Your local neighborhood guide to Tai Hang – things to do and where to eat

Tai Hang might not be on the MTR maps, but it's worth checking out on your next trip to Hong Kong Island.

Your local neighborhood guide to Tai Hang – things to do and where to eat
Source: Pexels/Nextvoyage

Tai Hang might not be on the MTR maps, but it's worth checking out on your next trip to Hong Kong Island. One thing it's particularly known for is the wildfire dragon dance during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Legend has it that this dance cured a plague when it was first performed in the 19th century, so it's become an annual tradition. Besides that, Tai Hang offers other attractions like the iconic Haw Par Mansion and cozy spots like Tipsy Restaurant and Bar and HeyDay Cafe. So, here's our list of must-visit spots for your Tai Hang exploration.

Tipsy Restaurant and Bar

If you're in the mood for some European flavors with a modern twist, check out Tipsy Restaurant and Bar. Their outdoor terrace is the perfect spot to kick back and relax while enjoying dishes like Sea Urchin Pasta with Flying Fish Roe and Fennel Foam or Roasted Spring Chicken Stuffed with Black Truffle. Their cocktail menu features signatures like Berries Kiss, Kiwi Orchard and Sunset Moment. Or you can skip the booze and go the mocktail route with refreshing non-alcoholic options like Fresh Green, Tutti Frutti and Cry Baby.

Quick Facts 

  • Where – 1/F, Little Tai Hang, 98 Tung Lo Wan Road, Tai Hang
  • When – Monday to Sunday, noon - 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. - 12:15 a.m. 
  • Price – $$
  • Phone – +852 2818 8807
  • Menu
  • Website

Maka Hiki

Leave the jet lag behind, and discover your own slice of paradise at Maka Hiki in Hong Kong. This "tiki chic" tropical bar and grill is inspired by the island vibes iconic to the Caribbean and Polynesia and other beach towns around the Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia. Kick things off with tasty appetizers like Sweet and Sour Mauritian Tamarind or Mango and Pineapple Salad. Then, dig into mains like the Grilled Mahi Mahi Curry with Coconut Cream or the Lombok Baby Chicken. And for those craving something sweet, don't miss out on treats like Rice Pudding or Homemade Rhum Baba infused with Rhum Clement Selected Barrel.

Quick Facts 

  • Where – 2/F Little Tai Hang, The Corner House, 98 Tung Lo Wan Road, Tai Hang
  • When – Sunday to Wednesday, 11:30 a.m. - 11 p.m.; Thursday to Saturday, 11:30 a.m. - midnight
  • Price – $$
  • Phone – +852 2155 1777
  • Menu
  • Website

Haw Par Mansion

Haw Par Mansion, also known as Tiger Balm Garden, was built back in 1935 by Aw Boon Haw, an overseas Chinese merchant also known as "The King of Tiger Balm." The place is a colorful mix of buildings and statues in styles that blend influences from the East and West. From the outside, it has a Chinese Renaissance vibe that gives you a taste of Hong Kong's history. Inside, you'll discover hidden gardens, winding corridors and even playful dragon statues. On the second floor, you can check out the foyer where a scene from the 2023 Hong Kong film "A Guilty Conscience" was filmed.

Quick Facts 

  • Where – 15A Tai Hang Road, Tai Hang
  • When – Monday, 2 - 6 p.m.; Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
  • Phone – +852 3165 1212
  • Website

Lai Tak Tsuen

Lai Tak Tsuen in Tai Hang is a big, colorful housing complex where lots of families live – and it's a big draw for architecture fans. It's home to Hong Kong's only cylindrical housing, and you can even climb to the top for a bird's-eye view of Victoria Harbour. It was also the first public housing in Hong Kong to have private kitchens and toilets inside the units. Just remember, this is a residential area, so be respectful of the locals while you're visiting. It's not an official tourist destination, so it's possible you might get kicked out if you're caught touring the inside. So, better to keep things low-key.

Quick Facts 

  • Where – 2-38 Lai Tak Tsuen Road, Tai Hang
  • When – Open 24 hours
  • Phone – +852 2839 7118
  • Website

Bing Kee Cha Dong

If you want to grab some local eats, Bing Kee Cha Dong in Tai Hang is a must-try spot. It's a favorite cha chaan teng among locals for its quick service and wallet-friendly meals. This open-air food stall serves up bowls of its famous deep-fried pork noodles that hit the spot any time of day. And if noodles aren't your jam, they've got other options like Hong Kong-style French toast and sandwiches. And of course, you can't leave without trying their classic Hong Kong milk tea.

Quick Facts 

  • Where –  5 Shepherd Street, Tai Hang
  • When – Tuesday to Sunday, 7 a.m. - 3 p.m.; Closed on Monday
  • Price – $
  • Phone – +852 2577 3117
  • Menu

Chin Jor Fan Tong

Feeling noodle-y? Head to Chin Jor Fan Tong where you call the shots on your perfect bowl. Pick your soup base, favorite toppings and noodle type and customize the spice level from spicy and sour to spicy and numb. Or, if you want to leave it to the experts, stick to their specialities like Ah Kam's braised beef noodles or Thai style hand-shredded chicken noodles.

Quick Facts 

  • Where – 39 Sun Chun Street, Tai Hang
  • When – Wednesday to Friday, 6 - 10:30 p.m.; Saturday to Sunday, noon - 10:30 p.m.
  • Price – $
  • Phone – +852 5118 1869
  • Menu

The Minimal

If you're a fan of vintage finds, make sure to swing by The Minimal when you're in Tai Hang. This store is packed with all sorts of retro goodies you won't find anywhere else in the city – from quirky vintage cups to stylish tote bags and a lot more. Make sure to keep an eye out for their seasonal sales to score the best prices on your newly-hunted treasures.

Quick Facts 

  • Where – G/F, 38 Sun Chun Street, Tai Hang
  • When – Tuesday to Friday, 1 - 6 p.m.; Saturday to Sunday, 1 - 5:30 p.m.; Closed on Monday
  • Phone – +852 2369 2328

The Shophouse

Don't be fooled by its vintage look from the outside. The Shophouse might appear to be like just another old 1930s building, but inside, it's a whole different story. Here, you'll find a collection of everyday items transformed into unique works of art by different artists. It was founded in 2020 by the creative agency UNVEIL LIMITED with the goal of pushing the boundaries between art, design and day-to-day life. So, art lovers, in particular, will appreciate this unique twist on the typical "white box" art gallery.

Quick Facts 

  • Where – 4 Second Lane, Tai Hang
  • When – Monday to Sunday, 11 a.m. - 7  p.m. by appointment only
  • Phone – +852 2369 2328
  • Website