Sassy’s Neighbourhood Guide to Happy Valley

Where to go and what to do

Happy Valley is the British expat’s Wimbledon village. It’s a little slice of upscale, leafy suburbia in the heart of Hong Kong. That said, it still has a lot to offer. Renowned for its midweek races, Happy Valley also has a wealth of good quality amenities, amazing restaurants and watering holes that have become regular go-to’s for our post-Saturday sports sessions. As we’ve stated before, these guides may not include everything, but they do include some of my favourites. Here goes…

(Sassy’s note: If you happen to know a great spot that we’ve missed, please let us know! Email us at editorial@sassyhongkong.com)

What to Eat and Drink: 

Happy Alley Coffee Bar

One of the only places in Hong Kong that serves Austria’s famous Julius Meinl coffee; the beans are ground to order so each brew is deliciously fresh. Tricky to find, it’s down a little alley behind Market Place. Don’t be fooled by the name, either; this coffee bar also sells good beer and wine.

Find it at No 6, 38-42 Yik Yam Street, Happy Valley, Hong Kong, www.facebook.com/happyalleycoffeebar

Classified

Everyone knows what Classified is – the café found all over Hong Kong serving good Eggs Benedict and yummy smoothies. You can’t go wrong heading here on a Saturday morning. The mac ‘n’ cheese happens to be a Sassy fave, too!

Find it at 17 Yuk Sau Street, Happy Valley, Hong Kong, www.classifiedfood.com

Dim Sum The Art of Chinese Tidbits

I am arguably one of the biggest Dim Sum fans out there; I could eat it for every meal. Sadly, the boyfriend doesn’t share the love, so I’m often dragging him here (and then he changes his mind!). This is a traditional teahouse, that;s open late and serves MSG-free (bonus!) dim sum. It is well-known thanks to Gwyneth Paltrow raving about it on her site GOOP a few years back. I knew Gwynnie and I had something in common.

Find it at 63 Sing Woo Road, Happy Valley, Hong Kong, dim-sum.hk/home

Happy Valley Cooked Food Market

I have a bit of a love-hate relationship with this place. The MSG gives me very vivid dreams. That said; if you want decent, fresh, cheap and authentic Canto food, I couldn’t recommend a place more. The atmosphere is bustling, the surroundings are clean, it’s not too hectic and it stays open until 2am – ideal for those post night-out cravings. Chow down on the Sweet and Sour Pork and wash it down with a cold beer.

Find it at 2 Yuk Sau Street, Happy Valley, Hong Kong

Saint Germain

When you’re craving the French bistro vibe – think crisp, white wine and a large cheese board – this is the place to go. Owned by the same people as Pastis on Wyndham Street, Saint Germain’s bar stools by the open windows provide the perfect people watching spot. Brunches are a favourite here, too.

Find it at G/F, 1A Wong Nai Chung Road, Happy Valley, Hong Kong, www.french-creations.com/saint-germain

Sing Woo Bar and Grill

This is one of Castelo Concept’s restaurants, so you know it’s going to be good. They serve a range of popular Western faves, with a slight Asian twist. Sing Woo Bar and Grill has a cute little terrace at the back and the weekend brunch is a must. We love the Rosedale Steak Sandwich!

Find it at Shop A, G/F, Jubilee Garden, 18 Sing Woo Road, Happy Valley, Hong Kong, www.casteloconcepts.com/our-venues/sing-woo-rd-bar-and-grill-happy-valley-hong-kong

Yakitoritei

This is a teeny tiny place that is rammed every night of the week. The Japanese chefs cook your yakitori in front of you and you can choose from a range of options: chicken, beef, foie gras and veggies. I’d call it a ‘rustic local Yardbird’…

Find it at Shop C, G/F, 49-51 Shing Wo Road, Happy Valley, Hong Kong

Zoe Café

It’s all about the cakes here, and the ever-expanding waistline! It’s a small and cosy dessert café created to satisfy a sweet tooth, and my go-to for cheesecake in Hong Kong. Just look at how cute these tasty treats are. You’ll have a hard time saying no to anything here. You have been warned!

Find it at G/F, 7A-3 Shan Kwong Road, Happy Valley, Hong Kong, www.zoecake.com

Proof

Amazing bakery and coffee shop, with a crazy Insta (don’t check it if you’re trying to stay off carbs!). They make everything fresh, and it has been well and truly been tried and tested by Sassy Girls. Go here if you’re looking for daily baked fresh bread, patisserie, cakes (and coffee!), with no artificial ingredients.

Find it at 14 Tsun Yuen St, Happy Valley, Hong Kong, www.proofhk.com

Specialty Shops:

Happy Valley isn’t known for its shopping given Causeway Bay is just around the corner, but there are some little shops worth a gander, as well as other attractions…

Feather and Bone

Selling good quality, grass-fed meat sourced from Australia, market-fresh fruit and the most amazing wines, Feather and Bone is a must try in Happy Valley. We are obsessed with a wine they sell from South Africa at the moment: Sutherland Cabernet Sauvignon.

Find it at Shop A & C, 11 Wong Nai Chung Road, Happy Valley, Hong Kong, featherandbone.com.hk

Read more: Feather & Bone: Curated French Deli, Cheeses and Grass-Fed Meats

Il Bel Paese

This lovely little deli can be found in the heart of Happy Valley. Selling the best produce from Italy, this is one of our favourite places to find gnocchi in Hong Kong, (they also serve really tasty olives!). Touted as a “a home-like environment, where you can enjoy the company of your family members, friends and colleagues in complete relax atmosphere,” how can you go wrong here?

Find it at 18A Yik Yam Street, Happy Valley, Hong Kong, www.ilbelpaese.com.hk

Ponti Wine Cellar

This is a wine specialist, offering award-winning wines from well-known regions – think France, Italy and Spain, among others. They also have stores in Central and TST if you find yourself in those neighbourhoods. Get ready to feel like a kid in a candy store – except you’ll be a grown-up in a wine cellar, and that’s a much better feeling!

Find it at 3 Yuen Yuen Street, Happy Valley, Hong Kong, www.pontiwinecellars.com.hk

Things To Do:

Happy Valley Races

Every Wednesday night Happy Valley comes alive with race-goers. Known as Happy Wednesday, people flock here from all over HK and the atmosphere is electric. I’m not sure how many people go for the actual horse racing, but it’s a chance to let your hair down, mid-week and celebrate hump day properly!

Find it at Wong Nai Chung Road, Happy Valley, Hong Kong

Hong Kong Football Club

The trick here is to find a friend who is a member and ask them nicely if you can be their plus one for the pool – which is lovely and big. Now that the heat is kicking in, a day poolside can never be a bad thing. The Football Club is always a nice hangout on a Saturday afternoon when the rugby is on, too.

Find it at 3 Sports Road, Happy Valley, Hong Kong

Sports Shops

Given the rugby and hockey pitches which are located in Happy Valley, there is an abundance of sports shops that always appear to have sales on. Think Nike and Under Armour. I always head to these shops if I need new trainers or my active wear needs an update.

Be sure to also check out our neighbourhood guides to Wan Chai, Mong Kok and Poho.
Happy exploring, girls!