Trattoria Felino — Wan Chai

The lively dining scene on Wan Chai’s Ship Street has recently welcomed a new Neapolitan restaurant, Trattoria Felino. The brainchild of chef Marcello Scognamiglio, former head chef of Grissini, and Félix De Arriaga Balanzat, previously from Zuma, it offers a refined setting to explore Southern Italian cuisine. This includes easygoing, authentic dishes from hamachi carpaccio and smoked artichokes to Neapolitan pork ragout and homemade pasta. Don’t forget to share classic Italian desserts like tiramisu, brioche, and sabayon with your loved ones!

Price Range: $$-$$$
Location: 1-7 Ship Street, Wan Chai
Contact: Website | Instagram

Octavium — Central

Octavium first opened its doors in 2017 and quickly earned its reputation as one of the best Italian restaurants in Hong Kong. Led by two highly acclaimed chefs, Giuseppe De Vuono, Octavium offers its diners an intimate dining experience worthy of 2-Michelin stars. In its minimalist yet chic dining room, guests are treated to seasonal dishes using the freshest produce from around the world. The food here is made from scratch and even the simplest of dishes reach new culinary highs through meticulous and innovative cooking.  

Price Range: $$$$
Signature Dish To Try: Amuse Bouche, Hokkaido Abalone, Blue Lobster, Miyazaki Beef, Affogato
Location: 8/F One Chinachem Central, 22 Des Voeux Rd Central, Central
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook | +852 2111 9395

Man Mano — Tung Chung

Man Mano is a family-style Italian restaurant located in Citygate Outlets where everything on the menu is made from scratch (with the shining stars being the house-made pastas). From the minds of Woolly Pig, whose previous openings include GRAIN Gastropub and Brewlab and HUE Dining. The spacious 4,000 sq.ft dining room dressed in ceramic tiles and naked timber gives way to the sun-kissed alfresco terrace, recalling a countryside courtyard.

Unit 418, Citygate Outlets, 18-20 Tat Tung Rd, Tung Chung | +852 3500 5885

8 1/2 Otto e Mezzo Bombana — Central

Hailed as one of the top fine dining establishments in Hong Kong, Italian restaurant 8 1/2 Otto e Mezzo Bombana provides diners with an unforgettable gastronomical experience. Opened in 2010 by highly acclaimed Chef Umberto Bombana, the restaurant has the prestigious accolade of being the first and only Michelin 3-star Italian restaurant outside Italy. Known for his love of seasonal ingredients, a must-try is one of Chef Bombana’s, famed as the “King of Truffles”, white truffle creations when in season. To complete the experience, do plan an aperitivo at their award-winning Japanese-inspired bar beforehand.

Range: $$$$
Signature Dish To Try: White Truffle Risotto, Fassone Beef with Black Truffle, White Truffle Ice Cream
Location: Shop 202, 2/F Alexandra House, 18 Chater Rd, Central
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook | +852 2537 8859

Sabatini Ristorante Italiano — Tsim Sha Tsui

Step back in time at this rustic Italian restaurant located in The Royal Garden Hotel, where Claudio Favero, the talented chef, brings the flavors of Italy to life. Amidst a setting of arched doorways and terracotta tiled floors, diners can savour an extensive selection of Italian classics such as crispy golden fritto misto and comforting baked lasagna. In addition to weekday lunch and dinner service, Sabatini is famed for its weekend brunch (HK$838 per person) with its sumptuous array of Italian antipasti, a live station offering of grilled seafood and meat, homemade pasta, a choice of main, and a selection of sweet delights to round the feast off.

Range: $$$$
Signature Dish To Try: Roasted Rack of Lamb with Herbs and Gravy, Sturgeon Caviar, Tiramisu
Location: 3/F, The Royal Garden, 69 Mody Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui East
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook | +852 2733 2000

Tosca di Angelo — West Kowloon

Occupying the 102nd floor of the ICC, this Michelin 1-star Italian restaurant never fails to wow diners with its panoramic views of the iconic Hong Kong skyline and its equally impressive Italian fare. Led by Sicilian chef, Angelo Angliano, the food at Tosca di Angelo takes inspiration from the kitchen of his childhood home in Southern Italy and is elevated to haute cuisine standards through modern innovations. To accompany the food is an extensive menu of fine wines. Perfect for special occasions such as birthdays and anniversaries, this restaurant won’t disappoint food and wine aficionados.

