Cover Here are the best places to eat and drink and what to do in Cheung Chau (Photo: Paulo Evangelista on Unsplash)

Looking for an island escape? Cheung Chau should be on your list. We list the best things to eat, drink and do in Hong Kong’s favourite weekend island getaway

Once a sleepy fishing village, Cheung Chau has become a vibrant island with lively food stalls, restaurants and cafés. From artisanal cakes and pastries to Cantonese seafood feasts, leisurely island walks and a colonial mansion that's perfect for an OTT Hong Kong staycation—if you’re itching to get out of the city, Cheung Chau is the breath of fresh air you need.

Unsure where to start first? We’ve rounded up all the best things to do, places to eat and drink in this idyllic paradise.

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Where To Eat & Drink

Valor

The devil’s in the details at this design-driven café. Ice drip coffee is the speciality here, in particular, its coconut ice drip coffee served in an actual coconut. Originally a well-loved street food go-to for tourists and locals alike, Valor has transformed itself into a hip, artisanal cafe serving Instagrammable creations.

Valor also has rotating exhibitions featuring the works of local artists and photographers. Sometimes they even participate in art community events such as Art Central to allow more people to try their coffee. What’s more, you can bring along your furry friends here.

Valor, 4 San Hing Street, Cheung Chau, Hong Kong, +852 6699 5892; facebook.com/valorcheungchau

Heima Heima

Pastels and Scandi-inspired simplicity make for a serene escape at Heima Heima—Heima meaning “home” in Icelandic. The homemade cakes at this waterfront cafe are the stuff of Pinterest dreams, using seasonal ingredients to make pretty treats such as earl grey and fig cake, lemon tarts and more.

This one-woman ran cafe makes you feel very much at home. While they specialise more in Japanese tea, they also have cold brew offerings which are perfect during the summer.

Heima Heima, 25 Tsan Tuen Road, Cheung Chau, Hong Kong, +852  6078 3417; facebook.com/heimaheimahk

Chocoduck Bistro

Handmade pasta, fresh seafood and a strong focus on quality ingredients, there's a lot of love that goes into the food served at Chocoduck, which is helmed by a local chef, Stephanie. Be sure to ask about the off-menu specials.

You’d expect an island to mainly serve seafood and local delights and while they have that too, European food still makes its way to Cheung Chau. Chocoduck Bistro isn’t to be missed.

Chocoduck Bistro, 3 Kin San Lane, Cheung Chau, Hong Kong, +852 9735 0049; facebook.com/chocolateduck/

Pirate Bay

Another European option on the island is this friendly neighbourhood French bistro. They serve classics like sweet and savoury crepes, homemade chicken rillettes, ratatouille and beef bourguignon. A perfect option if you’re looking for a quick bite before running off to your next island activity.

But if you’re in need of a glass or two, they also offer a great selection of French wins, and they also host movie nights showing classic films—titles in the past include Casino and The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

Pirate Bay, G/F 13 &14 Tsan Tuen Road, Sai Wan, Cheung Chau, Hong Kong, +852 9664 0699; facebook.com/PirateBayCheungChau

New Baccarat Seafood Restaurant

A visit to Hong Kong’s outlying islands is never complete without a Cantonese-style seafood feast on the waterfront, and New Baccarat has been doing it right for the last 20 years. All of the favourites are here, from razor clams to mantis shrimp, whole crabs and fish, and ice-cold beer to enjoy it with.

Did you even go to Cheung Chau without a visit here?

New Baccarat, 9A Pak She Praya Road, Cheung Chau, Hong Kong, +852 2981 0606

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Yu Lok CC

Reminiscent of food stalls found in Japan’s coastal towns, this cosy seafood shack serves a simple but ever-changing menu of seasonal speciality snacks and cold Japanese beer. Relive your favourite memories in Japan right here in Cheung Chau.

Yu Lok CC, 81B, Tai San Praya Street, Cheung Chau, Hong Kong, +852 6017 2863

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Gogi

There’s something we just love about places that do one thing and commit to doing it well. With Gogi, it’s dumplings. While their traditional pork and chive dumplings are a mainstay, the menu changes daily featuring innovative flavours like salted egg yolk with pork, beef with shallots, curry potato and kimchi.  

