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Header image courtesy of @c.chloe_chan (via Instagram)
Originally published by Stephanie Lown. Last updated by Annette Chan.
Tin Hau has more to it than meets the eye. Aside from the obvious landmarks such as Victoria Park—a popular meeting place for many Hongkongers this past month—and Tsing Fung Street, a well-known destination for foodies, we dive into some of Tin Hau’s hidden gems and uncover why this place is such a great spot for families, fitness buffs, and pet owners. Check out some of the things you can do in this neighbourhood below!
The harbourfront (or Causeway Bay Typhoon Shelter) is Tin Hau’s best-kept secret, offering beautiful views of the city during golden hour. This little gem is also a popular dog walking area, and a great vantage point to marvel at the city lights or catch the 8 pm light show. If you’re there during the day, walk further down towards Causeway Bay to catch the Noon Day Gun firing every day at (surprise, surprise) noon.
With Victoria Park offering such a tranquil oasis in the middle of the city, it is also known for hosting sporting events such as the Hong Kong Open or Hong Kong Tennis Classic, the annual Hong Kong Flower Show, and more. There’s plenty to sink your teeth into and keep the kids busy visiting Victoria Park alone, with a roller skating rink, ping pong table, and playground to boot!
If you’re looking to squeeze in a workout, however, why not join FitFam’s free 60- to 90-minute sessions at Victoria Park every Tuesday and Saturday morning? If you prefer to work out in the evenings when it’s a little cooler, Urban Active hosts two evening sessions during the week, between Endurance Mondays at Causeway Bay Sports Ground and Max HIIT at Victoria Park on Wednesdays.
Victoria Park, 1 Hing Fat Street, Causeway Bay
Practice your skiing and snowboarding techniques without leaving Hong Kong with a visit to Slope Infinity, an indoor sports centre with the world’s largest carpet ski and a pro snowboard training deck. No experience? No problem! The friendly instructors are on hand to guide you, and the safe, non-snowy environment is a great place for nervous newbies of all ages to get to grips with basic techniques.
Slope Infinity, 1/F, 148 Electric Road, Tin Hau | (+852) 2107 4567
For a little taste of serenity—and a cute photo op—check out the dinky Japanese display at Tin Hau Temple Road Garden No. 3. Yes, it’s a mouthful, and no, there doesn’t appear to be another name for it. We’re not entirely sure how this little perch came about but it sure is a lovely place to sit, with its shoji (障子; paper screen) façade, little stone bridge, and surrounding foliage. If you plan on taking in all of Tin Hau’s sights, it’s a perfect little rest stop between the district’s eponymous temple and the path that leads up to Braemar Hill (Cloud View Road).
Tin Hau Temple Road Garden No. 3, 70 Tin Hau Temple Road, Tin Hau
Looking to blow off some steam? For a good ol’ sparring session, join Warrior Hong Kong, a.k.a. “Hong Kong's finest boxing and Muay Thai gym”. If you’re looking for an intensive workout with all the bells and whistles, smashing out some boxing combos on aqua bags might just be the thing for you!
For gym-goers just looking to get a quiet workout in, I Love Fitness on Wing Hing Street is the place to go. Get in touch with one of the personal trainers at this modest boutique gym for a free assessment, and enjoy three free trials before signing up for an affordable gym membership.
If you’re more into heavy lifting, Coastal Fitness Performance Training might just be the thing for you! Home to some of Asia’s most elite CrossFit athletes, you could very well join a “Strength & Conditioning” class led by one of the CrossFit pros themselves. They also offer “Barbell Club” (a class on Olympic lifting techniques), “Functional Gymnastics,” or “Coastal30”—a quick, 30-minute total body workout for the busy individual.
If your muscles are in need of some TLC after your workout sesh, pop into Active Relief, CFPT’s on-site sports therapy and rehabilitation clinic. Led by Ruth Andrews, an experienced sports therapist who has treated many elite athletes, Active Relief specialises in using hands-on manual therapy techniques that’ll ease any sports-induced pains and aches.
