Explore an area of Hong Kong that has preserved its heritage over time, where you will find a world of specialty shops, art galleries, and temples. Here's our guide to Sheung Wan.
Sheung Wan is one of the coolest places in Hong Kong thanks to its quirky mix of historic temples, antiques stores, colourful street art, dog-friendly cafes, and fine dining restaurants. We love the relaxed and artsy vibe of the neighbourhood, as it’s the perfect place to chill with friends and family. Enjoy exploring with our Sheung Wan guide!
Guide to Sheung Wan
Guide to Sheung Wan: What to eat and drink
1. El Vaso de Oro
Make way, make way for some of the best Spanish cuisine in town! Made by Barcelona-born Chef Carlos Salvador Asensio and his team using authentic recipes and the freshest ingredients, the dishes at El Vaso de Oro are worth a special visit to the area. Sample traditional Spanish flavours with the hearty Braised Beef Tripe; the signature Seafood Paella; and the Chicken Liver Pate, served with toast, salad, and a unique lychee marmalade (which pairs surprisingly well!). We also recommend the off-menu Fried Baby Squid, as it’s juicy, tender, and simply addictive with the thin but perfectly seasoned batter. Last but not least, wrap up your meal with Grandmother’s Flan. Rustic, casual, and vibrant, El Vaso de Oro is a gem not to be missed in Sheung Wan.
El Vaso de Oro, G/F, 44 Sai Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, p. 2506 2518
2. Chachawan
Isaan food, the incendiary cuisine of Thailand’s northeastern province, has spread far beyond its rural origins. At Chachawan, the kitchen pounds up fiery larps and som tums in immense mortars. We’re fans of the pork larp moo, which is a fiery version of the classic mixed salad; and the flavourful gai yung, which are chicken thighs that have been marinated for 24 hours. Finally, the mango sticky rice is a great way to balance out all that spiciness!
Chachawan, 206 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, p. 2549 0020
3. Dried seafood at On Kee
Just follow the sharp, salty smell that pervades the air and you’ll definitely find this store. On Kee is a place where customers pay $1,000 for a kilogram of black fungus that looks like human hair! From 8am to 5pm, people come here to bargain with vendors they’ve known since childhood. You’ll see stiff paper boxes full of dried seafood being carried onto minivans; curious tourists taking photos of molluscs and other sea life, alongside sacks full of herbs; and snakes displayed in glass jars. Although pretty expensive, we at Honeycombers are huge fans of sea cucumbers as they’re believed to have anti-aging effects. They can be eaten after being soaked and boiled. Have you tried them?
On Kee Dry Seafood, 8C-8J Cleverly Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, p. 2544 6336
4. Honjo
We like Honjo for brunch, lunch, and dinner, as this place offers some of the friendliest services in town! Step into the lush interiors and get ready for a dining experience that will definitely be one for the books. The weekend brunch gives a good chance to taste a bit of everything, while the dinner menu has an array of Japanese classics with a twist.
Read our full review on Honjo.
Honjo, 1/F, Hollywood Centre, 77-91 Queen’s Road West, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, p. 2663 3772
5. Table
This fine dining seafood restaurant is a must-visit when in Sheung Wan. Run by self-taught chef Sandy Keung, Table makes use of the freshest seafood in Hong Kong, thanks to its depuration concept. Also, it incorporates a wonderful array of local ingredients into its dishes, meaning the food you try here will be truly unique Hong Kong creations.
Read our full review of Table.
Table, 8/F, The Pemberton, 22-26 Bonham Strand, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, p. 2815 2367
6. Oldish
Sheung Wan is undoubtedly the hub for hipster cafes. If you’re a lover of all things vintage, then Oldish will be your little heaven. This cosy cafe in Hong Kong is picturesque to say the least, from the details in decor to the colourfully plated dishes. We’re big fans of their tiramisu, the signature eggs benedict, and the rosa latte.
Oldish, 53 Tung Street, Tai Ping Shan, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, p. 2697 3313
7. Behind 69
In search of a bar in Sheung Wan for a chilled drink? Slip your way into Behind 69. A speakeasy behind the British restaurant 69 on Jervois, this intimate bar seats only 14 and serves killer drinks. With a menu inspired by the history and influences of the area, Behind 69 gives the ultimate Sheung Wan experience. If you’re hungry, the neighbouring bar and grill is a great place to grab a bite, as it offers a variety of Western comfort food and British classics.
