when it was known as Linguini Fini (over in Central). They do the kind of New York-style pizza fired up in open oven that we love, and fresh pasta with homemade mozzarella. Bring the kids as there’s plenty of room – and good eats – to go around.

Samsen, is a casual affair of Thai street food brought to you by celebrated former Chachawan chef Adam Cliff and partner Bella Kong. It’s cosy (seats around 35), a bit noisy (lots of amiable chatter over loud slurping sounds), hard to get a seat at times (you’ll often see people queueing) but boy is it worth it. These will be some of the most tender, squishy noodles you’ve ever had and thankfully, the food comes to the table in record time.

Tai Lung Fung is still a local stand out. A throwback to Hong Kong’s cultural heritage, it mixes a laid-back local atmosphere and an interior reminiscent of Hong Kong in the 60s. It’s known for its long list of cocktails but also has a decent tap beer selection and light bites for snacking. Outside are some unfussy stools to park yourself on during the popular happy hour – best arrive early on the weekend as it gets packed inside and out.

Star Street Precinct is a charming area famed for its eclectic restaurants and burgeoning bar life.

A recent addition to the precinct, on Sun Street, is Roots, and we couldn’t wait to try it out as we were already fans of Stephanie Wong’s Hong Kong pop-ups. Wong left her nine-year banking career to be a chef, training in French cuisine, and now we can regularly enjoy her culinary gifts in Wan Chai. Plates are always beautifully presented with fresh ingredients delivering a novel take on homestyle Cantonese food.

Pici on St. Francis Yard, where pasta is freshly made daily by chef Andrea Viglione, is ideal for an inexpensive, satisfying lunch. This is no secret, so get there nice and early to score a table. Dinner is no exception, when diners come for the tagliolini with shaved black truffle and the ravioli, this variety stuffed with smoked salmon and mascarpone. Pretty much everything on the menu will make you happy, so wear loose trousers when you visit.

Nearby is the unassuming burger restaurant that likes to keep things local, Honbo. The veg that tops your patty is hydroponically grown nearby in Yuen Long, and their handcrafted potato milk buns are baked minutes away. Inside is small, with simple stools and tables, but the menu will instantly catch your eye. There’s the traditional patties (the beef is ground in-house daily), heaped with cheese, bacon, pickles, onions, depending on what you fancy, and vegans won’t be left out with an equally delicious vegan burger. But what sets them apart are the scallop and soft shell crab burgers, and the sweet potato fries, sliced nice and thick.

For those whose hearts yearn for Spanish tapas and a taste of Madrid, Plaza Mayor serves up bite-sized savories and full bodied vintages. The interior provides an authentic Spanish experience, with black and white tiled flooring and an open courtyard int he back. Pick up some cheeses or Iberico ham to take away, or a bottle from the good selection of wines.

Also on the Star Street Precinct, you will find Oolaa Petite offering very well-priced weekday set lunches, or why not just pop in for a coffee and cake pick-me-up?

Away from Oolaa Petite, Slim’s is the perfect place to have a relaxing evening with a selection of microbrews and ales. Tucked neatly into a narrow building beside the popular salon, NailMe, the New York diner-style setting creates an intimate atmosphere and allows you to watch as the chef prepares your food. It boasts some of Wan Chai’s best pub grub and the widest selection of beers in Hong Kong.

Down the street from Slim’s in a wee space along Wing Fung Street is Le Petit Saigon. It’s the ‘little brother’ to Le Garçon Saigon located next door, and there is no messing about when it comes to the menu: they serve banh mi thit. The delectable Vietnamese sandwich comes in four varieties – pork, chicken, fried tofu and pork meatball – and you can order potato gems and fries with spicy mayo to go along. But that’s it. Nice and simple, and utterly delicious, the soft baguettes are laden with cheese, fresh veg, chillies, mayonnaise and other good stuff.

With the popularity of the Star Street Precinct, it is no surprise that more and more restaurants are found hidden away in the most discreet places, particularly in the lesser known Moon Street.

The first of these tucked away treats is the Italian wine bar, Ciacoe. It features an impressive list of rare wines and free appetizers during happy hour and is a great destination for an after work drink or for a lazy Sunday afternoon relaxing with friends.

On a corner of Moon Street sits Ted’s Lookout, with its old cinema seats in front inviting you to have a sit down with what they do best – tacos and cocktails. They have fruity and strong concoctions to go with their fish, grilled tiger prawn, Mexican chorizo and, our favourite, beef carnitas tacos. Inside, the industrial decor of concrete and metal provides a laid-back ambience for nibbling on American-style bar eats, including some fully-loaded burgers.

We know there’s going to be some opposition to this opinion, as those who like their patties LIKE their patties, but The Butchers Club Burger serves probably the best burger in Hong Kong. We knew this within the first few bites. You will have to clamour for a seat during busy times at the small eatery on Landale Street, but it’s worth it. Even the chips alone stand out, fried to a perfect crisp in duck fat. Cans of Dr Pepper, A&W root beer and Cherry Coke to wash it all down are an added treat, or skip the fizz and go for a naughty shot of bourbon.

Amoy Street is a hidden gem lined with several great takeaway places, restaurants and bars. We were led there when we heard some of the best French-style rotisserie chicken this side of France is made at La Rotisserie. It is superb – succulent, moist and dripping with juices that trickle down to potatoes roasting in a pan below, making for some of the best roasted spuds we’ve ever tasted. It’s a good takeaway option (sadly there is no seating) for nights when you don’t feel like cooking for yourself, or an entire family.

Neighbours Tallore serves up takeaway artisan broths that are a far cry from your average tomato soup. Bringing a taste of Belgium to Hong Kong (tallore means “soup bowl” in Flemish), their rotating menu of soups of the day range from the familiar clam chowder to the more exotic Moroccan surf and turf stew. The soups come in three sizes and will fill you up with bread and toppings like grated cheese, and they also do lovely salads, baguettes and wraps.

The Roundhouse Chicken and Beer does fried chicken US southern-style, hand battered and served with hot biscuits drizzled with local honey. Corn on the cob and collard greens on the side add to the southern feel, and they have a decent selection of craft beer to help soak up the calories. With the loud music and laid-back vibe inside, this is definitely one for those nights when you want to kick back and forget the diet. Find more of Hong Kong’s best spots for craft beer in this post.

On the completely opposite end of the spectrum is the chic Mizunara: The Library. It’s not your typical Lockhart Road bar, that’s for sure, and they take their drinking seriously. From the moment you walk in you get the sense that you need a private membership to belong; you don’t, but they do require a $400 minimum spend per person and there is a smart dress code in place. Bartender/owner Masahiko Endo sets the classy mood with his impeccable white jacket and bow tie, serving up serious cocktails from a vast range of spirits on hand.

The Optimist is housed over three floors at 239 Hennessy Road, presenting a Northern Spanish experience miles away from Barcelona. The restaurant is Asador-inspired, with a focus on grilled prime cuts of meat, fresh fish and sharing dishes. Take your pick from daily steak or fish, sold by weight, and watch it prepared in front of you on traditional Asador-style grills. Get a Spanish-style gin and tonic at the street-level bar, perfect for checking out the Wan Chai scenery.

Up on the 30th floor of the same building housing The Optimist is Pirata for those wanting good, old-fashioned Italian cuisine. Nothing too fancy here, but all the pasta is made fresh and the dishes hit the spot. Chef Stefano Rossi serves up dishes he learned in his native Italy, including notable plates like pappardelle with beef cheek ragu. Weekend brunch at $298 per person (add $180 for free flow) offers an array of his other culinary talents, like “M.M.M. (My Mamma’s Meatballs)”, filling enough to be a dish on their own. Read our review of Pirata’s weekend brunch here.

Since we lost Krispy Kreme years ago (some of us have never gotten over it), we couldn’t keep our sweet teeth away from J.CO Donuts. They’ve already got some 300 outlets in Indonesia, Singapore, the Philippines and Malaysia, and (so far) three in Hong Kong, the first location setting up shop on Hennessy Road. Thank goodness for that, as we can get a cheap sugar fix for $16 a pop of fresh, fluffy donuts (or go for gold and get six for $90, or a dozen for $158).

Last but not least, Queen’s Road East has always been a popular strip for foodies, housing bakeries, coffee shops and eateries for all palates. At Japanese favourite Jan Jan Kushikatsu, get your fill of meat, vegetable and fish skewers and other light bites in a casual setting. The deep-fried goodness pairs nicely with their Japanese beer selection, or sake if you fancy.

Fans of spicy Sichuanese food, who know there’s more to it than Kung Pao chicken, best get themselves to Deng G. Chef Deng Huadong, highly regarded in China for his authentic yet creative Sichuan dishes, brings his noted skills and style to 147 Queen’s Road East. The venue, with touches of bamboo throughout in a nod to its roots, also has a dedicated baijiu bar, where you can sample the potent Chinese grain alcohol mixed into fruity cocktail mixtures, to numb the pain.

Queen’s Road East now has a Mana! and it’s a big one compared to their Central and Sheung Wan locations. The zero food waste restaurant/café boasts 1,600 square feet of space to peacefully enjoy organic, plant-based food (their signature flatbreads and soups are very good), or just chill with a coffee. Food can be taken to go, in compostable and biodegradable packaging, and water is always unlimited so you can fill your portable bottle too.

