Marked by a rich history and packed with plenty of things to eat, see and do, Kwun Tong should be the next area you explore on Kowloon side.
Full of history, Kwun Tong has roots dating back to before Hong Kong’s establishment as a city-state and any of its development. Formerly a salt production centre back in the 1200s, the district’s coast has been a hub for fishermen and sailors alike. Part of the district then morphed into a factory area, which was later filled up by creatives looking to take on entrepreneurial ventures. Since then, the area has undergone modern development, and is now an eclectic mishmash of old creaky buildings filled with an eccentric mix of creative businesses, and new gentrified skyscrapers all split into the organised offices (not so unlike those found in Central and Admiralty).
Whether you’re looking to explore a bit of local history or hoping to check out some new places to eat and shop in town, we’ve done our research and have found our favourite and most interesting places to hit up in this Kowloon neighbourhood.
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Kwun Tong Restaurants & Cafes
Factory 99
If you’re on the hunt for a hidden gem to impress some out-of-town friends, Factory 99 is a good place to start. Literally located in a factory building, the restaurant serves up comforting North American dishes with Asian flair. We salivated at the menu: New Zealand Ribeye Steak with Gravy, Grilled Salmon Fillet with Cream Sauce and Risotto with Crab Meat in Tomato Cream Sauce. You’re bound to leave full and satisfied.
Factory 99, Room A, 1/F, How Ming Factory Building, 99 How Ming Street, Kwun Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2345 8333, www.facebook.com/factory99hk
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Harbour Dessert
For a bit of local flavour, head over to Harbour Dessert to indulge your sweet tooth. Usually open from the afternoon until late (or should we say, early!) into the wee hours of the morning, dessert shops serving up traditional sweet soups and a large variety of creative sugary treats are popular the city over, and are sprinkled liberally around town. Harbour Dessert in Kwun Tong comes highly recommended, and our favourites include the traditional Black Sesame Sweet Soup (ji ma wu) and the classic Mango Sago (mong guo sai mai lo).
Harbour Dessert, G/F, 46 Hong Ning Road, Kwun Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2151 0861
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Kokon2
Kokon2, with its quirky vintage decor and delicious Japanese fare, is best known for its creative maki rolls. Consistent favourites include the tamago (egg), sashimi, and the Tonkatsu ramen, and in terms of maki we personally love the Sumo Hero (sashimi, cream cheese and crab fillet) roll.
Kokon2, Room B, 1/F, Kwun Tong Industrial Centre, Phase 4, 436- 446 Kwun Tong Road, Kwun Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 3188 8015, www.facebook.com/kokon1010
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Shiu Heung Yuen Bakery
If you’re in the Praya Road area of Lei Yue Mun, be sure to check out this traditional Chinese bakery. Although abundant before, these bakeries are now a rare breed that are almost extinct in the city. In addition to serving classics such as sweet, flaky wife cakes and crumbling almond cookies, Shiu Heung Yuen is also well known for its egg roll cookies, which come in cardboard boxes. Be sure to pick up a box to take home – if it lasts that long!
Shiu Heung Yuen, G/F, 41C Lei Yue Mun Praya Road, Lei Yue Mun, Kwun Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2347 4483
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Sow Vegan
A kitchen comprising a dedicated team of plant-based chefs, Sow Vegan makes all its ingredients from scratch using fresh local and organic produce as much as possible. Always experimenting with textures, taste and endless possibilities, the multi-course vegan menu will satiate your palate and Instagram feed (think minimal yet elevated presentation).
Sow Vegan, Room 1102, 11/F, Hung Tat Industrial Building, 43 Hung To Road, Kwun Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 9029 3009, www.sowvegan.com
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Lei Yue Mun Seafood Bazaar
Also known as the Sam Ka Tsuen Seafood Precinct, Lei Yue Mun Seafood Bazaar is a must-visit in Kwun Tong. Home to some of the freshest seafood available for sale in the city, the area was once a fishing village that has gained popularity since the 1960s as the spot in town to savour the treasures of the sea. Simply browse amongst everything that’s on offer and make your selections, all of which you can then bring to any of the nearby restaurants to have prepared for you to enjoy there.
Sassy Tip: The more convenient method of reaching the bazaar is by a five- to 10-minute walk from the Yau Tong MTR station, or, more traditionally, by taking a ferry from the Sai Wan Ho pier, arguably the much more scenic route.
Lei Yue Mun Seafood Bazaar, 6 Lei Yue Mun Path, Lei Yue Mun, Kwun Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Coffee Lover Cafe
When it’s time for an afternoon pick-me-up, head over to Coffee Lover Cafe and let its baristas pour you a beautiful mug of espresso art. The establishment serves only coffee, but java junkies will be thrilled to find out about its coffee tastings and latte art workshops. If you know anyone curious to master all coffee trades, this is the place to go.
