Your neighbourhood guide to Shau Kei Wan
Boasting a typhoon shelter and a number of historic temples, this eastside neighbourhood is a hidden cultural gemFor a cultural tour of Hong Kong, don’t miss out on a visit to Shau Kei Wan in the Eastern District. Once a fishing village, today it is home to a number of temples and a typhoon shelter. Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for a new neighbourhood to explore, here are the must-dos in the waterfront precinct.
Read more: Your neighbourhood guide to Sai Wan Ho
How to get there
From Central, take the MTR Island Line to Shau Kei Wan Station. You can also take bus 720, 722 or A12. Alternatively, enjoy a slow and leisurely ride on the eastbound tram.
Things to do
Shau Kei Wan Typhoon Shelter
Just like Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter, but without the tourists. Built in 1992, Shau Kei Wan Typhoon Shelter is just a few minutes from the MTR station and offers unobstructed harbour views across to East Kowloon. Although Hong Kong is no longer a fishing port, you can still find fishermen working on their fishing nets here. And if you ask nicely, a boat dweller may even offer you a guided sampan tour.
Kam Wa Street Wet Market
While Shau Kei Wan lacks major shopping malls, it offers plenty of outdoor booths and stalls selling authentic local items. Known for its affordable price point, Kam Wa Street Wet Market is arguably one of the most popular markets in the Eastern District, luring residents from nearby neighbourhoods like Tai Koo and Chai Wan. Big box supermarkets like ParknShop and Wellcome simply don’t stand a chance.
Read more: Best wet markets in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence
Head over to the Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence near Lei Yue Mun for a history lesson. Built by the British in 1885, the museum was once a forces’ military base. Having preserved most of its original architecture, it now houses a castle, defence basement, military vehicle and weapons for visitors to see.
Please note that the museum is currently closed for a revamp – keep an eye on its website to see when it reopens.
Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence, 175 Tung Hei Road, Shau Kei Wan, 2569 1500
Read more: Best museums in Hong Kong
Lei Yue Mun Park and Holiday Village
Orignally the Lyemun Barracks used for stationed British soldiers, Lei Yue Mun Park and Holiday Village has now been converted into the only holiday camp owned by the government. But camping isn’t the only reason why it attracts so many visitors. Those who like architecture or history will enjoy it too, as the entire compound is graded as a Grade I historic structure, while some buildings are graded as Grade I and Grade II individually. In fact, three of the buildings were declared historical monuments in 2016 and are now protected under the Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance.
The camp’s premises are currently being used as a quarantine centre to combat the spread of Covid-19. Check back on its website for any updates.
Lei Yue Mun Park and Holiday Village, 75 Chai Wan Road, Sai Wan Shan, 2568 7455
Temples
Once home to villagers who practised special religious beliefs, Shau Kei Wan encompasses multiple temples for worship. In the area, you’ll find Shing Wong Temple, Yuk Wong Temple, Tin Hau Temple and Tam Kung Temple, the last of which is popular, even today, with those in the fishing industry.
Shing Wong Temple, Kam Wa Street, Shau Kei Wan, 2569 2837
Yuk Wong Temple, A Kung Ngam Village Road, Shau Kei Wan, 2967 9605
Tin Hau Temple, 53 Shau Kei Wan Main Street East, Shau Kei Wan, 2569 1264
Tam Kung Temple, Tam Kung Temple Road, Shau Kei Wan, 2569 2559
Read more: Best temples in Hong Kong
Restaurants
Captain Coffee
Stop by Captain Coffee for, well, a cup of coffee. The spacious upstairs café offers a rotating menu of affordable western bites and a range of java to fuel you through the afternoon. And if you’re going for a midday meal, you’ll be glad to know that Captain Coffee’s breakfast and lunch sets cost as little as $42 – a steal for sure.
Captain Coffee, 1/F, Lancashire Centre, 361 Shau Kei Wan Road, Shau Kei Wan, 2775 7755
Chun Yee Thai Restaurant
Located at the end of a bustling road behind an unassuming storefront, Chun Yee Thai Restaurant serves up tasty, authentic Thai cuisine. Its signature dish is the tom yum prawn soup, filled to the brim with seafood and packing a fiery punch. But if you can’t take the heat, Chun Yee also has plenty of classic Thai dishes such as pad that or curry.
Chun Yee Thai Restaurant, G/F, 39 Shau Kei Wan Main Street East, Shau Kei Wan, 3178 1333
I Love 戟
Pronounced ‘I love cake’, this snack stall serves up a range of creative pancakes and ice cream on the side. Its best known for its signature caramel and egg pancake, which combine the sweetness of caramel with the tenderness of stewed egg. A must-try if you’re in the area.
I Love 戟, Shop C, G/F, 76 Shau Kei Wan Main Street East, Shau Kei Wan, 9541 0213
The Little Bakery
Get your favourite baked goods fresh out of the oven at The Little Bakery. This local bakery, located off a quiet street in the neighbourhood, offers authentic Hong Kong-style breads and cakes. And if nothing strikes your fancy, the owners are more than happy to customise your order.
The Little Bakery, G/F, 6 Nam On Street, Shau Kei Wan, 9828 6748
Read more: Best bakeries in Hong Kong
Master Low-key Food Shop
Where have you been if you haven’t heard of Master Low-key Food Shop? This quirky food stall offers one of the best egg waffles in the city. It has three choices on offer – original, spicy and golden – and we definitely recommend the OG. It’s also popular for its Hong Kong-style Belgium waffles, which come drizzled with peanut butter and condensed milk – not that great for your heart, but definitely a treat for your soul.
Master Low-key Food Shop, Shop B3, G/F, 76A Shau Kei Wan Main Street East, Shau Kei Wan, 6601 5300
Odonya Shokudo
With two locations in Hong Kong, Odonya Shokudo offers a lip-smacking bowl of donburi – a Japanese ‘rice bowl dish’ with meat, fish, vegetables and other ingredients simmered and served over rice. It is constantly updating its menu and coming out with new items, so make sure to check its Facebook and Instagram for fresh launches. We definitely recommend the classic grilled beef bowl, though. You can’t go wrong with that.
Odonya Shokudo, Shop 3, G/F, 328 Shau Kei Wan Road, Shau Kei Wan, 2661 4333