Two fantastic Japanese restaurants doing their own thing over at The Oakhill on Wood Road are Kaiseki Den by Saotome and Sushi Masataka.  Each is a prized experience, and you’ll be talking about the food for days afterwards. Kaiseki Den by Saotome – that would be Executive Chef Hiroyuki Saotome – is an exclusive one Michelin-starred Japanese restaurant specialising in kaiseki fare, the Kyoto tradition of enjoying multiple courses of haute cuisine. This is the pinnacle of fine dining, with intimate seating and impeccable plates. Every dish is meticulously prepared, like pieces of artwork that you almost feel bad devouring as they’re so beautiful. We recommend you savour the moment and put down the phone –don’t ruin it for yourself and other diners by going photo-happy.

Sushi Masataka is even more special, as, if you’re lucky, you will be among only eight other diners.  Japanese Executive Chef Masataka Fujiwara brings his omakase-style menu to the ‘most prestigious sushi bar in town’. Omakase is the Japanese way of letting the chef choose your order, and you will watch him turn high quality ingredients from various parts of Japan, like Wakayama white sea cockles or fresh salmon with roe, into remarkable creations while perched behind a fragrant cypress wood counter. How will you sit at an average restaurant table ever again?

There’ll surely be dozens more to add to this list in the coming months, so we’ll keep you posted. And when you’ve had a chance to put down the fork and knife (or chopsticks), let us know of any we should add to the list.

Nancy Matos is a lifestyle and culture writer from Vancouver, Canada currently based in Hong Kong and London.

What to Do

Tai Long Wan

Secluded and stunning, Tai Long Wan is off the beaten track for sure: after arriving in Sai Kung centre, you need to take a minibus, taxi or speedboat to get there, but there’s a reason why people make the trek. The 3 kilometer-wide bay on the east coast of the Sai Kung Peninsula is home to four equally gorgeous beaches – Tai Wan, Tung Wan, Sai Wan and Ham Tin Wan – and is a mecca for surfers (Tai Long Wan means “Big Wave Bay”). It’s an all around top choice for those wanting to really get away from it all.

TikiTiki Bowling Bar

Spend the day at the beach, and end it with a lively round of bowling! TikiTiki Bowling Bar makes for a fun and unique bowling experience with its bright Polynesian interior, lanes with bright lights and a visually engaging video wall. Head out to the restaurant area after for island-style food, cool tropical cocktails and live music.

4/F Centro, 1A Chui Tong Road, Sai Kung, New Territories; 2657 8488 or reservations@urban-ent.com

Astropark

Fancy a night of stargazing? Bet you don’t do that too often, so why not bring the family, or make it a romantic outing with a loved one. Astropark, located in Sai Kung’s High Island Reservoir is divided into three zones (for daytime visitors, casual users or amateur astronomers) with ancient and modern astronomical instruments to peruse. Guided tours are organized by the Hong Kong Space Museum or you can just drop by, as no reservation is needed. The best part: admission is free and it’s open 24 hours.

Sai Kung, New Territories; 2721 0226

Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park

This photo of Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park is courtesy of TripAdvisor

Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park is a sheltered bay in north Sai Kung covering an area of about 260 hectares, and it’s something to be seen. The marine park is one of four in Hong Kong, and the first to be designated (in July 1996), with more than 100 species of coral fish and 60 types of hard coral. Bring your snorkelling gear and see the remarkable sealife for yourself, kayak through the clear waters for a great view of the surrounds, or just sit by the serene bayside and chill.

Sai Kung, New Territories; 2708 8885 or mailbox@afcd.gov.hk

Splash Hong Kong 

The waters off Sai Kung are prime for water sports and diving, and Splash Hong Kong can help you out, whether you’re looking for a fun diving excursion or want to take a diving course. The award-winning, PADI Instructor Development Five Star Dive Center offers a range of diving services and courses, plus equipment sales and servicing.

58-72 Fuk Man Road, Sai Kung, New Territories; 2792 4495 or info@splashhk.com

Where to Eat

One-ThirtyOne

This is a dining experience you’ll be talking about for a while afterwards. One-ThirtyOne serves contemporary European cuisine in a picturesque 3-storey Mediterranean-style house, in one of the most beautiful parts of Sai Kung, Three Fathoms Cove. Sip some pre-dinner Champagne on the green grass out front and take in the pretty view, which sometimes can include yachts bringing guests in on the private dock, and even small helicopters landing on the lawn with eager diners.

131 Tseng Tau Village Shap Sze Heung, New Territories; 2791-2684 or onethirtyoneinhk@gmail.com

Sai Kung Sing Kee

This Michelin guide rated dining spot on the waterfront has an awesome view, with some of the freshest fish you can imagine: it’s caught straight from the water, then the masters whip up a memorable Cantonese meal for you to enjoy. Sai Kung Sing Kee is known for its abalone, carefully prepared a variety of ways (we like it deep-fried) and there’s plenty of space to take it all in, with 12 dining rooms spread over three floors.

39 Sai Kung Tai Street, Sai Kung,New Territories; 2791 9887 or singkee@rocketmail.com

The Conservatory

Quickly gaining a great reputation from locals and visitors alike, The Conservatory is a warm and laid-back dining experience. The restaurant, bar and café serves Mediterranean favourites like tapas (you must try the pesto chicken and parmesan risotto balls) and mezze perfect for sharing, plus good-sized gourmet salads and thin-crust pizzas when you want it all for yourself. Brunch is popular on weekends, so book ahead, and take it outside on the terrace on a sunny Sai Kung afternoon.

G/F, 26 Wan King Path, Sai Kung, New Territories; 2792 1105 or conservatory@enotecagroup.com

Little Cove Espresso

The baked goods and dessert here are so good, both in flavour and looks,  you’ll be regularly whipping out your phone for Insta posts. They are inventive – Earl Grey and Lemon Muffins, Coconut Panna Cotta with Buckwheat Granola, Chia, Banana and  Strawberry – and accommodate everyone as many are vegan, paleo, and free of gluten, refined sugar and dairy. There’s a lovely outdoor setting for enjoying a healthy breakfast, or a hearty lunch bowl, like the Middle Eastern Lamb Salad Bowl.

Sai Kung Town Villa Block A, Siu Yat Building Block A, Shop 1+2, G/F, Sai Kung Hoi Pong Square, Sai Kung, New Territories; 9572 8560 or info@littlecoveespresso.com

Honeymoon Dessert

A Sai Kung favourite for more than 20 years, this sweet spot brings locals in daily and attracts people from all over for its traditional Chinese desserts. Its known for Chinese dessert soups made with fresh fruit and coconut milk, and the fruit pancakes are also popular. Choose from mango or banana, or other more exotic picks like durian or yam.

10A-C Po Tung Rd, Sai Kung, New Territories; 2792 4991 or info@honeymoon-dessert.com

Where to Shop

The Bottle Shop

Beer lovers always on the hunt for an exotic import are frequent visitors to Sai Kung’s Bottle Shop. It offers a slew of the top craft beers in the world, and the friendly staff know their stuff if you need help deciphering one bottle from another. But it goes beyond beer, with quality spirits and wine, and you can pick up snacks and sweets by local businesses or imported brands.

G/F 114 Man Nin Street, Sai Kung, New Territories; 2791 1600 or shop@thebottleshop.hk

BeCandle

We’ve been fans of BeCandle ever since we came across the artisan candle shop. The candle scents are not too overpowering (we love the Cinnamon, Musk and Sandalwood) and are all made by hand in Sai Kung with high quality vegetal wax and premium fragrance oils. The minimalist glass jars look great in any room, or take a travel candle in a portable tin to brighten a stuffy hotel room.

8 Wang Street, Sai Kung, New Territories; 9839 1180 or info@becandle.com.hk

The Dutch

A wee taste of Holland in seaside Sai Kung, who would have thought? Dutch expats can get a taste of home and counter any gouda cravings, as the shop boasts a large selection of the popular cheese. The rest of us can happily partake in the world of Dutch cheeses, and the accommodating staff will help you pair each one with a carefully selected glass of wine or beer. Yes, you can come here to nibble and shop!

19 Hoi Pong Street, Sai Kung, New Territories; 2792 6179 or info@thedutch.hk

Le Magasin

For all things French, Le Magasin is a one-stop shop filled with genuine French products including a  nice selection of food, condiments, deli meats and sweet-smelling soap from Provence. And of course, there is cheese and wine – en entire wine cellar in fact stocked with reds, whites and rosés from around France, with a variety of organic wines.

12 Hoi Pong Street, Sai Kung, New Territories; 2791 or lemagasin21@gmail.com

25 cool things to do in Hong Kong!

Located in the thriving area of Sheung Wan, home to some of the hippest bars and restaurants in Hong Kong, the relaxed workspace that is theDesk Strand 50 is an urban oasis for budding entrepreneurs and businesses of all types and sizes. Featuring theDesk’s recognised minimalist design, the new location is minutes from the business hub of Central.

The 29,000 square-foot workspace housed over seven floors of the Sunlight REIT Strand 50 building offers communal areas, private offices, dedicated desks, and hotdesks. theDesk has transformed the bright space into a hub for creativity and productivity while providing a calm refuge focused on the needs of members to facilitate conversations and improve collaboration.

For moments when you need some fresh inspiration or simply to take pause, the spacious and inviting terrace provides some respite, and complimentary beverages are always on hand. When inspiration takes over and there’s no time for a meet-up at a local cafe, the expansive outdoor area serves as a hang-out for the entire building and the Sheung Wan community, one brimming with creative potential and opportunity.

Innovative Design and an Outstanding Location

The purposely minimalist environment empowers people to be more productive, connecting them to an inclusive community in a prime business area. The convenient location gives members access to resources, customers, and clients via its proximity to Central, while still retaining the unique charm of Sheung Wan’s culture and community. Just two minutes from Sheung Wan MTR, theDesk puts members where business meets pleasure, east meets west.

