Central Market’s revitalisation is complete! Are you ready to explore this historical landmark in Hong Kong?
Markets are a big part of Hong Kong culture. From wet markets and supermarkets, to even photogenic markets, we’re blessed with an astounding amount of choice in the 852. But how about a building with elements of all the three markets above – and more? Built in 1939, Central Market is now greeting visitors with new and improved interiors, facilities, plus shopping and dining offers. Wondering what all the hype is about? Let us tell you more about this wonderful historical site and how it’s been reimagined.
Our guide to Hong Kong’s revitalised Central Market
Storytime: A brief history of the Central Market
Located at the intersection of Queen Victoria Street and Jubilee Street, the Central Market building has been a place of collective memory for many Hongkongers across generations. The earliest prototype of the Central Market was Canton Bazaar, which was established in 1842 just south from the Market’s present location. After several rounds of renaming, remodelling, and relocating, the Central Market became what it is today – a four-storey building in the Bauhaus style, completed in 1938.
Home to 255 stalls in the 1940s, the Central Market had all sorts of fresh food on sale: common poultry, seafood, pork, beef… There was even horse meat, a relatively affordable source of protein back in wartime Hong Kong. As the Central Market was the only meat market on Hong Kong Island, it was always filled with people; Hong Kong’s then-Governor David Trench even recognised it to be the largest meat market in the whole of Southeast Asia.
Best restaurants and cafes in Central Market
Spanning across three floors in the revitalised Central Market are a diverse range of restaurants, cafes, and food kiosks. You’ll find individual establishments and a food court on the ground and first floors, while stalls offering street food are on the second floor.
1. Blooms Coffee
Serving a selection of coffee brewed from single origin beans, Blooms Coffee is the perfect place for a pick-me-up. Pair your coffee with a diverse variety of freshly baked pastries and bites when the craving strikes.
Here are other cafes in Hong Kong worth visiting.
Blooms Coffee, Shop G15A, G/F, Central Market, 93 Queen’s Road Central and 80 Des Voeux Road Central, Central, Hong Kong
2. Stormies
This Central Market bar is the ideal place to go for after-work drinks. Stormies serves a menu of delicious mains, snacks, and finely crafted cocktails. The bar also opens out to Jubilee Street, so you can people-watch as you sip a drink.
Check out our fave bars in Hong Kong for your next bender.
Stormies, Shop G13-14, G/F, Central Market, 93 Queen’s Road Central and 80 Des Voeux Road Central, Central, Hong Kong, p. 6502 1595
3. Mammy Pancake
This food kiosk is a must-try in Central Market. Mammy Pancake transforms the quintessential Hong Kong street food, egg waffles and waffles, with innovative flavours. While you can’t go wrong with the classic Original Egg Puff or Peanut Butter and Condensed Milk Waffle, Mammy’s Matcha Red Bean Egg Puff, Coffee Waffle, and savoury Pork Floss and Sesame Egg Puffs are crowd favourites, too.
Here’s a list of Hong Kong street food you shouldn’t miss!
Mammy Pancake, Kiosk 242B, 2/F, Central Market, 93 Queen’s Road Central and 80 Des Voeux Road Central, Central, Hong Kong
4. Hello Molly Gelato
Stop by Hello Molly Gelato for some delectable handmade treats. Founded by three friends in 2017, the homegrown brand offers creamy gelato made with locally sourced ingredients, with flavours rotating seasonally. Our fave flavours are the Mango Sticky Rice, dairy-free Lychee and Rose Sorbetto, and Earl Grey.
Here’s where else we go for super smooth gelato and ice cream in Hong Kong.
Hello Molly Gelato, Kiosk 241, 2/F, 93 Queen’s Road Central and 80 Des Voeux Road Central, Central, Hong Kong, p. 5963 2289
5. Gu Liang Cai
Settle down at Gu Liang Cai and refuel with authentic Chiu Chow cuisine. Must-tries on the menu include the Signature Marinated Specialties, which comes in Beef, Goose, Goose Offal, and Pork. Pair your marinated meats with a refreshing and nourishing Claypot Soup Mustard Greens Chicken and Chiu Chow-style Pork Fried Rice for extra indulgence.
Visit the best Chinese restaurants in Hong Kong (tried and tested by us, of course!).
Gu Liang Cai, Shop 124-125, 1/F, Central Market, 93 Queen’s Road Central and 80 Des Voeux Road Central, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2117 1919
6. Matjeom
Hankering for some quality Korean food? Matjeom has you covered. This restaurant in Central Market offers a wide selection of Korean dishes, from Bulgogi Japchae to Bibimbap and even fried chicken. What’s more, all items are wallet-friendly, making this spot ideal for a quick meal – what’s not to love?
Check out our fave Korean restaurants in Hong Kong.
