Your Neighbourhood Guide To Tai Hang

From al fresco restaurants, cosy cafes and historical buildings, here’s your ultimate guide to where to eat, shop and explore in the charming little district of Tai Hang.

Hong Kong’s best-kept secret is just a brief walk from Tin Hau MTR station and is packed full of cute little restaurants, cafes, bars and shops. Things pop up here faster than you can say “new opening”, so keep an eye out for any hotspots to try out. Equally, things seem to close pretty suddenly, but this rapid turnover is a great reason to keep coming back to see what’s new! So, get out of your bubble and venture towards this quaint neighbourhood for a lazy afternoon or laid-back evening.

Read more: Your Neighbourhood Guide To Wan Chai

Jump to:
Where To Eat
Where To Drink
Where To Shop
What To Do
Where To Stay

Tai Hang Restaurants

Ask For Alonzo

Modern trattoria Ask For Alonzo serves up deliciously authentic Italian fare inspired by the Mediterranean provinces of Italy. Our favourites include the Roman Meatballs, Sautéed Clams and Mushroom Risotto. Swing by between 3pm and 8pm for happy hour, with house wine, beers and cocktails starting at just $38.

Ask For Alonzo, 11 Lin Fa Kung Street West, 3101 8045, www.askforalonzo.com

Bing Kee Cha Dong

If you’re up early in Tai Hang, local dai pai dong Bing Kee is a must-try. We love the flavoursome pork noodle soup, complete with tender peppery pork, greens, noodles and a tasty broth. Open from 7am to 3:30pm daily, expect this place to be busy with its regular crowd. There aren’t any English menus, but the attentive staff understand well, so you’ll be able to order a bowl of noodles, thick cut toast with condensed milk and a milk tea without too much trouble.

Bing Kee, 5 Shepherd Street, Tai Hang, Hong Kong, 2577 3117, www.instagram.com/bing_kee

BOND

Nestled in amongst the hub of Little Tai Hang, BOND serves up a variety of Western comfort food such as ribs, steak, pasta and more. Try to catch its happy hour, with buy-one-get-one-free offers on beers, wines, house spirits and Prosecco on weekdays from 5pm!

Bond, 2/F, 98 Tung Lo Wan Road, Little Tai Hang, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, 2155 1777

Cafe Locomotive

Cafe Locomotive is decorated like a classic train, complete with luggage racks filled with old-fashioned suitcases. The people lining up outside (we recommend booking a table!) will swear by the delicious Vietnamese food served here. Cafe Locomotive serves a mean pho, as well as other traditional Vietnamese dishes. It’s simple, quick and delicious.

Cafe Locomotive, 11 Wun Sha Street, Tai Hang, Hong Kong, 2882 8227, www.cafelocomotive.com

Chin Jor Fan Tong

Lit up on the inside with neon signs, hip Tai Hang noodle joint Chin Jor Fan Tong allows you to build your own bowl, giving you a choice of soup base, spice level, noodle type and toppings.

Chin Jor Fan Tong, G/F, 39 Sun Chun Street, Tai Hang, Hong Kong, 5118 1869, www.facebook.com/chinjorfantong

Classified

Known throughout Hong Kong for its lunch, brunch and dinner offerings, Classified can also be found in Tai Hang – complete with an open front and big wooden tables, perfect for groups. The relaxed, rustic vibe makes this one of our favourite semi-al fresco places to go for breakfast or a leisurely brunch.

Classified, 1-9 Lin Fa Kung Street West, Tai Hang, Hong Kong, 2857 3454, www.classifiedfoodshops.com.hk

Cookie Vission

From the classic Chocolate Chip to more creative flavours like Spiced S’mores and Matcha Macadamia White Chocolate Chip, pick up a hefty-sized cookie (150g each) or two from Tai Hang’s Cookie Vission. If you’d like to sample a few flavours in one sitting, pick up a mixed bag of bite-sized cookies, or go all out and order an “extra extra large” 6-inch cookie to share with friends.

