Tai Hang: Ultimate guide

Somewhat of a landmark in Tai Hang, Bing Kee Cha Dong has been serving up local bites in a quiet alley for over half a century. Foodies come far and wide from around the city for their pork chop noodles and Hong Kong-style milk tea. For more traditional eats, head to Shun Hing Cha Dong, which sits just across the street from Bing Kee, for arguably the best char siu egg rice in town.

Photograph: Cara Hung | Shun Hing Cha Dong

Apart from establishments that have been in the neighbourhood for many decades, a slew of modern cafes and restaurants are also popular destinations. One of our favourite places to hit up is Chin Jor Fan Tong. Hidden behind a set of white, archaic shopfront gates, which makes for a cool contrast with the neon-lit, pop-art strewn interior, the restaurant plates up a range of choose-your-own noodle dishes for diners to pick different soup bases, spice levels, noodle types, and toppings for a tailor-made slurping experience.

Photograph: Joshua Lin | Miles by MMT

Other places to grab a bite include Tipsy Restaurant and Bar, which specialises in European fare, as well as Plumcot, a small patisserie that specialises in artisanal ice cream, cakes, and French pastries. And if you're looking for something to satisfy your sweet tooth, head to Miles by MMT for treats like Basque Burnt Cheesecake with mochi and a selection of baked goods; or pop over to Cookie Vission for everything from classic cookies and ice cream sandwiches to big boy milkshakes and other beverages to pair with the sweet treats.

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Taking up the space of a two-storey pre-war tenement building, Sonne CAD is for serious coffee drinkers. Step through its grand wooden doors and be pleasantly greeted by a warming coffee aroma in the air. The shop specialises in pour-over and cold brews and offers locally roasted as well as single-origin coffee from around the world. 

Photograph: Cara Hung | Sonne CAD

Another unmissable java joint in Tai Hang is Unar Coffee Company, which serves up exceptional drinks using Italian coffee beans and is well known for their unique sips such as the Undrinkable Chocolate Milk and cafe latte that comes in flavours like cucumber, crème brûlée, chocolate cookie, and more.

Photograph: Cara Hung | Unar Coffee Company

Last but certainly not least, Fineprint has got to be our go-to location for a quick coffee fix. Its laid-back Aussie vibes and excellent espresso are a fitting addition to the charming neighbourhood. The outdoor corner table (if you manage to nab it), is the best seat in the house for morning coffee, people-watching, and plenty of dog-petting. 

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Aside from places to eat and drink, Tai Hang is also home to many quirky, local shops. Quietly tucked away along Sun Chun Street, The Minimal is a treasure trove filled with everything from vintage homeware items to rare toys and collectables. Every piece here is unique and very random, but they all somehow fit together perfectly.

Photograph: Courtesy Kanamono

A few doors down from The Minimal, Kanamono might just be the coolest hardware store you'll ever come across in Hong Kong. The shop sources tools from all around the world – though, shop owner and interior designer Sammi has a particular soft spot for Japanese products – with everything arranged in an orderly fashion and artfully decorated to inspire DIYers as soon as they step inside.

Photograph: Courtesy The Shophouse

The Shophouse is a historic pre-war tong lau (tenement building) that has been renovated by creative agency Unveil Limited to cultivate a space to showcase works by local and overseas creators. There are regular exhibitions and pop-ups here, so you're guaranteed to experience something new every time.

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Another reason for our love of Tai Hang is the historic landmarks that sit harmoniously with the area’s abundance of unique shops and cafes, and perhaps the most famous of all is the Haw Par Mansion. Built in 1935 by Haw Aw-boon, aka ‘The King of Tiger Balm’, the mansion's garden was Hong Kong’s first-ever theme park before it was torn down and replaced by a residential complex. The mansion itself stayed and was converted into the Haw Par Music Foundation Limited (HPMF) in 2019, but sadly, the foundation struggled to sustain itself and announced its closure in 2022. If you would like to pay a visit, the mansion is open on Fridays to Sundays and public holidays for public visits through guided tours by appointment.

Other local landmarks worth visiting include the Lin Fa Temple, a semi-octagonal-shaped structure dedicated to Kwun Yam, The Goddess of Mercy. Step inside and marvel at the dragon-themed mural on the ceiling – a homage to the traditional Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance – and try the kau chim fortune-telling sticks, which can be interpreted by the experts at the temple.

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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. All rooms come with a snazzy Apple TV and some also have a balcony and/or bathtubs. There’s even a 24-hour fitness room that’s surprisingly well decked out for a small boutique hotel.

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