Behind 69, The Chelsea, 69 Jervois Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, p. 9758 6715
Guide to Sheung Wan: Culture
8. Liang Yi Museum
One of Hong Kong’s largest private museums, the four-storey Liang Yi Museum houses one of the finest collections of Chinese antique furniture from the Ming and Qing dynasties. The museum regularly holds special exhibitions of its furniture pieces and shows pieces from its collection at museums across the globe. For lovers of European craftsmanship, Liang Yi Museum also houses a collection of bejewelled clutches, compacts, and powder boxes from houses such as Cartier, Boucheron, and Van Cleef & Arpels. Antiques aficionados and collectors are sure to love all of the treasures at this museum!
Discover all our favourite Hong Kong museums.
Liang Yi Museum, 181-199 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, p. 2806 8280
9. Man Mo Temple
Learn more about Chinese culture at Man Mo Temple, one of Hong Kong’s oldest temples and a declared monument. Built in 1847 during the Qing Dynasty by wealthy Chinese merchants, the beautiful temple is dedicated to the gods of literature (“Man”, the one holding a writing brush) and war (“Mo”, the one wielding a sword).
Lending the temple its beguiling and smoky air are rows of large, earth-coloured incense spirals, suspended from the roof. Seek your future as fortune-tellers beckon from inside and as worshippers bring offerings for the gods. No Sheung Wan guide would be complete without this fantastic spot.
Man Mo Temple, 124-126 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, p. 2540 0350
Guide to Sheung Wan: Things to do
10. Get your hair done at Shhh
Hidden away on Hollywood Road, Shhh is all about refined luxury and quality hairstyling. Though you’ll probably have to book ahead to nab a spot, it’s well worth it for the amazing ambience and great design. Plus, you can pick up a range of eclectic hair accessories, products, and exclusive fragrances here.
Here’s our full review of Shhh.
Shhh, G/F, 118-120 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2915 1001
11. Up your Insta game
Thanks to the myriad art-filled shops and cafes in Sheung Wan, many walls in the neighbourhood have been covered in street art. If you’re looking for great Instagram spots in Hong Kong, then this suburb definitely needs to be on your list. Although the works are often changing, you’ll be sure to find loads of inspiration.
12. Wander through all the art and antiques on Cat Street
Along Cat Street, you can practise your bargaining skills for jade jewellery, Mao memorabilia, porcelain ware, and much more. If you’re looking for bronze-lacquered Buddha statues to fill your home, look no further than Arch Angel Antiques. Browsing this treasure trove of Asian antiques and art can easily fill a few hours for serious antiques hunters.
Arch Angel Antiques, 70 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, p. 2851 6848
13. Learn how to bake at The Mixing Bowl
Hosting baking workshops for adults and kids since 2014, the passionate owners of The Mixing Bowl have been sharing the joy of baking with everyone. The 2,000-square-foot space means the duo is able to hold big classes with lots of variety. Look out for new classes including cake decorating, fresh pastry, a wide selection of bread workshops, and the Junior Baker Summer Camp, which kids are going to love.
Budding bakers, check out our list of best baking studios in Hong Kong!
The Mixing Bowl, 23/F, The Pemberton, 22-26 Bonham Strand, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, p. 2524 0001
14. Rejuvenate at Beijing Tong Ren Tang
Everyone’s aware of TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) and how it works wonders – so why not try it out for yourself? With a long history that originated in ancient China, Beijing Tong Ren Tang is a trusted store for most locals if they’re looking for herbal medicines, acupuncture, massage (tuina), and dietary therapy. The shop also offers Chinese herbal teas such as the Snow Pear Loquat Tea.
Beijing Tong Ren Tang Chinese Medicine Co., Shop 242-243, 2/F, Shun Tak Centre, 168-200 Connaught Road Central, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, p. 2858 0723
15. Get inked at Blackout Tattoo
After setting up his studio in Sheung Wan in 2010, Rob Kelly has quickly become the custom artist in town. Blackout Tattoo is where you go for truly unique creations and the tattoo you’ve always been dreaming of. Big or small, the talented team will make sure it’s what you want.
Get inked at the best tattoo parlours in Hong Kong.
Blackout Tattoo, 102 Hing Tai Commercial Building, 114 Wing Lok Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, p. 9247 3522
16. Shop at Western Market
The Western Market is one of the oldest buildings in Sheung Wan, which is still in its original form from when it was built in the 1900s. Inside you can find small dessert joints, souvenirs shops, and the second floor is completely filled with local merchants selling silk fabric. If you’re looking to find Hong-Kong themed gifts, Western Market is a great find.
Western Market, 323 Des Voeux Road Central, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
