Explore Sheung Wan, 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.
As Honeycombers’ resident cultural enthusiast, Sheung Wan is one of my favourite neighbourhoods in Hong Kong thanks to its unique blend of historic temples, antique stores, dog-friendly cafes, and fine dining restaurants. This seamless integration of old and new is what gives the neighbourhood its distinctive charm. I love the area’s relaxed and artsy vibe, which sets the stage for a casual day out with friends and family. If you’re keen to explore Sheung Wan, let my curated guide to restaurants, cafes, and things to do lead the way.
Uncover hidden gems with our guide to Sheung Wan
Where to eat: Best Sheung Wan restaurants
1. Honjo
Find yourself in Sheung Wan and unsure of where to lunch? Head over to Honjo for a value-for-money three-course bento lunch set that spotlights the restaurant’s signature Japanese-inspired dishes. Alternatively, the executive lunch menu is designed to impress across four courses. My team and I love Honjo’s casual yet elevated vibe that brings a special touch to any occasion, from a quick refuel while exploring the neighbourhood’s nooks and crannies to an intimate date night or dinner with friends.
Must-try items: Karaage, Salmon Tofu, Flank Robata (lunch set). Octopus Tartare, Chicken Katsu, Matcha Lava (executive lunch set)
Prices: From $198 per person for lunch set; from $480 per person for executive lunch
Opening hours: Mon – Fri, 12 – 2:45pm (lunch), 6 – 10:30pm (dinner); Sat, Sun, and public holidays, 11:30am – 3:30pm (brunch), 6 – 10:30pm (dinner)
Phone number: 2663 3772
Address: Honjo, 1/F, 77 – 91 Queen’s Road West, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
2. El Vaso de Oro
Make way for some of the best Spanish cuisine in town! El Vaso de Oro is a charming bodega and tapas bar serving authentic dishes from all around Spain, including Catalan to Andalusian cuisines. I was captivated by its warm ambience and no-fuss offerings on my first visit, and it’s become a frequent haunt of mine. Rustic, casual, and vibrant, El Vaso de Oro is a gem not to be missed in Sheung Wan.
Must-try items: Braised Beef Tripe, Seafood Paella, Chicken Liver Pate, Grandmother’s Flan
How much: Tapas from $78; mains from $288; desserts from $78
Opening hours: Mon, 5 – 11pm; Tue – Sun, 12 – 11pm
Phone number: 2506 2518
Address: El Vaso de Oro, G/F, 44 Sai Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
3. Mrs H’s Coffee House and The Holywell’s
Walking along Hollywood Road, you’ll spot a bright yellow door just across from Man Mo Temple. By day, you’ll find me among office workers and coffee lovers huddling around the chic coffee counter of Mrs H’s Coffee House. By night, red Chinese lanterns light up the mysterious yellow door, which leads to The Holywell’s. With a gentle knock, I was greeted by the speakeasy’s bartender into a cosy, living room-esque interior and offered a menu of innovative British-inspired cocktails.
Here’s a tip: take a look at the first few pages of the menu and embark on a playful treasure hunt around the bar for a spicy reward!
Must-try items: White Coffee, Iced Caramel Crunch (Mrs H’s) ; Club Orange, Midsummer Forage (Holywell’s)
Opening hours: 8am – 5pm every day (Mrs H’s); 6pm till late every day (Holywell’s)
Phone number: 6848 5291
Address: Mrs H’s Coffee House and The Holywell’s, 140 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Mrs H’s website Holywell’s website
4. Chachawan
If you don’t want to wait in line for Samsen (which is often the case!), head over to Chachawan for excellent Thai food. Specialising in Issan food, the incendiary cuisine of Thailand’s northeastern province, the kitchen pounds up fiery larps and som tums in mortars to dish up mouthwatering plates that keep me coming back for more. I consistently find the service friendly and welcoming, and the food always aromatic and delicious. My favourite time to visit is during lunch, where you can get a value-for-money meal that includes a main and a drink.
Must-try items: Pork Larp Moo, Gai Yung, Mango Sticky Rice
How much: Starters from $108; mains from $138 ; desserts from $88
Opening hours: 12 – 3pm (lunch), 6 – 11pm (dinner) every day
Phone number: 2549 0020
Address: Chachawan, 206 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Chachawan website Chachawan menu
5. Hei Baat Fong
Another favourite lunch spot for worker bees in the area is Hei Baat Fong, a humble Northern Chinese noodle joint. All of Hei Baat Fong’s dumplings are prepared in-house, and you can pair them with noodles plus other protein and vegetable toppings. But be warned – this place gets quite busy during the lunch rush, so make sure to arrive early if you want to secure a seat!
