Can’t make heads or tails of the hype around Kai Tak? Here’s the scoop on Hong Kong’s up-and-coming cultural and lifestyle hub.
We don’t get a new neighbourhood popping up in our city every day. And that’s why Kai Tak has been all the buzz in Hong Kong lately. Originally home to Kai Tak Airport (Hong Kong’s very first), the area is now a vibrant hub of modern residential buildings alongside glitzy shopping malls, cycling tracks, and plenty of restaurants and cafes. Follow my guide and uncover its charm!
A local’s guide to Kai Tak: Restaurants, things to do, and more
A brief history
Did you know the Kai Tak Airport was the predecessor of the Hong Kong International Airport in Chek Lap Kok? In operation from 1925 to 1998, the airport and its runways, terminals, and arrival and departure halls occupied the neighbourhood we call Kai Tak today.
Although surrounded by relatively open space, nearby residential blocks and commercial buildings posed great difficulties for pilots trying to take off and land their planes back in the day. In fact, Kai Tak Airport was the hardest airport to land a plane in the world up until its closure! The generation that used to live near the airport still recall fond memories of playing on the rooftop of their apartment blocks while planes flew (dangerously) above their heads.
How to get to Kai Tak
As the neighbourhood is well connected with public transport, it’s easy getting there. Simply take the MTR and ride on the Tuen Ma Line for Kai Tak MTR Station. Alternatively, several buses and minibuses will also take you to your destination. Simply look for routes that go to Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, Kai Tak Station (Muk On Street), or Concorde Road (opposite Kai Tak Community Hall).
Where to stay: Hotels in Kai Tak
1. Dorsett Kai Tak
While there are plenty of hotels to choose from in the neighbourhood, I recommend checking out Dorsett Kai Tak. This new property is located in the middle of all the hustle and bustle right next to Kai Tak Sports Park, with Airside and Sung Wong Toi MTR station only a six-minute walk or shuttle bus ride away. In addition, the hotel is complete with stunning harbour views, exceptional dining options, and an award-winning rooftop bar serving up East-meets-West cocktails. Also within walking distance is the vibrant Kowloon City neighbourhood, where rich history, diverse culture, and an incredible food scene await.
Still not convinced? Opt for the Dorsett 3-wishes offer and you can enjoy complimentary snacks at selected local eateries in Kowloon City as well as travel essentials like sim cards, Octopus cards, daily breakfast, and more.
How much: From $800 per night
Phone number: 3528 8288
Address: Dorsett Kai Tak, 43 Shing Kai Road, Kai Tak, Hong Kong
Dorsett Kai Tak website Make a booking
Best Kai Tak restaurants
2. Luna
Make your way to Luna for elevated Chinese fare. This upscale tea house serves a variety of local faves, including dim sum and Cantonese-style dishes. While this restaurant doesn’t carry the charm of yum cha hotspots, Luna certainly wins me over with its refined yet comfortable interiors and mouthwatering dishes. It’s hard to pick from the menu when everything’s delicious, but the dim sum brunch is a stand out for me, as well as the private room dining experience when I visit for celebratory dinners.
Must-try items: Iberico Char Siu glazed with French longnan honey, Stewed Abalone and Three Yellow Chicken Pot, King Crab Crispy Rice in Broth
How much: Appetisers from $108, mains from $128, desserts from $58
Opening hours: 11:30am – 10pm every day
Phone number: 2882 9283
Address: Luna, Shop L301-L302, 3/F, Airside, 2 Concorde Road, Kai Tak, Hong Kong
3. Yuk Mi Jeong Dam (DongBaekk)
Hankering for some quality Korean barbeque? Head over to Yuk Mi Jeong Dam. Hailed from Busan, this joint is best known for its 1+ Grade Pork Belly, Marinated Galbi, and Jeju Iberico Pork Collar. The rich marinades and char-grilled smokiness always call for an ice cold pint of beer, and some of my friends opt for somaek when I organise dinners here on the weekend. Whether you’re sharing a meal with the gang or just treating yourself, you’ll definitely have a great time.
Must-try items: Beef Rib Stew, Rib Cover Meat, Jeju Iberico Pork Collar Butt
How much: Half portions of meat platters from $88; mains from $98
Opening hours: 11:30am – 10:30pm every day
Phone number: 2330 1028
Address: Yuk Mi Jeong Dam, Shop L506, 5/F, Airside, 2 Concorde Road, Kai Tak, Hong Kong
DongBaekk website DongBaekk menu
4. The Cipollini Pizzeria
From pizzas and pasta to freshly made gelato, you can have it all at The Cipollini Pizzeria. With a cosy and rustic atmosphere, there’s no better place to savour quality pies over lunch or after a long day out. Whether you’re a fan of thick or thin crust pies, Cipollini has you covered. My fave on the menu is its collection of hand- and house-made pizzas, which come with a wide range of toppings. In addition, the restaurant also has a pet-friendly outdoor space where your four-legged friends can relax as you dig into a hearty meal.
