Both a foodie oasis and an adventure junkie’s dream, Cheung Chau is the outlying island that offers the best of both worlds. Historically a fishing village, the dumbbell shaped island is a 30-minute ferry ride from Central Pier by the fast ferry. The village is most famous for the annual traditional Cheung Chau Bun Festival which sees locals travel to the island to watch a lively Bun Scrambling Competition – participants climb up a tower of buns and grab as many as they can. As quaint cafes and hipster shops join the island’s local stalls and natural beaches, the island has become as a go-to destination for weekend adventures.
EAT
Kam Wing Tai’s Giant Fishballs
Giant fishballs have almost become synonymous with Cheung Chau itself and this stall has mastered the craft with its 45 years+ of history. With a permanent queue and spicy curry aroma, the shop is quickly spottable once hopping off the ferry. These giants are not only larger than the regular fishball, they are also hand-made every morning which renders a bouncy and delicious outcome.
G/F, 106 San Hing Street, Cheung Chau
Mango Mochi
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Another Cheung Chau delicacy is the mango mochi — a sweet chewy delight comprising a mango wrapped inside a glutinous exterior. There is no shortage of stalls serving these mochi desserts in Cheung Chau, and it’s often the ‘souvenier’ locals bring home after an excursion to the island.
Hing Lok Restaurant
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Along the harbourfront sits a long row of seafood restaurants with servers that are guaranteed to wave you in as you walk by. Among those, Hing Lok Restaurant is famed for its succulent seafood that ranges from stir-fried crab to salt and pepper squid. For those that are in the mood for something more filling, opt for their braised pork ribs and remember to order a bowl of rice with it for a heavenly experience.
G/F, 9C Pak She Praya Road, Cheung Chau
Cheung Chau Bing Sutt
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To cure your sweet tooth, head to Cheung Chau Bing Sutt for Instagram-worthy pan-Asian desserts. The name “bing sutt” literally translates to “cold room”, which is a type of restaurant that gained popularity in Hong Kong in the ‘50s for serving refreshing smoothies, ice cream and other cold foods. Having adapted to current trends, this bing sutt’s menu includes Japanese matcha warabimochi, Thai milk-tea-flavoured shaved ice and Taiwanese taro ball desserts.
G/F, 19C Pak She Praya Road, Cheung Chau
Nutshell
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The wooden interior of this tea house has created a cosy ambiance fitting for a relaxing afternoon and it’s often the first thing that draws visitors in. The menu boasts an extensive list of teas served hot, cold, sparkling, as a tonic, “thin” and with milk. Pick from their homemade cheesecakes, dacquoise, tea soak egg on toast and other delights to complete the experience.
G/F, 156 San Hing Back Street, Cheung Chau
Islander Cheung Chau
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Islander Cheung Chau prides itself on having the “biggest selection of craft beers in Hong Kong”. Not only do they house rare finds, but they also produce their own beers and sodas with flavours inspired by the island. Notably, their honey soda is made with honey harvested in Cheung Chau. Items are available while limited stocks last, but the shop’s huge variety will surely guarantee something to take home.
3 Tung Wan Rd, Cheung Chau
Heima Heima
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Over the past seven years, this quaint cafe has witnessed its young entrepreneur not only grow her business but also her family into a crew of three. The cafe is an amalgamation of her interests, featuring Japanese-style cakes, teas and seasonal foods served to the peaceful background tunes of her choice. Complete with a Japanese style tatami, the cafe is a cosy home away from home.
G/F, 25 Tsan Tuen Road, Cheung Chau
SHOP, SEE & DO
Cycle Around The Island
Since cars are not permitted in Cheung Chau, cycling is the next best way to explore around. On the south side of the island lies a scenic cycling path which will take cyclers all the way to Sai Wan Pier. Hop off there to visit the Sai Wan Tin Hau Temple or grab a bite at the restaurants by the bay. Visitors will be greeted by a plethora of bike rental shops once exiting the ferry terminal, so no need to worry.
Myarts
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Step into this blue house to find trinkets from all over the world. This select shop sells popular goods like the 24Bottle to niche finds like zombie stickers by local artist Terry Wong, and handmade scrunchies made by the owner’s retired mother. Those looking for memorabilia or a postcard to send home will delight in the wide range available.
1 Tung Wan Road, Cheung Chau, Hong Kong
Island Workbench
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After finding their calling to create, the owners of Island Workbench quit their day jobs to establish this Hong Kong-based brand specialising in handmade bags. Owners Amy and Steven split their tasks – Amy is in charge of design and production while Steven runs the store. What’s more, they’ve extended their talents into baking with the IWB. Cafe which serves homemade roll cakes, caramel custard puddings and other desserts.
Shop: N0.2 G/F Rear, San Hing Back Street, Cheung Chau, NT, Hong Kong ; Cafe: G/F, 16 Chung Hok Road, Cheung Chau, NT, Hong Kong
Kwun Yam Wan Beach
For a brief respite, head to Kwun Yam Wan beach, a cosy beach tucked away from the bustling of Cheung Chau’s commercial hub. Unlike its more popular counterpart, Tung Wan Beach, Kwun Yam Wan is smaller but attracts many waters-sport enthusiasts. The beachfront restaurant offers a rental service for kayaks and surfboards, perfect for adventurous spirits craving a dip in the turquoise waters.
Cheung Chau Family Walk
This short but steep trail begins from Pak Tai Temple and leads hikers to the highest point of Cheung Chau – the North Pavillion Lookout. On a clear day, marvel at the panoramic views of Lamma Island on one side, and Tsing Ma Bridge on the other. From there, hikers can venture downwards to Pak Kok Tsui and its small but scenic beach, Tung Wan Tsai. Afterwards, continue along the path into the forest and return to the island’s hubbub.
Cheung Po Tsai Cave
Legend goes that the notorious Guangdong pirate Cheung Po Tsai hid his treasures at this eponymous natural cave sometime during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Now the entrance of the cave has been weathered down to a narrow sliver between boulders, allowing only one visitor to pass through at a time. To reach the site, options are to walk from Cheung Chau village along Sai Wan Road, or take a ferry from Sai Wan pier and walk uphill.
Cheung Po Tsai Road, Cheung Chau, Outlying Island
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Lead Image: CHUNYIP WONG/ Getty Images