Warrior Hong Kong, 3/F, Block C, Seaview Estate, 8 Watson Road, Tin Hau | (+852) 2512 2262
I Love Fitness, 1/F, Tobacco House, 4–6 Wing Hing Street, Tin Hau | (+852) 3709 6232
Coastal Fitness Performance Training, Shop 3, Victoria Centre, 15 Watson Road, Tin Hau | (+852) 2989 1900
Looking for a little relaxation? Save yourself a trip to Thailand and pop into Zen Massage for a range of affordable treatments, from traditional Thai massage to Chinese gua sha therapy, and even magnetic fork massage. Each treatment is capped off with a lovely, warm cup of tea, and the staff are always very sweet and helpful. An experience you won’t regret!
If you want your scalp massage with a side of hairstyling, check out Healthy Pro Hair Care, a chic hair salon whose aim is to provide all the professional styling services, minus the harmful products. So we’re talking runway-ready, with only the finest, natural organic products to nourish that beautiful head of hair. Win! To check out the products they use, visit Organethic’s website.
Zen Massage, 1/F, Man Zhou Building, 98–100 Electric Road, Tin Hau | (+852) 2501 0002
Healthy Pro Hair Care, Shop 2, 108 Electric Road, Tin Hau | (+852) 2816 2211
If digging through (carefully dry-cleaned) racks of vintage American clothing is your ideal way to treat yourself, check out Midwest Vintage for your vintage denim apparel, colourfully printed t-shirts and military jackets. In keeping with the name, their shop is a slice of absolute Americana, filled with knick-knacks ranging from Hawaiian shirts to old camping Thermos bottles. If you are stuck for ideas, check out their Facebook page for some styling inspiration.
Midwest Vintage, Shop 58, Victoria Centre, 15 Watson Road, Tin Hau | (+852) 2802 6886
You never have to worry about your fur babies getting sick in Tin Hau, as it seems nearly every corner has an animal hospital that can take care of your beloved pet. At Causeway Bay Animal Hospital, they truly understand that their clients are more than pets—they’re family members. When one of our team members’ beloved senior rescue beagle of fourteen years fell terminally ill a few years ago, the whole clinic worked tirelessly to find the cause and offer their support and guidance until the very end. They now look after Lola, the Localiiz office mascot, and there is nothing more reassuring than knowing that the health of our beloved furry mascot is in such competent, compassionate hands.
Another clinic known for providing excellent care and attention to your pets, Tin Hau Pet Hospital offers a holistic and alternative approach to veterinary medicine, specialising in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and acupuncture for animals. To read more about TCM and acupuncture for animals, check out our guide to alternative therapies for your pets. For pets who are a little more on the exotic side, check out the appointment-only Zodiac Pet & Exotic Hospital, which specialises in avian, amphibians, and reptiles (they are familiar with your more common companion animals, too!).
If your pet simply needs a little pampering, the friendly staff at Wagging Tails, along with their lovely golden Labrador, are more than happy to help you out. But that’s not all they offer—whether you simply need some pet accessories, such as a carrier, a variety of treats and toys, or a set of stairs to assist your pet onto the sofa, Wagging Tails is the place for you to spoil your fur baby.
Causeway Bay Animal Hospital, 29 Whitfield Road, Tin Hau | (+852) 2510 0836
Tin Hau Pet Hospital, Shop B, Wilson Court, 41 King’s Road, Tin Hau | (+852) 2104 2000
Zodiac Pet & Exotic Hospital, Shop 101A, 1/F Victoria Centre, 15 Watson Road, Tin Hau | (+852) 2527 1718
Wagging Tails, Shop KI-2, 62–74 Hing Fat Street, Tin Hau | (+852) 2578 8281
Hidden on the twelfth floor of a commercial tower, this little sushi restaurant has the tranquil, serene atmosphere of the high-end sushi-yas in Tokyo’s central business district. Inside the simple space decorated in blond woods, a 10-seater bar awaits, where the warm and personable chef produces 20-course omakase dinners every night.
