Hong Kong’s Sai Ying Pun neighbourhood is an unexpected mix of modernity and tradition. Featuring a melange of tucked-away restaurants, speakeasies and general vibrancy amongst traditional dried seafood shops and local eateries, it is just outside the Central district and remained quite traditional until the extension of the MTR to the westside of Hong Kong Island in 2015.
Since, an explosion of luxury high rises has sprouted along the traditional streets, beckoning a younger, international crowd of creatives and artists. Comparable to Williamsburg or Shoreditch, with a Soho House location and an area full of French expats, cafes and wine bars called ‘Little Paris,’ it has fast become one of our favourite parts of Hong Kong. Read below for some of our go-to’s in the area.
Eat & Drink
[Photo courtesy of Ping Pong Gintonería]
Ping Pong Gintonería
129 Second Street L/G Nam Cheong House, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong
Tucked away in an old ping-pong training centre, this basement speakeasy has enormously high ceilings, plenty of space and chic industrial interiors. A favourite among hipsters and bankers alike, it’s the perfect date night spot to enjoy an expertly crafted gin cocktail with a selection of tapas from the Spanish food menu.
[Photo by Cathrine Levandowski]
LucAle
Shop A, 100 Third St, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong
LucAle is a cosy Italian bar and restaurant that’s hidden in an unassuming alleyway – yet word has travelled fast, and those in the know have been fighting to get a table here since it opened in early spring. The demand for the authentic, homemade pasta, bottomless brunches and premium Italian salumi hasn’t been dampened by the events of this year – book in advance.
[Photo by Cathrine Levandowski]
Bâtard
Shop E, 165-166 Connaught Rd W, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong
New on the scene in Sai Ying Pun, Bâtard pairs elevated comfort food with some of the world’s finest wines. The winning concept has proven hugely popular – you will be in awe of their 7,000 square foot space and enormous floor-to-ceiling displays of wine. Try their signature roast chicken and pilaf rice, creatively served in a wooden wine crate.
[Photo by Cathrine Levandowski]
Pondi
G/F, 14 Fuk Sau Lane, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong
Marrying Indian flavours and dishes with classic French technique, cosy and intimate Pondi is truly the first of its kind. Designed to feel like dining in a chef’s home, both cuisine and atmosphere are inspired by a seaside town in Southern India called Pondicherry, where old-world French charm meets the warmth of India. Expect a convivial atmosphere and vibrant menu utilising the best seasonal produce.
[Photo by Cathrine Levandowski]
Test Kitchen
Shop 3, Kwan Yick Building Phase 3, 158A Connaught Rd W, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong
Test Kitchen is a unique culinary platform and event space that has hosted more than 50 chefs from over 30 countries, ranging from up-and-coming chefs to Michelin star holders from the most reputable establishments in the world. Follow their social for the latest word on upcoming pop-ups.
[Photo courtesy of Potato Head Hong Kong]
Potato Head
100 Third Street, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong
Potato Head has become a neighbourhood staple of the hipster community of Sai Ying Pun, bringing the tropical vibes of Bali to Hong Kong. Eat at the elevated Kaum, which spotlights delicious Balinese cuisine, or have a casual drink at the Eksotika Bar to enjoy unique cocktails and comfortable lounge seating. Or – ask to have a drink in the Music Room, a hidden lounge with a vintage sound system and a rotation of DJs to keep you dancing all night long.
[Photo by Cathrine Levandowski]
Kwan Kee Claypot Rice
263 Queen’s Road, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong
Boasting worthy mentions from the likes of Bib Gourmand by MICHELIN, Kwan Kee Claypot Rice is a local restaurant well worth a detour – a true neighbourhood staple. No visit to Hong Kong would be complete without this authentic charcoal cooked claypot rice restaurant; booking is essential as this restaurant is always busy.
[Photo by Cathrine Levandowski]
Fat Chad’s
119B Second St, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong
Named after industry veteran Taran Chadha’s childhood nickname, Fat Chad’s brings New York bodega-style sandwiches to satisfy Hong Kongers’ hunger for a hearty sandwich. You’ll find lines down the block here on the regular at this small but vibrant neighbourhood spot, which also serves small bites and wine and beer.
See
[Photo by Cathrine Levandowski]
ARTLANE
Chung Ching Street, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong
Above Sai Ying Pun’s MTR Station exit B3 sits the ultimate urban art project, ARTLANE. Inspired by street art in cities like New York and London, both international and local artists have painted murals along several alleyways and on many buildings, creating a bright backdrop from which to explore the area.
[Photo by Cathrine Levandowski]
‘Instagram Pier’
Sai Wan, Hong Kong
The Western District Public Cargo Depot, typically referred to as ‘Instagram Pier,’ is just a short walk away from the centre of Sai Ying Pun. A surprisingly popular spot for locals and tourists alike, on any given day you will find a mixture of runners, dog walkers, photographers, picnic-goers and couples on dates. Industrial surroundings that include piles of bamboo, bricks, shipping containers and Victoria Harbour provide the perfect backdrop for photoshoots of both the professional and amateur varieties.
Shop
[Photo by Cathrine Levandowski]
Authentique
88 Second Street, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong
Authentique is an antique and collectables store featuring unique pieces from Europe. Owner Kate Davies applies a critical eye to each piece she acquires, meaning everything is truly special. Furniture has been luxuriously reupholstered and meticulously restored; everything is in amazing condition. A must-stop for a browse while wandering through the neighbourhood.
[Photo by Cathrine Levandowski]
Live Zero
33 High Street, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong
Hong Kong’s first zero-waste bulk food store opened its doors in Sai Ying Pun in 2018 intending to bring sustainable, green, eco-friendly and plastic-free products to the neighbourhood’s High Street. It has since expanded to a larger location across the street to include bulk beauty and personal products including baby care, reusable diapers and cosmetics.
For more information on any of the above locations, or to make a booking, please contact your lifestyle manager.
