Your local neighborhood guide to Lai Chi Kok – where to shop, eat and play

Lai Chi Kok used to be farmland known for its lychee orchards, but now it's an up-and-coming destination of its own.

Your local neighborhood guide to Lai Chi Kok – where to shop, eat and play
Source: Pexels/LT Chan

Lai Chi Kok used to be farmland known for its lychee orchards, hence its name, which means "Lychee Corner" in Cantonese. Then it became a mostly industrial area filled with factories. But thanks to recent developments in the neighborhood, especially the launch of D2, the city’s first industrial-building-turned-shopping-mall, the neighborhood has boomed in popularity. These days, Lai Chi Kok offers plenty to do, from shopping to fun park days to relaxing in hipster cafes. So read on for our guide to exploring Lai Chi Kok.

Lai Chi Kok Park 

Besides its greenery and beautiful surroundings, Lai Chi Kok Park has lots of facilities for planning a fun day out. There are chess tables, playgrounds, gardens and even a roller skating rink and a skatepark. If you're into sports or exercise, the park offers a swimming pool and a sports center with basketball, tennis and volleyball courts. Or bring a group of friends for a game on the soccer pitch. You can easily reach the park by MTR and bus, and there are plenty of jogging trails for runners looking to clear their heads.

Quick Facts 

  • Where – 1 Lai Wan Road, Lai Chi Kok
  • When – Open 24 hours
  • Phone – +852 2307 0429
  • Website

D2 Place

If you're up for some shopping, D2 Place ONE and TWO are worth checking out. Unlike your typical mall, this massive shopping center is packed with local boutiques, pop-up stores, snacks and unique finds. And the mall's weekend markets are a big draw, where shoppers can find everything from arts and crafts to artisanal soaps to clothes and more. When hunger strikes, grab a bite at one of the many dining spots offering plenty of choices, from Italian to Japanese food. There are often events on the weekends, too, so check the website to find more to do after your retail therapy sesh.

Quick Facts 

  • Where – 9 and 15 Cheung Yee Street, Lai Chi Kok
  • When – Monday to Sunday, 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
  • Phone – D2 place ONE, +852 3620 3098; D2 place TWO, +852 3620 3098
  • Website

VAR live 

While you're at D2 Place, don't miss VAR Live. It's a must-visit for gamers. Using VR gear, sound effects and simulators, the gaming experience here is super immersive. Pick your themed room and dive into games like Resident Evil Valiant Raid or Jurassic: New Era with friends. This spot is also great for birthdays, school outings and corporate events, with its huge 2800-square-foot area. Team-building exercise, anyone?

Quick Facts 

  • Where – Shop 125-127, 1/F, D2 Place ONE, 9 Cheung Yi Street, Lai Chi Kok
  • When – Monday to Friday, noon - 8 p.m.; Saturday to Sunday, 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
  • Phone – +852 6239 2699
  • Website

LHC Specialty Coffee

Life Health Concept brings you specialty coffee and tea straight from Japanese farmers with their farm-to-table approach. They offer over 30 varieties, including Single-Origin, Espresso and Signature Blends, catering to every coffee enthusiast. Swing by LHC Specialty Coffee to savor freshly imported brews right on the spot, whether you prefer espresso, pour-over or specialty tea. Along with offering delicious home-style pastries and signature drinks, they've got your morning or midday caffeine boost covered.

Quick Facts 

  • Where – Shop A3, G/F No, 688-690 Castle Peak Road, Lai Chi Kok
  • When – Monday to Sunday, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
  • Phone – +852 6293 3609
  • Menu
  • Website

2+2 Coffee 

When you need a midday pick-me-up, head to 2+2 Coffee. Despite its small size, this café has a lot to offer. Try their flaky, buttery croissants and sip on a range of coffee options, such as a ginger latte, caramel latte, cappuccino and more. And if you're feeling hungry, their menu also offers pasta dishes like Smoked Duck with Honey Mustard Sauce, Black Truffle Mushroom Spaghetti and Neapolitan with Garlic Shrimp Penne.

Quick Facts 

  • Where – Shop A3, G/F No, 688-690 Castle Peak Road, Lai Chi Kok
  • When – Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Saturday to Sunday, 8:45 a.m. - 3 p.m.
  • Phone – +852 7072 5222
  • Menu

Picoso

In the mood for Mexican food in Lai Chi Kok? Check out Picoso for some authentic street-style dishes. They've got all the classics, from tacos to burritos, so you'll definitely find something to satisfy your craving. Make sure to try their unique dishes like the Smoked Pulled Pork Burrito or Homemade Crab Cakes with Pumpkin Risotto. You can also customize your own signature quesadilla with up to four fillings and your favorite dips.

Quick Facts 

  • Where – Room 101, 1/F, Elite Industrial Centre, 883 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Lai Chi Kok
  • When – Monday to Sunday, noon - 3:30 p.m.; 6 p.m. - 10 p.m.
  • Phone – +852 2743 8004
  • Menu
  • Website 

Wai Wai Wai

At Wai Wai Wai, they've got all your Southeast Asian favorites on the menu, from Thai to Singaporean to Malaysian dishes. You'll find dishes like Bak Kut Teh with Rice, Thai Curry with Rice and Malaysian Ipoh Rice Noodle Soup with Hainan Chicken and much more. And if you pop in for lunch (11 a.m. - 3 p.m.), you can grab discounted lunch sets with drinks like milk tea and honey lemon.

Quick Facts 

  • Where – Shop 1, G/F, Sing Shun Centre, 495 Castle Peak Road, Lai Chi Kok
  • When – Monday to Saturday, 7:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.; Closed on Sunday
  • Price – $
  • Phone – +852 2350 6268
  • Menu