Source: https://hongkongliving.com/
Link: https://hongkongliving.com/neighbourhood-guide-sheung-wan/
This article was originally published by Danielle Tjia on July 11, 2019. Updated by Katrina Lau on December 23, 2020.
Bordered by Central and Sai Ying Pun, the former waterfront strip used to be a booming business hub that attracted flocks of wealthy Chinese merchants. Still retaining its former glory, the area is now home to antique shops, popular cafes, beloved restaurants and the Poho area. Follow our guide below and enjoy Sheung Wan like a pro.
Things to do
Found
Sheung Wan is also home to the only brick and mortar CBD-dedicated shop in Hong Kong. Besides selling oils and balms, the humble shop is also a cafe serving CBD-infused coffees and nibbles. In case you’re still wondering what CBD does, have a chat with the staff and learn more about this ‘magical’ substance.
Found, Unit A, G/F, 8 Tai On Terrace, Sheung Wan, 5288 2281
Go gallery hopping and antique shopping
Alongside its host of indie vintage boutiques, Sheung Wan is also home to two of Hong Kong’s best known antique streets – Hollywood Road (or Antique Street) and Upper Lascar Row (or Cat Street). You will find dozens of fine art galleries and antique dealers selling jades, Chinese paintings, Buddha statues and other curios along these two parallel stretches.
#HAPi
How about a visit to a five-in-one lifestyle shop? Opened this summer, HAPi stores five different areas including a grocery, all-day bistro, fashion retail, home accessories shop and floristry. Apart from seasonal foods, shop offhandedly simple pieces handpicked from lesser-known indie brands around the world.
#HAPi, Shop 2-4, G/F, 11 Po Yan Street, Sheung Wan, 2811 3623
Poho
The name ‘Poho’ refers to the Po Hing Fong and Soho area. Its name came along as the neighbourhood has been growing with artisanal cafes like Craftissimo and chic designer brands like Khromis. Follow along the stairs on Tung Street and you’ll be taken to the backyard of Sheung Wan.
Read more: #HAPi, a 4,000-square foot lifestyle store and restaurant, opens in Sheung Wan
Where to drink
Elixir
The minimalist charm of the coffee shop keeps its customers wanting more. Elixir has established itself as a caffeine addict landmark and its polished decor making it an Instagram blogger’s haven. Enjoy the rich espresso blends and don’t be afraid to ask its friendly staff for recommendations.
Elixir, G/F, 9 Mee Lun Street, Sheung Wan, 6083 0915
Halfway Coffee
For a more laidback coffee experience, venture to the antique shops on Upper Lascar Row and you’ll find coffeeholics relaxing on wooden chairs. With two shops in Sheung Wan and locations on the Kowloon side, Halfway Coffee pride themselves of rich brews and dainty vintage mugs and cups. Fits the scene to be sipping your latte from a china cup when you’re surrounded by local antiques.
Halfway Coffee, 26 Upper Lascar Row; and 12 Tung Street, Sheung Wan, 9511 7197
Teakha
If you’re not a huge coffee drinker, Teakha may just have the perfect cuppa for you. The homey tea room serves brews from around the world, from classic Hong Kong milk tea to Morrocan mint tea and masala chai from India, as well as delicious homemade cakes. The space, with its picturesque outdoor terrace, is also host to various community events including occasional live performances and pop-up weekend markets.
Teakha, Shop B, 18 Tai Ping Shan Street, Sheung Wan, 2858 9185
Whisky & Words
If you like yourself a malty drink, this hidden gem on Shin Hing Street might have your favourites. Taking home the Hidden Gem Award of our Bar Awards 2020, Whisky & Words is a cosy and elegant speakeasy that stocks more than 300 whiskies from around the world. Designed to be enjoyed by those who already know their whisky, as well as those who want to learn about the spirit, the bar’s laid-back setting is perfect for a pick-me-up.
Whiskey & Words, G/F, 7 Shin Hing Street, Central, 9889 8590
Read more: Winner spotlight: Deven Rajput, Anmol Gurung and Alex Pun of Whisky & Words
COA
Appropriately named after the tool used for harvesting the agave plant, COA is an Mexico-inspired bar founded by industry heavyweight Jay Khan. Khan has taken inspiration from his own travels around South America to create a beverage programme that pays homage to its local drinking culture. Alongside mezcal and tequila cocktails, other speciality drinks includes the house-fermented tepache, which is made with pineapple skin, sugar and cinnamon and is typically served from roadside carts in Mexico.
COA, Shop A, LG/F Wah Shin House, 6-10 Shin Hing Street, Central, 2813 5787
Where to eat
Yakinikumafia
For wagyu fans out there, this one is for you. Sister to the crazed ramen shop, Mashi no Mashi, the yakiniku spot retains marvellous marblings and witty staff. With its interiors resonating the Copenhagen Airport, Yakinikumafia celebrates premium yet affordable cuts of Ozaki Wagyu. Conclusion? Meat heaven.
Yakinikumafia, 2/F Hollywood Centre, 233 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, 3105 1205
Wing Lok Dumpling Shop
Just as its titled, this local gem sells one and only one thing, dumplings. Packed with fans every lunch hour, the simple yet wholesome soup dumplings aren’t famous for nothing. Priding themselves of hand-wrapped dumplings and no-MSG broth, the quality food is a great deal for its price.
Wing Lok Dumpling Shop, G/F, 21 Hillier Street, Sheung Wan
Blue Supreme
The unassuming street corner stores a scrumptious menu of American bites and a wide selection of craft beers from Hong Kong and beyond. Serving hoppy drinks and good live music, the street end is always filled with beer fanatics catching up with a friend or two. Visit for a hearty brunch of shashuka, classic buttermilk chicken waffle and some homemade choc chip cookies to tie it all together.
Blue Supreme, G/F, 21 Tung Street, Sheung Wan, 5998 3088
Bouillon
Chef Johan Ducroquet (formerly of Le Bistro Winebeast) has joined forces with fellow French chef and beverage distributor Gregory Alexandre to bring this concept to Hong Kong. Taking over the spot fomerly occupied by Mrs. Pound, Bouillon is cosy neighbourhood French bistro offering an array of comfort eats with the likes of beef bavette with grilled shallot sauce and duck leg confit with fig marmalade.
Bouillon, 6 Pound Lane, Sheung Wan, 2886 0056
Frantzén’s Kitchen
Amongst the hipster eateries and cutesy diners, this Nordic restaurant stands out easily with ceiling to floor windows and Scandinavian interiors. Helmed by chef Björn Frantzén and Jim Löfdahl, you’ll find Swedish elements and touches of Asian cuisine on the tasting menu. Experience exquisite taste and unusual ingredients like roe deer meat and North Atlantic cod.
Frantzén’s Kitchen, 11 Upper Station Street, Sheung Wan, 2559 8508
Bedu
Nestled on Gough Street, the modern Middle Eastern eatery takes inspiration from the region’s diverse street food culture. You can easily spot the venue because of the beautiful mural on its exterior wall, painted by local street artist Elsa Jeandedieu and her team. Now offering a weekday lunch set from $95, you can choose from mains like salt-baked lamb, spicy couscous with saffron squid and vegetarian-friendly options like falafel and hummus, accompanied by your choice of rice, salad or pita bread.
Bedu, 40 Gough Street, Sheung Wan, 2320 4450