Your local neighborhood guide to Wan Chai – the best spots for food, drinks and fun

We've created the ultimate guide to eating, drinking and exploring in Wan Chai.

Your local neighborhood guide to Wan Chai – the best spots for food, drinks and fun
Source: Pexels/Fu Shan Un

Thanks to the recent upgrades like the Exhibition Centre MTR Station and the East Rail Line Cross-Harbour Extension, Wan Chai is shedding its old skin and embracing a new era of accessibility and excitement. So, what's the scoop? From hidden gems to well-known favorites, we've created the ultimate guide to eating, drinking and exploring in Wan Chai. So, if you're craving Thai street food, an evening of fine dining and wine or just looking for somewhere to unwind or play – Wan Chai has something to fit the bill.

Blue House

No Wan Chai guide is complete without mentioning the Blue House cluster. You've probably seen this striking bright blue building pop up on your social media feed. This iconic landmark, dating back to the 1920s, stands as one of the few remaining balcony-type "tong lau" buildings in Hong Kong, and it's listed as a Grade 1 historic building. It's not just a pretty facade – inside, you'll find the Hong Kong House of Stories, a charming museum dedicated to preserving the city's rich cultural heritage through a variety of exhibitions and events.

Quick facts

  • Where – G/F, 72-74A Stone Nullah Lane, Wan Chai
  • When – Thursday to Tuesday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Closed on Wednesday
  • Phone – +852 2833 4608
  • Website

HarbourChill

Wan Chai just got even cooler with the opening of HarbourChill – a new harborfront space that's basically the city's backyard garden. It's got about 3,000 square meters of open space decked out with funky art installations, animal-shaped furniture you can move around and Instagram worthy swings. Plus, it's pet-friendly and open 24/7, so you can drop by whenever you fancy a picnic or a jog with your furry friend. There's even an exhibition area featuring artwork reflecting Wan Chai's heritage, along with hosting pop-up events, holiday celebrations, yoga sessions and more.

Quick facts

  • Where –  Hung Hing Road, Kellet Island, Wan Chai
  • When – Monday to Sunday, open 24 hours
  • More information

Le Garçon Saigon

For Saigonese flavors with a French twist, Le Garçon Saigon on Wing Fung Street stands out in Wan Chai. The menu boasts dishes from Banh Xeo (prawns, bean sprouts, spring onion and nuoc cham) to the Banana Leaf-Wrapped Barramundi with lemongrass chili paste and Cha Giô (pork and prawn spring rolls). Plus, their lunch set combo is a steal at HK$248, featuring mains like Barramundi Fillet or Ranger's Valley Wagyu Bavette paired with sides like rice noodles or Com Tam steamed rice. For happy hour lovers, they've also brought back their L’heure de Saigon every day from 5 - 7 p.m. where guests can take in the sunset outside on the Parisian brasserie-inspired dining room while enjoying drinks alongside a selection of small bites.

Quick facts

  • Where – G/F, 12-18 Wing Fung Street, Wan Chai
  • When – Sunday to Wednesday, noon - 3 p.m. and 6 - 10:30 p.m.; Thursday to Saturday, noon - 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. - midnight
  • Price – $$$ 
  • Phone – +852 2455 2499
  • Menu
  • Website

Samsen

Samsen is a cozy Thai spot that's a hit with the foodies in the neighborhood – and no wonder; it's been awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand every year since its opening in 2016. Famous for its boat noodles, this place situated next to the iconic Blue House in Wan Chai serves up authentic Thai street food classics that'll transport you straight to Bangkok. Once you're in, dive into faves like their Pad Thai, Crabmeat & Spring Onion Omelette and the standout Wagyu Beef Boat Noodles. And if you've got a sweet tooth, the young coconut ice cream is the perfect way to wrap up your meal. They don't take reservations, so come early to snag a spot and avoid the queue.

Quick facts

  • Where – 68 Stone Nullah Lane, Wan Chai
  • When – Lunch - Monday to Sunday, noon - 3 p.m.; Dinner - Sunday to Thursday, 6 - 10 p.m.; Friday to Sunday, 6 - 11 p.m.
  • Price – $$
  • Phone – +852 2234 0001
  • Menu
  • Website

Mizunara: The Library

Looking to unwind after a hectic day of fun in Wan Chai? Mizunara: The Library is a Japanese bar in the neighborhood that impresses with innovative cocktails and a diverse whisky collection. With Masahiko Endo, a master of mixology, at the helm, you know you're in good hands. The bar oozes sophistication with its dark wood and sleek ambience, making it the perfect spot to try something new among some of the signature cocktails and 600 whiskies they have on offer. The drinks might be a tad pricey, but a lot of thought goes into their creation and selection. You can also shop their website online to get your favorite spirits delivered right to your home.

Quick facts

  • Where – 4/F, Kiu Yin Commercial Building, 361-363 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai
  • When – Monday to Saturday, 6 p.m. - 2 a.m.; Closed on Sunday
  • Price – $$$ - $$$$
  • Phone – +852 3571 9797
  • Menu
  • Website

The Baker & The Bottleman

Situated on Lee Tung Avenue in Wan Chai, The Baker & The Bottleman pulls double duty as a bakery by day and a restaurant and wine bar by night. Led by the duo of Executive Chef Oli Marlow and Head Chef Ollie Eisendhardt, they're all about serving up artisinal British baked goods and other fare. By day, dig into  pastries, cakes and bread, all freshly made. When dusk falls, sip on carefully curated natural wines and dig into an eclectic menu inspired by European flavors, with a focus on independent growers and small-scale producers. And in true Simon Rogan fashion (the restaurant group behind the concept), sustainability is at the forefront – so everything is seasonal, waste is minimized and all the food and wine is sourced from natural, organic or biodynamic growers that don't harm the planet.

Quick facts

  • Where –  Shop G14/G15 Lee Tung Avenue 200, Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai
  • When – Bakery: Daily, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (takeaway counter open until 7 p.m.); Restaurant and wine bar: Daily, 6 - 11 p.m. 
  • Price – $$ - $$$
  • Phone – +852 2386 8933
  • Menu
  • Website