hong kong sai wan ho guide
Cover Explore all the best places to eat, drink, and experience in Sai Wan Ho (Photo: @andyyipkt/Instagram)

Discover Hong Kong’s nostalgic charm and scrumptious local delicacies in this Island neighbourhood

Think that Sai Wan Ho is only a residential hub? Think again. From bustling food markets to a picturesque harbour park and a film archive which offers a glimpse of Hong Kong’s rich cinematic heritage, we dig out the best gems in the neighbourhood and why it deserves to be on your radar.

Read more: Neighbourhood Guide: What to Eat, Drink and Do in Star Street Precinct

Where to Eat and Drink

Tai On Building

Hong Kong’s answer to Taiwan’s Shilin Night Market, Tai On Building has long been a perennial favourite amongst locals to get their street food fix. Located just a stone’s away from the Sai Wan Ho Station, the ground floor of this 1960s-style residential block is packed with a plethora of food stalls serving up authentic, delectable local and Asian delicacies—such as siu mai dumplings, egg waffles, beef entrails, stinky tofu, and many more. Don't miss out on the boneless Hainan chicken rice and Taiwanese scallion pancakes, too! 
 
Tai On Building, 57-87 Shau Kei Wan Road, Sai Wan Ho, Hong Kong

Don't miss: Where to Find the Best Egg Waffles in Hong Kong

Wah Kee Store

For arguably the best omurice in town, look no further than this tiny backstreet dai pai dong in Sai Wan Ho, Wah Kee Store. While the restaurant is crowded with no air conditioning in summertime, it still attracts hordes of foodies who came here for the signature dish of chicken fried rice with soy sauce wrapped in thin layers of soft, creamy scrambled eggs with sweet curry on top. Their omurice with cheese and Taiwanese braised pork rice are worth trying too.

The restaurant would only offer a limited amount of omurice per day, so we’d recommend arriving there earlier during lunch hour to avoid long queues.  
 
Wah Kee Store, Shop 3B, 48 Shau Kei Wan Road, Sai Wan Ho, Hong Kong, +852 2569 9251 (opens till 8:30am till 4:00pm daily) 

Super Duper Noodles

Just like the other Hong Kong classic—wonton noodles—cart noodles is one of our city’s most beloved dishes. Some of the city’s best cart noodles are served right here at Super Duper Noodles—a small eatery that can be easily spotted along the tram tracks on Shau Kei Wan Road. Diners will be spoilt for choice with a wide selection of flavourful broths, noodles and toppings to build the perfect bowl of noodles. Their braised pork knuckles and fried bean curd rolls are huge, but you can’t go wrong with any of the classics here—from squid balls to pig blood curds and curry pig skin.  
 
Super Duper Noodles, G/F, 116 Sai Wan Ho Street, Sai Wan Ho, Hong Kong, +852 5300 1388 (closed on Sundays) 

Read also: Where to Find the Best Cart Noodles in Hong Kong

Cs' Bakery

Time slows down once you walk into this cosy café hidden in one of the quiet corners in Sai Wan Ho. In addition to serving a breakfast menu that features both healthy and indulgent dishes such as artisan bread with avocado paste and scrambled eggs, croissant with smoked salmon, C’s Bakery is also famous for its homemade pasta and afternoon tea offerings. The black truffle spaghetti and Angus beef and cheeseburger are must-tries.

Another reason to visit? The café's stylish, minimalist blue-and-white interior is perfect for taking some artsy shots for your ‘gram. 
 
Cs' Bakery, Shop A1, G/F, On Yip Building, 100 Sai Wan Ho Street, Sai Wan Ho, Hong Kong, +852 2949 9999

Don't miss: All the New Cafes and Brunch Spots to Visit in January 2022

Rhino Kitchen

Rhino Kitchen is a social enterprise restaurant that does more than just great food. Featuring a minimal, cosy setting, this bistro is a popular hangout spot for neighbourhood locals to enjoy some respite in this fast-paced city. You can find all the classic coffee options here, as well as a fantastic selection of beverages tailored for kids—think caramel coffee, babyccino, and marshmallow chocolate, to name just a few.