Flexible Options to Meet Your Needs

The brand-new co-working space has large, medium and small offices, plus meeting rooms and other essentials so people can discover and share ideas together. theDesk rethinks the traditional office, with flexible rental lengths to suit varying business needs, and attractive plans to help transform your workforce.

Well-equipped workspaces void of fancy interiors and lush furniture is part of the forward-thinking design that attracts members to theDesk. Bright yet serene, with plenty of space for moments when you think better on your own, or communal settings for inspiring brainstorming and networking, people thrive here.

Be a part of the theDesk’s Inclusive Community

More than a co-working space, theDesk is an inclusive community perfect for business connections, and a venue for people to connect, collaborate and create.

theDesk Strand 50 has an ongoing commitment to fostering community, and the latest space joins hands with its landlord, Sunlight REIT, to create a hub that brings together Sheung Wan’s business community. theDesk’s community partnership team, which is dedicated to connecting its members and neighbours, has already reached out to nearby businesses to create connections and develop some exclusive member benefits and discounts.

theDesk Helps Businesses to Thrive

Members are in touch with the latest co-working trends, relationships are nurtured and supported with advice and resources, and ideas flourish through different business events such as ‘Inspiring Thursday’. Several success stories have sprouted from theDesk, with CEOS, business leaders and solopreneurs making up the community. Your success story could be next at this urban oasis where opportunities are limitless.

Connect

theDesk Strand 50 
2/F, 50 Bonham Strand, Sheung Wan
+852 3892 2320
info@thedesk.com.hk

What I most love about Kennedy Town is being able to access the water. Sometimes, I forget that I live on an Island, but in Kennedy Town you’re never far from beautiful coastal views, and I take advantage of them daily.

A close second to the water access is the uber convenience that Kennedy Town offers.  Within 3-minutes walking of my front door, I can access dozens of restaurants, about a half dozen grocery stores and more doctors offices and banks than I hope I’ll ever need. But seriously, compared to the last place I lived, a village house up in Tai Po, Lam Tsuen right near the famous Hong Kong Wishing Tree, the convenience in K-Town is marvelous!

What do you wish you could change about your neighbourhood?

The one thing that is really lacking in Kennedy Town is a good cooked food market in the wet market. The one in Smithfield Market (K-Town’s wet market) offers all the usual things you’d find at a wet market, but I’ve never been impressed by the the cooked food stalls up on the second floor. Suffice it to say, Smithfield Market has a long way to go before it’ll hold a flame to the renowned Tai Po Cooked Food Market.

Where do you like to eat?

If I’m in the mood for something fast and affordable, 9 times out of 10, I’ll get a bowl of raw beef pho at North Viet Pho. Located right at 80 Belcher’s Street, it’s easy to get to, wildly delicious and if you’re keen to dine between 3P-6P for their tea set, at HK$38 per bowl, their piping hot slow cooked pho is a veritable steal!

When I’m in the mood for something a bit more hearty than Pho, you’ll usually find me bringing my own tupperware over to Ngai Mei Yuk Fang on Catchick Street so they can pack me up a to-go order of their mouthwatering sushi.  You certainly don’t need to bring your own containers, but I don’t like all the plastic waste that takeout generates, so I’m usually game for the extra bit of effort. Regardless, the moment I begin to feast on their generously thick cut nigiri or their massive california rolls, my effort is repaid tenfold.

Where do you go for drinks?

Again, this depends on my mood.  If I’m looking for a more upbeat, lively and bright atmosphere, I’ll head over to Little Creatures for some of their fantastic craft beer.

If however, I’m feeling like a more mellow, relaxed and chill atmosphere, I’ll go right next door to Praya. Again, Kennedy Town is all about convenience, and having two such different style places right next to each other really underscores that fact.

Where do you like to hangout?

My favorite Kennedy Town hangout is on the benches right where New Praya Kennedy Town Road meets Smithfield Road. It’s my favorite hangout because I love lounging there, looking out at Belcher’s bay and watching either the spectacular sunsets or the myriad of boats whizzing by. Although I do it nearly everyday, I still find the waterfront refreshing and rejuvenating. I also love taking an urban hike that starts from the benches and ends over at the Central Ferry Piers.

Please share one hidden gem you’ve discovered in your neighbourhood?

My hidden gem of Kennedy Town is the fact that there is a way to take a hike from Kennedy Town, all the way up to the top of Mt. High West.

I know the questions says ‘one hidden gem’, but if I didn’t mention the waffles at Wai Sik Muey, 為食妹, I’d be remiss. The shop does not have an English name, but the name means “A Girl Who Loves Eating”, and their hot, crispy on the outside but chewy on the inside, waffles are to die for. I order them without the condensed milk and honey, but if you’ve got a sweet tooth, don’t skip out on these.

Will you still be living in Kennedy Town in 5 years time?

It’s hard to give a firm answer to this question, but Kennedy Town certainly checks a lot of the boxes. Having been here for nearly 2 years now, it is indeed feeling quite like home.

If you would like to share the hidden gems in your Hong Kong neighbourhood, email catherine@thehkhub.com to ask about being featured.

When he’s not hanging in Kennedy Town, you’ll find Seth exploring the off the beaten track parts of Hong Kong so he can share about them on his adventure-travel blog, For Something More.

My children on the other hand were born here in Hong Kong and all their Christmas memories have a Hong Kong backdrop. As a family we now have our own festive traditions that are just as special and Christmassy as those I remember from my own childhood.

The Flower Market is a fascinating place for kids, it’s very colourful and there are many unique sights and sounds to take in. Not to mention the exciting possibility of selecting some flowers or a plant to take home.  It’s especially lovely in December when you will see the Christmas trees and decorations as well as the usual selection of colourful blooms.

Although known as the Flower Market it’s actually a collection of florist shops rather than market stalls, and the shops are open 7 days a week from late morning to early evening.

It’s an easy 10 minute walk from Prince Edward MTR station (exit B1) to the start of Flower Market Road. Cue great excitement as your little explorers spot their first Christmas decorations on sale.

Brighten is a must-visit for those seeking Christmas spirit in Hong Kong. This large, by Hong Kong standards, store dominates the corner of Flower Market Road and Sai Yee Street and sells a big range of festive decor that kids will enjoy looking at (and nagging you to buy). This store also sells wedding decor, garden accessories, garden plants and cut flowers.

You may not get chestnuts roasting on an open fire in Hong Kong (has anyone actually done that?) but there’s often a hawker stall on Sai Yee Street roasting chestnuts on hot rocks. They’re seasoned in the Hong Kong style with sugar they smell delicious and very festive, and taste pretty good too. If you do decide to try, please keep in mind that they are very hot!

Several of the stores here sell Christmas trees, with prices starting at $800, as well as other festive decor including poinsettias and wreaths. Oh the smell of those pine trees takes me right back to those childhood Christmases!

If you’ve ever daydreamed of growing a little balcony or windowsill garden then the Flower Market is the place to pick up flower, herb and vegetable seeds.

Opposite the Brighten store you can find a small playground which makes a good pit stop before heading on to the Yuen Po Bird Garden to finish your adventure.

At the end of Flower Market Road you can’t miss the entrance to the Bird Garden. Here you will find birds and bird paraphernalia on sale as well as bird lovers displaying their caged songbirds and taking the air. This is a real tourist trail favourite and you’ll probably see tour groups passing through.

It’s quite a unique experience and worth at least one visit while you are living in Hong Kong, although not everyone will enjoy seeing the birds in their small cages . One unforgettable sight for kids is the live insects on sale as bird food, yum!

At this point you could wander back towards the Flower Market, or if you still have some energy you can cross the elevated walkway above Boundary Street (no lift, so not stroller friendly) and play at Fa Hui Park.

If you have any little transport fanatics they might enjoy watching the MTR trains cross the bridge.

There’s plenty of space to run around here, some toilets, and play equipment which is suitable for younger kids.

All in, even with toddlers in tow, a wander through the Flower Market and Bird Garden should fill in 2 hours maximum. Also nearby (although this involves doubling back on yourself), is Tung Choi Street North, known as Goldfish Street where you can see all kinds of exotic fish on display in specialist stores. Older kids that still have the energy might enjoy jumping back on the MTR and heading to Sham Shui Po where you’ll find more Christmas decor and stores selling all kids of beads, ribbons and buttons for the kids’ crafting activities.

Where to Eat

Here are some options for refuelling and keeping those dreaded ‘hangry’ moments at bay.

If you walk from Prince Edward MTR you will pass Fa Yuen Street where you could pick up some baked goods from Saint Honore and sit out at one of the playgrounds, there is also a small Pacific Coffee on this street.

The Royal Plaza Hotel at 193 Prince Edward Road West has some decent dining options, including La Scala which serves an international buffet lunch daily. Mon-Fri $318 per adult, $248 per child aged 3-11. Sat and Sun $368 per adult and $278 per child. All prices are subject to 10% service charge. They are offering a 25% discount on all bookings before 23 December 2017. Booking is advisable.

Also at The Royal Plaza is The Lion Rock bar, which serves afternoon tea, including a festive special tea from 24 December – 1 January 2017, find out more here. Both restaurants welcome children and have high chairs.

Adjacent to The Royal Plaza Hote is MOKO shopping mall where you’ll find a range of casual dining options, including Starbucks and Pacific Coffee.

One Dim Sum, Shop 1 & 2, G/F, Kenwood Mansion, 15 Playing Field Road was recommended by the Michelin guide at one time and is very popular locally, so be prepared to wait for a table.

Hayfever Cafe, inside Hayfever Floral & Gifts Shop, at 62 Flower Market Road (0pposite Mong Kok stadium) serves coffee, smoothies, light snacks and sweet treats.