Cookie Vission, Shop D, 6 Wun Sha Street, Tai Hang, Hong Kong, 5545 5655, www.cookievission.com

Dough Kitchen

Who doesn’t love fresh, homemade pasta? This lesser-known spot in Tai Hang serves up just that! If you’re on the hunt for some comforting Italian food in Tai Hang, head here and feast on a range of pastas and handmade pizzas. 

Dough Kitchen, 21B Brown Street, Tai Hang, Hong Kong, 2688 7008, www.facebook.com/doughhk

Elementary

Elementary can be found tucked away on School Street, and draws us in time and time again for its relaxed vibe, sharing-style plates and contemporary twists on classic flavour combinations. We love the Fancy Poutine, Chilli Crab Pasta and a selection of other sharing plates for dinner. The spot is also perfect for brunch come the weekend, with delights on offer such as Elementary French toast, Brekkie burgers and more.

Elementary, 15-16 School Street, Tai Hang, Hong Kong, 2362 2812, www.elementary.hk

New York Club

Contrary to what the name suggests, New York Club serves up a unique mix of Thai and Shanghainese cuisines (just go with it). The menus are mainly in Chinese, with English menus available upon request. Be sure to add the slow-cooked pork shoulder to your order – you won’t be sorry! 

New York Club, 24 School Street, Tai Hang, Hong Kong, 6105 7478, www.facebook.com/New-York-Club

Pho Saigon

Standing out on Tai Hang’s sleepy streets and recognisable for its statement street art-style shopfront wall, Pho Saigon serves up authentic dishes such as banh mi, crispy spring rolls, lemongrass pork with rice and more that hit the spot.

Pho Saigon, 14 Wun Sha Street, Tai Hang, Hong Kong

Piccolo Pizzeria & Bar

Piccolo’s focus is on freshly made pizzas and pastas, with the addition of a daily special. If you’re looking for a pizza fix, we recommend its signature Pizza Pancetta with bacon, tomato sauce and a soft egg, or the bestselling Prosciutto di Parma with Parma ham and rocket!

Piccolo Pizzeria & Bar, 1 Wun Sha Street, Tai Hang, Hong Kong, 2824 3001, www.piccoloconcepts.com/piccolo

Plumcot

Brought to us by expert pastry chefs Camille and Dominique, Plumcot brings a taste of Paris to Tai Hang. Selling a range of artisanal ice cream and French pastry delights, you can stock up on everything from homemade ice cream (in flavours such as Toast Baguette, Blue Cheese and Fior di Latte), to buttery brioches, croissants, madeleines and more at this charming little bakery. Looking for a special occasion cake? Order from Plumcot’s impressive creations, or request a bespoke cake.

Plumcot, 10A Sun Chun Street, Tai Hang, Hong Kong, www.plumcot.co

Ramen Nagi

Being an internationally renowned ramen restaurant, it’s no surprise that Ramen Nagi is a favourite spot in the Tai Hang area. The option to create your own custom bowl of soupy heaven is available just by ticking a few boxes, but if you want to be surprised, simply leave it up to the chefs.

Ramen Nagi, 3 King Street, Tai Hang, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, www.facebook.com/bbramen

Read more: The Best Ramen In Hong Kong

Shun Hing Restaurant

This neighbourhood cha chaan teng is always packed with hungry diners, and they’re all there for  its signature silky scrambled eggs. Cooked to perfection and drizzled with a homemade soy sauce, we’d argue that its char siu egg rice is one of the best in town.

Shun Hing Restaurant, 5 Ormsby Street, Tai Hang, Hong Kong, 2576 6577

Sushi Shin

Hong Kong is overflowing with sushi spots, but what makes Tai Hang’s Sushi Shin stand out is the high quality food, friendly service and cosy atmosphere. Book in advance if you want to sit at the bar and watch the chefs do their thing, and make sure to ask about the seasonal off-the-menu specials.

Sushi Shin, Shop 1 & 2, G/F, Wing Hing Court, 110-114 Tung Lo Wan Road, Tai Hang, Hong Kong, 2398 8000, www.sushishin.com

Tai Hang Bar & Grill

As one of the many Castelo restaurants in Hong Kong, Tai Hang Bar & Grill offers up a menu full of crowd pleasers. Think tacos, burgers, steaks and pasta, along with a range of salads, desserts and sides. For a great deal, head here from Monday to Friday and take advantage of its weekday set lunch menu, starting at $108 for three-courses. 

