Hong Kong’s Wong Chuk Hang Transforms From Food Desert to Dining Destination as THE SOUTHSIDE Mall Opens

HONG KONG — After years of limited dining options, the Wong Chuk Hang neighborhood has undergone a culinary renaissance with the official launch of THE SOUTHSIDE, a five-level shopping complex connected directly to the MTR station that now houses nearly 40 restaurants among its 130 retail tenants. The pet-friendly mall, which opened in mid-2024 at 11 Hei Yuen Road, has quickly become a magnet for food lovers, offering everything from Michelin-starred ramen to Bib Gourmand-recognized Vietnamese pho, all within walking distance of the Wong Chuk Hang MTR exit B.

A Curated Selection of Must-Try Eateries

UFood editors have handpicked over a dozen standout restaurants that showcase the mall’s diverse culinary offerings. From award-winning international brands to local favorites, here is what diners can expect.

Michelin-Recognized Specialties

Brass Spoon, a Vietnamese restaurant that has earned the Michelin Bib Gourmand distinction for eight consecutive years, serves what many consider Hong Kong’s finest beef pho. The kitchen simmers the broth for at least 12 hours daily using 50 kilograms of beef leg bones, tendons, and brisket, resulting in a clear yet richly aromatic soup. Diners can choose their preferred doneness for premium US Angus short rib or chuck roll toppings.

Konjiki Hototogisu, a Tokyo-born ramen chain that has held a Michelin star for five consecutive years, brings its signature clam broth ramen to THE SOUTHSIDE. The soup base combines 30 kilograms of clams with pork bone and fish stock, creating a sweet, umami-packed experience. The restaurant uses Hokkaido wheat flour for its springy, sauce-absorbing noodles.

International Flavors

Chef’s Cuts, the fourth location of this steak and seafood specialist, offers dry-aged Black Angus ribeye and a show-stopping seafood platter featuring Boston lobster, oysters, Hokkaido scallops, and more. The three-person portion of ribeye comes with rich pan juices and exceptionally tender meat near the bone.

Bamboo Thai presents modern Thai cuisine in a resort-inspired setting, featuring murals by a Japanese artist. Signature dishes include volcanic pork ribs, Thai egg curry with king prawns, and grilled pork neck. For a limited time, weekday dinner guests who order selected seafood dishes receive a free fresh coconut.

Duan Chun Zhen, a Taiwanese beef noodle chain that arrived in Hong Kong in 2020, prepares its braised beef soup by frying fresh beef fat with scallions, ginger, garlic, bean paste, and 23 Chinese herbs for eight to nine hours before combining with bone broth. The restaurant uses US beef shank with marbled fat for tender, flavorful meat.

Cave食堂 (Cave Shikudo) offers Korean barbecue with extra-long beef ribs, sukiyaki-style wagyu, and grilled whole Jeju eel. The cave-inspired interior with stone walls and warm lighting creates an immersive dining experience.

Coffee, Tea, and Light Bites

Nana’s Green Tea, a Tokyo-based tea house, serves premium matcha and hojicha sourced from Kyoto’s 100-year-old Yamamoto Shohon tea farm. Seasonal offerings include yuzu warabimochi parfait and yuzu mint soda available through August 31.

NOC Coffee Co. , a local specialty coffee brand named among the world’s 50 best coffee shops by Big7 Travel in 2019, operates its first outlet to serve ice cream in THE SOUTHSIDE.

Stain+ , a 1,100-square-foot concept café, rotates its bean selection quarterly and roasts fresh daily, maintaining an industrial-chic aesthetic with concrete, black, and copper elements.

N+Burger uses beef from its own Australian ranch, serving 100% natural Angus and brisket burgers on butter-toasted sourdough buns. Must-try options include the N+ Classics with truffle sauce and the limited-edition brisket burger.

More Dining Options

Additional highlights include Italian restaurant Ombra (known for its HKD 148 lunch set with appetizer, main, dessert, and drink), fusion Southeast Asian spot MUSEe (offering buy-one-get-one-free cocktails from 2 PM to 9:30 PM), and traditional Cantonese Prince Restaurant, famous for its limited-quantity roast goose prepared in batches throughout the day.

Accessibility and Impact

THE SOUTHSIDE connects directly to Wong Chuk Hang MTR station exit B, with 24-hour pedestrian links to residential estates, bus terminals, and public transport interchanges. The mall’s arrival marks a significant shift for the area, which had long been considered a “food desert.” With nearly 40 restaurants now open and more expected to follow, Wong Chuk Hang has firmly established itself as a vibrant dining hub for Hong Kong Island South residents and visitors alike.

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