Range: $$$$
Signature Dish To Try: Alaskan Black Cod with Daikon, Mediterranean Sea Bass with Topinambur
Location: 102/F, The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong, ICC1 Austin Rd West, West Kowloon
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook | +852 2263 2270

Juno — Sheung Wan

Drawing inspiration from the Roman goddess of love, Italian-Mediterranean restaurant Juno promises a tranquil dining experience with its soothing design and exciting culinary offerings. Juno opened in November 2023 and invites you to savour authentic flavours from the southern European coast. With Chef Jordi Vallés Claverol at the helm, Juno brings a taste of Italy and the Mediterranean to Hong Kong, complemented by a well-curated wine selection and creative cocktails.

G/F, 88 Wing Lok Street, Sheung Wan | +852 2703 5188

Pici — Various Locations

Arguably the home of the best pasta in Hong Kong, Pici, with its no-reservation policy has a devoted following of gourmands who are willing to queue for a taste of their freshly made pasta. The food here is honest, wholesome, and packs flavour with each bite. The hearty starters and generous portions make the food at Pici perfect for sharing and is a great way to sample more of the menu. With its various locations in Hong Kong, Pici is a popular Italian restaurant for couples, friends, and families alike.

Range: $$
Signature Dish To Try: Tagliolini Truffle, Lasagna Classica, Ravioli Carbonara
Locations: Multiple locations
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook | +852 2699 1033

Vivere — Causeway Bay

Vivere is serving up a feast for the senses in its new home in the Sugar+ building. The menu is built on ravishing, authentic Italian cuisine. When the sun sets, the space transforms into Vivi, where guests can immerse themselves in music and bespoke drinks. Vivere’s logo is inspired by an asterisk which denotes non-binariness, with exciting events to come like the Drag Show Brunches that will fall on one Sunday per month, highlighting queens from Hong Kong’s drag scene.

11/F, Sugar+, 25-31 Sugar Street, Causeway Bay | +852 2186 6404

LucAle — Sai Ying Pun

Tucked away on a side alley in Sai Ying Pun, LucAle is one of Hong Kong’s best-kept secrets when it comes to good Italian food. This cosy, intimate neighbourhood restaurant serves mouth-watering antipasti, pasta, seafood, and meat dishes cooked to perfection. The brainchild of renowned chefs Alessandro Angelini (of Shangri-la’s Angellini) and Luca de Berardinis (of Conrad’s Operetta), the Italian restaurant bustles with people stopping in for a drink at the bar after work or filling up on favourites such as the homemade pappardelle ragu. Portions are generous and make perfect sharing plates. 

Range: $+
Signature Dish To Try: 24hour Slow Cooked Beef Cheek, Chitarra Style Spaghetti, Pappardelle Ragu
Location: Shop A, GF, 100 Third St, Sai Ying Pun
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook | +852 3611 1842

Carbone — Central

Part of the renowned Black Sheep Group of restaurants, Carbone is a New York-style Italian restaurant that serves delicious American-Italian favourites. The decor is reminiscent of 1950s Manhattan, with white starched table cloths in heavy contrast to the wood-paneled walls and red and black chequered floors. The smartly dressed service staff are warm and welcoming which adds to the overall atmosphere. Some Carbone must-trys include the Caesar salad which is freshly prepared table side, Spicy Vodka Rigatoni, and their famous Meatballs – just remember to save some space for the dessert trolley!

Range: $+
Signature Dish To Try: Spicy Vodka Rigatoni, Carpaccio Piemontese, Mario’s Meatballs
Location: 9/F, LKF Tower, 33 Wyndham St, Central
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook | +852 2593 2593

Grissini — Wan Chai

Grissini, a long-time Hong Kong favourite has recently undergone a transformation under the helm of Chef Marcello Scognamillio. Whilst still boasting the magnificent views of Victoria Harbour, guests can now enjoy Italian fine dining in a more relaxed and casual atmosphere. Central to the renovation is Grissini’s new open kitchen, where chefs can be seen meticulously preparing traditional Southern Italian dishes refined with innovative cooking techniques for a more modern palate.

Range: $$$
Signature Dish To Try: Roman Clay Pot-Baked Chicken, Slow-Cooked Veal in Tuna Sauce, Vitello Tonnato
Location: 2/F, Grand Hyatt, 1 Harbour Rd, Wan Chai
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook | +852 2584 7722

Motorino — Central & Wan Chai

A list of the best Italian restaurants in Hong Kong would not be complete without a mention of a pizzeria. Lucky for us, at Motorino, all pizza cravings are satisfied under the culinary expertise of chefs Luca Marinelli and Roberta De Sario. The made-to-order pizzas (ranging from HK$138 to HK$248) are hand-stretched and topped with the freshest Italian ingredients before being fired up very quickly in a special custom oven designed to reach searingly high temperatures. The result is a delicious, flavor-packed pizza that is the perfect contrast of soft and chewy on the inside and charred on the outside. Bellissima!

