Tai Hang: Ultimate guide

The folks behind Catch and Mama Malouf, have opened up a joint on Tai Hang's School Street (clever). Elementary stands out with its hard-to-miss exterior that features its name painted in block letters. Its design is simple and contemporary, featuring muted colours and wood elements. The open layout and Aussie-inspired sharing plates encourage a social atmosphere. The beverage menu features a compact list of select wines, smart cocktails and imported beers. They also offer sparkling lemonades and fresh squeezed juices along with the standard coffee and tea.

Tucked away on Brown Street you'll find Dough Kitchen serving up Italian comfort food for lunch and dinner. The space is small and intimate, mixing light wood with white tile for a modern bistro feel. The menu consists of antipasti, salads, grilled meats and risotto, but the real stars of the show are the handmade pizza and pasta dishes, whose dough is made using four different kinds of flour. It is clear that the focus here is on simplicity and letting the quality ingredients shine through. They also have rotating seasonal specials listed on the black board. 

Plumcot is a patisserie based in Tai Hang serving up artisanal ice cream, cakes, breads and French pastries. Opened by two seasoned pastry chefs, their business ethos are built on the premise that everything should be fresh and that good food starts with good ingredients. If they don't like it, it doesn't go on the shelf. The bakery is named after the fruit hybrid of plum and apricot, embodying a harmonious mix of two different things. Bringing a true taste of Paris to Tai Hang (and Hong Kong), Plumcot is jewel for those in the area and well worth the trek for those who don't live nearby.     

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.

The Leeman Plate is a license plate manufacturer that has been operating in Hong Kong since 1979. They are certified by the Hong Kong Transport Department and are the only manufacturer still specialising in the traditional method of making car plates that have been in use for over 35 years. Aside of their practical usage, the plates make for a great decorative item or souvenir. In addition to custom car plates, they also sell various trinkets and lifestyle and car accessories like mini car plates, decals, key chains, air fresheners, specialty cleaning products and the like.   

Everything you love about Fineprint's Peel Street location can now be enjoyed in Tai Hang. It's laid-back Aussie vibes and excellent espresso are a fitting addition to the charming little community of cafes and shops. At the back of this Lily Street location is the bakery where all of their delicious sourdough breads, jams and ricotta are made fresh daily. The outdoor corner table (if you manage to nab it), is the best seat in the house for morning coffee, tucking into a plate of Ultimo eggs, people-watching and plenty of dog-petting. A buzzing brunch spot by day, this cafe-bakery-bar hybrid has an unpretentious cool that makes for an excellent spot to enjoy a glass of wine after sundown. 

Just around the corner of the chaos that is Causeway Bay, Little Tai Hang is the perfect spot to call home as a visitor to Hong Kong or, alternatively, a fab spot for a Hongkonger to grab a staycation. The rooms are spacious with modern, quirky decor and ridiculously comfy beds. Harbour view rooms also boast a magnificent view over to the ICC. For a good nights sleep in a fun and happening hood, Little Tai Hang is a solid choice for staycationers, families, visitors, business travellers and those rolling solo alike. Rooms from $1,500 per day (depending on season) and serviced apartments from $33,000 per month (depending on room choice).

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.