Exit B2 from HKU MTR will bring you onto Hill Road, overshadowed by the striking elevated road. You might be surprised to find shrines, fortune tellers and a temple nestling underneath the flyover, and every year in late summer the locals gather here to observe the Hungry Ghost Festival. After you’ve had a look around, stop for a bite at one of these great little places.

Brew Bros

If you’ve been in Hong Kong for a little while, you’ve likely been to or heard of Brew Bros in Sheung Wan. This popular Australian cafe has expanded and added a location in Shek Tong Tsui. It’s likely you’ve seen photos on Instagram of people sitting in the pale blue cafe’s large window, enjoying a cup of freshly poured coffee and a good read. Head here for an Instagram-worthy brunch of avocado toast and an authentic flat white (the beans are sourced from “Market Lane Coffee” in Melbourne).

Where: 553 Hill Road

Contact: 2803 2323

Ethos

This lifestyle platform – in the form of an event space, boutique shop, and cafe – is a minimalist all-day dining space for those in the area. Ethos serves up brunch classics like steak and eggs, but also has other options, like the braised oxtail pasta, if you’re swinging by for dinner. If you’re looking to skip the food and stick to drinks, Ethos also has a good selection of coffee, tea, and a handful of boozy options. The cafe is full of natural light thanks to its floor-to-ceiling front windows, making it a popular brunch spot.

Location: 93 Hill Road

Contact: 2833 2127

No Milkshake No Life

Don’t let the name fool you – there’s more than just milkshakes at No Milkshake No Life. Basically a hipster’s dream, this funky shop serves up a range of food (a variety of grilled cheese, Japanese curry rice, fries, and burgers), but the obvious star of the show is their milkshakes. NMNL offers classic milkshakes like peanut butter chocolate or oreo, but also has a selection of alcoholic milkshakes like almond caramel and Bailey’s, Guinness mint oreo, or – if you’re feeling rather adventurous – red wine.

Location: Shop A, Graceful Court, 31-37 Hill Road

Contact: 6471 3339

Lifetastic

This Australian-style cafe is best known for their watermelon strawberry cake (similar to the incredibly popular ones from Black Star Pastry in Sydney). As with any cafe, Lifetastic has plenty of options for coffee and tea, and a decent brunch menu. Want to go later in the evening? Lifetastic serves mains and a variety of house-made desserts. The cafe is welcoming, vibrant, and is full of natural light (gotta love floor-to-ceiling windows!).

Location: Shop B, 31 Hill Road

Contact: 5243 9851

Zhen Restaurant

If fusion dim sum is your thing, pop into Zhen Restaurant for a meal that just might be too cute to eat. Get your cameras ready because this restaurant serves animal themed dim sum. Think piggy BBQ pork buns, panda custard buns, goldfish dumplings, fried taro ducklings, and much more. If you prefer something other than dim sum, Zhen Restaurant also has a range of Chinese options. Their signature dish is the lobster bisque, with lobster dumplings served in a full-flavored bisque sauce.

Location: Shop C, Ground Floor, Nam Cheong Building, 48 Hill Road

Contact: 2811 2568

Po Tuk Street

Just off Hill Street you’ll find Po Tuk Street. In a city not known for its’ laid back vibe, Po Tuk Street is the exception and is an ideal spot to unwind with a relaxing lunch or a few beers after a long day.

Artisan Garden Cafe

A little further along Po Tuk Street you’ll find Artisan Garden Cafe. This small cafe is open from 8am through to 8pm and serves fantastic coffee and a selection of casual breakfast and lunch dishes, think waffles, eggs, pancakes and burgers. The retro-style decor is warm and welcoming and there’s a small terrace out back. Service was a little slow when we visited but that’s okay, this is a tranquil place to hang out and watch the world go by. Definitely worth a try for a laid back brunch.

Location: 23 Po Tuck Street

Contact: 2548 3261

Ga Gi Nang

While most might assume this is a Chinese restaurant based on its name (Ga Gi Nang means “one of us” in Teochew, a Chinese dialect), this bar/restaurant offers an interesting mix of Mexican-American food and drinks. From burritos and quesadillas, to beer battered fish and BBQ spare ribs, Ga Gi Nang’s menu is akin to your typical pub fare. The decor is no-fuss and minimal, and the restaurant itself is quite small, but the friendly staff make this worth a visit for a few beers or cocktails after a long day.

NOTE: Ga Gi Nang are only able to serve drinks – no food – right now. Watch this space for updates!

Location: 15 Po Tuk Street

Contact: 3565 6641

South Lane

South Lane has a couple of the slightly fancier options in the area, take exit B2 from HKU station if you want to try them for yourself.

Cobo House by 2am:dessertbar

Those who are familiar with pastry chef Janice Wong (winner of Asia’s Best Restaurants Pastry Chef two years in a row in 2013 and 2014) will have likely heard of Cobo House by 2am:desserbar. What makes Cobo House unique is that it’s the first restaurant to serve Janice Wong’s savoury dishes alongside her desserts. Dishes are a modern fusion of French, Italian, and/or American all on one plate, and are truly a work of edible art. The restaurant was designed by the founder of the K11 Art Foundation, Adrian Cheng, and all decor inside the restaurant has been sourced and collected by Adrian himself. This is one of the pricier restaurants in the district, with main courses in the region of $300.

Location: 8 South Lane

Contact: 2656 3088

Artisan Room

Next to Cobo House is where you’ll find Artisan Room. A quaint cafe with a bit of outdoor seating, Artisan Room uses Italian COSTADORO coffee, a brand established in 1890, in all their espresso-based drinks. Pair your coffee with one of their sweet or savory pastries for a quick breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up. The decor is modern and sleek, with a communal dining area on the main floor and more indoor seating upstairs. Don’t leave without admiring the Gothicism cold brew slow-drip machine (the only one in Hong Kong!) – evidence of how serious Artisan Room takes their coffee.

Location: 8/12 South Lane

Contact: 2656 3198

Queens Road West

Head out of HKU station at Exit B2 and you’ll hit bustling Queens Road West with its’ mix of mom & pop shops, butchers, green grocers (the local wet market is here too) and cha chaan tengs.

Cafe Malacca

Bringing authentic flavors from Singapore and Malaysia, Cafe Malacca is sure to quench your cravings. Heading here for a simple yet satisfying meal is a no-brainer, as they serve one of the best bowls of laksa we’ve had in Hong Kong. The restaurant decor is simple, the space is large, and the staff are very welcoming.

Where: Hotel Jen, 508 Queen’s Road West

Contact: 2213 6613

Po Kee

Traditionally the Chiu Chow people have made this area their home and they love roast goose! If you want to try it, then look no further than Po Kee. This small cha chaan teng is popular among locals and is well known for their signature dishes of roast goose, duck, and bbq pork. Like any typical cha chaan teng, the decor is minimal and you’ll likely be seated at a table with other diners, but the reasonably priced and delicious dishes make it worth the tight squeeze. As a heads up, we didn’t see any English menus, so it’s best to come with a Cantonese speaker or to know exactly what you want.

Location: Shop P, G/F, 425 Queen’s Road West

Contact: N/A

The Westwood Shopping Mall

Exit C2 from HKU MTR  brings you to the Westwood Shopping Mall, a slightly more down-to-earth shopping experience than your typically designer-centric Central malls. And while we’re not usually big fans of shopping mall dining, we had to include this place because we’re reliably informed it serves some of the best dim sum in Hong Kong.

Victoria Harbour

The dining area is quite large and has plenty of banquet-style tables. The dim sum is served the old school way via trolleys and is quite popular with locals, so you’re best to go at off-peak hours to avoid long queues. Heads up: Victoria Harbour only has a limited English dim sum menu and it’s always busy, so come early!

Location: Shop 243, 2/F, The Westwood, 8 Belcher’s Street

Contact: 2836 3282

De Voeux Road West

Exit B1 from HKU MTR brings you to Whitty Street, and from there it’s a short walk to explore De Voeux Road West.

Rhoda

Named after Chef Nate Green’s grandmother, Rhoda serves up hearty and homey sharing dishes with a story behind them. The food at Rhoda is mainly cooked over charcoal, wood, and fire, and all ingredients are ethically sourced. A lot of thought and passion go into each dish that comes out of the kitchen, and the marinades, sauces, and preserves are made in-house. The menu changes daily, so you’ll always discover a few new dishes when you return. Rhoda has also recently begun a weekend brunch service that includes Nate’s twist on a few classics, eggs benedict with Hereford striploin and beer bread, anyone?!

Where: 345 Des Voeux Road West

Contact: 2177 5050

Classified

It’s clear that Shek Tong Tsui has become much more popular within the last year, as more and more cafes and restaurants open up. Classified is jumping on board and has opened up shop right beside Rhoda. Expect this restaurant chain’s usual fare: from eggs benedict and granola bowls at brunch to burgers and salads at dinner. This location also has a few tables outdoors, a good amount of seating indoors, and high ceilings that are often a rarity in Hong Kong.

Location: Shop 1B, G/F, Upton Tower, 345 Des Voeux Road West

Contact: 2882 3454

We hope you’ve enjoyed reading this guide and will have fun trying out our recommendations, tell us what you think – email feedback@thehkhub.com or comment below.

We have lots more food & drink articles right here for you.

thisgirlabroad is a Canadian expat who found herself packing her life up in the Great White North to move to a city filled with skyscrapers, dim sum, and 7-Eleven’s. She’s been living, loving, and eating her way through Hong Kong for the past four years without any plans to slow down. Between working full time, managing her blog, and freelance writing, you’ll likely find her with a strong cup of coffee in one hand and a jar of crunchy peanut butter in the other.

Living in Tin Hau, I love how close I am to everything but also how peaceful the area is. I appreciate how Tin Hau gives me the perfect contrast of busy city life with a quiet neighbourhood.