Must-try items: Three Items with Noodles; Watercress and Pork Dumplings; Pork, Corn, and Mushroom Fried Dumplings
How much: Noodles from $52; dumplings from $49; mains from $62
Opening hours: 11:30am – 9:30pm every day
Phone number: 2590 0800
Address: Hei Baat Fong, G/F, 3-3A Upper Station Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
6. Enishi
Enjoy dinner with a show at Enishi! The sister restaurant of Censu, a popular Japanese restaurant on Gough Street, Enishi offers an intimate teppanyaki experience brimming with quality seafood and meat options. I love watching the chefs display their showmanship on the sizzling teppan, transforming fresh seasonal ingredients into scrumptious bites right before my eyes. What’s more, the restaurant has just launched a new teppanyaki a la carte menu, so you can customise your feast as your heart (and stomach) desires!
Must-try items: Steamed Hamaguri, Wagyu Sirloin, Signature Pot Rice
How much: Lunch from $118; teppanyaki omakase from $888 per person
Opening hours: 12 – 3pm (lunch); 6 – 10pm (dinner) every day
Phone number: 2626 9096
Address: Enishi, G/F, The Strand, 49 Bonham Strand, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
7. For Kee
For an authentic taste of Hong Kong, make your way to For Kee. This local cha chaan teng serves a simple menu from its modest storefront on Tai Ping Shan Street. The signature offering is the pork cutlet bowl, available as an individual dish or paired with rice tossed with vegetables. A set meal at For Kee, which includes a hot or cold drink, is a wallet-friendly and filling lunch option in the area. While many regulars opt for takeaway, there are plenty of indoor and outdoor seating available for those who prefer to dine in.
Must-try items: Pork cutlet bowl with vegetable rice
How much: Mains from $45
Opening hours: Mon – Sat, 7am – 3:30pm
Phone number: 2546 8947
Address: For Kee, Shop F-G, G/F, 200 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
8. Elephant Grounds
You know it, you love it – it’s Elephant Grounds! This well-known cafe needs little introduction. Situated along the tail end of Hollywood Road, the Sheung Wan location stands out in the neighbourhood with its eye-catching, vibrant orange exterior and comfortable outdoor seating. Whether you’re seeking a caffeine fix, a midday pick-me-up, or simply craving quality pastries, this Sheung Wan cafe has got you covered. If you happen to spot me typing away while playing with doggos in the outdoor area, come say hi!
Must-try items: Kyushu Egg Sando, Torched Salmon Donburi,
How much: Mains from $95; drinks from $34; pastries from $18
Opening hours: 8am – 8pm every day
Phone number: 3580 0554
Address: Elephant Grounds, G/F, Hollywood Centre, 233 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Elephant Grounds website Elephant Grounds menu
Experience local art and culture in Sheung Wan
9. Man Mo Temple
Experience local heritage 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 within and worshippers bring offerings for the gods. No Sheung Wan guide would be complete without this beautiful spot.
Price: Free to enter
Opening hours: 8am – 6pm every day
Phone number: 2540 0350
Address: Man Mo Temple, 124-126 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
10. Soluna Fine Arts
Soluna Fine Arts spotlights emerging Korean artists and craftspeople. It’s always a pleasure browsing vibrant artworks in all types of medium at the bright and spacious Sai Street gallery. Plus, Soluna rotates its displays every few months, ensuring that no two visits will be the same. For art lovers seeking a more in-depth experience of each showcase, book a private viewing online.
Price: Free to enter
Opening hours: Tue – Sat, 10am – 6pm
Phone number: 2955 5166
Address: Soluna Fine Arts, G/F, 52 Sai Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
11. Hike the Sheung Wan stretch of the Central and Western Heritage Trail
Take a walk through Sheung Wan along the Central and Western Heritage Trail for a dose of history. This self-guided tour takes you from Man Mo Temple all the way to Western Market near the coast, allowing you to discover 16 historical buildings and streets along the way. In my experience, this is the best and most immersive way to learn about the neighbourhood first hand. So, bring a camera and prepare to snap some pics for the ’gram!
