The Wai (圍方), a prominent retail complex in Tai Wai, Sha Tin, has rapidly solidified its position as a major regional gastronomic destination, currently hosting over 30 distinct food and beverage establishments. This diverse collection of eateries offers residents and visitors a comprehensive culinary journey, spanning traditional Asian concepts, contemporary Western cafes, and influential international brands, notably featuring a century-old Japanese udon specialist and a celebrated Singaporean classic.
International Flair and Local Favorites Define The Wai’s Dining Landscape
Since its opening, The Wai has strategically curated a tenant mix designed to cater to a broad spectrum of palates and dining occasions, ranging from quick coffee stops to refined Cantonese banquets. The ground operational framework, located at 18 Che Kung Miu Road, transforms the complex into a vibrant hub where globally recognized culinary excellence meets unique local concepts.
Among the standout international arrivals is Yamamotoya (山本屋), a prestigious udon establishment with a lineage stretching back over a century in Nagoya, Japan. Known for its signature miso stewed udon, the restaurant daily crafts its noodles from Japanese-sourced wheat flour, serving them traditionally in an Iga earthenware pot. The chewy texture of the udon, fully saturated with the rich broth, makes it a unique and highly sought-after specialty in Hong Kong.
Adding to the international appeal is Chatterbox Café, transplanted from Singapore’s legendary Mandarin Orchard. Often cited as the “originator” of the acclaimed Mandarin Chicken Rice, the café utilizes free-range chicken and imported Thai rice, served alongside three signature dipping sauces. The menu also offers other Singaporean staples, including authentic Laksa and Coconut Ice Cream, allowing diners to experience genuine Southeast Asian flavours.
The Taiwanese food scene is represented by Taipei Duo (台北倆伴), which specializes in comforting, traditional Taiwanese home-style cooking. The restaurant appeals to families and small groups with its extensive menu of classics like Braised Pork Rice (Lu Rou Fan), Salt and Pepper Chicken, and unique Taiwanese pancake variations such as the Taro and Pork Floss Egg Crepe.
For those seeking contemporary trends, Yakiniku Like (燒肉LIKE) introduces the increasingly popular “single diner yakiniku” concept from Tokyo. This operation provides individual high-tech, smoke-free grills, offering solo diners or small parties the chance to select their preferred cuts of beef tongue, short rib, and pork belly with precise portion control and customizable sauces.
Catering to Contemporary Lifestyles
Modern dining trends, especially the demand for pet-friendly spaces and healthy eating, are addressed through several key establishments at The Wai.
MOOJOO LIFESTYLE CAFÉ distinguishes itself as a fashionable, pet-friendly Western-style venue. Beyond traditional Western comfort food—such as Creamy Mushroom and Black Truffle Pasta—the café offers a relaxed, photo-worthy atmosphere and playful, pet-themed beverages, establishing itself as a social hotspot for pet owners and coffee enthusiasts alike.
Health-conscious patrons frequently gravitate toward NOC COFFEE CO., a renowned specialty coffee brand. NOC is known for its proprietary roasted coffee and commitment to fresh, healthy Western fare. The menu is stacked with nutritious options including pan-seared chicken salad bowls, Mexican chicken quesadillas, and sourdough bread dishes, which perfectly accompany their precise pour-over coffee selections.
Diverse Asian and European Offerings
The Wai’s culinary profile is further enriched by high-quality regional specialities:
- China-Duck (美中‧鴨子) elevates Chinese dining with its signature Peking Duck, celebrated for its crispy skin and succulent meat. The restaurant merges Beijing, Sichuan, and Shanghai cuisines, providing an upscale setting where patrons can observe the duck carving process through a semi-open kitchen.
- Cafe Deco Pizzeria specializes in made-to-order Italian thin-crust pizzas, baked in a high-temperature stone oven. Innovative topping combinations, such as the Blue Cheese and Apple, or the premium M6 Wagyu Beef and Tiger Prawn, highlight its fusion approach to pizza.
- Mí Tái (米泰) transports diners to Bangkok with its lively atmosphere and menu of refined Thai dishes. Recommended items include the Pad Thai with fresh prawns and the Yellow Curry Soft Shell Crab served with roti bread.
This comprehensive food ecosystem at The Wai not only caters to the immediate community of Tai Wai but also draws hungry patrons from across the New Territories and beyond. The strategic inclusion of acclaimed international brands, alongside versatile and health-conscious concepts, firmly establishes the complex as an essential destination in Hong Kong’s ever-evolving food scene.