There’s more to do in Kowloon Tong than changing trains or hanging out at the shopping mall. Read on to learn more about this low-key amazing neighbourhood.
Often overlooked as merely a transit hub between MTR lines, Kowloon Tong offers far more than most visitors realise. For me, the neighbourhood is synonymous with my school days. While I used to cringe at the thought of returning to the area outside of school, I’m slowly discovering Kowloon Tong’s unique charm. Follow my comprehensive guide to Kowloon Tong, a neighbourhood rich with culinary gems where scenic hiking trails and unique attractions that showcase Hong Kong’s diverse character await.
Your complete guide to Kowloon Tong
How do I get to Kowloon Tong by MTR?
Kowloon Tong serves as a major interchange station connecting the Kwun Tong Line (green) and East Rail Line (light blue). From Central, take the Tsuen Wan Line to Prince Edward, transfer to Kwun Tong Line toward Tiu Keng Leng, and alight at Kowloon Tong. Alternatively, take the Island Line to Admiralty, transfer to East Rail Line toward Lo Wo/ Lok Ma Chau. The East Rail Line also directly connects Hong Kong to Mainland China. Multiple exits serve different areas: Exit C for Festival Walk, Exit A for Baptist University area, Exit B for residential districts, and Exit D for Cornwall Street Park.
Best restaurants and cafes in Kowloon Tong
1. J.S. Foodies
Founded by Japanese fashion brand Journal Standard, J.S. Foodies brings Japanese cafe culture to Festival Walk with its signature fluffy souffle pancakes. Using premium eggs and flour from the Land of the Rising Sun, each order is freshly prepared, resulting in impossibly soft, buttery pancakes that have earned cult status among locals. Whenever I find myself in the area in the morning, I make sure to stop by JS for a hearty breakfast platter.
Best for: Brunch and casual dining
Tip: Arrive before 11:30am to avoid lengthy queues, especially on weekends.
Must-try items: Creme Brulee Pancakes, Black Truffle Pasta, Kiseki Pancake
How much: Snacks from $68, mains from $119
Opening hours: 11:30am – 10pm every day
Address: I.T. Blue Block, Shop LG2-30, LG2/F, Festival Walk, 80 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
2. Lion Rock Bistro
A neighbourhood favourite near Hong Kong Baptist University, Lion Rock Bistro specialises in vintage Hong Kong-style Western cuisine that bridges local tastes with international comfort food. The cosy atmosphere attracts both university students and local families seeking hearty, affordable meals. The extensive menu ranges from a casual spag bol to luxurious roast lamb racks, with lunch and dinner sets including soup and dessert for exceptional value. The nostalgic decor takes inspiration from Hong Kong’s colonial culinary heritage with exposed brick walls and dark wooden accents adding to its cosy atmosphere.
Best for: Hearty comfort food and student-friendly pricing
Tip: Lunch sets include soup and dessert, offering exceptional value before 3pm.
Must-try items: Braised Beef Cheek Meat and Tongue Bordelaise, Roast Lamb Rack with Herbal Mint Paste, Espresso Brulee
How much: From $145 per person
Opening hours: Mon – Thu, 8am – 9:30pm; Fri – Sat, 8am – 10pm; Sun, 11am – 10pm
Phone number: 2338 8144
Address: Shop 2-4, G/F, Franki Centre, 320 Junction Road, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
3. Burger Kan
This takeaway spot is my go-to for a quick grab and go meal in the neighbourhood. Burger Kan serves up quality stacks out of an eye-catching takeaway kiosk with a green exterior. You’ll find a selection of classic burgers on the menu alongside alternative proteins like fish filets, chicken, and shrimp.
Best for: Quick and casual meals
Tip: Arrive just before or after meal times to avoid a queue.
Must-try items: Golden, Forest, Yuzu Wagyu
How much: Snacks from $11, burgers from $64
Opening hours: Mon – Sun, 11:15am – 8:30pm
Phone number: 9316 9647
Address: Shop 19, G/F, Franki Centre, 320 Junction Road, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
4. Original Art
Tucked within the YWCA Lodge, Original Art elevates bistro dining with seasonal menus that change quarterly, ensuring fresh culinary experiences throughout the year. This intimate restaurant focuses on premium ingredients and artistic presentation, offering ten different lunch set options that showcase both European techniques and local preferences. Standout dishes include the perfectly executed confit de canard, fresh mussels marinière, and their renowned lemon tart that provides the perfect acidic finish to rich meals.
Best for: Intimate dinners and business lunches
Tip: Try the confit de canard – it’s the signature dish and is excellent value for the quality.
