Hong Kong’s southern district has long been dismissed as a food desert, but the long-awaited opening of THE SOUTHSIDE mall at Wong Chuk Hang MTR station is changing that narrative. With nearly 40 restaurants across five floors—ranging from Michelin-starred ramen to Bib Gourmand Vietnamese—the 130-shop complex offers residents and visitors an unprecedented dining destination. Here’s your curated guide to the best tables in town.
When the MTR finally reached Wong Chuk Hang, locals hoped for more than just a faster commute. Today, that wish has been answered. THE SOUTHSIDE, a pet-friendly, five-level shopping centre connected directly to the station’s Exit B, officially opened its doors in mid-2024, bringing a wave of acclaimed eateries to an area previously starved of quality dining options. “It’s a game-changer for the neighbourhood,” says a spokesperson for the mall. “We’ve curated a mix that spans from quick bites to fine dining, all under one roof.” Here is a breakdown of what to expect.
Michelin-Starred and Bib Gourmand Gems
Two heavyweights lead the charge. Konjiki Hototogisu, a Tokyo-born ramen shop that has held a Michelin star for five consecutive years, makes its Wong Chuk Hang debut. Its signature clam-soy broth—simmered with 30 kilograms of clams, pork bones, and fish—delivers an umami-rich, slightly sweet finish that clings perfectly to chewy, Hokkaido wheat noodles.
Not to be outdone, Brass Spoon—a Bib Gourmand favourite for eight years running—brings its celebrated phở to the Southside. The broth, made daily from 50 kilograms of beef leg bones and marrow, is clarified yet intensely savoury. Diners can choose cuts like US Angus short rib or chuck, cooked to order. Pair it with spring rolls or steamed rice rolls for a complete meal.
Global Flavours: From Taiwan to Thailand
The mall’s diversity shines through its international line-up. Duan Chunzhen, a Taiwanese beef noodle powerhouse that arrived in Hong Kong in 2020, now operates its fourth local outlet here. Its red-braised beef noodle soup simmers for eight to nine hours with 23 Chinese herbs, while the beef—US beef shank—remains meltingly tender. Choose wide or thin noodles, and don’t skip the scallion shrimp cake.
For Korean barbecue enthusiasts, Sandong Shitang recreates a cave-like dining room with textured stone walls and warm lighting. The menu features half-arm-length beef ribs, sukiyaki-style wagyu, and grilled whole Jeju eel—all cooked tableside. The 1++ Hanwoo raw beef bibimbap is another standout.
Thai food lovers have two strong options. Bamboo Thai serves modern Thai cuisine in a space adorned with murals by a Japanese artist, evoking a resort vibe. Signature dishes include volcanic pork ribs and Thai-style crab omelette. To celebrate its flagship opening, the restaurant offers a free young coconut with certain dinner orders on weekdays. Meanwhile, Another Hound Café—already popular in Sha Tin—offers affordable Thai fusion like squid-ink pasta with prawns and crispy pork knuckle with sticky rice.
Cafés, Coffee, and Light Bites
The café scene is equally robust. NOC Coffee Co., a homegrown brand ranked among the world’s 50 best cafés by Big7 Travel in 2019, opens its first outlet to serve ice cream alongside its signature single-origin brews. Stain+, an industrial-chic concept coffee bar, rotates its bean selection quarterly and roasts locally daily.
Health-conscious diners will appreciate Meet Met Met, a relaxed spot serving Japanese scallop cauliflower rice bowls, avocado power bowls, and vegan all-day breakfasts. For a sweet finish, nana’s green tea from Tokyo offers matcha parfaits and seasonal yuzu warabi mochi—available until late August.
Steak, Burgers, and Italian Comfort
Chef’s Cuts—the fourth branch of this steakhouse chain—specialises in dry-aged beef and seafood. The signature seafood platter includes Boston lobster, oysters, and Hokkaido scallops, while the dry-aged Angus ribeye feeds three. N+Burger uses 100% natural Angus beef from its own Australian farm, served on butter-toasted sourdough buns. Try the truffle brisket burger for a premium twist. For Italian, Ombra impresses with a HK$148 lunch set that covers beef tongue with tuna sauce, black truffle linguine, and tiramisu.
Practical Tips and Happy Hour Deals
Getting there is seamless: take the MTR to Wong Chuk Hang Station, Exit B, and follow the direct pedestrian link. The mall also connects to bus and minibus terminals via a 24-hour walkway.
Several restaurants offer limited-time promotions. Bamboo Thai’s weekday free coconut runs until further notice, while MUSEe—a Southeast Asian fusion spot—offers buy-one-get-one-free cocktails from 2pm to 9:30pm daily, plus discounted draft beer from 7pm to 9:30pm. Ombra’s lunch set is available weekdays, making upscale Italian accessible.
Broader Impact: A New Dining Hub for Hong Kong Island
THE SOUTHSIDE does more than fill a gap—it positions Wong Chuk Hang as a culinary destination in its own right, complementing nearby attractions like Ocean Park and the upcoming Emperor Cinema. For residents of southern Hong Kong Island, the days of trekking to Causeway Bay or Central for a decent meal are over. As the mall continues to attract more tenants—including a planned cinema and additional retail—the neighbourhood’s transformation is only just beginning. Whether you crave a Michelin-starred bowl of noodles or a casual burger, the Southside now serves it all.