Tai Hang Bar & Grill, G/F, Intelligent Court, 38 Tung Lo Wan Road, Tai Hang, Hong Kong, 2525 1439, casteloconcepts.com

Tipsy Restaurant & Bar

Tipsy Restaurant & Bar features the finest global ingredients for a unique tasting experience – be sure to try the Blistered Spanish Red Prawn, King Prawn Ravioli or Tomahawk steak. And if it’s drinks you’re after, you’ll be sure to find exceptional wines, unusual European bottled beers, traditional cocktails and all the modern classics (try the Tipsy mojito!), which can be enjoyed on the open-air balcony.

Tipsy, 1/F, Little Tai Hang, 98 Tung Lo Wan Road, Tai Hang, Hong Kong, 2818 8807, www.facebook.com/tipsy.restaurant.bar 

Tai Hang Cafes And Bars

Fineprint

This ultra-cool yet completely unpretentious spot is a great place to unwind in the evening, but its brekkie options and killer flat white make it perfect for mornings as well. In the sleek cafe and bakery hybrid, treat yourself to a scrumptious sourdough avocado toast and coffee when the sun’s still shining, then come back at night to peruse the excellent wine options.

Fineprint, 1 Lily Street, Tai Hang, Hong Kong, 5331 5205, fineprint.hk

HeyDay Café

For a simple coffee done right, head to HeyDay Café and pick from its selection of espresso, cold brew and pour-over coffees. While the drinks here are plenty satisfying, it’s hard to pass up on a homemade cake or pastry while you’re there, not to mention the classic or matcha tiramisu.

HeyDay Café, 5 Shepherd Street, Tai Hang, Hong Kong, 2368 9339, www.facebook.com/coffee.heyday

Jrink

This independent specialty teahouse caters to serious tea lovers, with a wide range of leaves to choose from for your perfect brew. If you’re more of a coffee person, you should still drop by to check out the cute trinkets it sells in the store.

Jrink, G/F, 21 Ormsby Street, Tai Hang, Hong Kong, www.jrink.com.hk

Second Draft

If you’ve got a hankering for a cold one, make a beeline for Second Draft. Open from 2pm daily (and noon on weekends), this Tai Hang watering hole offers up a great selection of locally brewed beers, alongside creative and indulgent fusion dishes from renowned chef May Chow.

Second Draft, G/F Little Tai Hang, 98 Tung Lo Wan Road, Tai Hang, Hong Kong, 2656 0232, www.seconddraft.hk

Sonne CAD

This charming cafe occupies a two-storey pre-war tong lau building, serving up locally roasted single origin coffee. Allow the experts at the ground floor coffee brewing lab to guide you through the menu (which regularly rotates) before pulling up a chair upstairs.

Sonne CAD, 16 San Tsuen Street, Tai Hang, Hong Kong, 6922 5398

UNAR Coffee Company

Seating is limited at Tai Hang’s UNAR, but if you need a coffee on the go, then look no further! This little hole-in-the-wall proves that size doesn’t matter, and the eager customers queuing outside pay testament to UNAR’s delicious and high quality coffee, using only the finest Italian coffee beans. We’ve heard its banana caramel cake is a must-order, too.

UNAR Coffee Company, 15 Sun Chun Street, Tai Hang, Hong Kong, 2838 5231, www.facebook.com/unarcoffeecompany

Where To Shop In Tai Hang

Brix Wine & Spirits

If you’re a wine lover, you need to know about Brix Wine & Spirits. This little shop brings wines from all over the world to Tai Hang, along with a selection of chilled wines ready to be bought and drunk, perfect for when you need to BYOB!

Brix Wine & Spirits, G/F, 6-6A Wun Sha Street, Tai Hang, Hong Kong, 2808 0032

Journalize

Located between Tai Hang and Causeway Bay, Journalize has just about everything you may need when it comes to stationery, stocking supplies like marker pens,  fine art items and all the kit avid bullet journallers could dream of.