What makes Rhino Kitchen stands out from the pack is not only its high-quality coffee brews, but also its warm service and great food offerings. We highly recommend their signature all-day breakfast and French toast with homemade ice cream. Of course, you have to try the beef rib stew with black curry too.
 
Rhino Kitchen, G/F, 2 Holy Cross Path, Sai Wan Ho, Hong Kong, +852 3460 5119  

Ming Kee Dessert

No visit to Sai Wan Ho is complete without popping into Ming Kee Dessert for post-meal sweet treats. A favourite stomping ground for neighbourhood locals, the eatery has built a solid reputation for its exceptional Cantonese desserts since its opening over ten years ago. It can be dizzying for first-timers deciding what to try from their extensive menu, but we can’t recommend the delightfully refreshing mango sago with glutinous rice balls and mango ice cream enough.

If you’ve got a penchant for traditional desserts, their nourishing papaya and snow fungus sweet soup, black sesame sweet soup and mini glutinous rice balls with ginger soup are sure to please. 
 
Ming Kee Dessert, 114 Sai Wan Ho Street, Sai Wan Ho, Hong Kong, +852 2560 1150 

Read more: The Best Cantonese Desserts to Try in Hong Kong

Soho East

A hub of stylish waterfront bars, restaurants and café, Soho East is an urban hotspot frequented by culinary connoisseurs and hipsters alike, especially during weekends. The atmosphere here is convivial and relaxing, where you can sample a plethora of international cuisines in a laidback setting. From Mint & Basil’s Thai and Vietnamese delicacies to Sushi Yue’s premium Japanese fare and COMO’s authentic Italian bites, there’s something for everyone.  

How to get there: Take the MTR to Sai Wan Ho and leave via Exit A, then walk along the Tai O Street. Make a left on Lei King Road and turn right on Tai Hong Street to reach Soho East.  

What to Do

Sai Wan Ho Harbour Park

After having an indulgent meal at Soho East, go for a leisurely stroll along the nearby Sai Wan Ho Harbour Park. This place offers peaceful ambience for evening walks and fantastic photo opportunities with a scenic backdrop of the harbour, not to mention there’s plenty of space for free running and lazy dog walks. 

Read more: Hong Kong’s Best Dog-Friendly Parks and Beaches

Gitone

A perfect mish-mash of an art studio and a private kitchen dining concept, Gitone is a unique, inspirational space for visitors to enjoy an artsy date. Get creative with your friends in the art (such as ceramic making and painting) workshops designed by Gitone during the day, then sample those aesthetically-pleasing Shanghainese delicacies to round off your evening. It's best to make reservations at Giltone for a full art and dining experience, as it can get packed on weekends.

Gitone, G/F 27-28,45 Tai Hong Street, Lee King Wan, Sai Wan Ho, Hong Kong, +852 2527 3448; gitone.hk (closed on Mondays)

Sai Wan Ho Ferry Pier

Rediscover the charm of our home city by taking a relaxing boat ride from the Sai Wan Ho Pier, which offers routes to Kwun Tong, Sam Ka Tsuen and Tung Long Chau. Not only it’s a great way to explore the city from new perspectives, but it also allows you to enjoy some much-needed respite from city life. 

Sai Wan Ho Ferry Pier, 46 Tai Hong Street, Sai Wan Ho, Hong Kong

Hong Kong Film Archive

Movie buffs will be thrilled to know there’s a monument dedicated to preserving Hong Kong’s film heritage in the 'hood. As well as housing impressive collection of rare local films, books, magazines and audio-visual materials that can be viewed in the archive or borrowed to enjoy at homes, this gem also runs special themed exhibitions and screenings of old classic movies from across the world.

The museum is currently closed due to the pandemic, visit the official website here for the latest entry arrangement.

Hong Kong Film Archive, 50 Lei King Road, Sai Wan Ho, Hong Kong, +852 2739 2139; lcsd.gov.hk

Don't miss: The Most Iconic Hong Kong Actors And Actresses—And All The Classic Local Movies You Should Know About


This article was originally published on June 25, 2020 and was updated on January 27, 2022.

NOW READ

The Most Luxurious Ways To Explore Hong Kong

Neighbourhood Guide: What to Eat, Drink and Do in Mid-Levels

Neighbourhood Guide: What to Eat, Drink and Do in Yuen Long

Topics