Must-try items: Smoked Salmon Artisan Pizza, Quattro Formaggi, Gardenia
How much: Appetisers from $58, mains from $118, pizzas from $168, desserts from $
Opening hours: Mon – Fri, 11:30am – 10pm; Sat – Sun, 11am – 10pm
Address: The Cipollini Pizzeria, Shop G012, G/F, Airside, 2 Concorde Road, Kai Tak, Hong Kong
The Cipollini Pizzeria website The Cipollini Pizzeria menu
5. Hungry Tiger Hidden Dragon Restaurant & Bar
Tucked away in the newly opened indoor playground, Joypolis, Hungry Tiger Hidden Dragon is a charming sports-themed restaurant that’s ideal for families by day and perfect for a glass of wine or two at night. When the weather isn’t scorching, my fave spot in the restaurant is on its alfresco terrace, which offers a great view of the Kai Tak Main Stadium.
Must-try items: Fried Chicken Wings with Salted Egg Yolk and Peanut Butter Sauce, Engawa Poached Rice, Wagyu Cheeseburger with Waffle Fries
How much: Starters from $45, mains from $108, desserts from $78
Opening hours: 12 – 10pm every day
Phone number: 6361 4967
Address: Hungry Tiger Hidden Dragon Restaurant & Bar, Shop WC 401, 4/F, Health and Wellness Centre, Kai Tak Sports Park, 38 – 39 Shing Kai Road, Kai Tak, Hong Kong
6. Master’s Cauldron
If you’re a fan of Peking duck like me, you’ll love what Master’s Cauldron has to offer. Specialising in Peking and Shanghainese cuisine, this Chinese restaurant is famous for its flavourful northern delicacies, made even better with wallet-friendly price tags. This is one of the more local restaurants in Airside, so expect the usual hustle and bustle you’d experience from Hong Kong’s cha chaan tengs.
Must-try items: Beijing-style Lamb, Ants Climbing A Tree (stir-fried vermicelli with minced pork), Peking Duck
How much: Starters from $42, mains from $78, desserts from $24
Opening hours: 11:30am – 10pm every day
Phone number: 2881 8336
Address: Master’s Cauldron, Shop L602, 6/F, Airside, 2 Concorde Road, Kai Tak, Hong Kong
Master’s Cauldron website Master’s Cauldron menu
Best Kai Tak cafes
7. Nana’s Green Tea
Although its matcha drinks and tea-flavoured desserts take centre stage, I find Nana’s Green Tea an excellent choice for lunch or a light dinner. It’s open-planned café sports relaxing wooden accents that brings to mind the vintage charm of Kyoto. The lunch set is the most value-for-money option, with the Soy Milk Dandan Udon being a must-try. The umami flavours of soy blends surprisingly well with the signature spices of Dan Dan noodles, and is a great summer dish for when the sweltering weather shrinks your appetite. As for drinks and sweets, I can never say no to anything made with black sesame or hojicha-based from Nana’s.
Must-try items: Hojicha Shiratama Parfait, Soy Milk Dandan Udon, Salmon and Kombu Yuzu Pepper Chazuke
How much: Mains from $88, desserts from $28, drinks from $45
Opening hours: Mon – Sun, 11:30am – 10pm
Phone number: 21171309
Address: Nana’s Green Tea, Shop 320, LG/F, Airside, 2 Concorde Road, Kai Tak, Hong Kong
8. Good Day Solar
Located just a few minutes’ walk from Kai Tak Station, Good Day Solar is another good option for a light or late lunch. I first came across here when I was scouting for a cafe to work at in the neighbourhood. Not only does Good Day provide a soothing ambience that makes it easy to focus on the laptop, but the doggos at this pet-friendly cafe make for welcome distraction whenever the brain fog hits. Plus, Good Day Solar serves up delectable cafe fare at affordable prices, and I can never say no to one of its hearty rice sets for lunch.
Must-try items: Peanut Butter and Cucumber Beef Cheeseburger, Green Day English Breakfast, Grilled Hanger Steak Rice with Onsen Egg, Matcha Latte
How much: Drinks from $30, starters from $68, mains from $128
Opening hours: 8:30am – 9:15pm every day
Phone number: 9291 4116
Address: Good Day Solar, Shop 11, 1/F, K.Summit, 9 Muk Tai Street, Kai Tak, Hong Kong
9. GoNuts
If you’re in Kai Tak Sports Park for a concert or a game, GoNuts is a good pitstop for a quick refuel. On the menu is a series of hearty and indulgent plates – think juicy burgers, loaded pizzas, and waffles overflowing with ice cream and other assorted toppings all infused with distinctive Asian flavours. You’ll feel GoNuts’ energy as soon as you step through the door into its vibrant, red-tinted interiors, and after a few bites of its delicious food? You’ll feel rejuvenated and fuelled for the rest of your adventures in the neighbourhood.
