Head over to the South Side and explore Wong Chuk Hang’s eclectic mix of restaurants, bars, shops and more
At first glance, the industrial district on the south side of Hong Kong Island doesn’t look like it has much of a scene. But give this bustling neighbourhood a chance and you’ll find unique restaurants, bars, shops and showrooms, gyms, galleries and event spaces hidden in the ex-factory spaces. So, whether you’re a weekday worker or simply haven’t found a reason to venture on the South Island MTR Line yet, here are just some of the reasons we’re buzzing about Wong Chuk Hang.
Where To Eat In Wong Chuk Hang
Aberdeen Fish Market Yee Hope Seafood Restaurant
The sprawling waterfront Aberdeen Fish Market supplies roughly 70% of seafood to our fair city, so it makes sense that a delicious seafood eatery operates within the bustling market. Reserving a table, pre-ordering and going with a Canto-speaker is a must, and also take note that this place is only open until 2pm. Produce-wise, the gang’s all here: scallops, prawns, crab, squid, fish, clams and more, all cooked Cantonese-style. Did we mention the bite-sized Hong Kong French Toast?
Africa Coffee & Tea
This beautifully designed multipurpose venue brings a fun and energetic dose of Africa to our shores. High up on the 15th floor is the Cafe & Bar (where diners can enjoy all-day breakfast, happy hour and an impressive lunch menu), along with the VIP Room for private parties and dinners. The menu includes African fare such as jollof rice and baked chicken thighs, oxtail stew, South African baby pork ribs and peri peri chicken. Meanwhile, customers strapped for time can enjoy coffee, tea, juice, pastries and sandwiches at the ground floor Kiosk.
Chopsticks Fork n Knife
Big groups that can’t decide on one cuisine should head straight to the aptly named Chopsticks Fork n Knife for a smorgasbord of choice from the likes of Chinese, European, Japanese and Korean menus. Take your pick from Bulgogi beef bento boxes, pan fried dumplings, sandwiches, salads, waffles, and even duck breast on an orange and couscous salad. And it doesn’t stop there! The three-page drink menu offers coffees (including colourful flavoured lattes), teas, bubble tea, and alcoholic beverages. Sounds eclectic, yes, but there really is something for everyone.
Golden Monkey
This trendy-looking food court concept has partnered with Pho Bar (located in both Causeway Bay and down a little alley in Central) to offer up pho, Vietnamese finger foods, rice dishes, salads, bahn mi and a selection of beverages (don’t sleep on those rum-infused bubble teas for a mid-day pick-me-up!).
Sassy Tip: On a no-carb diet? Replace your rice noodles with zucchini noodles – a pretty tasty alternative!
Komune
Located within Ovolo Southside, the outdoor terrace is what we love the most about this space, with its sweeping views of the southern side of the Island, Ocean Park and the sea. The food here is sure to have something for everyone – with a menu that is 30% vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free!
Nam Long Shan Road Cooked Food Market
When exiting the MTR station, it’s hard to miss the district’s slightly rundown yet popular two-storey cooked food centre. Full of affordable cha chaan tengs and Thai eateries, this market has been a long-time favourite for WCH dwellers. The most popular spots being Green Curry House and Pattaya Thai Food. Both serve authentic curry, rice and noodle dishes, as well as delightful Thai desserts like mango sticky rice and coconut custard cones.
Pomegranate Kitchen
Lebanese chef Maria Bizri’s Middle Eastern dishes feed Hongkongers at their homes, offices, event venues and even in Pomegranate’s own gorgeous Wong Chuk Hang space (which also boasts a large outdoor terrace). In recent years, the team has expanded and now also offers European, American and Asian cuisines for anything from cocktail parties to eight-course dinners.
Wong Chuk Hang Bars, Breweries & Cafes
Black Kite Brewery
In this neighbourhood, beer lovers can brewery-hop down Wong Chuk Hang Road to Black Kite Brewery. On the local artisanal brewers’ list of beers are the usual ales, porters and wheats, but the stand out brews are definitely Oh Bacon! (yes, a smokey bacon ale which is a great accompaniment to breakfast) and the jasmine tea-infused Southside Ale. Founded by Hong Kong-born brothers David and Daniel Gallie, the brewery schedules a few tours a month, but can also possibly cater to private parties if you ask really nicely.
Sensory ZERO
One of the area’s dining hot spots is definitely the spacious coffee house Sensory ZERO. Bring a laptop with plans of setting up shop with the free wifi and order a cold, creamy nitro coffee, alongside a grilled baguette sandwich. With its own in-house roastery, Sensory ZERO also offers various coffee workshops almost every week where you can play barista and brush up your latte art.
Young Master Ales Brewery
One of Hong Kong’s most popular microbreweries currently has a strong mix of year-round and seasonal ales, IPAs, pale ales, lagers, porters, pilsners and white beers circulating Hong Kong’s craft brew scene. There’s even a handful of special collabs which can be found at well-known establishments. The brewery is occasionally open for Saturday tours so book the squad in for a tasting tour to witness where all the hoppy magic happens. And then drunkenly shop for growlers, branded merch, gifts and bottles to your heart’s content.
Where to Shop In Wong Chuk Hang
APA Outdoor Shop
This epic outdoor store is fully stocked for adventurers, explorers and athletes alike. From camping and climbing gear, to trekking equipment, APA Outdoor Shop is a one-stop shop. For water sports enthusiasts, it even sells accessories, paddles, SUP boards, kayaks and so much more.
