Your neighbourhood guide to Wan Chai

As a district in Hong Kong, Wan Chai occupies a league of its own: from its red-light district to heritage sites, it’s almost a city within a city that captures all the extremes of Hong Kong urban life. If you find yourself in this spirited district, there’s no shortage of things to do or places to go. For night owls and early birds, for coffeeholics and liquor enthusiasts, for residents and tourists: Wan Chai accommodates every personality.

Things to do

Go grocery shopping at the wet market

If you fancy yourself an experimental chef and are on the hunt for ingredients to inspire you, Wan Chai Market and its surrounding food stalls make for an ideal location to pick up some fresh local produce to bring a bit of Hong Kong from the streets into your kitchen. The market vendors also sell everything from stationery to flowers, so you’re sure to find a stall that suits your fancy. Even if you don’t have a particular shopping list, the mosaic of colourful lanes are worth a visit.

Wan Chai Market, 264 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai, 2575 0192

Go bar hopping on Wan Chai Wednesdays

Wan Chai is known far and wide for its cheap bars and roaring nightlife. The numerous bars and clubs lined up on Lockhart Road have accounted for many a successful bar crawl. On Wednesdays, after visiting the races at Happy Valley, make sure to trek down with the crowd to Carnegie’s or Coyote to start off a wild night that you won’t forget. However, with the irresistible Wednesday deals, it’s more likely to be a night you won’t remember. 

Along Lockhart Road, Wan Chai

Lee Tung Avenue 

If you’ve passed through Queen’s Road East, the quaint cobblestone streets and seasonal decorations are sure to have caught your eye. Known by locals as the Wedding Card Street, Lee Tung Ave is a shopping hub, housing numerous eateries and brands of all kinds. The escalators descending into the underground lead to even more shops for your browsing pleasure, tucked away from the perpetually bustling streets of Wan Chai. 

200 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai, 3791 2304

Visit Pak Tai Temple and Hung Shing Temple

If you’re feeling like immersing yourself in Hong Kong’s heritage, the Pak Tai Temple and Hung Shing Temple are a must-visit. The Pak Tai Temple is named after its main deity, the Supreme Emperor of the Dark Heaven, who is believed to have the power to alleviate calamities. On the other hand, the Hung Shing Temple, built on the shoreline before land reclamation, as Hung Shing was considered the God of the Southern Sea. These two locations are considered Grade I historic buildings and are well worth a trip.

Pak Tai Temple, 2 Lung On Street, Wan Chai, 2573 2086 and Hung Shing Temple, 129-131 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai, 2527 0804

Stroll around the iconic Blue House

Offering you a periscopic glimpse at Hong Kong in the 1920s with its Lingnan-style wooden tenement structure and cerulean walls, Wan Chai’s Blue House Cluster is an inimitable part of Hong Kong’s heritage. Visit the House of Stories, their exhibition space that displays the Blue House architecture and history to its visitors. You can also take a public tour after making an online booking, and gain an in-depth perspective into the significance of the building.

72A, Stone Nullah Lane, Wan Chai, 2833 4608

Hike to Lovers Rock

The Bowen Road trail in Wan Chai makes for an easy walking trail, with plenty of lush green foliage to shelter you keep you cool as you stroll or jog. Ask your partner or spouse to join and visit the Lover’s Rock, a famous spot amongst Hong Kong’s couples as it’s meant to be auspicious for love and fertility. Superstitious or not, the site is a thoughtful place to bring your loved ones if you find yourselves in Wan Chai.

Bowen Road Fitness Trail, Mid-Levels

Restaurants

Fini’s

Fini’s newly opened Wan Chai joint is everything you love about the original placed amidst the cultural vigour of Stone Nullah Lane. Watch the herds of people go by as you dig into your favourite Italian dishes. Gorge on cheese and carbs galore – it’s the perfect pitstop for a family outing or lunch with friends.