Coffee Lover Cafe, Flat 3B Wai Yip Industrial Building, 171 Wai Yip Street, Kwun Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 6700 2756, www.facebook.com/coffeelovercafe
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Kwun Tong Malls
APM
Home to the Kwun Tong branch of Apple and APM B+ cinema, and famous for its late opening hours, with some eateries closing at 2am, APM is a great spot to know in the area. With lots of shopping and more than 170 shops, the establishment is great for a quick bite or a spot of shopping. Boasting a floor area of 630,000 square feet and seven storeys as well as hourly underground parking, you can expect sportswear, CASETiFY, Uniqlo, and more to be found here.
APM, 418 Kwun Tong Road, Kwun Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, www.hkapm.com.hk
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Camel Paint Building
Everyone loves a good deal, and it should come as no surprise that some of the best athletic wear deals are tucked away in this city full of treasures. Located in in the Camel Paint Building in Kwun Tong are several sports name brand outlets, such as Adidas, Nike and New Balance. Stocking recent and current lines, and a great selection of trainers, it’d be a shame to visit the area and not hit up these outlets just to have a browse.
Camel Paint Building, 62 Hoi Yuen Road, Kwun Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
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Megabox
By now a name that should be pretty well-known, Megabox is a mall located in Kowloon Bay. Featuring one of the few IKEA stores in town, an ice skating rink, and an IMAX theatre, there’s no missing the building that looks like a giant red box. With a host of other stores and entertainment centres, as well as housing the city’s largest Giga Sports location and an AEON JUSCO department, spending a day there just keeps getting more attractive.
Sassy Tip: Although a bit of a long walk from the Kowloon Bay MTR, a free shuttle service running from the mall to the station makes it very convenient, while parking availability makes it all the more easy for those with vehicles.
Megabox, Enterprise Square Five, 38 Wang Chiu Road, Kowloon Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, www.megabox.com.hk
Domain Mall
Domain is a megamall located in Yau Tong serving more than 80,000 people living in the area. The largest shopping centre owned by the Housing Authority, it boasts 45,000 square feet and is a complex with a green jogging path on its podium and an outdoor recreation platform. The large selection of food vendors makes the location perfect for a bite.
Domain Mall, 38 Ko Chiu Road, Yau Tong, Kwun Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, www.domain-mall.hk
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What To Do In Kwun Tong
Kwun Tong Promenade
Hong Kong is renowned for its breathtaking skyline and harbour views, and with 17 of 18 districts touching the water, it should come as no surprise that Kwun Tong also has a coast. Renovated in 2015, the Kwun Tong Promenade is the perfect place to take a stroll, day or at night. Offering panoramic views of the Victoria Harbour, Lei Yue Mun and the east side of Hong Kong Island, a night time visit is the perfect way to unwind.
Kwun Tong Promenade, 80 Hoi Bun Road, Kwun Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, www.lcsd.gov.hk
Jordan Valley Park
The largest park in Kwun Tong, Jordan Valley Park, is a favourite picnic spot, despite its name suggesting a location in Jordan. This six-hectare park, once a landfill, now boasts lush greenery, including a vast central lawn perfect for picnics. It’s also home to an internationally recognised RC car racing circuit, a Bougainvillea Garden, playground and maze for endless fun.
Jordan Valley Park, 71 New Clear Water Bay Road, Kwun Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
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Hong Kong Public Records Building
It seems only right that a city with so much history should have a place to store and preserve them. The Hong Kong Public Records Building is coincidentally located in an area rife with it, and holds all manners of accounts regarding the past of our ever-evolving city.
Hong Kong Public Records Building, 13 Tsui Ping Road, Kwun Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2195 7760, www.grs.gov.hk/en (only the G/F, 1/F and 2/F are open to public access)
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Wilson Trail and Devil’s Peak
The Kwun Tong district is brimming with history, and the Devil’s Peak, with its batteries and redoubts, is one of the most historical spots in the area. With its oldest structure, the Gough Battery, having been built in 1898, there are only the remains of the three main fortresses left. Formerly used to guard the Lei Yue Mun Pass which was crucial to the access to the south of China, the pass has been garrisoned by pirates and the British military in the past.
The spot offers stunning views of Lei Yue Mun and the coastline from the Victoria Harbour to Tseung Kwan O. However, getting to the view is not for the faint of heart; besides taking a cab up, the only other way to access the Devil’s Peak is by section 3 of the Wilson Trail, a fairly difficult hike that starts in Lam Tin and ends in Tseng Lan Shue, stretching out to 9.4km in total and estimated to last around 4 hours.
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Lei Yue Mun Coast Lighthouse
For a breathtaking sunset, head over to the Lei Yue Mun Coast Lighthouse. Located on a tiny rock island that can only be accessed at low tide, it has been in function for more than 50 years and still operates to warn ships of rocky terrain by the coast today. Although the lighthouse itself is not very impressive, the photos you would get from the lookout at sea will more than make up for it.
Lei Yue Mun Coast Lighthouse, off Shung Shun Street, Kwun Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Main image courtesy of Kylle Pangan via Unsplash, image 1 courtesy of Factory 99 via Facebook, image 2 courtesy of Kokon2 via Facebook, image 3 courtesy of Sow Vegan via Instagram, image 4 courtesy of Coffee Lover Cafe via Facebook, image 5 courtesy of app via Instagram, image 6 courtesy of Megabox via Instagram, image 7 courtesy of winhorse via Getty.