I live in such a convenient area with a lot of shops, movie theatres, restaurants and even 24-hour markets, an important aspect for me as a chef. I am a stone’s throw away from Victoria Park and get to enjoy the view of this natural setting right from my house. I can also walk to Times Square in 10 minutes and visit the SCAA for a good workout.

What do you wish you could change about your neighbourhood?

Similar to other parts of Hong Kong, parking is scarce and hard to find. The one thing I would change about my neighbourhood is the location of the parking spaces.

Where do you like to eat?

My favourite restaurants at the moment are Din Tai Fung for the dumplings, Korea Restaurant for delicious Korean barbecue and a Mexican joint that prepares the best nachos and tapas.

Din Tai Fung, Shop G3-11, G/F, 68 Yee Wo St., Causeway Bay (Din Tai Fung also have branches in TST and Shatin)

Korea Restaurant, Shop A, 13-17 Lau Li Street, Tin Hau

Andy’s Garage Mexican Joint, Ground Floor,14 A Sun Chun Street

Where do you go for drinks?

I recently tried Bond and Oaky and loved the ambience of both bars. They both served decent cocktails and I was particularly sold on Bond once I saw its amazing outdoor patio.

Bond Restaurant & Bar, 2/F, 98 Tung Lo Wan Road

Oaky, Shop 3, G/F, Wing Hing Court, 110-114 Tung Lo Wan Road

Where do you like to hangout?

I have to say my favourite place to hangout is at my building’s rooftop patio. The scenic view that spans from Victoria Park to Kowloon and on to Central Pier is something to behold.

Please share one hidden gem you’ve discovered in your neighbourhood?

I did not realise just how close I live to SCAA! As someone who loves to stay active, I enjoy visiting SCAA for their golf range and to go bowling. I spend a lot of time playing sports and games so living close to this venue is such a valuable bonus.

SCAA (South China Athletic Association),  88 Caroline Hill Road, Causeway Bay

Will you still be living in Tin Hau in 5 years time?

I may not live in the same apartment in five years time but I definitely want to continue living in the Tin Hau area. Since moving in, this area has treated me very well with lots of things to do nearby!

_{Tin Hau photo by Tom Billinge on Flickr.}

When he’s not hanging in Tin Hau you’ll find Petrous at Cocotte, 9 Shin Hing Street, Central serving beautiful and affordable French-inspired food.

Prompted by the disappearance of the iconic Sammy’s Kitchen neon cow, Sovereign Art Foundation Chairman, Howard Bilton and photographer, William Furniss set out to document Queen’s Road West before its quirky character is lost. This unique photo book is the end result.

Photographs from Queen’s Road West, The Vanishing Neighbourhood

Tin Chau Hong, 160 Queen’s Road West

One of the biggest shops of its kind in Hong Kong and an icon on Queen’s Road West, Tin Chau Hong sells Chinese New Year decorations, Mid-Autumn Festival lanterns, incense and paper offerings.

Cheung Hing Tea Hong, 74 Queen’s Road West

Mr. Wong Sing Kee owns this puer chabing shop, which has over 80 years of history. In the 1960s, Cheung Hing Tea Hong moved from Xiamen to Queen’s Road West

Nin Fung Hardware, 108 Queen’s Road West

This densely packed and meticulously organize hardware shop was founded in 1985 by the Lam brothers, who still run the business today.

196 Queen’s Road West

263 Queen’s Road West

Jing Hing Fruit, 288 Queen’s Road West

The shop was founded in 1970 and has been very busy ever since.

Chiu Sing Nam, 360 Queen’s Road West

The renowned Chinese bonesetter Chiu Sing founded the clinic over 60 years ago. Now the son Chiu Kin Cheong carries on the practice. He is a Chinese herbalist and doctor of western medicine as well.

How to Purchase

You can purchase the book online (price $45USD) at the Sovereign Art Foundation’s website here or by emailing art@sovereignartfoundation.com. Proceeds will help to fund the Foundation’s work with some of Hong Kong’s poorest children.

What is the Make It Better Project?

All proceeds from sales of the book will be donated to The Sovereign Art Foundation, to assist their work in helping Hong Kong’s disadvantaged children through their Make It Better Project. Make It Better offers weekend and weekday workshops to the children of families living in poverty, in cramped conditions and isolated from their peers. Make It Better workshops offer empowering learning activities reinforced by visual and expressive arts to teach children self-awareness and confidence, helping them to build respect for themselves and others, develop stronger focus, and engage with the wider community.

The first project of its kind in Hong Kong, Make It Better currently reaches over 200 children in seven locations and works with 60 volunteers. The programme is continuously growing and is now also working with children with special educational needs (SEN).  Through 2017 and beyond, SAF intends develop and maintain this ground-breaking concept whilst continuously learning from, improving and sharing a programme that withstands the test of time – resulting in lasting, positive inclusion for the youth of Hong Kong.

Sheung Wan is the perfect spot to dig into a wide variety of local eats that are easy to order, make for a great Instagram photo-op, and are so cheap you’ll think they made a mistake. Start your local foodie tour with a killer protein fix at Ma Sa Restaurant (23 Hillier Street) with their popular three sunny-side up eggs on rice with char siu for only HK$32. The owner speaks English well, so there’s no need to worry about a language barrier. Just be sure to arrive early, as they often run out of char siu after the lunch crowd, which will leave you stuck with either luncheon meat or spam instead.

Arguably one of Sheung Wan’s most well-known local eateries is Kau Kee (21 Gough Street) for their famous beef brisket noodles. Don’t let the queue deter you from trying these noodles; they’re worth every bit of hype they get. Try going at an off-peak hour to avoid an extra-long queue and be sure to order the beef brisket with E-Fu noodles (HK$48). If you like your brisket either leaner or fattier, just tell the waiter, as the brisket varied from bowl to bowl when I last went. Kau Kee is certainly not a place you go to catch up with friends over a meal; you get in, sit down (likely at a table with a few other hungry foodies), slurp up your noodles, and leave.

If you’re still hungry afterwards, head across the street to dai pai dong Sing Heung Yuen (2 Mei Lun Street) for their tomato noodle soup. Prices for the soup range from HK$25 – $39 depending on what additions you add in – sausage, beef, pork chop, ham, egg, vegetables, and the list goes on. As the weather begins to cool down, Sing Heung Yuen is a much more attractive spot to eat since you’ll be dining outside, and eating soup on a hot and humid Hong Kong summer day is nobody’s idea of an enjoyable experience.

Going along with the theme of food that is best enjoyed when you can step outside and not sweat instantly is Kwan Kee Claypot Rice (263 Queen’s Road West – okay, okay, so it’s technically in Sai Ying Pun, but it’s close enough to basically be in Sheung Wan). You can opt for something relatively safe, like the pork and chicken claypot rice (HK$67) or go all out and order the frog and preserved duck claypot rice (HK$85) if you’re more open and adventurous when it comes to food. Either way, be sure to head there before or after the dinner rush to avoid having to wait around for a table.

Another favourite spot to get your pork chop fix is For Kee Restaurant (200 Hollywood Road). Quite possibly the “most local” of all the restaurants listed here, For Kee doesn’t have an English menu (at least not when I was there) and the owners’ English is extremely limited, so it’s best to visit here with someone who can speak Cantonese. There are a wide variety of pork chop rice dishes you can order, but the most popular is the plain pork chop rice with their homemade sauce and their pork chop bun. I would skip the pork chop bun and stick to the pork chop rice with some Chinese veg and a fried egg on top, which will run you around HK$65.

To finish off your local foodie tour of Sheung Wan, visit Shui Kee Coffee (Shop 17, 2/F, Sheung Wan Municipal Services Building) for their signature cold milk tea served in an old-school glass bottle (HK$12). Aside from the milk tea, Shui Kee Coffee serves up much of your traditional local Cantonese dishes you’ll find at any dai pai dong and cha chaan teng; pork and egg sandwiches, HK style french toast, and spam instant noodles. In terms of vibe, don’t expect much as it is in a cooked food hall, but for an incredibly cheap drink and bite to eat in a setting that has you feeling like you’re back in the 80’s, you can’t really complain.

If you enjoyed this post, please take a look at the rest of our food and drink roundups here!

thisgirlabroad is a Canadian expat who found herself packing her life up in the Great White North to move to a city filled with skyscrapers, dim sum, and 7-Eleven’s. She’s been living, loving, and eating her way through Hong Kong for the past four years without any plans to slow down. Between working full time, managing her blog, and freelance writing, you’ll likely find her with a strong cup of coffee in one hand and a jar of crunchy peanut butter in the other.

Tung Chung Town Centre features a variety of shops, restaurants, a cinema and entertainment facilities centered around the Citygate development; as well as, transportation to Kowloon or Hong Kong Island.  Tung Chung (東涌 in Chinese characters) is known for its convenience as it is in close proximity to the airport and MTR.  Tung Chung to Central is only 30 minutes by MTR.

Citygate Outlets is at the heart of this new town, developed in conjunction with the Tung Chung MTR Station and bus terminus, and provides a focal point to the town. The Tung Chung Citygate Outlets have many factory outlets of high-end brands and other brands as well offering huge discounts in 500,000 square feet (46,000 m²) of shopping, entertainment, and food outlets spread across five floors.  A square outside the mall contains a special fountain, which performs a musical show regularly.

Fu Tung Shopping Centre, Yat Tung Shopping Centre and Caribbean Square are three additional shopping centers in Tung Chung.

