Distance: 2 km
Stuffed like a wonton, Wan Chai is where red light meets local delight… But before sundown— take a stroll through designer boutiques, java joints and bakeries, and finish at one of the buzziest restos in town. Time to get lost in the character-packed back streets of this former fishing nabe.
A. Kapok
Hipanista French-owned and inflected men’s and women’s fashion and lifestyle boutique fostering edgy emerging names. Buy into Parisian insouciance without having to perfect the quintessential ‘tude. Pff! Now that you’ve bought a whole new wardrobe and done all your Christmas shopping for the year, you’ll be needing refuelling…
8 Sun Street, Wan Chai, +852 2520 0114, 11am-8pm Mon-Sat, 11am-6pm Sun, ka-pok.com
B. NOC Coffee
Knock-knock, join the java joes that swing by this minimal roaster for Hong Kong young-guns. Several branches across town – the Wan Chai branch is a sleek white corner store that’s best to grab on the run.
On Hing Mansion, Shop 3a, G/F, 2-4 Tai Wong Street East, Wan Chai, +852 2146 7768 8am-5pm Mon-Fri, 9am-6pm Sat-Sun, noccoffeeco.com/en
C. Bakehouse
Like it says on the tin, this bricklaid bakery serves up cult-level Euro patisseries, chewy sourdoughs and ooey-gooey tarts and tartelettes by ex-Four Seasons Hong Kong pastry chef, Gregoire. Lines out the door for these sweet treats – brunch in or grab n’ go for instant gratification.
14 Tai Wong Street East, Wan Chai, 8am-6pm daily, bakehouse.hk
D. Lala Curio
Parsons grad Laura Cheung channels trad Chinese motifs, plush textures and vibrant hues across her mod furny, upholstery, lighting, homeware and art range. NY loft meets trinket treasure trove.
333 Lockhart Road, 32-33 Sau Wa Fong, Wan Chai, +852 2295 6263, 11am-7pm Mon-Fri, lalacurio.com
E. Samsen
Finish your day of galavanting with an absolute Thai feast. After kick-starting HK’s Isaan obsession at Chachawan, Adam Cliff struck out alone with this dinky, buzzy, retro-style shophouse in Wan Chai’s storied Stone Nullah Lane. No res, so be prepared to queue for the flavour-packed Wagyu noodles, pad Thai and spiked fruity concoctions that are well worth the wait.
68 Stone Nullah Lane, Wanchai, +852 2234 0001, lunch and dinner daily, samsenhk.com/wanchai
ManulifeMOVE has no association with any of the landmarks, dining venues, galleries or retailers included within this walking guide, selected by LUXE, and disclaims any liability as to the accuracy, adequacy or reliability of any information contained herein.
Photo Credit: Samsen
