Kennedy Town is an unassuming neighbourhood where tradition meets modernity in its vibrant food options, cultural gems and plethora of enriching activities, from scenic hikes to DIY workshops. Explore our edit of the best places to go, from hidden bars and local eateries to scenic waterside views and discrete urban landscapes.
EAT & DRINK
Coffee Arabica is a minimalistic coffee joint with a friendly atmosphere and a view of the sea. Or get your coffee fix at Lex Coffee surrounded by artworks from Nara Yoshitomo, Yayoi Kusama and Banksy.
If you’re feeling peckish, Cheung Heung Yuen Restaurant offers an authentic cha chaan teng experience. We recommend their famous egg tarts, Hong Kong-style French toast and hot milk tea. This small, authentic eatery still uses the original cups for milk tea, and serves their egg tarts with a homemade lining, the recipe dating back from when they first started. Milk tea devotees can also get their fix at ABoutea with the Instagrammable Brown Sugar Pearl Milk Tea. For something more substantial, Sun Hing Restaurant is a no-frills dim sum joint, open at the erratic hours of 3am – 4pm daily. Get your fix of siu mai, ma lai gou and har gao, and be sure to try the custard salted-egg buns that they are known for.
For all things seafood, Fishteria Waterside is a quaint eatery with a sustainable outlook and delightfully rustic Italian cooking. Their contemporary yet laid-back atmosphere is perfect to enjoy a selection of seafood dishes, alongside an appropriate sea-view. We recommend their creamy prawn and crabmeat fregola, a fragrant and comforting dish that is difficult to find outside of Sardinia. If you are looking for something with a bit more punch, check out 11 Westside, headed by Chef Esdras Ochoa, renowned LA ‘taco king’ who was also featured on Netflix’s culinary show The Final Table. On Tuesdays, they offer 50% off of all tacos- be sure to try the carne asada for mouthwateringly tender short rib coated in their famous Mexican Ponzu sauce and the pollo asada for succulent grilled chicken enveloped with tangy spices and blanketed in a crispy, almost crepe-like shell. Catch offers a variety of options from fresh seafood and Mexican fare to the perfect brunch set-up with egg Benedict’s and avocado toasts galore. If it’s comfort food you’re after, Alvy’s dishes up delicious sourdough pizzas and craft beers in an easygoing setting. For an interesting fusion of east meets west, their Bak Gwei pizza is a surprisingly delightful combination of gruyere, béchamel, char siu, mozzarella, and geung yeong.
For drinks, The Wilshire is a slick, retro bar within Westside 11, established by the Westside 11 beverage manager David Eun and Boba Bear’s Jon Chan. The menu is minimal and pared-back, showcasing both classic and original drinks and cocktails. Those with an affinity for local breweries and craft beer may enjoy Little Creatures, where you can sample some of the best craft beers that Hong Kong has to offer, including one of their own.
SEE & DO
Lo Pan temple is a Grade I historic site, dedicated to the patron saint of Chinese carpenters and constructors, Lo Pan. Situated a few streets above bustling Belcher’s Street, the detailed architecture, ceramic sculptures and murals are well worth the light uphill stroll.
The Sai Wan Swimming Shed is the only one in Hong Kong open to the public, quietly hidden down an unassuming staircase on Victoria Road. Make the 5-minute downhill trek for a picturesque sea-view, and take the extra effort to schedule the trip during sunset for an unforgettable experience.
The Kennedy Town Shipping Docks certainly live up to their moniker as “Instagram Pier”, where many go to snap endless streams of photographs. The variety of backdrops are sure to satisfy every photographer’s creative whim and fancy, where the scenery alternates between urban backdrops and scenic sea views.
The Hive offers spacious co-working areas set over 3 separate floors, as well as various tutorials and workshops. Attend a composting workshop to learn about how to compost in small spaces, or unpack the days stress in a soothing yoga class hosted in collaboration with Mari Yoga.
Wheat and Wood, a board game cafe, is the perfect place to meet up with close friends and catch up over board games and drinks. If you are looking to meet new people and expand your friendship groups, their unique ID playing card payment system encourages players to join other tables and play larger games whilst meeting new people.
If you’re looking to work up a sweat while taking in panoramic views of this urban jungle, High West Hike takes you from Kennedy Town through to Pokfulam Road before finally arriving at the Peak, some 2,100 steps later.
SHOP
Slowood is a 3,000 square foot sustainable concept store with eco-friendly alternatives for everyday products, all presented within a minimalist, Scandinavian-inspired interior. From reusable paper towels to face masks and wine, their eco-conscious products are both aesthetically pleasing and functional.
Ethos is a lifestyle emporium that houses an abundance of offerings from apparel and home goods to publications and cuisine, all within a creative yet minimalistic space. Innovation and craftsmanship are at the core of Ethos’ values, and they seek to bring their refined edit of goods as a source of inspiration for visitors, encouraging them to put their energy into depth over breadth, with a less-is-more mentality. Consider chic and weatherproofed rain jackets from RAINS, or explore artisan handcrafted jewellery inspired by the traditional Japanese philosophy of “wabi-sabi”.
Editor
Carina Fischer