Float Captain
This might be a one-of-a-kind thing: a Hong Kong-meets-Cali-meets-Hawaii surfing lifestyle shop. Dubbed by the owners as an “office, shop, board cave, beer fridge and hangout”, it’s a good-looking spot to shop for surfboards, fins, wax, surf cases, apparel, hats, bags and some random bits for the home.
Mirth Home
Don’t kid yourself before you visit Mirth, grab your eco-friendly tote bags and get ready to shop. This colourful home-slash-lifestyle retail space sells furnishings, interior accessories, artwork, books, stationery, unique gifts, tableware, kitchen goods, children’s toys, clothing, shoes and party supplies. You know those Instagram-worthy pool floats? We’ll take one of every style please.
Modern Classic Bicycle Company
This multifaceted shop sells high quality bikes (from vintage classics to modern racers), apparel and accessories, along with offering maintenance, upgrades and repair to Hong Kong cycling enthusiasts. No storage space in your tiny flat? The shop provides rentals too!
Print House
Custom silk screen and digital t-shirt printing is the name of the game for this small lifestyle brand. Having seen them in action at events around town, we recommend the hands-on T-shirt printing experience that is provided at private parties, markets and at its own shop. Simply looking to shop? Pick from existing styles or contact the extremely friendly and efficient team about making your very own customised prints.
What To Do In Wong Chuk Hang
Ap Lei Pai
A number of hiking routes pass through Wong Chuk Hang (including Brick Hill/Nam Long Shan near Ocean Park), but one fantastic path that often gets ignored is the coastal trek from Ap Lei Chau to the smaller island of Ap Lei Pai. If you’re coming from WCH, hop on the tiny Ap Lei Chau ferry for a short trip across the Aberdeen Harbour before getting off at the promenade. Make your way for 15 minutes to Lee Nam Road near South Horizons to start the hike. From there, you can choose to go around the island for a bit of coasteering, or up over the steep top of Mount Johnson. Either way, it’s a scramble down the opposite side of Ap Lei Chau towards Ap Lei Pai. Note: you will get wet and please make sure you cross during low tide.
artjamming
Boasting a 2,000 square foot studio with a 1,200-square foot terrace, book up the space for birthdays, team building or just to get the artistic juices flowing. Help yourself to the “unlimited paint buffet” and add a splash of colour to your canvas, tote bag or T-shirt.
Attic V Climbing Gym
Hong Kong’s granite and volcanic cliffs make for some great rock climbing, but the indoor version is now a fitness trend. Practiced by people of all ages and athletic abilities who just want to learn in a safe environment, Attic V offers just that and a great workout. Open for adult and children courses, parties and outdoor experience days, this gym features higher and wider bouldering walls with over 100 routes.
Blind Spot Gallery
Opened in 2010, the contemporary art gallery originally focused on solely bringing photography and image-based art from emerging and established artists to the Hong Kong art scene. Over time, the gallery (one of the largest in our city) has opened up to more artists from around the region and sometimes further for exhibitions and collaborations.
Flex Studio
Pilates and yoga: check. Strength, cardio and high intensity interval training: check. Antigravity and Xtend Barre: check, check! This bright and comfortable studio has a wide range of fitness courses, top-notch equipment and very accommodating, professional instructors leading small classes.
Lump Studio
Transform a humble lump of clay into your own one-of-a-kind creation, be it a drinking cup, plant pot, fruit bowl or trinket dish – the possibilities are endless! The spacious studio offers private and group classes to students of all levels for those looking to build on their throwing or hand building skills..
Ocean Park
Rides, an aquarium, a zoo and shows – how can you go wrong? We’re booking our Ocean FasTrack tickets now (no queues for us, thanks).
Sassy Tip: Looking for a way to spend your birthday? Hong Kong residents celebrating get to go in for free on the day they were born!
Red Doors Studio
Living in this city means we’re always on the go. Multitasking, stressing and rarely at peace, we’re in desperate need of the ancient techniques and practices of yoga and meditation to bring balance, calm and focus to one’s mind, body and spirit. Red Doors Studio offers many ways for their clients to heal, be more self-aware, relax and ultimately rejuvenate, with Gong Baths, Mindfulness programs and Kundalini yoga.
Wong Chuk Hang Hotels
The Arca
A rooftop bar and infinity pool, check! Sweeping views of the Aberdeen harbour, check! Spacious, aesthetic rooms, triple check! You’re all set for an Instagrammable staycation with the girls at the Arca. You can even bring along a furry friend if you want!
Ovolo Southside
Warehouse-turned-hotel Ovolo Southside embodies the spirit of the neighbourhood within its walls, with graffiti and art installations by local and international artists spread throughout the hotel’s interiors. Book directly to enjoy complimentary breakfast, all-day snacks, happy hour drinks, 24-hour gym access and more!
Hong Kong Ocean Park Marriott Hotel
After a day of exploring the area, what say you to a luxurious staycation? Situated minutes away from Ocean Park and Repulse Bay, the shiny new hotel features a 50-foot-tall aquarium, on-site steakhouse, lagoon-style pool and tranquil spa for your ultimate relaxation.
Hong Kong Ocean Park Marriott Hotel, 180 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Wong Chuk Hang, Hong Kong, marriott.com
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Katie Kenny 