Where to shop, eat and explore in Hong Kong’s Sheung Wan
Home to an eclectic mix of restaurants, coffee shops, galleries and retail spots, this lively neighbourhood deserves your attention
Thursday 16 November 2023 By Chloe Lawrance
In Hong Kong’s Sheung Wan area, old and new come together in captivating style – old-school hole in the wall cafes sit alongside chic restaurants; ancient temples alongside modern art galleries. It’s what makes the neighbourhood so worth a visit – and part of the reason we chose it as the home of Soho House Hong Kong.
To help you explore this charming district, we’ve turned to those in the know: Soho House Hong Kong’s locals. Read on to discover the best in food, coffee, fashion and more from around the area.
Where to eat and drink
Oliver Haas, member and entrepreneur
Queen Street Cooked Food Market: ‘A local gem, offering cheap and flavourful offerings from around the world. The focus here is purely on the food, so expect a plastic table, fluorescent lighting affair. My favourite is the Indian-Nepalese restaurant, Chautari.’
Tatiana Kotti, member and photographer
Man Mo Dim Sum: ‘This experimental restaurant offers Cantonese food with a French twist. The decor is stylish and the dishes feel very modern.’
Patricia Lee, Soho House Membership Communications & Content Manager
Blue Supreme: ‘My go-to in Sheung Wan, it serves modern American comfort food and unusual craft beers. A cool vibe in a semi-outdoor setting.’
Tate Dining Room: ‘This contemporary French-Chinese, fine-dining spot has two Michelin stars. Chef Vicky Lau knows the ingredients she uses so well and presents them beautifully.’
Anna Romagnoli, Soho House Assistant General Manager
Yardbird: ‘This modern izakaya specialises in yakitori – Japanese-style skewered chicken grilled over coals. Go here for an easy evening with friends: the service, food and drinks are all excellent, but the atmosphere is still fun and relaxed.’
William Chan, Soho House People & Development Manager
Le Galet: ‘This is a lovely mish-mash of a restaurant and an antique shop, where delicious western food can be savoured over freshly brewed cups of coffee.’
Ping Pong 129 Gintoneria: ‘A cosy basement bar hidden behind a faded red gate – a real undiscovered gem in the area.’
Kwan Kee Claypot Rice: ‘With a Michelin Bib Gourmand award – indicative of good value for money – the minimally decorated eatery is immensely popular among local foodies. Go for the signature charcoal-cooked claypot rice.’
Where to shop
Patricia Lee
Holy Club: ‘With brands like New Balance and G-Shock, this is where trendy locals shop for sneakers.’
Antique Street: ‘One for the treasure hunters, this row of quirky antiques shops and stalls is where you’ll find vintage ceramics, antique jade, unique furniture, and more.’
Anna Romagnoli
Green Ladies: ‘A second-hand store dedicated to achieving environmental and social change. You can donate your old clothes to give them another life, or shop for some new additions to your wardrobe. They have some great deals.’
William Chan
Select 18: ‘One of the best vintage dens. There’s retro Hong Kong paraphernalia alongside old Americana pieces; posters, toys, jewellery, handbags, suitcases, cigarette cases... It really is packed to the rafters with knick-knacks.’
Objective HK by Studio Adjective: ‘The destination for minimalist-style homeware. Everything is carefully sourced and of great quality.’
Where to grab coffee
Patricia Lee
Halfway Coffee: ‘My personal favourite. The owner really appreciates local Hong Kong culture, which is clear through his choice of furniture, interior design and glassware.’
William Chan
Clean Coffee & Laundry: ‘A vegan-friendly cafe founded by one of our members, Cynthia. Unlike most Hong Kong coffee shops, she doesn’t charge extra for milk alternatives – in fact, oat milk is offered as the default option.’
Elixir: ‘This small coffee shop is tucked away from the main street, so it feels very tranquil. It recently partnered with Aesop for the brand’s Queer Library campaign, encouraging people to share queer experiences through art, music and literature at the shop.’