Your local neighborhood guide to Sai Ying Pun – the best spots for eating, drinking and exploring

Its name, "West Camp" in Cantonese, gives a hint about its military history.

Your local neighborhood guide to Sai Ying Pun – the best spots for eating, drinking and exploring
Source: Pexels/Nathan Härdig

Sai Ying Pun in Hong Kong has a fascinating history. Its name, "West Camp" in Cantonese, gives a hint about its origins, as it was where the early British military stayed back in the day. But these days, you can wander around the streets and spot old-timey colonial buildings next to hip cafes and street art that pops with life. It's also one of the top hubs for coffee in the city. Whether you're a history buff or just craving some awesome grub, Sai Ying Pun is a neighborhood you have to check out.

Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park

Sun Yat Sen’s Memorial Park in Sai Ying Pun pays tribute to Dr. Sun Yat-sen, an influential figure in China's history. He's often called the "Father of Modern China" for his role in ending imperial rule. In the park, you'll find a statue of him and learn about his life through various exhibits. It's not just a destination for history buffs, though. Visitors can also have a stroll through the gardens, play sports like basketball or volleyball or let the kids loose in the playground.

Quick Facts 

  • Where – 16 Eastern Street North, Sai Ying Pun
  • When – Open 24 hours
  • Phone – +852 2540 9704
  • Website

Art Lane

If you're into urban art, Chung Ching Street in Sai Ying Pun is a must-see. Once a refuge for Chinese immigrants escaping civil war, it's now a vibrant district with a rich history. Walking along the street feels like exploring an open-air art gallery. Artists like Ceet Fouad, Riitta Kuisma and Zue Chan have left their mark with amazing murals in the area, each with its own story to tell.

Quick Facts 

  • Where – 8 Chung Ching Street, Sai Ying Pun
  • When – Open 24 hours
  • Phone – +852 8200 3788
  • Website

Vintage 1900s

Vintage 1900s in Sai Ying Pun is a store that specializes in vintage treasures. You can find all sorts of neat items here, like old-fashioned clothes, antique watches and vintage jewelry. Each piece has its own story, making it even more special – and a great conversation starter. Whether you're shopping for yourself or hunting for a unique gift, Vintage 1900s is definitely worth a visit.

Quick Facts 

  • Where – Shop 70 Solo Studio, Lee Wang Building, Sai Ying Pun
  • When – Monday to Friday 1 - 7 p.m.; Closed on Saturday and Sundays
  • Phone – +852 9583 6343
  • Website

Thorn and Burrow

Thorn and Burrow is one of the go-tos for locally crafted homeware in Sai Ying Pun. But aside from Hong Kong-themed goods, Thorn and Burrow also sources textures and textiles from around the globe to jazz up your space. From artsy vases to cozy cushions, you'll find everything you need to give your home a bit more personality. You can also shop online and have it delivered right to your door.

Quick Facts 

  • Where – 1/F, 30 High Street, Sai Ying Pun  
  • When – Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Closed on Mondays and Sundays
  • Phone – +852 9840 3886 
  • Website

Brut!

"Brut," or "raw" in French, mixes their chefs' cultural backgrounds right into their dishes. The menu is all about celebrating homegrown roots with treats like Miso Glazed Seasonal Veg and Chickpea Panisse. For heartier appetites, their Soy-Calamnsi Striploin with Braised Leeks is a must-try. And don't forget to pair your meal with one of their wines, like an oaky chardonnay or earthy pinot noir, all sourced from mostly organic and biodynamic farmers around the globe.

Quick Facts 

  • Where – Shop C, G/F, 1 Second Street, Sai Ying Pun
  • When – Monday to Saturday, 6 - 10:30 p.m.; Closed on Sunday
  • Price – $$$
  • Phone – +852 3460 5863 
  • Menu
  • Website

Dara

Spice up your day with a modern twist on Filipino classics at Dara. Their Lenchon Kawali, with juicy pork belly, is a real crowd-pleaser. Dara also keeps it authentic with the traditional "kawali" frying pan, a staple in Filipino kitchens. And for a complete Filipino feast, don't forget to try their Sarsiadong Apahap and Minitamis desserts.

Quick Facts 

  • Where – Shop 3, 5-6, G/F, Soho 189, 189 Queen's Road West, Sai Ying Pun
  • When – Tuesday to Thursday, Sunday, 5:30 p.m. - midnight; Friday to Saturday, 5:30 p.m. - 1:30 a.m.; Closed on Mondays
  • Phone – +852 5107 4474
  • Menu

Winston’s Coffee

For a coffee fix, swing by Winston’s Coffee. Their house blend is a mix of South American and Asian coffee beans roasted right in Hong Kong. Start your day adventuring around the neighborhood with one of their fresh mochas or piccolo lattes. Then, when evening comes, head back over for one of their classic negronis or unique creations like the Devil’s Desire. For the perfect coffee-lover cocktail combo, the espresso martini will give you a caffeine kick with a twist.

Quick Facts 

  • Where – Shop 4, 213 Queens Road West, Sai Ying Pun
  • When – Sunday to Monday, 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Tuesday to Saturday, 7 a.m. - 10 p.m.
  • Price – $$
  • Phone – +852 2559 5078
  • Menu
  • Website

Ah Jeng Coffee Club 

Ah Jeng Coffee Club, with its eye-catching orange exterior in Sai Ying Pun, is hard to miss while you're exploring the neighborhood. Here, they blend Ethiopian and Honduran coffee beans for unique brews like Dirty Gone Nuts and The Salty and Wet. For those craving an adventure in flavors, their hand-drip options, such as the Ethiopia Yirgacheffe and China Puer, are worth trying.

Quick Facts 

  • Where – Shop B, G/F, Tung Cheung Building, 1 Second Street, Sai Ying Pun
  • When – Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Saturday to Sunday, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
  • Price – $
  • Menu

Ping Pong 129 Gintoneria 

Ping Pong is where it's at for a laid-back hangout in Sai Ying Pun. Drawing inspiration from Spanish bars, they whip up gin and tonics with refreshing flavors like lemon and raspberry. They've also got a great selection of wines, and if you're after something special, the bartender can mix up a custom gin cocktail for you. If you bring your appetite, the menu offers a range of bites, from a selection of cured meats and beef skewers to fried calamari and marinated anchovies.

Quick Facts 

  • Where – 129 Second Street, L/G Nam Cheong House, Sai Ying Pun
  • When – Monday to Sunday, 6 - 11 p.m.
  • Price – $$
  • Phone – +852 9835 5061
  • Menu
  • Website

Mostly Harmless

At Mostly Harmless, the spotlight is on you, as their concept is "All About People." By also embracing the "Farm to Glass" philosophy, they use fresh, local ingredients to make exceptional drinks that are also kind to the environment. Their menu changes nearly daily, so there's always something new to try. Here, seasonal and local ingredients inspire the drink menu rather than the other way around.

Quick Facts 

  • Where –  2 f, 110 Queen's Road West, Sai Ying Pun
  • When – Thursday to Sunday, 4 p.m. - midnight
  • Price – $$
  • Website