Both Chinese and Western foods are readily available at the many food outlets in Tung Chung. For something more unusual, one can enjoy a meal at a temple behind the Tung Chung Battery and a restaurant in Po Lin Monastery, which serves vegetarian food.  Additionally, there are restaurants and bars offering Asian and European dishes near the Ngong Ping cable car terminal.

Tung Chung has a wide array of housing available!  Some of the estates include:  Tung Chung Crescent, Seaview Crescent, Coastal Skyline, La Rossa, Le Bleu, Le Bleu Deux, Caribbean Coast, La Mer and The Visionary (coming soon)!

Tung Chung Crescent is comprised of 8 towers totaling 2,158 flats averaging 829 sqft (77 sq.m.)  The facilities include:  Children’s play room, club house, conference/function room, fitness room games room, gymnasium, Jacuzzi, reading lounge, sauna, squash courts, sun deck, outdoor swimming pool, table tennis and tennis courts.

Seaview Crescent has 4 towers which includes 1,536 flats.  The average size is 71 sq. m.  The clubhouse consists of a badminton court, squash court, tennis court, basketball court, billiard room, function room, games room, gym, Jacuzzi, playground and swimming pool.

Coastal Skyline has 5 high-rise towers, totaling 3,370 flats.  The average size is 807 sqft or (75 sq.m.). Coastal Skyline has an indoor and outdoor swimming pool in the clubhouse plus a children’s play area, tennis courts, squash court, basketball court, billiard room, gym, bowling alley, sauna and several spacious outdoor children’s play area.

La Rossa is part of Coastal Skyline and has 2 towers high-rise.  It shares the same facilities as Coastal Skyline.

Le Bleu is also part of Coastal Skyline but has a separate entrance.  It has 6 mid-rise towers.  Residents also share the facilities with Coastal Skyline.

Le Bleu Deux has 41 houses and like La Rossa and Le Bleu, they all share the clubhouse.

Caribbean Coast consists of 13 high-rise towers, plus 56 houses.  There are approximately 5,336 flats with the average size being 818 sqft (76 sq.m.)  Caribbean Coast offers both indoor and outdoor children’s play areas, club house, conference/function room, fitness room, games room, Jacuzzi, music room, reading lounge, sauna, shuttle bus, steam rooms, indoor and outdoor swimming pools.

La Mer is part of the Caribbean Coast family.  It was completed in 2011 and is made up of 56 houses located along the Tung Chung Waterfront with panoramic sea views.    It also has a resort-style landscaped garden including a wonderful outdoor play area for the kids!  Complex has 120m swimming pools, exclusive clubhouse of 610,000sqft and more than 120 kinds of facilities.

The Visionary is Tung Chung’s newest housing estate.  It is available for first sale now!

In a move to encourage green transport biking tracks are available throughout the town, and most of the private estate provides full clubhouse facilities for its residents. The public library is behind Citygate outlet shopping centre. A large swimming pool opened near the NgongPing Cable Car. Opening days & hours are available on:

Swimming Pool

Public Library

Transport

The Tung Chung MTR line takes around 30 minutes to reach Central and connects to the Tsuen Wan Line, West Rail Line and Island Line via Lai King station, Nam Cheong station and Hong Kong station respectively.  It is also 2 stops away from Hong Kong Disneyland.  There is an extensive bus service to the airport and to most parts of the Island, the New Territories and South Lantau.

There is also a scheduled ferry service linking Tung Chung to Tuen Mun and Tai O though they run very infrequently.

The Ngong Ping Cable Car is a 5.7km cableway that links Tung Chung and Ngong Ping and is a joyful and scenic 25-minute ride.

Grocery Shopping & Other Shopping

To purchase groceries, Tung Chung has Taste, International, Market Place and Welcome in the main shopping areas.  Additionally there are 2 wet markets in Fu Tung and Yat Tung shopping centre which also sell Indonesian, Thai and Filipino groceries.  Chef Express at Tat Tung Garden Road offers quality and imported meat, fish, poultry and other products.

eCosway in Caribbean Square offers a wide range of products including health and nutrition,  household cleaning, car care, personal care, cosmetics and fragrances, kitchen and cookware, food and beverages and water systems.  They have stores in over 17 different countries.

759 Store are in several locations around Tung Chung (Podium Level 1 of Coastal Skyline, Yat Tung shopping centre, Fu Tung shopping centre) and they sell confectionery, beverages, noodles and other packed food imported from Japan, as well as groceries from Korea, Taiwan & Europe.

Japan Home Centre – Caribbean Square and Seaview Crescent

Bike Shop – Yat Tung shopping centre

Stationery Shops are available in the Fu Tung and Yat Tung shopping centre

Restaurants & Coffee Shops

360 Sports Bar & Grill Restaurant – G/F, Tai Tung Road Garden, Tung Chung +852 2109 4360

Amante Bar & Restaurant – Shop 1, G/F, Fu Tung Plaza +852 2907 6808

Andante at Novotel – 1/FL, Citygate shopping mall +852 3602 8828

Bistro Delifrance – Shop 16, G/F, Tung Cung Crescent +852 2109 4187

Buddies Café – Shop 29-30, 1/FL, Caribbean Square, Caribbean Coast, Tung Chung +852 2856 8652

Café de Coral – Shop 106, 1/F, Fu Tung Plaza +852 2109 0726

Coco Café – G/FL, 20 Ma Wan New Village, Tung Chung +852 2108 4422

Come Thai House – 2 Wong Nai Uk Village, Tung Chung +852 3689 4360

Deli Viet Restaurant – Shop 21, G/FL, Citygate shopping mall +852 2109 0036

Erawan Thai Restaurant – Skycity Nine Eagles Golf Course, Chek Lap Kok +852 3760 6633

Essence at Novotel – 1/FL, Citygate shopping mall +852 3602 8808

Fairwood – Shop 18, 1/FL, Caribbean Square, Caribbean Coast, Tung Chung +852 2856 4459

Federal Palace (Dim Sum) – 2/FL, Citygate shopping mall +852 2626 0181

Food Republic – 2/FL, Citygate shopping mall +852 2109 4618

Genki Sushi – Shop 25, G/F, Tung Cung Crescent +852 2459 5368

Golden Shanghai Cuisine – 1/FL, Citygate shopping mall +852 2625 9008

Handi Indian Cuisine – 8 Ha Leng Pei Village, Tung Chung fort +852 2988 8674

HK Diner – Shop 21, 1/FL, Caribbean Square, Caribbean Coast, Tung Chung +852 2162 5611

Holly Restaurant – 1/F, Fu Tung Plaza +852 2109 1348

Kanamizu Sushi – G/F, Fu Tung Plaza +852 2109 4433

Kimos – Shop L, G/F Retail Seaview Crescent +852 2805 1331

Mansarover Indian Restaurant – 21 Ha Leng Pei Village, Tung Chung fort +852 2109 1927

McDonald’s Restaurant & McCafe – 1/FL, Citygate shopping mall +852 2109 2404

Melody Inn Thai – 10 Ha Leng Pei Village, Tung Chung fort +852 2988 8129

Moccato Coffee Shop – 2/FL, Citygate shopping mall +852 3602 8838

Olea at Novotel – 1/FL, Citygate shopping mall +852 3602 8818

Pizza and chicken – 2A-2B Wong Nai Uk Village, Tung Chung Village +852 2988 8063

Pizza Hut – Shop 24, G/F, Tung Cung Crescent +852 2109 2801

Resto Restaurant – G/F Retail Seaview Crescent +852 2886 3156

Spaghetti House – Shop G20, Citygate shopping mall +852 2109 1297

Starbucks – Shop G19, Citygate shopping mall +852 2109 1227

Starz Wine Bar – Shop G01A, Citygate shopping mall +852 2109 0612

Sugar & Spice – G/F, Fu Tung Plaza +852 2907 6060

Tao Heung – Podium level 1, Coastal Skyline Circle, 12 Waterfront Road, Tung Chung (Chinese food & Dim Sum) +852 8300 8133

Tsui Wah Restaurant – 1/F, Fu Tung Plaza +852 2261 0277

Watami – Shop B13, B1/FL, Citygate shopping mall +852 3695 0660

Zentro Bar – G/F Retail Seaview Crescent +852 2802 8000

Schools

Buddhist Chun Yue Kindergarten

Caritas Charles Vath College

Discovery Mind International Play Center & Kindergarten

Greenfield English (International) Kindergarten

Green Pasture Kindergarten

HKFEW Wong Cho Bau School 

Ho Yu College and Primary School 

Ling Liang Church Sau Tak Primary School 

Po Leung Kuk Cheung Poon Mei Yee Kindergarten

Sunshine House International Pre-school

Sun Island Kindergarten

Tung Chung Catholic Kindergarten

Tung Chung ESF International Kindergarten (Coming soon!)

