A Hipster’s Guide To Kennedy Town
Karen Chan
Guest Blogger
Any Hong Kong hipster worth his or her salt knows that Sheung Wan and SoHo are ‘done’ already. Far too many people know about Yardbird and Elephant Ground – it’s time to for a change of scenery. So where are all the cool kids going now to take photos of their overpriced coffee and Korean-Mexican-French croissant-taco hybrids?
The answer: go west. With its eclectic combination of chic coffee shops and fine-dining restaurants mixed with neighbourhood cha-chaan-tengs and traditional bakeries, Kennedy Town is now the place to see and be seen. So fluff up your beard, put on your oversized glasses, and motorcycle your way to the western end of Hong Kong Island.
Sunday’s Grocery
66 – 68 Catchick Street
You can’t get any more hipster than eating at Sunday’s Grocery. The brainchild of the restaurateurs behind Yardbird and RONIN, Sunday’s Grocery comes from an impeccable hipster pedigree. And with its carefully curated collection of whiskies, the delectable menu of exotic sandwiches and the makeshift crate-tables lined outside the store, you are guaranteed a perfectly instagrammable meal when you eat there. But don’t be fooled by its pretty presentation. Their falafel sandwich might be just the best in town.
Waffling Beans
Shop 9, New Fortune House, 4 – 8 North Street
We understand. Sometimes, a flat white from McCafé just doesn’t hit the spot. Sometimes, you crave something that doesn’t come in a paper cup – you need something with a little more flair. The next time you get this feeling, drop by for a cup of coffee and waffles at Waffling Beans. A small, charming coffee shop near the harbour, Waffling Beans serves excellent coffee and delicious Belgian waffles. The sweet waffles are perfectly balanced without the coyness that overwhelms most Hong Kong waffles, while the savoury waffles are fluffy and unexpectedly tasty.
Chino
1B – 1C New Praya
Across the street from Waffling Beans, Chino is a sophisticated restaurant serving Mexican cuisine with an Asian twist. You won’t miss it once you see it – it’s minimalist black, grey and white décor stands out in the midst of the other laundry shops and traditional grocery stores on the street. And the menu will have hipsters salivating. There are the hipster staples like grilled sweet corn and ceviche, but it’s the tacos, particularly the fish tacos, which stand out.
Sun Hing Restaurant
Shop C, G/F, Smithfield Road
Packed with university students and nearby residents getting their dim sum fix, Sun Hing Restaurant has been a long-standing favourite of Kennedy Town. And you’ll understand why once you take a bite of their plump custard buns. Instead of a sticky mass of custard, the custard is piping hot and runny at Sun Hing. Round up your meal with some crunchy spring rolls, juicy dumplings and delicate fried milk, and you’ll be feeling great for the rest of the day.
Karen Chan is a local English copywriter who churns out social posts and taglines for a living. Inspired by her fellow copywriter, she has discovered the joy of working out, and is currently on a quest to live as healthily as her sweet tooth allows. In her spare time, she also loves trying new cafés and restaurants around the city.