Your local neighborhood guide to Hong Kong’s Eastern districts
While they may not grab the spotlight like Central, places like Sai Wan Ho, Shau Kei Wan, Heng Fa Chuen, Chai Wan and Siu Sai Wan have their own unique charms.
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Welcome to Hong Kong's Eastern District, where laid-back coastal charm is mixed with the hustle and bustle of city life. While they may not grab the spotlight like Central, places like Sai Wan Ho, Shau Kei Wan, Heng Fa Chuen, Chai Wan and Siu Sai Wan have their own unique charms. Here, you're never far from the waterfront, with its salty breeze and maritime vibes setting the tone for relaxation and adventure. So, read on for our neighborhood guide on what to expect while exploring the Eastern District, wandering through its local markets and strolling along the area's scenic promenades.
Wah Kee Store
On the hunt for the neighborhood’s best omurice? Look no further than Wah Kee Store in Sai Wan Ho, a humble dai pai dong that serves up some of the best in town. Their specialty is mouthwatering chicken fried rice wrapped in layers of velvety scrambled eggs, topped with a sweet curry sauce. And if you're feeling adventurous, give their cheesy omurice or Taiwanese braised pork rice a try. Just be sure to arrive early during lunch hour to beat the crowds, as they only make a limited amount of omurice each day. With just a handful of dishes on the menu, Wah Kee keeps it simple but oh-so-delicious.
Quick facts
- Where – 3B, Kam Fai Building, 48 Shau Kei Wan Rd, Sai Wan Ho
- When – Monday to Sunday, 8:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
- Price – $
- Phone – +852 2569 9251
- Menu
Jiu Fen Full
Craving a slice of Taiwan without leaving Hong Kong? Check out Jiu Fen Full for a taste of Taiwanese delights, where everything comes in small portions, perfect for nibbling or trying a bit of everything. From hearty beef noodle soup and flavorful Taiwanese sausages to crispy fried squid and the beloved bubble milk tea, Jiu Fen Full offers a delicious journey through Taiwan's culinary landscape at wallet-friendly prices. Its rustic charm, with red lanterns and wooden furniture, will transport you to Taiwan. Don't miss out on must-try dishes like Braised Pork Rice, Danzai Noodles, Pork Chop Noodles, Braised Beef Noodles and authentic Taiwanese Omelette, making it a top spot in Fortress Hill for Taiwanese food buffs.
Quick facts
- Where – G/F, Kam Ping Centre, 93 King's Road, Fortress Hill, North Point
- When – Monday to Sunday, 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
- Price – $ - $$
- Phone – +852 3619 5049
- Menu
- Website
Hong Kong Films Archive
If you’re a movie buff, the Hong Kong Film Archive is a must-visit in the Eastern District. This four-story gem is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the magic of Hong Kong’s film history. Enjoy rare screenings of old Hong Kong classics in their cozy 125-seat cinema, or explore the vast collection of books, magazines, and audiovisual materials in the Resource Centre. From kung-fu films to Cantonese dramas, the archive offers a rich dive into Hong Kong's cinematic heritage.
Quick facts
- Where – 50 Lei King Road, Sai Wan Ho
- When – Monday to Sunday, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
- Phone – +852 2739 2139
- Website
Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence
Looking for a museum with a history as strong as its fortifications? Look no further than the Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence. Housed in a historic coastal fort overlooking Lei Yue Mun channel, this museum dives deep into Hong Kong’s coastal defense, spanning the Ming dynasty through to modern times. Here, you can explore the permanent exhibition “600 Years of Coastal Defence” and immerse yourself in the military history that shaped the region. Set to be renamed the Hong Kong Museum of the War of Resistance & Coastal Defence in September, the museum will spotlight the pivotal War of Resistance era, adding even more depth to its educational offerings and thematic exhibitions. It’s a must-visit for history buffs and anyone curious about Hong Kong’s strategic past.
Quick facts
- Where – 175 Tung Hei Road, Shau Kei Wan
- When – Friday to Wednesday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Closed on Thursday
- Phone – +852 2569 1500
- Website
Tam Kung Temple
Curious about where a legendary weather-wielding child deity might hang out in Hong Kong? Visit Tam Kung Temple in Shau Kei Wan, where legend has it that Tam Kung, a young Guangdong native with supernatural abilities, became a revered deity by the tender age of 12, thanks to his knack for weather predictions, among other talents. The oldest and largest of its kind in Hong Kong, the temple in Shau Kei Wan dates back to around 1905 AD and is steeped in local folklore. Keep an eye out for Tam Kung’s magical seal – a large stone that’s been holding court in front of the temple for decades. Dedicated to the patron of fishermen, this temple is not just a cultural landmark but also houses artifacts dating back to the Qing dynasty, making it a fascinating stop in the eastern districts of Hong Kong.
Quick facts
- Where – Tam Kung Temple Road, Shau Kei Wan
- When – Monday to Sunday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- Phone – +852 2569 2559
- Website
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