Journalize, 6A Moreton Terrace, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, 3565 6455, www.facebook.com/journalize

Kanamono Hardware Store

If you’re looking for cute little trinkets to adorn your living space, Kanamono is definitely the place to visit. This little hardware store is stocked floor to ceiling with Japanese-styled vintage bits and bobs that’ll have you pulling out your wallet in no time.

Kanamono Hardware Store, G/F, 30B Wan Sha Street, Tai Hang, Hong Kong, 2865 6168, www.facebook.com/kanamonohardwarestore

The Minimal

Strolling into The Minimal is like wandering through vintage decor heaven. The shop welcomes you with a collection of warmly lit vintage lightbulbs, and it only gets better the farther in you go! All things stereotypically vintage are on sale for ridiculously affordable prices – you’ll definitely see us in there again.

The Minimal, G/F, 38 Sun Chun Street, Tai Hang, Hong Kong, 2369 2328, www.facebook.com/The-Minimal

THE SHOPHOUSE

Tai Hang’s own exhibition and social concept space THE SHOPHOUSE takes residence in a Grade III listed pre-war tong lau where creative agency Unveil Unlimited fills its five floors with collections from both local and international artists. Open Wednesday to Sunday, stop by to take a gander at the latest exhibitions, and don’t miss the staff-curated library on the mezzanine floor.

THE SHOPHOUSE, 4 Second Lane, Tai Hang, Hong Kong, www.instagram.com/theshophousehongkong

Wild Wander HK

Home to a lust-worthy collection of exotic plants from Thailand and Indonesia, tropical plant lovers will have trouble leaving Wild Wander empty handed. A friend to paw-rents as well as plant parents, Wild Wander donates a portion of its profits to local dog adoption charities.

Wild Wander HK, 15A Sun Chun Street, Tai Hang, Hong Kong, WhatsApp: 9299 2882, www.facebook.com/wildwander.hk

What To Do In Tai Hang

Fire Dragon Dance

Legend has it that in the 19th century, the villagers of Tai Hang warded off an evil plague by staging a fire dance for three days and three nights, thus sparking one of our favourite local traditions – the annual Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance. Come Mid-Autumn Festival (late September to early October), watch in wonder as a 67-metre fire dragon made with more than 70,000 incense sticks dances through the streets of Tai Hang. For the best view, make sure you head to Wun Sha Street.

Haw Par Mansion

Once frequented by visitors for it extravagant gardens and exotic ornaments, which were sadly demolished in 2004 to make way for a large residential complex, Haw Par Mansion has now been converted into a private music school and museum. The Grade I historic mansion itself has been preserved, for the most part, and is open to the public with guided tours available upon request.

Haw Par Mansion, 15A Tai Hang Road, Tai Hang, Hong Kong

Lin Fa Temple

Originally built in 1863 as a worship place for Goddess of Mercy Kwun Yam, Lin Fa Temple is now mainly a tourist attraction, as well as being where the Tai Hang Fire Dragon festival takes place during Mid-Autumn Festival. Have your fortune told by the experts at the temple (you’ll need to bring a Cantonese-speaking friend with you if you can’t speak the language yourself!),  or simply check out the impressive dragon-themed mural on the ceiling.

Lin Fa Temple, Lily Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong

MiU Training Hub

Not your traditional fitness centre, MiU Training Hub encourages you to discover your personal potential through different forms of integrated trainings, including weight training, yoga and Zumba taught by guest instructors.

MiU Training Hub, 1/F, Lane House, 11 Lin Fa Kung Street West, Tai Hang, Hong Kong, 6774 1195, www.facebook.com/midageongmiu

Where To Stay In Tai Hang

Little Tai Hang

Comprising of a total of ten rooms, a gym, lounge and al fresco eateries, Little Tai Hang makes for the perfect staycation. The understated boutique hotel and serviced apartment boasts sweeping views of the harbour and Victoria Park, and with all of the above to explore in the surrounding area of Tai Hang, we don’t need much convincing to spend a weekend here.

Little Tai Hang, 98 Tung Lo Wan Road, Tai Hang, Hong Kong, 3899 8888, info@littletaihang.com, www.littletaihang.com

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on 25 October 2016 by Heidy Choi, and was most recently updated by Nicole Moraleda in September, 2021.