Matjeom, Shop G10, G/F, Central Market, 93 Queen’s Road Central and 80 Des Voeux Road Central, Central, Hong Kong, p. 5596 7081
Things to do in Central Market
Designed with an open floor plan, the Central Market now provides 100 leasable units for retail and F&B, 1,000 square metres of green open space, and open areas for exhibitions, performances, and activities – hence its slogan “playground for all”. On top of these (literally), the second floor of the Market is open to SMEs, local brands, and start-ups. So whether you’d like to dine, shop, work, learn, or be entertained, the revitalised Central Market has you covered.
1. Look out for buskers and public performances – or busk yourself!
Say goodbye to old, stuffy markets! The new Central Market has a large atrium equipped with projection and sound systems, as well as about 100 seats, making it the perfect space for street performances. In addition, a semi-open area in front of the Grand Staircase has been repurposed for community performances. It includes a motion sensor system and an LED projection wall, meant to create interactive experiences for visitors. Furthermore, the Legacy Hall on the first floor has a 2,500-square-feet multi-functional space, making it ideal for hosting forums and cultural events.
Take advantage of Central Market’s open spaces and sign up to be a busker online.
2. Visit famous Hong Kong film locations
While the entrance to Central Market used to be a hotspot for outdoor cinema in the early 1900s, the market itself has become a popular film location over the years. Though the market and the attached Central Escalator Link Alley Shopping Arcade closed in 2003, Central Market remains a connection point for the Central-Mid-Levels escalator. This junction was featured in the classic Hong Kong movie, Chungking Express, as well as The Dark Knight from the Batman trilogy!
3. Take part in markets, heritage tours, and more
With brand new event spaces across Central Market, there are many ways to join in on the fun. Whether it be browsing for handcrafted goods at markets or learning about the history and heritage of Central Market on a tour, there are plenty of things to do in the revitalised space.
Check out the latest happenings at Central Market or explore with a professional guide.
4. You’re now in the Heritage Triangle!
Similar to PMQ and Tai Kwun, art and the community are important elements in the revitalised Central Market. Spending the day out in Central? Make sure to check out all three historic sites for the ultimate art and culture fix.
Where to shop in Central Market
1. Chef’s Cuts and Chef’s Market
Located on the ground floor of Central Market, Chef’s Cuts and Chef’s Market is a grocer that offers a diverse range of gourmet food and ingredients. Buy premium meats at the Chef’s Cuts counter before browsing across its cheese, seasoning, and wine selections.
Check out other supermarkets and grocery stores in Hong Kong.
Chef’s Cuts and Chef’s Market, Shop G01-03, 04-09, G/F, Central Market, 93 Queen’s Road Central and 80 Des Voeux Road Central, Central, Hong Kong
2. Hong Kong Tram Store
Just hopped off a tram? Grab something to remember your journey by at the Hong Kong Tram Store! The tram- and market-themed shop offers a range of lifestyle goods, figurines, toys, as well as Old Hong Kong memorabilia.
Explore Hong Kong Island by following our tram tour.
Hong Kong Tram Store, Shop 117, 1/F, Central Market, 93 Queen’s Road Central and 80 Des Voeux Road Central, Central, Hong Kong, p. 9852 0500
3. Shop by Man Mo Temple
Find yourself in Central after a day of temple-hopping in Sheung Wan? Stop by the Shop by Man Mo Temple for some souvenirs! You’ll find a selection of trinkets and memorabilia themed around traditional Hong Kong culture, as well as temples of different deities.
Check out other places to buy Hong Kong souvenirs.
Shop by Man Mo Temple, Kiosk P01A, G/F, Central Market, 93 Queen’s Road Central and 80 Des Voeux Road Central, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2614 8744
4. Slowood
Shop sustainably at Slowood! As one of Hong Kong’s best green grocers, Slowood is loved for its zero-waste products. You’ll find a comprehensive range here, from food to personal care, to household items and decor. The shop also sells seasonal decorations during Christmas and Lunar New Year, so be sure to stop by when the festive times begin!
Slowood, Shop 231-233, 2/F, Central Market, 93 Queen’s Road Central and 80 Des Voeux Road Central, Central, Hong Kong, p. 6468 6128
5. CccccC Select
A one-stop shop for locally made trinkets, handicrafts, and more, CccccC Select is a fun spot to stop by when you’re in the area. Discover everything from perfumes and miniature decor, to home necessities and much more from the abundant collection.
CccccC Select, Shop 116, 1/F, Central Market, 93 Queen’s Road Central and 80 Des Voeux Road Central, Central, Hong Kong, p. 5540 6877
Central Market, 93 Queen’s Road Central and 80 Des Voeux Road Central, Central, Hong Kong, p. 3618 8668
[This article was originally published in January 2019 and updated in 2024 by Celia Lee.]
