A Guide To Lesser-Known Gems In Hong Kong's Iconic Causeway Bay District
Uncover the secrets and hidden gems in one of Asia’s most well-known neighbourhoods
By Karen Tee ,
Causeway Bay is undoubtedly one of Hong Kong’s most vibrant districts. Pulsating with energy 24/7, this destination is renowned for its luxury shopping malls and bustling thoroughfares. Concurrently, concealed within plain sight is a treasure trove of lesser-known gems awaiting discovery by curious explorers. From an old residential building where vintage shops share space with motor workshops to a low-key indie neighbourhood just a stone’s throw away packed with good grub and cultural spots, numerous hidden corners and secret delights are available to uncover. Here is an insider’s guide to experiencing Causeway Bay like a local.
Diagonally across the road from Lanson Place is an unassuming cluster of old apartment blocks populated with motor workshops, provision stores and old school eateries on the ground floor. But deeper in, there are gems like vintage apparel store Luddite 1881 hiding in plain sight. Although thrift and secondhand shopping has not quite taken off in Hong Kong yet, Luddite 1881 is one rare destination that offers a tightly curated collection of vintage Americana and military apparel as well as its own range of in-house designed work-inspired wear. Tip: Its opening hours can be erratic so DM the store before heading over. There are several other interesting apparel shops offering a similarly raw street aesthetic to poke around as well.
Lei Ha Court, 13-15 Haven Street
When in Causeway Bay, whether you are a mall rat or not, you have to at least drop by a mall or two, since they dominate the landscape. Well, Hysan Place is one of the more unique malls, with a distinct youth-focused line-up that includes some interesting stores including Hong Kong based multi-brand streetwear retailer i.t. and the aesthetic Eslite bookstore. There is also a rooftop skate park, GU (Uniqlo’s even more affordable sister brand) and the city’s first outpost of Post General (above), a Japanese brand with an urban outdoor aesthetic.
500 Hennessy Road
Travel junkies, here’s a chic bolthole to consider. Located just a six-minute walk from the Causeway Bay MTR station, the stylish Lanson Place Causeway Bay reopened in March following an extensive refurbishment spearheaded by award-winning French designer Pierre-Yves Rochon.
The design maestro, known for his luxury hotel designs, including the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills and Four Seasons George V Paris, has converted this property into a restful, French apartment-inspired retreat.
Listed as a Small Luxury Hotels of the World property, this light-filled space is furnished in elegant pastel tones and features vintage chandeliers, carefully sourced artworks, and fashion and design coffee table books for a tasteful touch of personality. Breakfast at the Parisian-style Salon Lanson includes local delights like shrimp wonton noodles, and thoughtful perks include a curated pillow menu and a complimentary laundry room.
133 Leighton Road
Chef May Chow’s Little Bao is an institution in Hong Kong for the inventive way she draws on the richness of Hong Kong cuisine and reimagines them at her trendy Causeway Bay eatery. Naturally, the menu features a good selection of baos (Chinese steamed buns as burgers), like the indulgent seasonal Kagoshima pork tonkatsu bao. Don’t miss out on the signature fried chicken, made with local three yellow chicken and crisped to perfection. The secret, reveals Chow, who was named Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2017, is that the leg and breast meat are cooked to different times to ensure maximum juiciness and crunch in every bite.
9 Kingston Street
Some of Hong Kong’s most interesting structures are those that showcase the city’s distinct east-meets-west architecture. A walking tour by Walk In HK is a shortcut to uncovering the architectural gems in the Causeway Bay and nearby Tai Hang. These include the iconic Haw Par Mansion (built by the same Burmese-Chinese brothers of Tiger Balm fame as well as Singapore’s Haw Par Villa) in Tai Hang as well as the historic circular Yee Wo Street Footbridge in Causeway Bay which not only offers a great vantage point to take in the bustle of the streets below but is also a great spot for a fit check.
Hong Kong’s cha chaan teng traditional diner gets a fresh update at Sleepyhead, a cosy, pet-friendly joint in the adjacent neighbourhood of Wan Chai. Here, the classic HK milk tea is brewed with artisanal tea and the popular bolo bun (pineapple shaped bun) comes with eight hour slow-cooked charsiew roast pork. Extra props for the furkid watching – residents often stroll around with their pampered pooches in tow.
Shop C, 1-3 Moon Street
Just a 10-minute cab ride away, the indie residential neighbourhood of Tai Hang has an eclectic array of cool hangouts, hidden shops and local eateries. For instance, the newly opened “Swiss Italian grotto” restaurant Nocino is almost always fully booked.
92E Tung Lo Wan Road
Also in the Tai Hang neighbourhood is the local institution Bing Kee Cha Dong, which has been serving hearty bowls of pork chop noodles for half a century.
5 Shepherd Street
While you're in the Tai Hang area, keep your eyes peeled for hidden shops like The Shophouse, which holds exhibitions and pop-ups.
4 Second Lane
En Fleur is a florist tucked into a back alley in Tai Hang and offers a selection of preserved "eternity" flowers, ideal as a unique souvenir.
6 Wun Sha Street