Must-try items: Tom Yum Chicken Pinsa Romana, Roasted Beef Spaghetti, Homemade Satay Chicken Skewers
How much: Starters from $68; mains from $92; drinks from $36
Opening hours: 12 – 9pm every day
Phone number: 2796 0228
Address: GoNuts, Shop M2 – 016, G/F, Kai Tak Mall 2, Kai Tak Sports Park, 38 – 39 Shing Kai Road, Kai Tak, Hong Kong
10. Unme
Make your way to Unme for an elevated dining experience. This restaurant serves a unique French-Japanese fusion menu that spotlights a range of Japanese recipes reimagined with French flavours and cooking techniques. While I’m a big fan of its hearty dishes, the highlight is the views from its location on the 14th floor, which overlooks the entire neighbourhood.
Must-try items: Classic Carbonara Pasta, Pan-fried Scallops with Pink Beetroot Risotto, Strawberry Blue Cacao Empanner Mountain
How much: Starters from $78; mains from $98; desserts from $68
Opening hours: Mon – Fri, 12 – 10pm; Sat – Sun, 11:30am – 10pm
Phone number: 6022 8389
Address: Unme, Shop 1401, 14/F, Restaurant Park, Sogo Kai Tak Store, Tower I, The Twins, 12 Concorde Road, Kai Tak, Hong Kong
Things to do in Kai Tak
11. Kai Tak Stadium
Move over, AsiaWorld-Expo – we have a new mega event venue in town! Skip the long journey at Kai Tak Stadium, a brand new arena that’s set to become Hong Kong’s best venue for concerts, festivals, and major sports events. Keep an eye out for upcoming shows and events!
Phone number: 9592 2585
Address: Kai Tak Stadium, Kai Tak Sports Park, 38-39 Shing Kai Road, Kai Tak, Hong Kong
12. Kai Tak Cruise Terminal Park
Located on the waterfront, the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal Park is an urban oasis. Overlooking the harbour and city skyline, its central lawn has become one of my fave picnic locations in town. Perch on the viewing platform and you’ll be treated to panoramic vistas of Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong Island.
Opening hours: 7am – 11pm every day
Address: Kai Tak Cruise Terminal Park, 33 Shing Fung Road, Kai Tak, Hong Kong
13. Airside
As the first landmark shopping mall to open in the neighbourhood, Airside pays homage to the old Kai Tak Airport in several ways. Not only does the name allude to flying, but you’ll also find plenty of installations and features around the mall that honour the area’s rich aviation heritage. Additionally, Airside houses a diverse range of shops and entertainment facilities such as Groundswell, an indoor surfing centre.
Opening hours: 10am – 10pm every day
Phone number: 2686 0333
Address: Airside, 2 Concorde Road, Kai Tak, Hong Kong
14. Joypolis
Here’s a new indoor sportainment concept you won’t want to miss. As the brand’s first international flagship, Joypolis offers a wide range of sports and entertainment facilities for kids and grown-ups to enjoy. When I visit with friends with little ones, we like to challenge ourselves and test our agility at the Ninja Dojo zone, or run into the Future Arena for interactive sports activities. Fans of the Sega character Sonic will love the Sonic Stadium, where you can engage your friends in some friendly competition.
Opening hours: 10:30am – 8:30pm every day
Phone number: 6683 7186
Address: Joypolis Hong Kong, G – 4/F, Health and Wellness Centre, Kai Tak Sports Park, 38 Shing Kai Road, Kai Tak, Hong Kong
15. The Twins I and II
A brand new retail and lifestyle destination in Kai Tak, The Twins is quickly becoming a landmark in East Kowloon. The Twins Tower I houses a new Sogo as well as a beauty-centred shopping area aptly named “Beauty Academy”. On the other hand, The Twins Tower II aims to offer a dynamic retail experience with a focus on lifestyle goods. I can’t wait to see the new family-friendly brands and F&B outlets that’ll be popping up in the directory soon!
Opening hours: Mon – Thu and Sun, 11am – 8pm, Fri – Sat, 11am – 9pm
Address: The Twins, Tower I, 12 Concorde Road and Tower 2, 12 Muk Chui Street, Kai Tak, Hong Kong
What neighbourhood should I hop to next? DM @honeycombershk on Instagram or drop me an email at celia.lee@thehoneycombers.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the easiest way to get around Kai Tak, especially to attractions like the Sports Park or Cruise Terminal?
Kai Tak is well-served by the MTR Tuen Ma Line, with Kai Tak Station providing convenient access to many key areas. From the station, most major attractions like Airside mall and Kai Tak Sports Park are within walking distance, or easily reachable via local buses and minibuses that circulate within the district. The Kai Tak Cruise Terminal also has dedicated bus routes connecting it to MTR stations.
Since Kai Tak is still developing, what new attractions or facilities can visitors expect in the near future?
Kai Tak is a rapidly evolving district. Major upcoming developments include the full completion of the Kai Tak Sports Park, which will host world-class events and offer extensive recreational facilities. New residential and commercial complexes are also continually adding more dining, retail, and entertainment options, making the neighborhood even more vibrant in the coming years.
Is Kai Tak a good neighbourhood to visit with children, and are there specific family-friendly activities?
Yes, Kai Tak is increasingly becoming a very family-friendly destination. Beyond the outdoor spaces at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal Park and the future Sports Park, numerous indoor attractions like Airside mall feature playgrounds and entertainment for kids. There are also various cafes and restaurants that cater to families, making it suitable for a day out with children.
