Located on the northern shore of the Hong Kong Island, Tai Hang is an attractive, quaint neighbourhood rich in history. The area was already inhabited as early as 1841, when Hong Kong was declared a free port. Over time, it gradually took shape through key events, including land reclamation, the arrival of World War II refugees who set up their own settlements, and the government's establishment of the Lai Tak Tsuen public housing estate. In recent years, Tai Hang has developed into a treasure trove of independent cafes and one-of-a-kind shops. The juxtaposition of new shops with historic buildings lends the area a unique charm, drawing crowds of cultural and coffee lovers to the area during the weekends.
However, when considering the best time to visit Tai Hang, it has to be during the Mid-Autumn Festival. During this time, 300 performers will take part in the well-known Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance over three consecutive nights, presenting a spectacular sight as the dragon, festooned with 10,000 burning incense sticks, parades through the neighbourhood’s alleyways to the rhythm of Chinese gongs and drums. It is an event to remember.
Just a stone’s throw away from Causeway Bay, Tai Hang is easily accessible by public transport. There is also no shortage of MICHELIN-recommended hotels and restaurants nearby. Read on to discover our recommendations on where to stay, eat, and visit in Tai Hang, and plan your visit to this charming neighbourhood now.
RELATED: Discover Hong Kong’s MICHELIN-Recommended Restaurants by MTR: Island Line, Western Section
Where to Stay
TUVE
Located just a five-minute drive from Tai Hang, TUVE stands out as a minimalist's dream. The warehouse-style entrance, the rough-edged walls, and the study adorned with concrete, stone, and metal all work together to deliver a sense of serenity. The mini bars are stocked with hard-to-find items — a testament to the hotel’s dedication to perfecting even the smallest details.
Mira Moon
Located within a 10-minute drive from Tai Hang, Mira Moon reinterprets the enchanting Chinese fairytale of the Moon Goddess with an interior featuring fanciful tulip-shaped chairs and walls covered in intricate mosaics. In addition to the whimsical design, the hotel also offers site visits to local farms, providing guests with an interactive experience to explore the local culture.Book Mira Moon on the MICHELIN Guide →
Hotel Indigo Hong Kong Island
This boutique hotel, part of the InterContinental Hotel Group, is bold in its colours and graphic patterns. Combined with eclectic furnishings, it is a space for guests who enjoy modern accommodation with character. Just a 10-minute drive from Tai Hang, the hotel also boasts a glass-bottom infinity pool on its top floor. Swimming in it makes guests feel like they are floating above the streets of Wan Chai, promising an experience like no other.Book Hotel Indigo Hong Kong Island on the MICHELIN Guide →
RELATED: 10 MICHELIN Guide Hotels in Asia with Private Pools
Other MICHELIN-recommended hotels near Tai Hang include The Fleming, which embraces a maritime theme and features a design that evokes memories of Hong Kong’s yesteryears, and the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, a luxury hotel offering 542 rooms and suites with views of Victoria Harbour. The hotel is also home to One Harbour Road, a MICHELIN-recommended Cantonese restaurant.
Where to Eat
I M Teppanyaki & Wine
Helmed by seasoned chef Lawrence Mok, I M Teppanyaki & Wine is the only teppanyaki restaurant to be recognised with a MICHELIN Star in the entire Hong Kong selection.Contemporary and spacious, the restaurant offers counter seats and a private room that caters to up to eight guests. Premium ingredients, such as Japanese live abalone and French blue lobster, are flown in daily. Don’t miss the signature dish Amadai with Sea Urchin Cream Sauce. The chef skilfully employs the Cantonese cooking techniques of steaming and deep-frying, resulting in a delectable dish that delights with crispy scale and juicy flesh. (Right Image ©Lawrence Mok/I M Teppanyaki & Wine)
Sister Wah
No trip to Hong Kong is complete without sampling the beef brisket noodles, and Sister Wah is one of the best places to enjoy this local dish. Renowned for its beef brisket in a clear broth, every bowl of its signature dish features fresh, local beef braised in a stock with over ten different herbs. With only six tables, be prepared to queue and share a table with other customers. Other popular dishes include Homemade Pork and Cabbage Dumplings and Braised White Radish in Beef Juices.
RELATED: Where To Get The Best Beef Brisket Noodles In Hong Kong
Shek Kee Kitchen
Head to Shek Kee Kitchen for a taste of quality local stir-fry dishes. The setting may be nondescript, but every dish is cooked with the freshest ingredients personally sourced by the chef-owner from different wet markets every day. The Pan-fried Hand-minced Cuttlefish Patties are springy and umami-packed, while the Fried Chicken with Toasted Garlic is another must-try dish. Don’t miss the seasonal claypot rice if you visit during wintertime.RELATED: What Makes The Perfect Claypot Rice, According To Hong Kong's Top Chefs
Other MICHELIN-recommended restaurants close to Tai Hang include Din Tai Fung (Causeway Bay), a restaurant that has risen to worldwide fame thanks to its exquisitely crafted xiao long bao; Farm House, which serves traditional, time- and labour-intensive dishes such as Fried Chicken Wing Stuffed with Sticky Rice; and Leela, which is outfitted with its own tandoori oven and serves Indian cuisine with a contemporary twist.
What to Explore
Tai Hang Fire Dragon Heritage Center
Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance is a time-honoured event inscribed on China’s national list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. For travellers interested in learning more about the ritual, this heritage center is a good starting point. Housed in a Grade III historic building, the center boasts three floors: the ground floor is an exhibition centre showcasing the history of the dragon dance and Hakka culture; the first floor is a themed restaurant where guests can enjoy Hakka cuisine, while the second floor is a multi-functional space for workshops and talks.
Lin Fa Kung
Lin Fa Kung, translated as the Temple of the Lotus, is a declared monument with 160 years of history. Its architecture is unique and rare: from the half-octagonal-shaped front hall adorned with a double-eaved roof to the rectangular rear hall and the three-tier internal structure, there are numerous architectural details worth appreciating. The venue plays a vital role in the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance, as it is where the dragon's eye-dotting ceremony takes place before the dance begins.
Lai Tak Tsuen
Look up from Tai Hang, and you will see Lai Tak Tsuen, a public housing estate built by the Hong Kong Housing Society in 1975. Famous for being the first cylindrical-shaped architecture in Hong Kong, the sight of the four huge cylinders standing tall seems straight out of a science fiction story. Due to its futuristic appearance, the public estate has been featured in movies and advertisements and is also among the top Instagram spots in Hong Kong. Please remember that it is a residential area, and travellers should be careful not to disturb the residents when visiting. RELATED: Video: 2 Days In: Hong Kong
