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From historical sites and shops like 618 Shanghai Street to a treasure trove of kitchenware, this iconic stretch through Jordan, Yau Ma Tei & Mong Kok is a Hong Kong must-see…
Believe it or not, this iconic street was once under the sea before being reclaimed in 1874. Originally called “Station Street” after the nearby police station, it was renamed in 1909 to reflect Hong Kong’s booming trade with Shanghai. Over the years, it grew into one of the city’s busiest business corridors, forming a 2.3 km journey through the heart of Kowloon! Stretching through Jordan, Yau Ma Tei, and Mong Kok, this historic street is packed with character, from revitalised historical buildings to unique vintage stores, night markets, street food and souvenir shops. On top of all of that, Shanghai Street is known for being a kitchenware haven, boasting everything from antique porcelains to affordable knick knacks! Keep reading to discover our favourite shops…
Read More: Jordan & Yau Ma Tei Guide — Restaurants, Cafes, Shops & More
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Where To Buy Kitchenware On Shanghai
What To Shop & See On Shanghai Street
Where To Buy Kitchenware On Shanghai Street
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Man Kee Chopping Board (萬記砧板)
Man Kee Chopping Board is one of the most iconic kitchenware shops on Shanghai Street, as the family-owned store has been providing chopping boards and other forms of kitchenware to local butcher shops, restaurants and chefs for over 65 years. It also sells bamboo steamers, ceramics and old-school moulds for Chinese New Year puddings!
Man Kee Chopping Board, 340-343 Shanghai Street, Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon, Hong Kong, mankeechoppingboardhk.com
Ming Sang Steel Bamboo Receptacle (明生鋼竹蒸籠廠)
The shop was founded by 90-year-old Master Lui Ming, who pioneered steel-rimmed steamers at age 32! His son now runs the Shanghai Street store, while Master Lei Ming crafts custom orders and invents new designs in Tuen Mun.
Ming Sang Steel Bamboo Receptacle, 284 Shanghai Street, Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon, Hong Kong, mingseng.boutir.com
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Lee Wo Steelyard (利和秤號)
Nearly 90-year-old Mrs. Ho is the proud owner of the last remaining traditional steel shop in Hong Kong. Her steelyard offers handmade Chinese scales made from wood, bone and steel — a craft she learned from her father — along with pots, pans and other kitchenware!
Lee Wo Steelyard, 345 Shanghai Street, Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Wing On Ho Wood Professor (永安號)
Wing On Ho has been Hong Kong’s trusted hospitality supplier for 40+ years, serving everyone from cafes to hotels with top-tier kitchen equipment, tableware and disposable supplies. As a one-stop shop often praised in local media, you can guarantee you’ll find whatever kitchenware you’re looking for here!
Wing On Ho Wood Professor, 333-339 Shanghai Street, Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon, Hong Kong, wingonho.com
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Chan Chi Kee Cutlery Company (陳枝記)
Best known for providing major clients like the Hong Kong Shangri-La and Disneyland (as well as Chinese restaurants across the globe!), Chan Chi Kee is a pillar of handmade kitchen knives and utensils. Although part of their process has been replaced by machinery, the iconic cutlery company will forever be a Hong Kong staple.
Chan Chi Kee Cutlery Company, 316-318 Shanghai Street, Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon, Hong Kong, www.chanchikee.com
I Love Cake
This whimsical bake shop has literally anything you could dream of — think edible glitter, rare flavour extracts and professional-grade gear for next-level desserts. Cake decorators, hobbyists and pastry chefs all flock here for inspiration (and sugar fixes)!
I Love Cake, 338 Shanghai Street, Yau Ma Tei, Hong Kong. 2671 2671, www.ilovecake.hk
What To Shop At 618 Shanghai Street & More
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618 Shanghai Street
618 Shanghai Street is a revitalised cluster of ten pre-war shophouses (or “tong lau”) located in the Mong Kok section of Shanghai Street. In the 1920s and ’30s, the buildings formed a vibrant commercial hub that sold everything from feng shui tools to traditional Chinese wedding gowns and ceremonial items, but by the ’70s, the area became more known for its sex shops. Over time, the historic structures fell into decline, but they’ve since been lovingly restored and reestablished as a shopping centre! Our fave stores here include:
- Midwest Vintage (Shop 101): Americana-inspired thrift and vintage store
- Wai Chi Street Playground (Shop G04C): Miscellaneous trinkets and nostalgic local products
- Bunkaya Zakkaten (Shop 104): Kitschy and chaotic thrift store hailing from Harajuku
- Useless Studio (Shop 105): Japanese-inspired wabi-sabi ceramics and pottery studio
618 Shanghai Street, 600-626 Shanghai Street, Mong Kok, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 618shanghaistreet.com
Read More: What To Eat, See & Do In Mong Kok
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Red Brick Building
Constructed in 1895, this eye-catching red building was once the Engineer’s Office for Hong Kong’s old Water Pumping Station on Shanghai Street. It’s the last surviving piece of the original station — after operations stopped in 1911, everything else was torn down or repurposed. Saved from the wrecking ball, it earned Grade 1 historic status in 2000 thanks to its stunning details: rustic red bricks, cast iron pipes, elegant arches and intricate granite trimmings. A true relic of old Hong Kong!
Red Brick Building, 8 Waterloo Road (at the intersection of Shanghai Street), Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Read More: 10 Revitalised Historical Buildings In Hong Kong
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Cheung Shing Fans Factory (祥盛檀香扇莊)
Cheung Shing Fans Factory has been crafting exquisite sandalwood fans — once a must-have accessory for Hong Kong’s elite — since the 1950s. Founded on Shanghai Street to serve boat dwellers stocking up on incense for Tin Hau temple rituals, this nostalgic shop keeps tradition alive with every fragrant swirl.
Cheung Shing Fans Factory, 185 Shanghai Street, Yau Ma Tei, Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon, Hong Kong, www.koonnamwahbridal.com
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Kang Ming Picture Frame & Glass Store
This iconic glass shop has framed Hong Kong’s history for 100 years — even its vintage signboard is a century-old treasure! Now run by Chan Hon-hing (who grew up mastering the craft), this shop blends old-world artistry with cutting-edge “high-definition glass”, creating flawless displays for everything from family photos to auctioned heritage portraits.
Kang Ming Picture Frame & Glass Store, 111 Shanghai Street, Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Read More: The Best Hardware Stores In Hong Kong
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PRÉCÉDÉE
This 24-hour art space was founded in 2017 in the heart of Yau Ma Tei. As one of the few galleries operating in the bustling neighbourhood, it serves as a haven for local Hong Kong artists and creatives. If you’re looking for art prints for your flat, definitely check it out!
PRÉCÉDÉE, 304 Shanghai Street, Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon, Hong Kong, www.instagram.com/precedeeartspace
Read More: Your Guide To Hong Kong Art Month
Jade Market
Does the Jade Market really need an introduction? With hundreds of stalls selling trinkets, ornaments and jewellery of all shapes and sizes, this iconic shopping destination is a must-visit spot. Just make sure to bargain down your prices, because the first offer will never be the best one!
Jade Market, 251 Shanghai Street, Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Read More: Where To Buy Fine Jewellery In Hong Kong
Featured image courtesy of unknown via Reddit. All images courtesy of respective Instagram pages.