Starting from $880 a head, it is one of the more affordable omakase sushi dinners around, with jet-fresh seafood and an extensive sake selection to satisfy even the largest appetites. Run by a husband-and-wife team, one unique quirk of Sushi Ching is that the restaurant would often close for short periods during pre-pandemic times so that the couple could travel (and eat!) around Japan and be inspired by master chefs.
Sushi Ching, Shop 1201–1202, 12/F, 9 Jupiter Street, Tin Hau | (+852) 3580 1255
For a remarkable meal of refined Japanese cooking, there is no better contender in Tin Hau than the Michelin-starred I M Teppanyaki & Wine. The eatery is a passion project of veteran chef Lawrence Mok, who can be found regaling diners with stories from the triathlons he’s completed while casually and confidently manning the teppan. You can order a la carte—the amadai in sea urchin sauce ($230) and fried rice set ($80) are particularly acclaimed—or try a variety of Chef Mok’s greatest hits with the chef’s special lunch set ($380) or extravagant eight-course I M tasting menu ($1,480).
I M Teppanyaki & Wine, 1/F, Golden Wheel Plaza, 68 Electric Road, Tin Hau | (+852) 2570 7088
While Hongkongers are no strangers to yōshoku (洋食)—the Japanese-Western cuisine that gave the world dishes like omurice (オムライス), katsu curry (カツカレー), and spaghetti Naporitan (ナポリタン)—this neighbourhood eatery puts a different spin on things with a comforting-yet-unconventional modern Italian- and Japanese-inspired menu. For a taste of what we’re talking about, try the tsukemen soba alla carbonara ($152), green tea soba vongole in sake sauce ($158), and the US Black Angus hanger steak tagliata with green tea soy sauce ($210).
Ita Meshi, 4 Lau Li Street, Tin Hau | (+852) 2336 1176
Pet-friendly brunch spot by day and stylish cocktail bar by night, Superhooman is a one-size-fits-all kind of place that balances sunny Aussie-inspired vibes with the uber-modern industrial design style of its host, the chic Tuve hotel, with aplomb. During the day, the huge folding steel doors that mark Superhooman’s shopfront are thrown open to create a semi-alfresco dining experience that’s perfect for people- and dog-watching while you tuck into your brekkie. Fuel up for a big day ahead with the Superhooman Big Breakfast ($138), or try the churros sundae ($78) for a taste of the popular Mexican dessert.
Superhooman, 16 Tsing Fung Street, Tin Hau | (+852) 9181 1193
Try a classic Beijing street snack at Lo Come Jianbing (老Come煎餅). Often dubbed the “Chinese crepe,” jianbing (煎饼) are crispy, eggy hand-held pancakes eaten with a variety of different fillings that bear a similarity to other cuisines’ pancakes and “pizzas,” like okonomiyaki (お好み焼き; Japanese savoury pancakes), bánh tráng nướng (Vietnamese rice paper pancakes), and Mexican quesadillas (toasted stuffed tortillas).
The Peking duck jianbing ($38) with roast duck, spring onions, and cucumber is a must-try, while the Hong Kong cha chaan teng bing ($26) with onion, sesame seeds, peanut butter, and condensed milk, is an interesting take on Hong Kong French toast that combines sweet and savoury flavours.
Lo Come Jianbing (老Come煎餅), Shop A2B, 15–17 Ngan Mok Street, Tin Hau | (+852) 3594 6669
For an izakaya meal with a twist, head to Ganguya, a casual, colourful Japanese restaurant that’s decked out with anime and manga posters, figures, and memorabilia (appropriately, its name translates to “toy store”). Dine on plates of grilled Kyushu oysters ($68 each), assorted sashimi (starting from $280), and grilled sardines stuffed with mentaiko ($88) while surrounded by the likes of Ultraman, Astroboy, and Totoro. The restaurant’s extensive sake list and fun ambience make it a great place to spend the evening throwing back drinks and chatting with friends—don’t forget to snap a picture with the jumbo Ultraman figure before you go!
