The cool neighbourhood in Hong Kong most tourists miss

This bohemian and quiet neighbourhood (yes, one still exists in Hong Kong!) is quickly becoming an enclave of cool restaurants, bars and design-driven boutiques. Here’s why you should check out Tai Hang before everyone gets in on the action.

Unar Coffee Company, Tai Hang, Hong Kong

Jetstar Asia
January 2019

How Tai Hang remains a relatively quiet neighbourhood despite its proximity to Causeway Bay is baffling. Not that we’re complaining — it’s the best way to experience what makes Hong Kong cool without having to deal with the frenetic pace of the city. Here are the best spots for coffee, food, shopping and the ’gram.

1. Unar Coffee Company

Good luck trying to get a seat in this teeny-tiny cafe. Follow the locals and place your order at the window (iced cucumber latte, anyone?), fight for space on the limited outdoor seating and then enjoy some of the best coffee in the city.

Bing Kee, Tai Hang, Hong Kong — Be sure to get to Bing Kee before it closes at 3pm. Photo: @bing_kee.

2. Bing Kee

There’s no English on the menu at this dai pai dong, but the staff are friendly, so ordering shouldn’t be too much of a hassle. Get yourself an iced milk tea, and be sure to try the signature pork noodles — the soup is peppery and hearty.

Lai Tak Tsuen, Tai Hang, Hong Kong — Built in 1975, Lai Tak Tsuen is one of the earliest public housing developments.

3. Lai Tak Tsuen

This public housing estate is an award-winning piece of architecture and is the only housing estate in Hong Kong to have adopted the unique bi-cylindrical design. For the best photos, head there in the afternoon, when the ample natural light falling into the open space in the centre casts dramatic shadows on the inner structure of the building.
2 – 38 Lai Tak Tsuen Road

Second Draft, Tai Hang, Hong Kong — Expect inventive fare at Second Draft like this dish of pork belly and octopus braised in traditional fermented bean curd and topped with chimichurri and pickled garlic. Photo: @seconddrafthk.

4. Second Draft

You know this is not your average pub when you have drinks curated by craft brewery Young Master Ales and a menu designed by chef May Chow of Little Bao fame. At Second Draft, there are over 12 craft brews on tap and a creative East-meets-West menu. If it hasn’t sold out, the Mapo Burrata is a must-try, thanks to a quirky — and addictive — combination of creamy cheese and mala chilli oil.

5. Feelsogood

Run by four young interior designers, this lifestyle store is a paradise for vintage homeware lovers. Expect anything from retro furniture and pendant lights to the smallest industrial-chic home accessories that will upgrade your crib to Insta-ready status, stat.