From late-night dim sum, modern Middle Eastern fare to tacos with The Final Table’s stamp of approval, Kennedy Town is a melting pot of international influences and local flavours
Where to eat
Alvy’s
This neighbourhood pizzeria is not only a residents’ favourite—it’s also a solid pizza joint that attracts pizza lovers from outside the area.
Incorporating local elements to create its pizzas, Alvy’s has a few signatures that keep diners coming back for more. One such pizza is the Ma-La-Di-Da pizza, a sichuan-inspired creation topped with Sichuan tomato, salami piccante, ‘nduja and bocconcini mozzarella and Sichuan peppers. Non-spicy options are endless, but you should try Fort Greene, which has a basil pesto base and is topped with mushrooms, mozzarella cheese and asparagus ribbons.
Alvy's
Restaurant, American, Western District
Raiting: 4.0/5
Address: G/F, 8 Holland Street, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2312 2996
11 Westside
Headed by Mexican native Chef Esdras Ochoa, aka the ‘Taco King’ from Netflix’s cooking show The Final Table, 11 Westside serves up authentic tacos and tortillas that will satisfy all your Mexican food cravings.
Their latest taco additions are camote (sweet potato) and kale taco and quesadilla deluxe featuring a variety of mushrooms and sliced avocado laid on golden parmesan cheese crust—11 Westside’s answer to the increasing demand for vegetarian options. Of course, the classics stay classic, including the Carne Asada (grilled beef short rib taco) and the Al Pastor (achiote and pineapple roasted pork) tacos.
11 Westside
Restaurant, $$, Mexican, Western District
Raiting: 4.0/5
Address: 1/F The Hudson, 11 Davis Street,
Tel: +852 3996 7754
Website: https://www.facebook.com/11Westside/
Mama Malouf
Bringing a piece of Lebanon to Hong Kong, Mama Malouf is a modern Middle Eastern diner serving up dishes inspired by traditional Lebanese cuisine.
Halloumi is the name of the game here, as you will find decadent halloumi fondue served with fig jam and brioche, as well as parmesan crumbed halloumi with harissa and honey to spoil your palate. The desserts are not to be missed, especially the Kahlua crème brûlée and pistachio ice cream.
Mama Malouf
Restaurant, $, Middle Eastern, Western District
Raiting: 3.0/5
Address: G/F 93 Catchick Street, Kennedy Town
Tel: +852 2817 3828
Aziza
While its second branch has just opened in Sai Ying Pun, Aziza in Kennedy Town is the original Egyptian eatery that brought the unique flavours of Egyptian cuisine to the neighbourhood.
Authentic dishes such as hummus with harissa and besara, a flavourful puree made with broad beans and caramelised onions that is best enjoyed with pita bread. The restaurant also champions homemade couscous, a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine, which is served alongside hearty mains such as the “Mooza Danny” lamb shank and tagines with meat, fish and vegetable options.
Aziza, Shop D, 28 Hau Wo St, Kennedy Town, +852 3462 2844; Shop 1B, G/F, Upton Tower, 345 Des Voeux Road West, Sai Ying Pun, +852 2886 4889, aziza.com.hk
Chino
A family style, neighbourhood restaurant that focuses on Latin American staples made from fresh, seasonal ingredients, Chino combines Japanese cooking technique and Mexican street food culture in its creative dishes.
You can expect nothing less than good vibes and satisfaction here, whether it’s the succulent wagyu beef taco made with guacamole and shishito or the scallop and uni tostada finished off with salsa fresca and a flurry of toasted nori.
Chino
Restaurant, $$$, Modern, Mexican, Western District
Raiting: 3.0/5
Address: 1B-1C New Praya, Kennedy Town
Tel: 2606 0588
Website: http://www.chinohk.com
Catch
A casual neighbourhood eatery with a bright interior and a relaxed vibe, Catch. may be best known as a weekend brunch spot, but its a la carte menu offers an eclectic array of dishes that highlight the catch of the day, along with meat and vegetarian options.
The sea bass with laksa sauce and crispy enoki mushrooms is a firm favourite, while the crab fries served with tobiko mayo, crab meat, soft egg, truffle caviar is a must-order side dish. Brunch goers shouldn’t miss their French toast with candied peach, coconut and berry cream, which is only available on weekends.
G/F, 95 Catchick Street, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong, +852 2855 1289
See also: New Year, New Brunches: 11 Weekend Brunches In Hong Kong To Try In 2020
Sheung Hei
This no-frills neighbourhood restaurant is famous for its charcoal-grilled claypot rice, and it's not difficult to see why. The charcoal stove, which is a rare find in Hong Kong these days, is key to give the claypot rice a distinctive smokiness and a crispy crust at the bottom.
Choose from a wide selection of clay pot rice toppings, from white eel and pork ribs to waxed meat, which are all prepared in a traditional manner.
Tatler tip: Ask for some soup to be added to the crusty rice base at the end, which softens the rice to give the dish a different texture and flavour.
25 North Street, Western District, Hong Kong, +85228196190
Sun Hing Restaurant
Open from 3am to 4pm daily, Sun Hing is a local hidden gem frequented by Kennedy town’s residents, university students and night owls, as well as Hong Kong celebrities whose pictures are proudly hung on the wall.
As one of the few dim sum restaurants that insists on handmade, fresh dim sum, Sun Hing champions dim sum classics such as steamed custard buns, har gow (shrimp dumplings) and crispy fried milk, which are all executed in a traditional method passed down from generation to generation.