69 Stone Nullah Lane, Wan Chai, 3182 0128

Pirata

Pirata’s delectable selection of Italian dishes, be it their impeccable rendition of the classic Eggplant Parmigiana or Beed Carpaccio, make for a delightful meal. Whether you’re looking for culinary art or a self-indulgent pasta fix, Pirata’s menu is sure to appease your taste buds. Even offering weekend brunch with a menu that changes regularly, this authentic Italian restaurant is a savoured spot for many.

30/F, 239 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, 2887 0270

Le Garcon Saigon

Find a slice of Vietnam in this restaurant that has acclaimed citywide recognition for its charm and substance. Modelled as a sophisticated French brasserie but with the culinary offerings of southern Vietnam, this joint is the ideal place for traditional Saigonese grillhouse fare. Share a Wagyu Tartare or a plate of fried rice, or for a more eventful experience, order a plate of their DIY rice paper rolls. Relish in Le Garcon Saigon’s carefully crafted cuisine and guarantee a joyful dining experience. 

16 Wing Fung Street, Wan Chai, 2455 2499

Francis

If you find yourself on Francis Road on a Friday night, it’s almost certain that you’ll find a queue of people lined up for a seat at Francis. The inviting list of wines and Israel-inspired menu are enough to make you a loyal customer. Special tip: the restaurant make a gorgeous filthy martini that pairs wonderfully with their hummus and falafel. If you’re a first-time customer, ask its friendly staff for some recommendations and discover your new favourite dish. 

4 & 6 St. Francis Street, Wan Chai, 3101 9521

Qi House of Sichuan

If you like to call yourself a spice fiend, Qi’s fiery selection of Sichuan dishes is sure to put your tolerance to the test. Try its Bang Bang Wontons for a taste of their divine peanut sauce, or delve into a bit of Mapo Tofu for a tingling sensation that lingers on your taste buds. The indulgence is worth it and makes for a flavourful meal indeed.

2/F, Shop 12, 60 Johnston Road, Wan Chai, 2527 7117

Haven

A little gem nestled in the lanes next to the Wan Chai market, Haven is a quaint little unassuming restaurant serving up an impressive selection of wines and beef tartare that is adored by its most loyal customers. Order some garlic bread and deep-fried calamari as you sip on a glass of Merlot, or order one of their meatier main course options. Either way, it’s warm ambience is sure to leave you with a memorable aftertaste

17 McGregor Street, Wan Chai, 2891 3710

Santorini Greek Restaurant

Find Greece in Hong Kong with Santorini’s authentic menu of all your favourite Greek delicacies from tzatziki to moussaka. Pick from its irresistible selection, be it the Feta Psiti or a Souvlaki Platter for the entire group to share. Finish off your meal with some delightful Baklava and make yourself comfortable on cloud nine, or Mount Olympus itself.

5/F, QRE Plaza, Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai, 2887 8700

Samsen

Wolf down authentic Thai boat noodles at this unpretentious restaurant on Stone Nullah Lane. Don’t let the rustic chipped walls and weatherworn furniture fool you, the food is sure to make you do a double take. Chef Adam Cliff prepares his dishes with ingredients straight from Thailand, making the restaurant a snapshot of Bangkok’s local food stalls.

68 Stone Nullah Lane, Wan Chai, 2234 0001

Cat’s Eye

If you’re looking for some stripped down Japanese comfort food, the dishes at Cat’s Eye Bistro do the job. This joint is a must-visit for its slurpy omelette rice and minced pork curry, which have attracted large crowds. The menu honours the staples of Japanese household cuisine, and offers a delightful dining experience at very reasonable pricing.

24 Swatow Street, Wan Chai, 2891 8986

Cheung Hing Kee Shanghai Pan Fried Buns

Street food with the Michelin stamp of approval, Cheung Hing Kee’s assortment of buns and dumplings is warranting a visit if you find yourself in the area. This place is packed away off the side of the MTR station and would be easy to miss – if not for the animated crowds it draws every day.