Tung Yan Day Nursery

The Salvation Army Lam Butt Chung Memorial School

YMCA of Hong Kong Christian College

Accommodation

Hong Kong Skycity Marriott Hotel is a few minutes away from the Tung Chung MTR station and Hong Kong International Airport.  +852 3969 1888

Novotel Citygate Hong Kong is located in the Citygate shopping mall.  +852 3602 8888

Regal Airport Hotel is a 2 minute walk from the airport and is connected to the passenger terminal by an enclosed, air conditioned link bridge.  +852 2286 8888

Fitness & Activities

9 Dragons Fitness is Lantau Islands first and only premier fitness facility with an 8000 sq ft of indoor and outdoor gym space, licensed CrossFit facility and yoga studio.  They offer Adult Yoga, Prenatal Yoga, Aerial Silk, Zumba, Pilates, 9D-Fit, Capoeira and Circus Conditioning. +852 2786 9699/9494

Aqua Gym runs classes at the Tung Chung public swimming pool and Coastal Skyline swimming pool   +852 2914 0658

Asia Pacific Soccer Schools offers football for children from 4yrs old   +852 2385 9677

Asia Swimming Sports Center runs adult and children lessons at the Tung Chung public swimming pool  +852 2388 1426

CDC Tennis Club offers private one-to-one lessons for children & adults.  Students need to book their own tennis courts. +852 8202 2247

HK Dragons offers football coaching for children from 3yrs old.  Also on offer are private swimming lessons at your own home or venue +852 2987 4274/6417 3303

Kinder Kicks offers classes for children under 4yrs old. +852 2385 9677

La Cantera Football Club has a program design for boys and girls aged 18 months to 14 years old. +852 5410 1092

Stepz Studio offers a variety of dance classes including Jazz & Ballet, hip hop and contemporary dance, yoga and drama classes.  The classes are run in the Coastal Skyline Clubhouse. +852 3152 7535

Tung Chung Rugby Club caters for boys and girls aged 4 to 12. +852 6272 2375

Tung Chung Man Tung Road Public Sports Centre offers facilities including a children’s playroom, fitness room, table tennis room and multi-purpose activity rooms. There is also a variety of dance and martial arts activities for kids and adults which take place in the activity rooms:

Edge’ n Pointe offers classical ballet, youth jazz, youth tap, elementary contemporary, musical theatre and Zumba for kids and adults. +852 6688 2167

Dance for Joy offers funky dance classes for kids and adults  +852 9264 8597

Tung Thai Combat offers muay thai boxing classes for kids and adults. +852 9478 4625

Tung Chung Chinese Martial Arts Association provides various forms of traditional martial arts such as Gong Fu, Tai Ji and Chi Gong exercises.  +852 9427 6707

Pilates Plus runs a range of adult classes from pilates to TRX to step aerobics and also private one-on-one sessions. +852 9838 3937

Vision Pilates offers pilates and circuit training. +852 5132 3213

Zumba Fitness offers Zumba classes for adults. +852 9861 6657

Art & Music

Art Century’s two branches in Tung Chung offer a wide variety of music and art classes – Shop 3B, Caribbean Square
ns Music Centre offers various music lessons and has a retail shop selling a good range of instruments.  – Shop 17, G/F, Tung Chung Crescent, 1 Hing Tung Street, Tung Chung +852 2109 2882

Area Lowdown

Life in the Valley is perfect for those craving a cosmopolitan climate, tempered with the old world charm of a quaint, village atmosphere.

Favoured by many expats (and dog lovers), this upscale, leafy green locality on Hong Kong Island stands serene amid the clamour and chaos of the city.

Sprinkled with cute cafés, restaurants, hip bars and boutique shops, it’s also in close proximity to the ‘shop till you drop’ retail hub of Causeway Bay.

This unique suburb, where trams wind through the middle of the carefree neighbourhood, is also home to one of the oldest and the most famous spots in Hong Kong, Happy Valley Racecourse. Known as Pau Ma Dei (Horse Racing Place) Wednesday nights are an institution in Hong Kong with the enchanting valley coming alive as punters and spectators come from near and far to witness the vibrant scenes under lights, and mingle in the local bars and eateries.

Eating Out

Starbucks/Pacific Coffee

For a coffee and a snack, you need look no further than your favourite global coffee chains.

Maison Eric Kayser -this newish spot on the block is more than just a cheerful French bakery, overflowing with delicious brioche, baguettes and croissants. The added bonus is they also serve up brunch and dinner, including tasty burgers, sandwiches, salads and hot breakfast, all in a relaxing environment with a comfortable vibe that includes a cosy outside dining terrace.

HMV Kafé – a lifestyle concept café, courtesy of renowned music/entertainment store HMV, this is a modern, sophisticated space in Happy Valley. Enjoy a decent specialty coffee or a glass of wine, whilst grooving to the beat of your favourite tunes, with a special music app at each table. There’s also a full menu featuring pastas and salads and a spacious outdoor area.

Classified – as well as serving up top-notch coffee, this neighbourhood café has the potential to be the ideal place to hang out, day and night. Packed with sumptuous artisan cheeses, gourmet coffees, baked goods and boutique wines, Classified’s casual, European style with al fresco dining makes it right at home on the streets of Happy Valley. Whether it’s breakfast, brunch or a late afternoon drink on the way home from work, this is the perfect ‘local.’

Happy Valley Bar & Grill and The Jockey

These are two separate, well-known bars, right next door to each other and both equally as cute and comfortable as the other. No frills, this pair sits directly opposite the racecourse, with outdoor seating that spills on to the tree-lined sidewalk. A popular corner of the world for Happy Valley locals at the weekend and the perfect location for a quick pre-races pint or watching the world pass by, over a lingering drink on a hot summer’s evening.

Both bars serve up tasty and affordable food.

Saint Germain – for more upscale dining, the decidedly French restaurant is a groovy bar with a definite Parisian buzz. The decor is typical of a French hotspot, with bar stools perched in the open window, for a fabulous spot of people watching and tram spotting, over a glass of champers (French of course). The food includes traditional French staples plus truly mouthwatering steaks and delectable desserts. Saint Germain is also a great location for that pre-dinner drink or a post dinner cheese and wine session.

Yakitoritei – a tiny place that fills up quickly every evening, Yakitoritei serves up some of the best Japanese in HK. Specialising in yakitori, a traditional Japanese satay grilling, you can watch the Japanese chef cooking your sticks of meat, which range from chicken, beef, Foie Gras and all sorts of full-flavoured veges. Healthy, delicious and open until very late!

Amigos

Amigos is an institution in Happy Valley having been in the village for over 30 years! Instantly recognizable with its Italian name, Spanish style building and gourmet French fare, it’s posh and expensive. It’s all about old world charm with the waiters (many having been there since it opened) decked out in tuxedos and black tie (including gloves)!

The menu hasn’t changed much, but the food is still pretty scrumptious with an Asian twist to some French classics! After dinner, the restaurant’s live band will serenade you in old fashioned, fine dining style.

Pang’s Kitchen

An addition to Michelin Star Restaurant’s 2013 guide, Pang’s Kitchen is a popular spot in Happy Valley tucked behind the racecourse. It boasts traditional Cantonese fare, that includes specialties such as baked fish intestines in a clay pot and abalone in oyster sauce. Bookings are essential if you want to stop by this famed eatery.

Dim Sum The Art of Chinese Tidbits

Otherwise just known as ‘Dim Sum,’ there is no other place for your jumbo sized Dim Sum fix.

A long-time Happy Valley establishment, this traditional teahouse has without doubt satisfied many a late night cravings.

Its most recent claim to fame, Hollywood A-lister Gwyneth Paltrow recommended Dim Sum on her globally renowned website, GOOP! Now that’s publicity!

Zoe Cafe

This small, cozy dessert café with a selection of cakes and teas has plenty of delicacies to satisfy your sweet tooth! Delicious crème brulee, cheesecake and puff pastries are the order of the day, when you feel the urge to splurge after a hard day at the office.

Shopping

Some of the city’s best gourmet grocers and butchers are in Happy Valley, offering the freshest produce, from quality meats to succulent seafood and freshly baked bread. It’s also easy to access a wide range of international products right on your doorstep.

Fusion by Park n’ Shop is the grocers with everything you ever need and more. For slightly more gourmet speciality food, Pacific Gourmet serves up fresh meat and fish from Australia in a charming shop that also sells a substantial cheese selection, good wine and delectable deli food. Il Bel Paese promises to satisfy all of your Italian desires as well as having a fresh deli counter should you need lunch on the go.

For the wine connoisseur or vino-loving local, Happy Valley also hosts numerous wine boutiques, including Benson Crab & Wine and Ponti Wine Cellars.

Happy Valley also boasts one of Hong Kong’s best Dai Pai Dongs! When it comes to street food stalls indoors, Wong Nai Chung Market Cooked Food Centre offers fantastically fresh Chinese goods in a bustling, local atmosphere that’s clean and not too hectic. Home to several award winning chefs, the place is testament to the quality that can be found in the world of the cooked food centre. The market is open 6am-8pm, the cooked food centre 6am-2am! What’s better than a wet market on your block!

While there’s not an abundance of fashion shops in Happy Valley, there are several boutique-style clothes shops and of course with Hong Kong’s shopping mecca, Causeway Bay, a five minute walk away, you can’t go wrong, when it comes to your daily dose of retail therapy!

For dog lover’s, there’s a plethora of pet shops and pet grooming parlours to pamper your pooch to perfection!

Happy Valley is also the home of heavenly foot massages! Look no further to get your tootsies treated than Happy Foot – one of the more famously frequented foot massage parlours in the area.

There are also a myriad of nail and hair salons scattered across the Valley to keep your tresses and talons in good shape, including the amazing Bodywize Spa. For your little pocket of paradise amongst the city’s chaos, this sanctuary has everything from spa treatments to massage and facial therapies, pedicures and manicures, plus yoga and dance classes. The complete centre for your holistic wellness right here in Happy Valley. Exhale and relax.

Living

Unlike many other parts of Hong Kong, Happy Valley is home to residences of all shapes and sizes. From classic low-rise complexes to larger stand-alone houses and tall, modern apartment buildings, this quiet and green area is reflective of the eclectic mix of people residing here.

Most recently, Tagus Residences has been established as the perfect sanctuary for couples and singles. Nestled in the heart of Happy Valley, these designer apartments provide a peaceful and comfortable retreat for those who don’t want to sacrifice the convenience and buzz of Hong Kong living. This is Tagus Residences.

Flanked by the picturesque St Margaret’s Church, Tagus Residences puts everything at your fingertips, from fine dining and boutique shopping to fitness and fabulous entertainment, with the famous HK Jockey Club just around the corner!