Must-try items: Spaghetti with Salmon and Dill Cream Sauce, Grilled Eel Egg Burger, Croaker with Garlic Butter Sauce
How much: From $98 per person
Opening hours: Tue – Sun, 12pm – 3pm (lunch); 6 – 10pm (dinner)
Phone number: 6932 7198
Address: G/F, YWCA Lodge, 66 Begonia Road, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
5. Hooman
If you’re a fan of Hooman by the Sea’s delectable small bites, you can now get them in Festival Walk! The compact cafe serves a variety of hot dogs and stunning ice cream sandwiches, ideal for a mid-day refuel while you’re exploring the neighbourhood. While Hooman’s Kowloon Tong outpost is better known for its grab-and-go format, I prefer sitting down with a Matcha Tonic and my customised ice cream sandwich once in a while.
Best for: A refreshing drink or a sweet treat on a scorching summer day.
Tip: Know your order before you get in line!
Must-try items: Strawberry Matcha Latte, hot dogs from $48, ice cream sandwiches from $69
How much: Drinks from $28,
Opening hours: 11am – 8pm every day
Address: Kiosk 2, L1/F, Festival Walk, 80 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
6. Amaroni’s New York Italian Restaurant
Amaroni’s is the definition of an oldie but goldie. A staple in Kowloon Tong, this American Italian restaurant has been serving customers for the past few decades. On the menu are a selection of comfort classics, think heart pastas, filling steaks, and a tiramisu to top all others in town. Whether you’re looking for a group dining spot or simply a restaurant for a casual date, Amaroni’s has you covered,
Best for: Casual group dining.
Tip: Reserve in advance to avoid long queues.
Must-try items: Girasoli with Porcini, Chanterelle Mushrooms, and Cheese; New York Classic Pizza; Amaroni’s Classic Tiramisu
How much: Appetisers from $148, mains from $178, desserts from $90
Opening hours: 11am – 10pm every day
Address: Shop LG1-32, LG1/F, Festival Walk, 80 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
Amaroni’s website Amaroni’s menu
7. Bliss Chinese Cuisine by Wang Jia Sha
This Chinese restaurant in Kowloon Tong specialises in northern cuisines and offers a curated menu of Shanghaiese and Beijing delicacies. Wang Jia Sha’s open-aired design offers a comfortable and spacious dining atmosphere that’s ideal for brunch, lunch, and dinner. You’ll likely find a long line outsdie the restuarant during peak times, with regulars returning for its dim sum offerings and home-style dishes.
Best for: All-day casual dining
Tip: Arrive just before or after meal times to avoid long lines
Must-try items: Drunken Chicken, Dan Dan Noodles, Fried Dumplings
How much: From $98 per person
Opening hours: 11am – 10pm every day
Phone number: 2265 8488
Address: Shop G-23, G/F, Festival Walk, 80 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
8. On-Yasai
This hot pot restaurant is one of the most popular establishments in Festival Walk. You’ll find a menu of value-for-money sets offering premium cuts of Japanese beef and other quality ingredients. The setting is laid-back and cosy – perfect for a gathering with friends and family.
Best for: Casual group dining
Tip: Opt for the Shabu Shabu Set C for premium Japanese and Australian Wagyu Chuck Rolls
How much: From $155 per person
Opening hours: Mon – Thu and Sun 11:30am – 10:30pm; Sat – Sun, 11:30am – 11pm
Phone number: 3106 4218
Address: Shop LG1-29, LG1/F, Festival Walk, 80 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
On-Yasai website On-Yasai menu
Top things to do in Kowloon Tong
9. Hike Beacon Hill
Offering spectacular panoramic views of the Kowloon Peninsula, Beacon Hill provides an accessible urban hiking experience that connects to the famous MacLehose Trail. The one-hour moderate hike begins from Lung Yan Road, following a paved route shared with occasional vehicle traffic. Experienced hikers can continue toward Lion Rock via MacLehose Trail Section Five, while casual walkers like me can enjoy the scenic brooks and city vistas. The radar station near the summit is one of the top Instagram spots in the neighbourhood, with the small platform becoming pretty crowded during peak times – be sure to avoid these periods!
Best for: Photography enthusiasts and experienced hikers
Tip: Visit on weekdays for better photo opportunities at the radar station and fewer crowds on the trail
Duration: One-hour moderate hike
How much: Free
Location: Trailhead at Lung Yan Road, accessible via taxi or bus from Kowloon Tong MTR Station
10. Festival Walk Glacier ice skating
One of my favourite indoor ice skating facilities in Hong Kong, Glacier offers a refreshing escape from the city’s tropical climate, complete with professional-grade rink and equipment rental services. Festival Walk Glacier caters to all skill levels, from beginner skating lessons to advanced figure skating practice sessions. The facility includes secure lockers, skate rentals in all sizes, and an on-site skating school offering structured lessons for children and adults. Just keep in mind that weekend sessions can become particularly busy with families and birthday parties!
Best for: Families and beating Hong Kong’s heat
Tip: Visit weekday mornings and evenings for fewer crowds, better rates, and more personalised attention from instructors.