76 Thomson Road, Wan Chai, 27783362

Pici

Pici’s handmade pasta and authentic Italian goodness is the perfect answer to a classic comfort food craving. With its appealing warm ambience and classic menu, this humble, down-to-earth venue offers a lovely selection of classic Italian dishes and bites. Load up on cheese, meat and carbs – when in Rome, do as the Romans do.

16 St Francis Yard, Wan Chai, 2755 5523

22 Ships

A modern twist on Spanish tapas comprised of skilfully paired flavours, 22 Ships’ menu is a delight to peruse and a nightmare of indecision to choose from, like Sophie’s Choice. But when you finally decide whether to get the seafood paella or the white pork and foie gras burgers, it’s a thrilling gastronomic experience. The restaurant is quite small for its colossal reputation, so some strategic timing to avoid the long lines would be in your favour. 

22 Ship Street, Wan Chai, 2555 0722

Bars

Wooloomooloo Steakhouse

Wooloomooloo Steakhouse stands as one of Hong Kong’s most breathtaking rooftop bars. Its Wan Chai location offers you some of the best panoramic views of the Victoria Harbour and Happy Valley, so you can lounge as you take in the awe-inspiring cityscape. Sip on a refreshing cocktail as you spend a quiet evening with your loved ones against the Hong Kong skyline – it’s a truly remarkable experience.

31/F & Rooftop, 256 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai, 2893 6960

St Regis Bar

Enjoy an evening of jazz and crafty mixology at one of Hong Kong’s newest luxury hotels. The cocktail menu garners inspirations from the New York subway and Hong Kong trams, fusing the palettes of the two cities together. A must-try is the Canto Mary, the city-specific spin on the Bloody Mary, and the ritualistic pop of Ruinart Champagne at half past five to signal the onset of the evening. Marvel at the creative attention to detail and you’ll be quick to realise how the St. Regis has maintained a pristine reputation for over a century.

1 Harbour Drive, Wan Chai, 2138 6800

Coyote

A crowd favourite, you can find a stampede of party animals enjoying the endless offers at Coyote every night. The Mexican bar holds the reputation for serving the best margaritas in town, and it successfully attracts local crowds with its extensive assortment of tequila. Order one of its flaming specials for a side of pyrotechnics with your drink, or stick to some good old Mexican beer, whatever your poison of preference, Coyote is the place to be.

114 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai, 2861 2221

Cafés

Ninetys

At Ninetys, they keep it minimalistic. The antipodean café serves only black, white and filter coffee with a choice between a fruity, nutty or chocolaty blend. Its specialised coffee does the job – it’s expertly crafted by experienced baristas and treated as an art form. Sip on the ambrosial goodness of their prime blends, and pair it with brunch items like the delicious cheesecake toast. If you’re looking for an artsy coffee break, this is your compound. 

G/F, 222 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, 2369 0118

Passion by Gerard Dubois

A charming little haven for artisan bread and French pastries, Passion on Lee Tung Avenue is a dainty spot for some coffee and a quick bite. From macarons to pain au chocolat, take your pick and treat your taste buds to the flavours of a Parisian café. Try the special house beverage, Chocolate Chaud, or its pistachio latte, or just go for a classic cappucino if you’re not looking to be experimental. 

200 Lee Tung Avenue, 200 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai, 2833 6778

Elephant Grounds

Elephant Grounds offers an eccentric take on the traditional caffeinated beverage, and if not for its tempting brunch menu, it’s warranted a visit solely for its seasonal specials and single-origin drinks. While the coffee chain does serve the traditional variety of lattes and espresso, its playful concoctions are perfect for anyone looking to mix up their routine. If you consider yourself more of a tea person, the café offer a colourful spread of global teas for you to choose from.

8 Wing Fung Street, Wan Chai, 2778 2700