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What’s around Hong Kong University – Your neighborhood guide

Whether you’re an HKUer already or seeking to explore the neighborhood around HKU, we've got some tips.

What’s around Hong Kong University – Your neighborhood guide
Source: Pexels/Harry Shum

Whether you’re an HKUer already or seeking to explore the neighborhood around HKU, we've got some tips on what to see and do (and where to eat!). These spots can be found either in Sai Ying Pun, Shek Tong Tsui or Kennedy Town, but they are all close to HKU Station. From cafes and local eateries to an art museum and a 140-year-old temple, read on for a neighborhood guide to the must-visit places around HKU. 

ARF Coffee

Kick off your day with a caffeine boost at ARF Coffee. Whether it’s an Americano, latte or a cappuccino that's your standard morning brew, they serve all the classics coffee enthusiasts love. As for something to fill you up while you sip, a favorite among locals is the Sea Salt Caramel Waffle with caramelized banana and a scoop of sea salt ice cream on top. Looking for a more savory pick? Don’t miss out on the hearty Homemade Chicken Pesto Pasta or the Handmade Beef Burger. 

Quick facts

  • Where –  23 Po Tuck St, Shek Tong Tsui
  • When – Monday to Sunday, 10 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
  • Price – $$
  • Phone – +852 2548 3261
  • Menu

Cafe Malacca

Cafe Malacca delivers flavors of hawker and Nyonya favorites from Malaysia and Singapore. The Michelin-starred restaurant freshly imports its star ingredients, including lemongrass, galangal, and ginger flowers, to keep the dishes as authentic as possible. Some signature Malaysian dishes to try include the Nasi Lemak, Satay and Penang Assam Laksa. For their Singaporean favorites, it’s a combination of Malay, Chinese, Indian and Peranakan cuisine. Don’t miss out on standouts such as their Crab Bee Hoon, Mee Siam and Chwee Kueh. 

Quick facts

  • Where – JEN Hong Kong by Shangri-La, 508 Queen’s Road West, Western District
  • When – Monday to Sunday, 1 a.m. - 10 p.m.
  • Price – $$
  • Phone – +852 2213 6613
  • Menu 
  • Website

Artisan Room

Artisan Room specializes in brewing coffee that’s more than a caffeine fix. All of their expresso-based drinks are brewed with the iconic brand Costadoro Italian coffee. But, if tea’s more for you, they also serve organic tea like their Lov is Zen and Lov is Beautiful choices. For a snack, look into their sandwiches and French pastries to pair with your brew. They change their menus depending on the seasonal ingredients, so there's always something new to check out while you're exploring the neighborhood. 

Quick facts

  • Where – 8-12 South Lane, Sai Wan
  • When – Monday to Sunday, 7:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
  • Price – $$
  • Phone – +852 2656 3198
  • Menu
  • Website

Kam Cheung Pork Noodles

Looking for more local flavors? Head to Kam Cheung Pork Noodles from Exit B1 at HKU MTR station. They’re renowned for having some of the juiciest pork chops in the neighborhood. The owners use a traditional Shanghainese recipe, beating the pork ribs first by hand to ensure they’re tender before frying them. To complement the flavors of the pork, order some wontons and noodles for a hearty meal. 

Quick facts

  • Where – Shop C, G/F, Piu Chun Building, 316-320 Des Voeux Road West, Sai Ying Pun, Western District
  • When – Wednesday to Monday, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Closed on Tuesday
  • Price – $
  • Phone – +852 2857 6738
  • Menu 

Plantation

Step up your afternoon tea time by visiting a tea bar while you're exploring the area around HKU. Plantation lets you try an array of teas freshly sourced from family farms in Taiwan, Japan, China and India. You can book a tea tasting and discover the nuances of each tea for a full experience. If you’re interested in a walk-in tea time, expect a variety of signature hot teas such as the Wet Lake Longjing, Aged Gong Mei, Da Hong Pao and more. If you like your tea cold, they also have other options like the Sparking Osmanthus Oolong, Sparkling Wild Purple Tea Buds, Perfume Lemon Dancong and Hawthorn Tangerine Puerh. 

Quick facts

  • Where – 18 Po Tuck Street, Sai Wan
  • When – Wednesday to Sunday, noon - midnight
  • Price – $$
  • Phone – +852 5596 6254
  • Menu
  • Website

Located on the HKU campus, the University Museum and Art Gallery is a top spot to check out if you’re a fan of art. It showcases an array of collections and different types of art, including wood carvings, calligraphy, ceramics, sculptures, paintings and photographs. If you're visiting soon, be sure to check out the current exhibition, the Momentous Mountains, which is available only until June 2. But there are plenty of other rotating and fixed exhibitions to see at this gallery any time you're in the neighborhood. 

Quick facts

  • Where – 90 Bonham Road, Pok Fu Lam
  • When – Tuesday to Saturday, 9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Sunday, 1 - 6 p.m.
  • Phone – +852 2241 5500
  • Website

Lo Pan Temple

Lo Pan Temple is Hong Kong’s only temple that praises Lo Pan or Lu Ban, the patron saint of Chinese builders and carpenters. In 1884, the temple was built for construction workers and those planning construction projects to receive blessings. But there’s much more to the temple than this initial purpose. It’s also known for having beautiful mural paintings, engravings and Shiwan ceramic figurines for visitors to admire. 

Quick facts

  • Where – 15 Ching Lin Terrace, Kennedy Town
  • When – Monday to Sunday, 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
  • Phone – +852 2802 2880
  • Website

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