Eat the Streets of Sheung Wan
Sheung Wan is known for its eclectic mix of antique shops, boutiques and art galleries. As one of the earliest locations to be settled by the British, it is home to a range of historical sites and varying architecture that help to give the area its unique atmosphere.
Amongst the temples and down the lanes lie a huge variety of fabulous bars, restaurants and cafes for your dining pleasure. From dim sum to homely French cuisine, there’s something for everyone in this creative and bustling neighbourhood. Here are our favourite places in the area for coffee, lunch, dinner and drinks – just click the green links for addresses and contact details.
Cafés & Teashops
18 Grams has branches all over Hong Kong, but the Sheung Wan location is their newest venture. Offering up their fantastic coffee for either dine-in or takeaway, the barista’s here always produce excellent brews. They also serve a great brunch and lunch menu, including salads, eggs and homemade sweet treats.
Teakha is the perfect location to while away the weekend. They source organic teas from throughout Asia and house a selection of exotically flavoured milk varieties. These are all served up in delightful, artisanal ceramics which add to the homely feel. A selection of yummy baked goods is also available.
Opened towards the end of last year, Americanos is an excellent spot to grab a bite. The staff are friendly, and the atmosphere is decidedly laid back. The menu is Tex-Mex inspired, and their breakfast burrito is a great way to start a Saturday. Add an order of their delicious pour-over coffee and you will be set!
In a neighbourhood packed with a slew of cafes who promise to hit the spot, Brew Bros manages to actually deliver. Sourcing beans from both local and international roasters, you can opt for either hand-drip or espresso. They also make a mighty fine chai tea and have a small kitchen that offers a range of eggs and bagels.
Sinmei Tea is a delightful tea house that is known for its signature range of food and drinks that are made with matcha (green tea). Cakes, coffee, tea, pastries and even non-alcoholic cocktails, all have that unique, green colour and taste. The interior is a mix of old and new Chinese style, complete with the in-house cat!
Small Eats
Dandan Soul Food from Sichuan is a great place to go if you are looking for a spicy noodle hit. Offering hot and cold noodles made to your preference of heat, they are fast-becoming the number one lunch spot in the area. Expect friendly service and a bit of a wait during peak hours.
Noodlemi serves up a delectable range of Vietnamese inspired dishes, many of which are M.S.G. and gluten free. They are also well known for their amazing banh mi that are loaded with beautiful, fresh ingredients. The restaurant itself is quite small, so this is an excellent place to get take-out during the week.
K-Roll is a godsend for anyone in need of a quick Korean fix. They make a range of dishes such as gimbap (Korean-style sushi rolls), ttok beoki (rice cakes and pressed fish in spicy sauce) and bibimbap (rice and mixed vegetables). But they are perhaps most famous for their not-so-traditional korrito rolls. A mix between a burrito and a gimbap, these are packed full of rice, veggies, your choice of meat, fish or tofu and smothered in creamy sauce – delicious!
If you are in need of some Mexican fare, then Little Burro is your place. They have a selection of dishes on their menu including tacos, burritos, salads and rice bowls and all are made with the freshest ingredients and served up by the super-friendly staff.
If you are looking for a spot with loads of character, then Oldish is where you want to be. The interior is filled with retro furniture, antiques and old movie posters which create a warm and cosy atmosphere. The menu here is a mix of Asian and Italian flavours, and they are particularly popular at brunch when they serve up a range of omelettes and other cooked breakfasts in skillets.
Big Eats
Lin Heung Kui is one of those places that you need to check out if you are looking for authentic Cantonese food. They are one of the few places in town that still use carts to serve dim sum, and have a menu that rotates daily. Spread over two floors, the family-run business is a stalwart on the HK dining scene. Highlights include the shrimp rice paper rolls and the poached chicken that is only available in the evenings.
Hiding down one of the area’s many alley ways, La Cantoche is the epitome of effortless cool. Serving a selection of dishes inspired from the owner’s native France, diners can enjoy amazing food at reasonable prices. Service is outstanding and the interior boasts a foosball table and pop art.