Shop C, G/F, 8 Smithfield Road, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong
See also: The Best Dim Sum In Hong Kong: 2020 Edition
Cheuk Kee Congee
Dubbed one of the “three treasures” of the Western district (the other ones being Cheung Heung Yuen restaurant and the already closed-down Sun Chung Wah dim sum restaurant), Cheuk Kee is tucked away inside the Smithfield Cooked Food Centre, serving up smooth, hearty Cantonese-style congees that capture the essence of Hong Kong flavours.
Classic congees such as thousand-year old egg with pork and other varieties with chicken, fish and beef can be enjoyed the local way with steamed rice rolls, youtiao (Chinese fried breadstick) or turnip cake on the side.
2/F, Smithfield Municipal Services Building, 12K Smithfield, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong
Where to drink
Winstons Coffee
Located just a stone's throw away from the Kennedy Town MTR station, Winstons Coffee delivers chill-out neighbourhood vibes and a dog-friendly environment.
Apart from seriously good coffees, the coffee shop also serves delicious homemade banana bread, cookie sandwich and lamington to go with your favourite drink. When night falls, Winstons turns into a bar where you can kick back and enjoy craft beer, a glass of wine or their signature espresso martini.
Shop 8, 11 Davis Street, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong, winstonscoffee.com
The Cofftea Shop
An unassuming coffee joint sitting at the junction of Catchick and Davis Street, The Cofftea Shop is a firm favourite in the neighbourhood.
Whether you’re looking for a quick pick-me-up or a place to sit down and enjoy a good coffee, the coffee selections are great and each cup is expertly brewed from Italian-roasted Musetti beans. Don’t miss their freshly-baked pastries, muffins and cakes, which make for the perfect midday treat.
Shop H, 78-86 Catchick Street, Kennedy Town, +852 9104 2404
% Arabica
Boasting a prime location facing the Kennedy Town waterfront, % Arabica is a specialty coffee brand known for its minimalist interior design and quality coffee.
Whether it’s a milk-based coffee or a shot of espresso that you desire, % Arabica has got you covered with a dose of caffeine that is meticulously crafted to perfection.
Shop 4, G/F, Grand Fortune Mansion, 1 Davis Street, Kennedy Town, +852 2326 4578
Joint
The first thing you’ll notice about Joint is the bright green store front, which stands out among its neighbours on a street filled with old buildings.
The shop may be small and simple, but the coffee is the focus here. Try their signature tonic water with cold brew, or pick up your favourite drink with a side of their delicious baked goods.
19 Hau Wo Street, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong
Little Creatures
A friendly, laid-back hangout that houses its own microbrewery in its Kennedy Town location, Little Creatures has a vast selection of its own branded craft beers, each shines with its own distinctive flavour profile.
Can’t decide which one to start with? Why not go for the “Beer Tasting Paddle” featuring a mix of six signature and seasonal Little Creatures craft beers to discover your new favourite?
G/F, New Fortune House, 5A New Praya, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong, +852 2833 5611, littlecreatures.hk
The Wilshire Bar
A speakeasy-inspired bar tucked inside 11 Westside, The Wilshire Bar—an ode to the boulevard that connects Beverly Hills with LA’s major business districts—is envisioned by Daniel Eun, former head bartender of PDT New York.
The drinks menu is a good mix of classic and creative cocktails, while the newest additions include Outro (Acapella), a dessert-like cocktail made with Beefeater gin, banana, cream, green cardamom and chocolate bitters—the perfect way to round off a taco-filled meal.
See also: 11 Delicious Warm Cocktails To Keep You Toasty (And Tipsy)
Check out our guides to the best restaurants, bars and shops in some of Hong Kong's most exciting neighbourhoods.
Where to shop
Slowood
A one-stop-shop for eco-friendly lifestyle products, Slowood supplies an extensive range of organic food, skincare, cleaning supplies and dishware products—all sold in bulk and without packaging.
While it’s a grocery store, every corner is Instagrammable here. The minimalist decor, floor-to-ceiling windows and wood accents also create a calming ambience for shoppers to take it slow in a fast-paced city.
Shop 1-3, G/F, The Hudson 11 Davis Street, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong, +852 2818 0203, slowood.hk
See also: 5 Ways To Live More Sustainably In Hong Kong
Tramline Liquor Co.
Located just opposite to The CoffteaShop, Tramline Liquor Co. is a distributor and wholesaler of premium spirits, craft beer, wine and tonic.
You can expect to find an exciting selection of liquor here, from local craft beer to organic Swedish gin, there’s something to suit every taste.
78 Catchick Street, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong, +852 6908 4844
Shing Fat Coconut & Spices
Opened in the 1950s and moved from Wan Chai to Kennedy Town in 2017, Shing Fat Coconut & Spices is a tiny neighbourhood spice store with a loyal following of the city’s in-the-know gourmands.
Whether you’re looking for high-quality herbs and spices, fresh coconut, coconut milk or coconut water, Shing Fat is well stocked with hard-to-find food products for your kitchen.
G/F, 48-49 Praya Kennedy Town, Hong Kong, +852 2572 7725
Man Wai Motorcycle Centre
More than just a motorcycle shop, Man Wai is a stylish hangout for motorcycle fanatics. As the official distributor of MV Agusta and Triumph Motorcycles, they also sell second-hand motorcycles that are in perfect condition.
Be sure to stop by for a cup of joe at First Boy Coffee, which is connected to the motorcycle shop for bikers and coffee lovers alike.
33 Praya, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong, +852 2567 5707, manwaimotorcycle.com
