Chin Jor Fan Tong

Chin Jor Fan Tong is not your grandma's noodle shop. Run by a group of young Hongkongers, tattoos aren’t the only thing these girls have up their sleeves – they serve up seriously good steaming bowls of soup noodles. Choose from their specialties like Ah Kam's braised beef noodles or Thai style hand-shredded chicken noodles, or build your own and choose your preferred spice level, noodle type and toppings. 

Chin Jor Fan Tong 前座飯堂, 39 Sun Chun Street, Tai Hang, Hong Kong, +852 5118 1869

Moto Yakitori

Many have likened the vibe of Tai Hang to neighbourhoods like Nakameguro in Tokyo, and with an izakaya like Moto around, it's not hard to see why. Grilled skewers of meat and veggies, shareable snacks, charcoal fired claypots (the one with queen crab meat topped with roe is stellar) make the perfect companions for Moto's impressive sake collection.  

Moto Yakitori, 21 Brown St, Tai Hang, Hong Kong, +852 2688 7007

Mustard 

Mustard has all the makings of a solid local brasserie: a thoughtfully curated wine selection, a chalkboard featuring rotating specials and lively groups of regulars. On the menu are classics like steak frites, oysters and clams with lardons, as well as specialities like raclette and uni linguini. 

Mustard, 12 King St, Tai Hang, Hong Kong, +852 2897 1800

Kona

Tai Hang locals love Kona, and it's not hard to see why. It occupies a quiet corner just outside of Tai Hang's main grid, and serves a modern take on Japanese kappo style cuisine. Deriving its meaning from 'to cut' and 'to cook,' it's a style of cuisine where chefs showcase their culinary expertise and technique. Sounds fancy, but the best thing about Kona is its laidback "come as you are" vibe. Don't miss the foie gras monaka, flounder sashimi with ponzu and the smoked chicken neck skewers. 

Kona, 6 Lin Fa Kung St W, Tai Hang, Hong Kong, +852 2881 6339

Sushi Shin

For over a decade, Sushi Shin has maintained its reputation as one of Hong Kong's most respected sushi restaurants. 

Opened by three Kenjo alumni, it is the quintessential sushi experience; a minimal, warmly lit space anchored by a sushi bar that's manned by chefs who have dedicated heart and soul to the craft. It goes without saying, the quality of the produce is superb. 

Sushi Shin, Wing Hing Court, 110-114 Tung Lo Wan Road, Tin Hau, +852 2398 8000

I M Teppanyaki

This one Michelin star teppanyaki restaurant is owned and run by chef Lawrence Mok, who takes his craft very seriously. Utmost respect is given to the ingredients, of which only the best  are used. The menu features lush dishes like abadai fish with sea urchin sauce and A-5 Japanese beef. Can't make up your mind? Opt for one of the set menus, or leave it in Mok's hands and go for the omakase. 

I M Teppanyaki, 134 Tung Lo Wan Road, Tai Hang, Hong Kong, +852 2570 7088; imteppanyaki.com

Plumcot

This unassuming bakery is a neighbourhood gem opened by pastry chefs Camille Moënne-Loccoz and Dominique Yau.

Flaky and buttery croissants are their speciality, and they come in an array of flavours including almond, strawberry and coconut. You'll also find cinnamon rolls, vanilla millefeuille and canelés. Plumcot's artisanal ice cream make the perfect snack for strolling Tai Hang on a warm afternoon, with flavours that change with the seasons.

Plumcot, 10A Sun Chun Street, Tai Hang, Hong Kong, +852 2573 6293; plumcot.co

Fineprint

The coveted café brings top quality coffee, Aussie style brunch and tasty baked goods to a quiet corner on Lily Street. We love the avocado on sourdough with basil and lemon, or the sweet-savoury sourdough topped with ricotta, blueberries and thyme. For dessert, it's hard to look past their sea salt chocolate chip cookies. 

Fineprint, 1 Lily Street, Tai Hang, Hong Kong, +852 5331 5205; fineprint.hk

Unar

The smell of roasted Italian coffee beans is intoxicating as soon as you enter this narrow, brightly lit cafe. Opened in 2011, this Tai Hang original has a menu that's simple and straightforward, with all of the coffee staples as well as seasonal specials—past flavours include ginger, banana and even cucumber. 

Unar Coffee Co., 15 Sun Chun St, Tai Hang, Hong Kong, +852 2838 5231

Sonne CAD

Sonne CAD occupies a two-storey pre-war tenement building where, behind dramatic wooden double-doors, you’ll find a space that's built for contemplation, conversation and serious coffee appreciation.

On the first floor is a bar where baristas brew locally roasted single-origin coffee from countries such as Indonesia, Guatemala and Uganda. On the second floor is a sun-drenched communal sitting area.

Sonne CAD, 16 San Tsuen Street, Tai Hang, Hong Kong, +852 6922 5398

Heyday Café

Scandi-chic cafés are popping up like daisies all over Hong Kong. Heyday Café, with its white walls and light wood accents, is Tai Hang's contribution. The menu is as minimal as its interiors, keeping it simple with a selection of espresso, cold brew and pourover coffees alongside homemade cakes and pastries.

Heyday Café, 5 Shepherd St, Tai Hang, Hong Kong, +852 2368 9339

Cookie Vission 

Indulgent verging on obnoxious, Cookie Vission doesn't hold back when it comes to their gooey, oozy, oversized baked goods. A milk chocolate glazed donut filled with bourbon whisky cremeux finished with a sprinkle of Maldon salt and chopped butter pecan? Yes. A fist-sized matcha cookie loaded with creamy white chocolate chips and crunch macadamia? I'm yours. 

Cookie Vission, 6 Wun Sha St, Tai Hang, Hong Kong, +852 5545 5655

Little Tai Hang

Be a tourist in your own city and make exploring Tai Hang a weekend-long affair by booking a night or two at Little Tai Hang.

The boutique hotel has spacious rooms bathed in natural light, boasting panoramic views of the harbour and Victoria Park on one side, and the architecturally distinctive Lai Tak Tsuen public housing estate (prominently featured in 2017’s Ghost in the Shell) on the landward side—all thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows and a lack of neighbouring buildings.

Don't forget to pack your walking shoes.

Little Tai Hang, 98 Tung Lo Wan Rd, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, +852 3899 8888; littletaihang.com

See also:7 Luxury Hotel Pools In Hong Kong—From Staycations To Day Passes 

The Shophouse

Local creative agency Unveil Limited gave this 1930s building a second life as The Shophouse, a lifestyle, exhibition and retail space. 

Exhibitions rotate every month or two, and interesting newcomers are always being added to their store, be it archival apparel or a knockout 'zine by a local artist. Previous partnerships include Maison Margiela, Asterisk and Kiko Stadinov. 

The Shophouse, 4 Second Lane, Tai Hang, Hong Kong, +852 5201 9555, theshophouse.hk

The Minimal

The Minimal is a vintage store full of nostalgic nick-nacks and quirky home decor. Whether you're looking to buy something or not, it's hard to browse this little treasure trove without chancing upon something that'll slap a smile on your face. 

The Minimal, G/F, 38 Sun Chun Street, Tai Hang, Hong Kong, +852 2369 2328

See also: My Neighbourhood: Bakehouse's Gregoire Michaud On Wan Chai

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