Ganguya, 16 Ngan Mok Street, Tin Hau | (+852) 2348 7800
This place is perfect for a delicious homemade Japanese meal, and we’re not the only ones to think so, as a queue can always be found outside Camper’s come mealtime. People flock to this eatery headed by chef Fujita Kenta, who has been sharing his culinary expertise for seventeen years. Not only are the meals delicious and reasonably priced, but the portions are generous, free of additives and saturated fats, and packed with wholesome vegetables!
Camper’s, 127 Electric Road, Tin Hau | (+852) 2889 7377
Its legendary beef brisket noodles (starting from $40) draw visitors near and far—and why wouldn’t they? The signature dish uses locally sourced beef, made wonderfully succulent through thorough braising in a stock comprising of ten different herbs. And although not run by Sister Wah herself anymore, it is still a family affair as her sons now run the Michelin Guide-recognised business.
Sister Wah, Shop A1, 13 Electric Road, Tin Hau | (+852) 2807 0181
There are plenty of dessert places in Tin Hau to end the night with, and many seem to be frequented by local celebrities, according to the photos posted on the shopfront. But if there is one OG dessert place to check out, it may as well be the dessert place opened by some local celebrities themselves! (Right?) Enter Auntie Sweet, a popular Cantonese dessert shop, a joint venture launched by television producer Jonathan Chik and artist Moses Chan. Find traditional desserts like sago, tofu pudding, and sweet Chinese soups here, as well as shaved ice parfaits and more outlandish creations like beancurd shakes and fish balls with salted egg yolk sauce.
Auntie Sweet, 13 Tsing Fung Street, Tin Hau | (+852) 2508 6962
This quaint drink spot offers many colourful and equally Insta-worthy Taiwanese drinks and smoothies made to order. The combination of the décor and fruity beverages just oozes health and goodness. Check the board daily to see what’s on offer, or ask the staff to recommend what is fresh off the juicer for a fruity bevvy to quench your thirst.
Take Your Time, Shop 1, Lee King Mansion, 83 Electric Road, Tin Hau | (+852) 5116 6865
This modern, minimalistic coffee shop has been a favourite amongst many coffee lovers in Hong Kong since its first opening, and this new addition on Mercury Street is no different. With their carefully-selected coffee beans roasted in-house and a menu suitable for everyone, this place is quickly becoming an urban sanctuary.
NOC Coffee Co., 23 Mercury Street, Tin Hau | (+852) 3619 7500
This education concept store was designed by a tech- and design-driven education company, with the view to providing the best space (and nourishment) for the mind to roam and learn. Check out their website to read more on their concept store and learn more about their education courses on offer.
Preface Coffee, 7 Lau Li Street, Tin Hau | (+852) 2777 7821
This small local coffee shop is a favourite amongst the neighbours, and is the type of place where the staff will know you by name (and coffee order). Not only do they serve a great cup of coffee and offer a reliable spot to people-watch over afternoon tea, but dogs are welcome, and on occasion are offered treats by the lovely staff.
Prisma Coffee, 3A Watson Road, Tin Hau | (+852) 3460 3725
This local watering hole is a popular destination to get your fill of local draft beers, sports, and some good ol’ classic pub grub. These draft beer connoisseurs offer an array of local ales on tap, and if you’re not feeling entirely sure of what you’re after, there are tasting notes to hand, and a host of helpful staff to offer guidance.
Hong Kong Island Taphouse, 1A–1B, Tsing Fung Street, Tin Hau | (+852) 3705 9901
Stephanie is extremely passionate about all things animal or sports-related. When she’s not at work, she’s out on an adventure with her cheeky pup, Lola, or leading Exploring Dogs hikes to raise funds for the local shelters. You may also find her playing pick-up basketball or on the hunt for a good coffee shop—dog-friendly, of course.
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