Wan Chai Wanderings
Lauren Anderson – The Travel Guru
Wan Chai is often perceived as the sedy red light district of Hong Kong, and until I lived and worked in the area I too thought the same. I opened a business on Queens Road East in October last year and moved close by at the beginning of the year and have fallen in love with the area. My favourite hidden gems in Wan Chai:
Coffee shops
There are so many boutique coffee shops in the area that are much better than the usual suspects (*cough Starbucks*). My favourites are Coco Espresso on Anton Street for a Latte (tell Ivy I sent you!), 18 Grams on Johnston Road for a Iced Slow Drip (check out their cupping classes in their upstairs roastery, very cool!) and of course the Cupping Room on Swatow Street which also serves delish brunch (my pick is the Eggs Benedict).
INFO:
Coco Espresso
18 Grams
Cupping Room
Image Courtesy of Coco Espresso
Foodie Heaven
Star Street has great no fail brekky options at Oolaa Petite and also Wagyu Café, but another favourite hangout of mine is Manson’s Lot which is a cute little place on Swatow Street. They have specialty coffee and serve food all day, the delicious home made sweet treats are a guilty pleasure of mine. Another of my favourites for dinner is Wine Beast Le Bistro, which has a sister retail shop near by. Wine Beast serves delicious French cuisine and, customers can drink any wine from the Winebeast retail shop in a cosy environment with friends, paying the same as if they were to drink at home. Bargain! Stone Nullah Tavern on Stone Nullah Lane is also a favourite of mine, an American Tavern in the midst of the Chai. They have the most extensive selection of American Whiskeys in Hong Kong and a menu that will make your mouth water (thanks to head chef Vinny).
INFO:
Oolaa Petite
Wagyu Café
Manson’s Lot
Le Bistro
Stone Nullah Tavern
Image Courtesy of Castelo Concepts
Relaxation and Beauty
There are massage joints on every corner in Wan Chai, but it’s hard to distinguish which ones are legit and which ones aren’t. My hot tip is Nirvana Thai Massage which is located on Johnston Road. An hour Thai Massage will set you back $168HKD which is the cheapest I have found on HK Island. The other favourite of mine is Cleopatra’s Beauty Secret on Queens Road East which is a local favourite for cheap and efficient waxing and beauty services. They are open late which is perfect for those after work appointments!
INFO:
Cleopatra’s Beauty Secret
Nirvana Thai Massage
Image Courtesy of Nirvana Thai Massage
Lauren is an Aussie expat who has been in Hong Kong for 3 years working in the travel industry. Apart from travelling the world, Lauren enjoys keeping fit and active and exploring Hong Kongs outdoors, cooking, reading and bad reality TV.