Escape the Expat Bubble & Explore North Point
Andrea Lo
You’ve no doubt read the Hong Kong tourist guide books that tell you about the great shopping at the night markets of Mong Kok and Elements mall in West Kowloon – but these neighbourhoods offer so much more than that. Mong Kok has always been one of the most exciting areas in Hong Kong, with its world-famous street markets and plentiful food options, while West Kowloon – a hop and a skip away on the MTR – is packed with luxury hotels and myriad dining establishments and entertainment.
You’ve done the Big Buddha, ridden on the Peak Tram, hit the bars at Lan Kwai Fong, people-watched in Sai Ying Pun and shopped till you dropped in Mong Kok. What else is there to do in Hong Kong? North Point is your answer. A predominantly residential area, tourists often overlook this sleepy neighbourhood on the east side of Hong Kong Island. But North Point is filled with hidden gems from markets and malls to cosy cafes, sneaker outlets and an iconic Cantonese opera house. Explore this exciting Hong Kong neighbourhood with our North Point top picks.
Restaurants near North Point
Tsui Yuen Dessert
Tsui Yuen Dessert has been open for quite some time and remains a firm North Point favourite. If you’ve never tried traditional Chinese desserts, you’re missing out. Here you’ll find the likes of red bean and green bean soup – piping hot sweet dessert soups; steamed ginger milk curd, a sticky bowl of milky goodness that works well with ginger, which cuts into its sweet flavours; and tong yuan, glutinous rice balls usually served with a sweet sesame filling. This popular North Point dessert spot is cheap as chips, and there’s no English sign or menu – just point to what other people are having!
Tsui Yuen Dessert, G/F, 5 Shu Kuk Street, North Point, (852) 3120 4828
Little Chilli
Little Chilli is a Sichuanese restaurant in North Point serving up delicious, mouth-numbingly spicy dishes for unbeatable prices, making it a popular spot for office worker bees at lunchtime and as well as groups looking for a casual dinner. Try Little Chilli’s twice-cooked pork, kung pao chicken (the real deal, not the Westernised version), and Sichuanese staple “saliva chicken” – poached chicken in chilli sauce. If you don’t like spice, don’t bother with Little Chilli – they don’t hold back here!
Little Chilli, 33 North Point Road, North Point, (852) 2571 9822
Artistry Brewing Company
Nestled in a quaint back alley in North Point, Artistry Brewing Company is a plant-filled hideaway waiting to be found. Step into this cosy cafe, where you’ll be greeted by the aroma of freshly-roasted artisanal brews. The perfect retreat from the streets of North Point, Artistry Brewing Company serves up a selection of coffees, teas, signature cakes, craft beers and cocktails.
Artistry Brewing Company, Block D, Tung Fat Building, G/F, 43A Kam Ping St, North Point, Hong Kong
Lee Keung Kee North Point Egg Waffles
Lee Keung Kee North Point Egg Waffles is a hole-in-the-wall waffle shop on King’s Road in North Point. While you’ll often find a queue around the block, these famous egg waffles, or gai dan zai, are definitely worth the wait. A popular Hong Kong street food, Lee Keung Kee North Point Egg Waffles are arguably some of the best in the area.
Lee Keung Kee North Point Egg Waffles, 492 King’s Road, North Point, Hong Kong
Things to do in North Point
Sunbeam Theatre
If you haven’t seen a Cantonese opera performance, we’d recommend that you check out this fascinating art form. Cantonese opera venue Sunbeam Theatre is a North Point institution. The venue was established by Shanghainese emigrants in the 1970s, who settled in the area after the outbreak of the Chinese Civil War. Over the years, it became a landmark performance space in the city for the Chinese arts. At one point, Sunbeam Theatre came under the threat of closure. Thankfully, it survives and continues to put on an array of performances in Hong Kong’s North Point. Look out for the iconic red Chinese signage.
Sunbeam Theatre, Kiu Fai Mansion, 413-423 King’s Road, North Point
Chun Yeung Street Wet Market
Wet Markets in Hong Kong make for a special shopping experience, and Chun Yeung Street is a particular highlight. This famous North Point market is chock-full of old-school local businesses selling fresh produce from fruit and vegetables to fresh seafood meat. Chun Yeung Street is also known as “Little Fujian”, thanks to the Hokkien population in the area, so expect to find special snacks hailing from the Fujian region.
Chun Yeung Street, North Point
Oi!
Hong Kong is usually more about tearing down old buildings than preserving them – but fortunately, Oi! has become a fine example of a well-run heritage structure. The contemporary art space in North Point takes up a Grade II-listed historic building that was originally built in 1908, then home to the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club’s headquarters. For years after the war, it was used as garage space, but in recent years, Oi! has been developed into an exciting North Point art space with regular exhibitions.
Oi! 12 Oil St, North Point, Hong Kong
North Point – Kowloon City Ferry
You’ve probably done the Star Ferry – now try a different route that gives a whole different view of the Victoria Harbour. The ferry ride takes you from North Point to Kowloon City, giving an extensive view of Kowloon Bay and beyond. FYI: Kowloon City on the other side of the harbour is known as “Little Thailand”.
North Point Promenade
North Point Promenade is a popular walking spot offering prime views across Kowloon Bay. Located beside Harbour North mall and North Point Ferry Pier, the 400-metre promenade is lined with beautiful plants and seating, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong. North Point Promenade also features a Pet Garden, perfect for four-legged friends.
Shop
Harbour North
Located in the heart of Hong Kong’s North Point—Harbour North is a multi-level shopping mall with stunning harbour views. Indulge in a little retail therapy, from electronics, fine jewellery and watches to beauty, skincare and the latest Hong Kong fashion. This sprawling North Point mall also features an impressive selection of world-class dining options, whether you’re in the mood for pizza, eggrolls, Vietnamese street food or fresh noodles.
Harbour North, 1 North Point Estate Lane, North Point, Hong Kong
Chinese Goods Centre
The Chinese Goods Centre doesn’t look like much from its exterior, but inside it’s a treasure trove of Chinese-made products and souvenirs – everything from leather goods, calligraphy brushes and statues of deities to traditional Chinese medicine and over 300 tea varieties. Spare some time to wander through this multi-level department store and discover some amazing bargains.
Chinese Goods Centre, 395 King’s Road, North Point (852) 2856 0333
Nike Factory Store
If you’re in the market for some new sports gear, North Point’s Nike Factory Store is where it’s at. Everything here is offered at discount prices – from a great selection of Nike sneakers and athletic wear to yoga pants. You’re looking at at least 30 percent off normal prices on brand new goods, so hop to it!
Nike Factory Store, G/F, 21-53 Wharf Road, North Point
Where to stay near North Point
Ovolo Central
A short 10-minute drive from North Point, Ovolo Central offers the perfect luxury base for your Hong Kong adventure. The boutique hotel is located at the crossroads of vibrant SoHo and Lan Kwai Fong and features 41 luxury rooms with designer details and plenty of perks. The hotel is also home to Veda, a world-class vegetarian dining experience.
Ovolo Central, Ovolo Central, 2 Arbuthnot Rd, Central, Hong Kong
Andrea Lo is a freelance journalist and translator based in Hong Kong. After cutting her teeth in the industry as a staff writer at a lifestyle magazine, she embraced the freelance life in 2015 and hasn’t looked back. She spends her time exploring the best of Hong Kong’s dining and nightlife scene, trialling new fitness trends, and travelling to exotic locales – all in the name of “research”.