Find out more about the Sheung Wan Route of the Central and Western Heritage Trail.
12. Kwong Fuk Ancestral Hall (Pak Shing Temple)
If you enjoy visiting Man Mo Temple, then I recommend checking out Pak Shing Temple as well. Nestled between older buildings along Tai Ping Shan Street, the striking red facade of Pak Shing Temple is hard to miss. Historically, the temple served as a temporary resting place for bodies awaiting burial, and also provided care for critical Chinese patients who couldn’t afford European-run hospitals. Today, visitors pray for good health and happy relationships, bringing with them all kinds of offerings.
Price: Free to enter
Opening hours: 9am – 5pm every day
Phone number: 2546 8277
Address: Kwong Fuk Ancestral Hall (Pak Shing Temple), 40 Tai Ping Shan Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Kwong Fuk Ancestral Hall website
13. Double Q Gallery
This is another hidden gallery showcasing peculiar and vivid artworks in Sheung Wan. Located on the bend of Lok Ku Road, Double Q Gallery features a rotation of international and local artists throughout the year. I often make a point to visit when I notice a new centrepiece displayed behind its glass doors. But if you want more timely and detailed updates on its latest exhibitions, I suggest following their social media platforms!
Price: Free to enter
Opening hours: Wed – Sat. 11am – 7pm; Mon – Tue by appointment only
Phone number: 3797 2922
Address: Double Q Gallery, 68 Lok Ku Road, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
14. 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!
Price: $200 entrance fee plus guided tour
Opening hours: Mon – Fri, 10am – 6pm by appointment only
Phone number: 2806 8280
Address: Liang Yi Museum, 181-199 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
15. Up your Insta game
In addition to the numerous art-filled shops and cafes in the neighbourhood, Sheung Wan is also known for its abundance in street art. Stroll through the alley ways to spot stunning murals and graffiti, and slow down for amazing photo opportunities!
Check out my guide to the best Instagram spots!
Things to do in Sheung Wan
16. Pick up antiques and accessories on Cat Street and Upper Lascar Row
If Liang Yi Museum has sparked your interest in antiques, then you have to pay Cat Street and Upper Lascar Row a visit. The pedestrian walkway is filled with rows of stalls selling jade jewellery, Mao memorabilia, porcelain ware, and much more. This is a great place to find unique yet understated souvenirs. And if you’re on the hunt for larger-scale antiques, do step into one of the shops on the street and browse all kinds of porcelain vases and bronze statues.
Opening hours: Varies across stalls, but expect vendors to start selling from 11am.
Address: Cat Street and Upper Lascar Row, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
17. Browse for dried seafood on Wing Lok Street and Des Veoux Road West
Just follow the aromatic, salty scent that pervades the air and you’ll find yourself in Sheung Wan’s dried seafood hub. Along Wing Lok Street towards Des Veoux Road West, you’ll find a plethora of vendors selling premium sea cucumbers, fish maw, and other treasures of the ocean air-dried to perfection. As dried seafood is sought-after for its nourishing properties and is considered one of the most premium ingredients in Chinese cuisine, customers are typically willing to pay the hefty price tag! If you’re in the area early in the morning, you might even catch workers bringing in boxes after boxes of daily deliveries from minivans into the stores.
Opening hours: Varies acrosss shops but doors usually open from 9am.
Address: Wing Lok Street and Des Veoux Road West, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
18. 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 a second floor of local silk fabric vendors. If you’re looking to find Hong-Kong themed gifts, Western Market is a great find.
Opening hours: 10am – 8pm every day
Address: Western Market, 323 Des Voeux Road Central, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Which neighbourhood should I hop to next? DM @honeycombershk on Instagram or drop me an email at [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sheung Wan known for?
Sheung Wan is known for its unique mixture of the old and new. Despite being a few minutes away from Central’s ultra-modern buzz, Sheung Wan is home to a plethora of cultural destinations, from temples to historic streets, to neighbourhood shops that have been around for over a century.
Is Sheung Wan a good place to stay?
The short answer is yes! Sheung Wan is a great place to stay during your holiday in Hong Kong. With its prime location, easy access to unmissable tourist attractions and hidden gems, plus myriad public transport options, you’ll be on the beat of the city’s happenings.
