Tai Hang: Ultimate guide
From Hello Kitty café to a colourful confectionery shop, here’s what not to miss in Tai Hang
A stone’s throw away from bustling Causeway Bay (and often overshadowed by it), this charming neighbourhood is where indie cafés and shops share the same streets as historic local landmarks. Aside from the annual Fire Dragon Dance every Mid-Autumn Festival, we dig out the best gems in the neighbourhood and why you should visit Tai Hang all year round.
The best things to do and eat in Tai Hang
B’in Day-To-Day
Sick of mainstream retail shops and mass-produced designs? B’In Day-to-Day may be just the cure. Curating and sourcing watches, accessories, backpacks, stationery and home décorfrom all corners of the world, this brand is like Etsy, but without the delivery costs. Delight in discovering one-of-a-kind products, like animal-shaped candles, geometric rings, floral bow ties and innovative creations by local designers. You’ll want to come back day after day.
Hello Kitty Secret Garden
Despite being Hong Kong’s only Hello Kitty-themed restaurant, this café could easily be mistaken as a hipster coffee shop with its wooden furniture and garden-style décor. Upon closer inspection, everyone’s favourite Sanrio character can be found everywhere, in the shape of waffles, on top of lattes and toasted on the inside of burger buns. There are photo-ops aplenty here.
Lin Fa Temple
Dedicated to Kwun Yam, the goddess of mercy, this semi-octagonal-shaped temple is over a century old and is a declared monument in Hong Kong. Step inside and be greeted by a dragon-themed mural on the ceiling, a homage to the traditional Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance that takes place in the neighbourhood every Mid-Autumn Festival. You can also try the kau chim fortune-telling sticks, which can be interpreted by the experts at the temple.
Papabubble
Imagine if Willy Wonka opened up a boutique sweet shop with shelves lined with candies– That’s basically Papabubble. At this confectionery shop, you can satisfy your sweet tooth with a colourful collection of rock candies and lollipops. Its main draw is the customisation service, which allows you to add personalised flair or themes – including names, icons, cartoons – for any special occasion. The team will never burst your bubble.
The Pudding Nouveau
Who doesn’t love a good afternoon tea? The Pudding Nouveau is no stranger to Instagram as diners often get snap-happy with the seriously photogenic birdcage tea set and signature duck and waffle dish that’s served here. Complete your meal with an order of the delightfully rich milkshake, which comes with a doughnut on top. The gym can wait.
Second Draft
A neighbourhood gastropub spearheaded by Hong Kong celebrity chef May Chow of Little Bao fame, Second Draft serves top-notch locally brewed beers on tap. Friendly atmosphere and laid-back vibes aside, the venue also boasts quality pan- Asian-inspired pub grub like cashews with numbing spice seasoning, and dried oyster croquettes. It’s the perfect fodder for a great evening out.
Shun Hing
For arguably the best char siu egg rice in town, look no further than this Tai Hang dai pai dong. This local institution attracts hordes of foodies daily, mainly for its signature dish of scrambled eggs, cooked to the perfect level of runniness, paired with tender char siu and homemade soy sauce with shallots. It’s exceptional Hong Kong comfort food at its finest.
Tak Shing Tea Stall
The place to go for authentic, fuss-free Hong Kong food, Tak Shing is known for its milk tea, which is served in a glass bottle, and freshly baked pineapple buns. Take in the retro 70s décor, complete with old-school green and white tiles, while savouring cha chaan teng classics such as French toast and red bean ice.
Tipsy Restaurant and Bar
Get tipsy – or seriously boozy – at this hidden upstairs bar
by indulging in its daily free- flow wine and prosecco deals for $138. Tipsy specialises in European fare and fresh seafood – don’t miss out on the all-day oyster and wine combo, which pairs shucked shellfish from the south of France with two glasses of white wine. Another reason to visit? The awesome graffiti work set against the black wall makes for a snazzy IG shot.
Unar Coffee Company
This cosy and intimate little java joint is a favourite stomping ground for local coffee connoisseurs and hipsters alike, thanks to its Insta-worthy concrete interiors and exceptional Italian coffee beans. Unar is also known for its impressive selection of flavoured coffees, including banana, crème brûlée and cucumber, as well as its speciality ‘undrinkable chocolate’. The outdoor steps are perfect for people watching as you savour a cup.
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The area is well-known for Thai restaurants, spacious public parks, quirky independent shops and dessert stores, and an increasing number of themed-restaurants.