Each apartment features a stylish, modern finish with a fully equipped kitchen, inviting living room, balcony and large bay windows with views across the Valley!

Fitness enthusiasts will love the wealth of opportunities on their doorstep, from The Gym and The Studio in-house, to the racetrack’s outdoor loop and the hiking trails nearby at Tai Tam and Aberdeen. For those competitive souls, there’s also the neighbouring Craigengower Cricket Club (a swimming pool, glass-backed squash courts, driving range and much, much more than cricket is now on offer) and the Hong Kong Football Club. Even better, sports fans will relish in the fact the Hong Kong Stadium, home of the world famous Hong Kong Sevens is just a stone’s throw away.

Located above Happy Valley’s main bus and tram stations, getting around is easy and it’s also just a ten-minute stroll or quick minibus ride to the energetic and electric centre of Causeway Bay.

For more information on Tagus Residences: visit – www.tagus.hk, email – stay@tagus.hk or call +852 2846 5757

Area Key Notes

South Lantau is a charming hidden gem in bustling Hong Kong.  Just a 30-minute ferry ride from Central, this beautiful rural area offers business people and families amazing green space, numerous beautiful beaches, and a rich quality of life.  The area attracts the business minded, creative types and lovely families.  They say people make a community.  If that is true, there isn’t a nicer place to live than South Lantau!

South Lantau is made up of a number of villages.  The biggest is Mui Wo, which is the main town and has a plethora of restaurants, shops and access to all the transport links.

Other lovely villages include Pui O, Ham Tin, Shap Long, San Shek Wan, Cheung Sha, Tong Fuk, Shui Hau and Tai Long Wan.  Further a field along the South Lantau Road there is the traditional fishing village of Tai O and the giant Tian Tan Buddha.

The many villages of South Lantau make up an amazing community with activities and events for everyone to enjoy.  With three international and two local schools, there is an abundance of children growing up in the great outdoors. There are ample after school activities, beautiful beaches, waterfalls, clubs and exercise classes for both adults and children as well as some of HK’s best hiking in the country parks.

Many homes in the area offer private gardens and rooftops too so bring your four-legged family, as South Lantau is very pet friendly.

South Lantau is a wonderful community that will welcome you with open arms.  It is definitely a more relaxed pace than the city.

Transport

South Lantau ferries commute regularly between Central and Mui Wo daily.  There are at least 30 sailings in each direction Monday to Saturday and at least 27 in each direction on Sundays and Public Holidays.   The majority of sailings are on a fast ferry, which takes about 30 minutes.  The slow ferries usually are 50 minutes and allow for larger cargo to be brought across (contact number: 2131 8181 and timetable)

Other ferries are also available to Cheung Chau and Discovery Bay.

The villages of South Lantau are serviced by regular bus services, which operate to Tung Chung, Tai O, Nong Ping and HK International Airport.  The bus routes conveniently service all villages with the exception of Shap Long.  Only residents of South Lantau can obtain a driving permit to allow them to drive their own car.

The Blue Taxis provide 24-hour on-call service to take you to your destination on the Island (contact number: 2984 9848).

Housing

Leyburn Villas, South Lantau

South Lantau is primarily comprised of small individual houses, referred to as village houses.  These are typically 2,100 sqft with a 700 sqft roof (3 floors each 700 sqft).  It is possible to lease or purchase part of a village house (only one or two floors).  Ground floor units may come with gardens and 2F (top) come with exclusive rights to the rooftop space.

Located at the centre of South Lantau, facing the longest beach in Hong Kong, Leyburn Villas offers a quiet, secure, cosy and affordable home in this beautiful location.  The homes are designed with contemporary elegance and work well for individuals or families to make the most of the trails, beaches and rural environment of South Lantau. Leyburn Villas also boasts a stunning swimming pool and landscaped grounds.

Mui Wo also has villas and low-rise apartments with the highest being the 5th floor.  Many apartments have amazing sea views and all are conveniently located next to the regular ferry service.

Cheung Sha has many villa complexes that may offer extras such as private car park, security gates, security officers, pool, tennis court and BBQ areas.

Shopping

South Lantau has a large variety of shops to provide ease and convenience to residents.

To purchase groceries, Mui Wo has both Wellcome and Fusion in walking distance to the buses and car parks.  Additionally, there is a large wet market and two certified organic farms in Mui Wo.

Loi Chan Frozen Meat Company, 23A Chung Hau Street, Mui Wo, 2984 8346 Lau Shing Chan Frozen Meat Shop both supply quality imported meat, including organic choices.

Natural Plus, Shop A, Sea View Building, Mui Wo, 2984 2233, has an upstairs grocery, which sells organic and gluten free foods.

Island Wines, Shop G11, Silver Plaza, Mui Wo, 9521 8481, provides old world wines and spirits from Spain, Italy, Crimea, Russia, France, and Portugal.

The Soft & Hard,  Shop 3, G/F,  Silver Pearl Mansion, Mui Wo, 2984 1678, has a bit of everything (office supplies, linens, dishes, storage containers, etc).

Lantau Base Camp, Shop J, Sea View Building, Mui Wo,  5463 6060, has everything a local athlete would need (supplements, shoes, sports wear and other sports gear).

Renge House, Shop H, G/F, 1 Ngan Wan Road, Mui Wo, 2984 0080, is a gift shop that offers imported clothes, fancy and handmade items.

Friendly Bicycle Shop, Shop B, G/F, 13 Mui Wo Ferry Pier Road, Mui Wo, 29842278, buy or lease a bike.  Friendly has all biking supplies, as well.

ZenvarA, beautiful ladies wear and accessories. Shopping by appointment – contact Anita at anitabeevers@zenvara.com

Restaurants

Mavericks Restaurant, Pui O Beach

Bahce Turkish Restaurant, G/F, Shop 19 Mui Wo Centre, Mui Wo, Lantau, 2984 0221

Caffe Paradiso – Coffee House, G/F, Shop 8 Mui Wo Centre, 3 Ngan Wan  Road, Mui Wo, Lantau, 2984 0498

China Beach Club, 18 Tung Wan Tau Road, 2983 8931

China Bear, G/F Mui Wo Centre, 3 Ngan Wan Road, Mui Wo, Lantau, 2984 9720

Como Lake, Stall Nos. 2 and 4, Mui Wo Cooked Food Market, Mui Wo, 2984 0009

Deer Horn Nepalese & Italian Cuisine, G/F, Mui Wo Centre, Mui Wo, Lantau,  3484 3095 or 6255 5769

High Tide Restaurant – Thai, G/F, Cheung Sha Lower Village, Lantau, 2980 3002

La-Pizzeria, G/F, Shop C Grandview Mansion, Mui Wo, Lantau, 2984 8933

Lantana Italian Bistro, G/F, Cheung Sha Lower Village, Lantau, 6331 8974

Lantau Taste – Chinese, G/F Silver Centre, Mui Wo, Lantau

Mau Kee Restaurant, G/F, Lo Wai Village, Pui O, Lantau, 2984 1151

Nitaya’s Thai Kitchen, G/F, Grandview Mansion, Mui Wo, Lantau (behind Rome), 3489 1282

Rome Restaurant, G/F, Grandview Mansion, Mui Wo, Lantau, 2984 7982

Sun Fat Restaurant, G/F, Lucky Court, Mui Wo, Lantau,  2984 0418

T-Party Cakes, Cheung Sha, Lantau, 9276 5734

Tap Tap,  G/F, 15 Lo Wai, Pui O Village, Lantau, 2984 1981

The Gallery, Tong Fuk village, 2980 2582

The Kitchen, G/F Scenic Crest, Mui Wo, Lantau, 9160 5986

Wah Kee Seafood Restaurant, Mui Wo Cooked Food Market, Mui Wo Ferry Concourse, Lantau

The Urban Discovery self-guided iDiscover Citywalks app unlocks secrets in some of Hong Kong’s most authentic neighbourhoods.  The Sham Shui Po guide is a great way to take in the area, without having to do any research! It takes the hassle out of exploring, and leads you through one of Hong Kong’s most vibrant and diverse neighbourhoods. We have road tested the App for you, and although we don’t want to share too many of the surprises that it has to offer, here are our highlights.

The App offers a route with 20 different destinations: including museums, restaurants, architectural points of interest and markets. For each location, you get some information on its historic background, iconic local characters, a selection of photographs and a set of interesting facts, which all help to paint a fuller picture about the area itself. You are guided to each location with a clear set of directions, and they include the Chinese characters for each location just in case you get lost and need to ask a local! Depending on how much you want to see and do, the walk could take you anywhere between 2 hours and a full day.

It starts at the Jockey Club Creative Arts Centre, a complex that used to be a factory, and still has some of the machinery from when that was its main function. Nowadays, its floors are filled with art studios, some of which are open to the public. The ground floor has a selection of different art exhibitions running, as well as shops, a lovely café and a traditional tea house.

The walk then continues around the area, taking in a variety of interesting locations along the way. Quintessential HK street scenes appear around every corner, making it a photographer’s dream. Other highlights include: the last remaining original public housing estate, the only temple in Hong Kong built for the Third Prince and a selection of popular local cuisine options. The App also gives you explicit directions on how to find certain kinds of beads, ribbons, fabrics and other textile goodies; all products the area is well-known for.

There is never a dull moment on this walk, and the journey from point to point is half the fun! It’s definitely a great way to check out a very eclectic part of Hong Kong, and an excellent way to learn more about Sham Shui Po’s interesting heritage.  Download the App here.

Going shopping in Sham Shui Po? This post will help you find your way around, and includes a mobile-friendly map too.