Foodies went crazy when Chachawan opened back in 2013, and its popularity has not waned over the years. Specialising in Issan food from the North Eastern part of Thailand, Chachawan is known for creating dishes with fresh flavours and a whole lot of spice.
Mrs. Pound is one of the most recent establishments to have opened in the area and has managed to arouse an almost cult-like following from locals. Hiding behind a storefront labelled as a stamp shop, this trendy restaurant serves a mixture of small plates and mains, all of which are inspired by the tastes of Asia.
Many consider Blue Butcher to be the meat expert of Hong Kong. They offer up a selection of the finest meat-centric dishes in town and are especially well-known for their homemade terrine, bone marrow and dry aged steaks. Their signature cocktails, that go heavy on the spirits, are another of their main draw cards.
Having received a Michelin star in 2014, Upper Modern Bistro is one of the most talked about restaurants in town. They serve up French cuisine with a contemporary twist amongst a chic and stylish interior. Fromage lovers be warned – try one of their cheese platters once and no other will ever live up to expectations again!
Look for the storefront with the giant ampersand and you will have found Foxtail & Broomcorn. Named after two ancient grains, this tiny noodle joint offers a small selection of dishes from around Asia. Fantastic har mee, hearty ramen and a solid performance from the vegan udon means little to no food envy will ensue.
Tabibito – social dining, sharing plates, tapas – whatever you call it, the concept of sitting down at a table with some friends and digging into a table full of dishes is one of the best ways to eat. Tabibito, offers Okazu (Japanese-tapas) in a cosy and relaxed restaurant, that offers a varied and exciting menu and excellent service.
When the government decided to force out the dai pai dongs, restaurant owners took their businesses inside to Cooked Food Markets. Queen Street Cooked Food Market is where you want to go if a) you have fussy friends or b) you can’t decide what cuisine to opt for. Here you have Cantonese, Thai, Indian/Nepalese and Italian all under one roof and at exceptionally great prices. The best part is that you can order from any vendor and they will bring it to your table, no matter where you are sitting!
Bars
Having only opened its doors in recent weeks, Crafty Cow is the newest kid on the block. Specialising in craft beer from around the world, it’s where you will want to head after a long day at work. This gastro pub has a menu that seems to fuse east and west, a direct reflection of the cuisines enjoyed by the owners as they grew up abroad.
Technically a bar and restaurant, 208 Duecento Otto is kind of an institution in Sheung Wan. It’s the type of place that you can accidentally spend the whole day in, as brunch seamlessly transitions to dinner and Happy Hour lurks between. With 2 for 1 beers and wines between 3- 6p.m., it’s a great location for an afternoon drink. These guys are also known for their delectable pizzas and pastas and arguably the best service in town.
Premium Sofa Club is an underground location that differs from most of bars in Hong Kong. They run on a BYO concept, where you pay a small entry fee to join their parties and then provide your own booze. Hosting a range of DJs and events throughout the year, you can keep up-to-date with what’s going on through their Facebook page.
Okay. So The Dutch isn’t really a bar. They’re a cheese shop, and who doesn’t love a cheese shop!? Plus, they have a great Happy Hour between 3-8 p.m., when it’s only $120 for two glasses of wine and a cheese platter. An excellent spot for a weekday wind-down.
Spread over two levels, RISI e BISI is a relative new-comer to the Sheung Wan hood. The bar stocks some interesting finds including a huge range of Japanese whisky, craft beers and perhaps the best caipirinhas in town. Chow down on some delicious arancini while you take in the quirky décor.
Three Monkeys serves a range of sake, shochu and Japanese beers alongside a selection of yakitori dishes. The interior is modern and sleek, with floor to ceiling windows allowing in the natural light. They are always packed, so it pays to book ahead if you plan on going with a large group. Service is always friendly and attentive.
If your favourite place is not on our list, drop us a line at [email protected]!
Add comment