Range: $$
Signature Dish To Try: Margherita, Prosciutto Di Parma, Soppressata Piccante
Location: Central: 14 Shelley St, Central, Wan Chai: 15 Ship St, Wan Chai
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook | +852 2801 6881

La Taverna — Tsim Sha Tsui

La Taverna, Hong Kong’s oldest Italian gem, is back in Tsim Sha Tsui with a delightful blend of tradition and modern flair. After a refresh, the restaurant now boasts an Italian-style outdoor terrazzo for al fresco dining and a deli counter, while retaining its 1960s charm. Enjoy the classics like Spaghetti alla Milionario and Homemade burrata with mixed tomato salad, all while enjoying wines from the historic Montecastello estate.

G/F, 36-38 Ashley Road, Tsim Sha Tsui |  +852 5417 4355

Frank’s Italian American Social Club — Central

Housed over a couple of floors in the vibrant LKF district, Frank’s is the perfect combination of good Italian food, innovative cocktails, and funky hip-hop vibes. Following its recent revamp, Frank’s has introduced diners to a menu-zine concept that is updated monthly with must-try specials, music themes, and article features. On offer to accompany the Frank’s classics that loyal fans have grown to love, such as Rigatoni alla Vodka (HK$208) and Chicken Parm (HK$288), is a long list of specials that fuses Asian flavours with traditional American Italian dishes. 

Range: $$
Signature Dish To Try: Veal Meatballs, Rigatoni alla Vodka, Chicken Parm,
Location: 79 Wyndham St, Central
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook | +852 9097 9730

Pirata — Wanchai

Experience the heart and soul of Italian dining at Pirata, where the philosophy is simple yet profound: fresh ingredients, simple recipes, and respect for their guests. Renowned star chef Emanuele Canuto, from Piedmont in Northern Italy, crafts genuine Italian home-cooked dishes that are both familiar and exceptional. You can find dishes with true Italian flavors and uncompromising quality. Visit Pirata in the heart of Hong Kong for a warm, welcoming Italian taste.

Range: $$$
Signature Dish To Try: Tagliatelle Truffle, Truffle Caesar Salad, Italian Meatballs, Beef Tartare
Location: 29/30 F, 239 Hennessy Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook | +852 2887 0270

Theo Mistral by Theo Randall— Tsim Sha Tsui

Infused with Chef Theo Randall’s passion for Italy, Randall’s menu reflects his regular Italian trips, offering a seasonal delight paired with an extensive Italian wine selection. Randall’s signature brunch features a tempting antipasto and dessert selection. Starting with a delightful array of appetizers, from crab legs and lobsters to traditional Italian classics like hams, cheeses, and salads. Conclude your experience with a comforting cup of coffee or tea and a dessert. A taste of Italy in every bite, at Randall’s.

Range: $$$
Signature Dish To Try: Roasted Lamb rack, Ravioli Alle Erbette, Pizza Capricciosa
Location: B2, InterContinental Grand Stanford Hong Kong, 70 Mody Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook | +852 2731 2870

Giando Italian Restaurant & Bar— Wan Chai

Giando Italian Restaurant & Bar invites you to a spacious, bright dining haven. Chef & Founder, Gianni Caprioli, weaves modern Italian magic into the menu. Don’t miss the timeless signature dish, Cacio e Pepe, where every detail is lovingly perfected. Crafted with the finest ingredients, Giando Italian Restaurant & Bar is awarded ‘Tre Bicchieri’ by Gambero Rosso and ranked 22nd out of 50 restaurants worldwide.

Range: $$$
Signature Dish To Try: Cacio e Pepe, Cavatelli Allo Scoglio, Rigatoni Alla Carbonara
Location: Starcrest Block 1, Shop 1, G/F, Tower, 9 Star St, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook | +852 2511 8912

Header image credits: Giando Italian Restaurant & Bar, Pirata, LucAle

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

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

Hong Kong who struggled last week in Korea despite their win (23-21) hopes to be better prepared for the match this weekend. Prior to this match, Hong Kong last played an international 15s match in December 2019 and for some players, this will only be their second competitive match in 6 months. The COVID pandemic has also seen the end of the elite player programme and the departure of several coaches which has brought uncertainty to the Hong Kong rugby landscape.

The winner of the upcoming match will have no easy feat in the tournament next year. The win will secure them a place to play in Group B of the competition where they will find themselves in the company of reigning champions South Africa, current world number 1, Ireland, Scotland, and Romania. However, not all is lost for the losing team, who will play in repechage in November in a group with Romania, USA, and Kenya for one last attempt to secure a spot in the World Cup next year.

Header image credits: HK Rugby