From Food Desert to Dining Destination: THE SOUTHSIDE Brings 40 Eateries to Wong Chuk Hang

The newly opened five-level mall near MTR Wong Chuk Hang station houses approximately 130 retail outlets, with nearly 40 restaurants now operational—offering everything from Michelin-starred ramen to pet-friendly cafés.

For years, residents and office workers in Wong Chuk Hang had limited dining choices, often lamenting the area’s reputation as a “food desert.” That narrative has shifted dramatically with the official opening of THE SOUTHSIDE, a sprawling shopping complex directly connected to the MTR station’s Exit B. The development, located at 11 Heung Yip Road, features a 24-hour pedestrian walkway linking to residential buildings, public transport interchanges, and bus terminals, making it easily accessible for visitors across Hong Kong Island.

What truly sets this mall apart is its culinary lineup. With nearly 40 dining establishments already operating across its five floors, THE SOUTHSIDE offers an impressive range that rivals established food hubs in Causeway Bay and Tsim Sha Tsui. Below, we highlight some of the most noteworthy openings.

Michelin-Recognized Dining Options

Brass Spoon, a recipient of the Michelin Bib Gourmand for eight consecutive years, brings its celebrated Vietnamese pho to the third floor. The restaurant’s broth is simmered daily for at least 12 hours using 100 catties of beef leg bones, tendon, and brisket. Diners can choose their preferred doneness for premium US Angus short rib and shoulder cuts, while appetizers like spring rolls and steamed rice rolls round out the menu.

On the lower ground floor, Konjiki Hototogisu—a Tokyo-based ramen establishment that has earned a Michelin star for five consecutive years—serves its signature clam broth ramen. The soup combines 60 catties of Manila clams with pork bone and fish stock, creating a sweet yet savory base. Noodles are crafted from Hokkaido wheat flour, offering a chewy texture that clings to the broth.

From Steak to Korean BBQ

Meat lovers have multiple destinations to explore. Chef’s Cuts, now operating its fourth location at THE SOUTHSIDE, specializes in aged steaks and global seafood. The seafood platter—featuring Boston lobster, oysters, Hokkaido scallops, blue mussels, clams, prawns, and octopus—comes with six dipping sauces. Their dry-aged black Angus ribeye, sufficient for three people, delivers tender, juice-rich meat near the bone.

Korean BBQ enthusiasts should head to Cave Restaurant, where half-arm-length beef ribs, sukiyaki-style wagyu, and grilled whole Jeju eel are standout options. The cave-inspired interior—complete with stone walls and warm lighting—enhances the dining experience.

Asian Flavors and Comfort Food

Taiwanese chain Duan Chun Zhen has brought its slow-braised beef noodle soup to the second floor. The broth incorporates 23 types of Chinese herbs, slowly stir-fried for eight to nine hours before being combined with beef bone stock. Their signature dish uses US beef shank with marbled fat, served with a choice of wide or thin noodles.

For Thai cuisine, Bamboo Thai offers modern interpretations of classic dishes. A Japanese artist has created mural decorations for the new flagship outlet, lending a resort-like atmosphere. Signature items include volcano ribs, Thai crab omelet, and mango sticky rice. To celebrate the opening, the restaurant is offering a complimentary coconut for weekday dinner patrons who order featured seafood dishes.

Cafés and Light Bites

The mall caters to coffee connoisseurs and those seeking lighter fare. NOC Coffee Co., a local brand that ranked among the world’s top 50 coffee shops in 2019, has opened its first outlet offering ice cream. Meanwhile, stain+ occupies an 1,100-square-foot concept store on the first floor, rotating its coffee bean selection quarterly to maintain freshness.

nana’s green tea, a Japanese tea house opening its second Hong Kong branch, uses Kyoto-based Yamanashi Shōichi-en tea leaves for its matcha and hojicha beverages. A seasonal yuzu warabi mochi parfait is available until August 31.

Practical Information

THE SOUTHSIDE is directly accessible via Wong Chuk Hang MTR station’s Exit B. The mall has officially opened in full, with more dining concepts expected to launch in the coming months. For those planning a visit, weekday lunch sets at Ombra start at HK$148, offering appetizers, main courses, desserts, and beverages—an affordable entry point for exploring the diverse culinary landscape of Hong Kong’s newest dining destination.

petal structure