Sheung Wan: Ultimate Guide

The lines outside this shop don’t lie. Kau Kee is synonymous with a bowl of classic, braised beef brisket noodles. Have it with beef broth or with the deliciously messy curry stock. Don’t expect polite service and don’t expect to come away with a clean shirt. Orders are super wallet-friendly, though, and cost around $30. 

Yardbird has attracted diners by the hordes, thanks to being the kind of super hip izakaya/yakitori venue that not even Tokyo denizens would roll their eyes at. The chicken here is treated no differently than the finest piece of toro. That is, with love and care. And it returns the favour by donating literally every part of its body including the thigh, wing, neck, liver, tail or skin.

Tucked in a corner at the end of Tai Ping Shan Street is a somewhat unique café that serves more than just coffee. Teakha hosts regular music performances outside their shop, markets selling artisan products, movie screenings and even calligraphy classes, making it a favourite hangout spot for neighbourhood locals. Tea, of course, is the signature beverage. Organic and sourced from within Asia, relax with a fresh brew and homemade cakes.

Mezcal is suddenly a thing in Hong Kong and Coa is the agave spirit’s best evangelist – the extensive mezcal, tequila and raicilla menu here is the best of its kind in the city. Owner and founder Jay Khan is a local boy done good. Hugely affable and incredibly knowledgeable about mixology and agave spirits, he can help you choose the perfect drink, even if you’re not familiar with this sort of liquor.

While there’s no shortage of coffee joints in Sheung Wan, Barista Jam ranks top of the list thanks to its ample space and fantastic coffee selection. From siphons and French presses to hand grinders and Aeropresses, not to mention Moka pots, you can find almost every method of brewing coffee imaginable at Barista Jam. That being said, the signature drip coffee is a must-have.