Gogi, 86 Tai San Praya Road, Cheung Chau, Hong Kong, +852 5395 9328

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Cheung Chau Bing Sutt

Traditional Hong Kong desserts get a modern makeover at this sweet little shop. Think almond milk sweet soup, colourful dough served with ice cream, crushed peanuts and red beans, and the signature osmanthus sugar tricolour grass jelly.

This place is the perfect refresher after a long day of island activities.

Cheung Chau Bing Sutt, 19C Pak She Praya Road, Cheung Chau, Hong Kong, +852 2981 2982; facebook.com/cheungchaubingsutt

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Street Food

While there are some great restaurants and cafes around, the charm of Cheung Chau is its endless row of street food vendors. Signature island snacks include giant fishballs, frozen fruit slices, red bean pastries, mochi filled with fresh mango and Japanese style Taiyaki waffles. You'll find these vendors in the square across from the ferry pier, as well as along Tai San Praya Road. 

Island Workbench

This store celebrates Cheung Chau’s local artisans, selling everything from jewellery, bags, stationery and accessories—including tote bags made from recycled fishing nets.

But that’s not all. It’s also a cafe that serves beautiful cakes and pastries, fluffy omelettes, bento boxes and quality coffee and tea. 

Island Workbench, 2 Sun Hing Back St, Cheung Chau, Hong Kong, +852 5480 6627; facebook.com/island.workbench

Wow Lab

Cheung Chau’s answer to comfort food is Wow Lab. This western deli and snack shop offers burgers, chicken, fries that go well with beer. If you’re craving more, they serve pasta too. Wow Lab feels like the perfect place to hang out with friends and family after a long day.

Wow Lab, G/F, 9 Kin San Lane, Cheung Chau, Hong Kong; instagram.com/wowlab.hk

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Haika Coffee

Moonlight as a cafe in addition to being a store, Haika Coffee is Cheung Chau’s newest addition to the coffee scene–with a camping theme. Serving your favourite drinks from coffee to eat, they also have camera-pleasing desserts including tarts and chiffon cakes.

Haika Coffee is a great stop for your morning coffee or breakfast before setting off for the day.

Haika Coffee, G/F, 57 San Hing Praya Street, Cheung Chau, Hong Kong; instagram.com/haikacoffee

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What To Do

Tatler Asia
Cheung Chau Island.
Above Cheung Chau Island.

Explore the coastline

There’s a leisurely path that wraps around the Cheung Chau’s coastline, weaving through otherworldly geo rock formations and providing stunning sea views. It’s well-paved, totally family-friendly and a great way to work up an appetite for all of the good food on the island. Just follow the signs pointing towards Cheung Po Tsai Cave (otherwise known as Pirate's Cave). 

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Rent a bike

Explore carless Cheung Chau as the locals do—by bike. Rental shops are everywhere along the pier, and you can rent a standard bike or one of the island’s iconic “tricycles"—a kind of rickshaw that's ideal if you have young children in tow.

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Glamping

When the weather is good, it’s time to go glamping. Saiyuen Camping & Adventure Park in Cheung Chau is one of the best options. This outdoor campsite and outdoor playground is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy nature.

You’ll be spoiled for choice at the options here. If you’re the adventurous and sporty type, there are plenty of activities to do such as archery and golf. For the accommodation, you can also choose from a variety of options but one of the most popular is the stargazing geodesic dome where you can get a clear view of the sky at night. You’ll also enjoy having the bonfire experience available here.

Saiyuen Camping & Adventure Park, Saiyuen, Cheung Chau, DD CC Lot 12, +852 2981 1010; saiyuen.com

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Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Airbnb

Stay at an Airbnb mansion

Living the island life is all about taking it slow. So rather than rushing back to reality, make a staycation out of your Cheung Chau trip. This gorgeous colonial-style building listed on Airbnb is a secluded haven surrounded by Cheung Chau’s quaint hills and villages, overlooking cliffs to the South East of the island.

It has plenty of outdoor space, including a garden, rooftop and a large deck complete with sun loungers, dining space and a jacuzzi.   

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This article was originally published on February 10, 2021 and was updated on October 12, 2021.

 

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