HK Undiscovered: Tsim Sha Tsui (尖沙咀)
It may seem strange to consider one of Hong Kong’s most well known hoods, Tsim Sha Tsui, as a place loaded with secret gems, but there is truly more than meets the eye. As a city, Hong Kong is blessed with endless options for food and drink, but the bustling streets, skyscrapers, and back alleyways will always add a new dimension; or in this case, a myriad of options unbeknownst to many, including many travel books and guides.
Peel back the layers of high end malls, hotels galore, tailor solicitors, seedy shops, and random mainland tourists dragging their suitcases, and take note of these 10 spots we think are worth your time in TST.
1. Hong Zai Zyu Gwat Zuk
By day, this alley stretching between Humphrey Ave and Carnarvon Road is an pathway of merchants ranging from florists to souvenir shops. After 10pm, it becomes a late night, outdoor restaurant serving a homemade specialty: pork bone congee with sliced century egg. In addition, they serve noodles, cheung fun, and other late night snacks for less than 40HKD each.
巷仔豬骨粥 (Hong Zai Zyu Gwat Zuk)
Alleyway between Humphrey Avenue / Carnarvon Road
8–10 Humphreys Avenue
Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
2. Tandoori Nights
There is so much Indian food in TST that it may as well be the unofficial Little India hood of Hong Kong. Hang out with the tourists in Chungking Mansion or head out to Tandoori Nights, where northern and southern Indian fare thrive in tasty harmony. Many HK living Indian locals will find themselves here for afternoon tea card games and lavish dinner meals at night, but we recommend hitting up their incredibly, extensive (and filling) lunch buffet. Beginning at 12 noon each day, it might just be the most epic Indian buffet in Hong Kong.
Tandoori Nights
2/F, Eastern Flower Centre, 22–24 Cameron Road
Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
3. The Little Corner
Summers in Hong Kong can get ridiculously hot and as a result, dessert shops and ice cream spots are always in season. One of the newest kids on the block (or corner in this case..) is The Little Corner, specializing in soft serve in various forms; among them is beer flavored ice cream. New pre-game idea?
The Little Corner
Shop 2C, G/F, Diamond Court, 10 Hillwood Road
Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
4. Cheung Hing Kee Shanghai Pan Fried Buns
Soup dumplings have been a mainstay in HK but the 生煎包 or saang zin bau (sheng jian bao in pinyin) revolution is just getting started. A standalone spot at the forefront is Cheung Hing Kee, which already has other locations in HK but is semi-new in TST and in a pseudo store alleyway no less. Complete with two massive skillets and a myriad of fillings from truffle to shrimp, it is the ideal street side, juicy snack. Beware of the hot juice from the first bite.
祥興記上海生煎包 Cheung Hing Kee Shanghai Pan Fried Buns
Shop 6A, G/F, 48 Lock Road
Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
5. Hatsuyuki Hokkaido Cheese Tart
An import from Hokkaido, the cheese tart craze has slowly been making its way around Hong Kong since the early part of last year. Instead of braving the wait at nearby locations, Hatsuyuki has the benefit of being semi-hidden along Carnarvon Road, , where there is virtually no wait and piping hot creamy cheese and a superb crust? This is an easy winner anywhere.
北海道初雪烘焙 Hatsuyuki Hokkaido Cheese Tart
Shop 6D, Friends’ House Block B, 4B-6H Carnarvon Road
Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
6. Beach Club Cafe
Beach Club Cafe is no stranger to the Hong Kong scene or SE Asia for that matter, but their newest location at the infamous Knutsford Terrace area has breathed new life into the boardwalk. In addition to private rooms, beer deals, and next level Filipino cover band action, they even feature a tank above the bar with real sharks!
Beach Club Cafe
13–13A Knutsford Terrace
Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
7. Under Vacuum
It’s already hard enough finding lunch options for less than $50 HKD with Chinese options, but almost impossible with Western cuisine. Enter the good folks of Under Vacuum, a kiosk in TST East showcasing a plethora of slow cooked meat for various salad and sandwich options under $40.
慢煮工業 Under Vacuum
63 Mody Road, Kiosk in Centenary Garden
Tsim Sha Tsui East
8. Owl’s Choux
Though it’s not exactly hidden from its prominent corner and brightly lit sign along Mody Road, there isn’t anything like Owl’s Choux anywhere in Hong Kong, sans the Choux Creme franchise in the MTR stations. It is the brain child of pastry chef Ricky Chin, who decided to take his love of the French pastry choux (sounds like “shoe”) and combine it with artisanal gelato. Don’t sleep on that red velvet choux.
Owl’s Choux
G/F, 32 Mody Road
Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
9. Al-Maidah
A restaurant that has stood the test of time but is among the least recognized is Al-Maidah, one of the very few establishments specializing in Arabic / Middle Eastern cuisine. Situated near the large mosque of Kowloon on Nathan Road, Al-Maidah has plenty to offer in the ethnic cuisine realm. Known as “the table spread” in the Quran, this small take out joint is a solid spot to score kebabs and curries for eaters on the go.
Al-Maidah
Shop 13, G/F, 83–97 Nathan Road
Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
10. Nathan Left
One of Hart Ave’s least known treasures is easily one of Kowloon’s most versatile venues. Part live music venue, part lounge, with a dash of private karaoke, pool, beer pong, Nathan Left exudes a speakeasy vibe while boasting a surprisingly amount of space. From ladies night to hip hop themed weekends, the M1 group has done well in making this a must visit in TST. And a bonus? They serve an abundance of international cuisine, making this a popular dining spot amongst locals.
Nathan Left
B1/F, Hart Avenue Plaza, 5–9 Hart Avenue
Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
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