Opening hours: 10am – 10pm every day
How much: From $60 per hour including skate rental
Location: UG-21, UG/F, Festival Walk, 80 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
11. Cornwall Street Park
This urban oasis seamlessly blends traditional Chinese garden design with contemporary artistic installations, creating a peaceful retreat between Festival Walk and Kowloon Tong Station. The park features elegant Chinese-style pavilions, serene ponds with small waterfalls, and the unique “Living Inside-out” seating installations crafted from recycled materials. Following the 2012 beautification project, modern furniture and decorative elements complement the established lawns and mature trees, making it ideal for meditation, reading, or casual photography sessions.
Best for: Peaceful breaks and nature photography
Tip: Visit early morning for misty pond views and fewer people.
Opening hours: 24/7 access
How much: Free
Location: Junction of Cornwall Street and Tat Chee Avenue, 2 minutes from Kowloon Tong MTR Exit D
12. Visit Shang Sin Chun Tong
Originally established as Peng Ying Ge in Dongguan, China, this Taoist temple relocated to Hong Kong in 1952 and now ranks among Kowloon’s largest religious sites. The temple complex houses multiple halls and altars dedicated to various Taoist deities, featuring intricate traditional architecture and solemn ceremonial spaces. Notably, the temple serves as the resting place for memorial tablets of beloved Cantopop icons Anita Mui and Wong Ka-kui from Beyond, attracting both religious devotees and music fans to pay respects.
Best for: Cultural exploration and paying respects to deities and local music icons
Tip: Bring loose change for incense offerings and respect photography restrictions in certain sacred areas.
Opening hours: 8am – 5pm every day
How much: Free to enter, donations welcome
Location: Rutland Quadrant, 10 minutes’ walk from Kowloon Tong MTR Exit B
9. Festival Walk shopping
This comprehensive shopping and entertainment complex houses over 200 retail stores, restaurants, a cinema, and an ice skating rink, making it Kowloon Tong’s most popular social hub. Anchor tenants include Log-On lifestyle store and Toys ‘R’ Us – two long-standing tenants that I’ve idled my lunch time away for many school days – while diverse dining options range from casual food courts to upscale restaurants. The mall’s family-friendly design includes dedicated children’s areas, nursing rooms, and accessibility features. Connected directly to the MTR station, Festival Walk serves both local residents and visitors exploring the area.
Best for: One-stop shopping and entertainment
Tip: Download the Festival Walk app for exclusive dining discounts and parking validation deals.
Opening hours: 10am – 10pm every day
Location: 80 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong. Directly connected to Kowloon Tong MTR Exit C
Which neighbourhood should I hop to next? DM @honeycombershk on Instagram or drop me an email at celia.lee@thehoneycombers.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kowloon Tong best known for?
Kowloon Tong is renowned for its upscale residential estates, prestigious international schools, and Festival Walk shopping centre. Historically, the area gained fame for luxury motels and boutique hotels popular in the 1980s-90s. Today, it's recognised for excellent educational institutions, family-friendly amenities, and serving as a gateway to hiking trails like Beacon Hill and Lion Rock.
Is Kowloon Tong good for families with children?
Absolutely! Kowloon Tong excels as a family destination with Festival Walk's ice skating rink, cinema, and diverse dining options. Cornwall Street Park provides safe outdoor space for children to play, while the area's numerous international schools create a child-friendly environment. Many restaurants offer family sets and high chairs, and the MTR accessibility makes travelling with prams and strollers convenient. The district's low crime rate and pedestrian-friendly design add to its family appeal.
Where can I park in Kowloon Tong?
Festival Walk offers the most convenient parking with over 1,800 spaces across multiple levels, including designated family parking spots near lifts. Hourly rates range from HKD 25-35, with validation available from participating restaurants and shops. Street parking exists along Cornwall Street and residential roads, though spaces are limited and subject to time restrictions. Several private car parks serve the Baptist University area, while some hotels offer day parking for non-guests at premium rates.
What are the best hiking trails near Kowloon Tong?
Beacon Hill offers the most accessible trail directly from Kowloon Tong, providing city views in approximately one hour. Advanced hikers can connect to Lion Rock via MacLehose Trail Section Five for a more challenging experience with iconic Hong Kong vistas. The Grassy Hill trail provides a gentler alternative, while the Wilson Trail passes nearby, offering connections to various country parks. All trails are well-marked, though weather conditions and seasonal variations should be considered when planning hiking excursions.
Are there any hotels in Kowloon Tong?
Kowloon Tong maintains its reputation for boutique accommodation, though the scene has evolved since the 1980s-90s heyday. Several quality motels and small hotels operate near MTR Exit F, offering discrete, comfortable stays for couples and business travellers. The YWCA Lodge provides affordable accommodation with dining facilities, while a few upscale boutique properties cater to visitors preferring quieter locations. Most properties offer competitive rates compared to traditional tourist districts while maintaining easy MTR access to central Hong Kong.
