Wong Chuk Hang’s dining scene has undergone a massive transformation with the official opening of THE SOUTHSIDE, a new five-storey commercial hub anchored directly to the MTR station, introducing nearly 40 diverse food and beverage (F&B) vendors to the rapidly evolving district. Located at MTR Wong Chuk Hang Station (Exit B), this 130-shop complex immediately addresses the neighbourhood’s historic lack of high-quality dining options, attracting a wide array of tenants—including Michelin-starred ramen, Bib Gourmand-rated Vietnamese cuisine, and multiple pet-friendly cafés—positioning the Southside as a dynamic new culinary frontier for Hong Kong Island.
The new establishment is more than just a convenience hub; it represents a significant upgrade for residents and commuters, transforming Wong Chuk Hang from a relative “food desert” into a compelling gastronomic destination. With nearly four dozen F&B outlets operating across its floors, the mall presents a curated mix of international flavors and local favourites, ensuring variety for every palate and occasion.
A Gastronomic Overview
The selection of eateries at THE SOUTHSIDE boasts a remarkable concentration of acclaimed and popular brands. Connoisseurs seeking high-calibre fare will find several standout options:
- Brass Spoon: This Vietnamese powerhouse, celebrated for its authentic beef pho with broth simmered for over 12 hours, continues its legacy, having been awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand for eight consecutive years.
- Konjiki Hototogisu (金色不如帰): Hailing from Shinjuku, Tokyo, this ramen specialist has held a Michelin one-star rating for five years. Its signature clam-broth shoyu ramen, combining intense clam, pork, and seafood stock, offers a refined twist on the classic Japanese noodle dish.
Beyond the Michelin accolades, the new mall caters extensively to varied international and fusion tastes:
- Western & European Cuisine: Meat lovers can visit Chef’s Cuts, known for dry-aged Black Angus steaks and extravagant seafood platters, or Ombra, an Italian spot offering authentic pasta, pizza, and affordable lunch sets, including dishes like veal with tuna sauce.
- Asian Delights: Taiwanese favourite Duan Chun Zhen Beef Noodles brings its rich, 8-9 hour simmered beef broth and USDA beef tendon, while Bamboo Thai introduces a sophisticated, new-generation Thai experience featuring signature dishes like Volcano Pork Ribs and an exotic interior design from a Japanese artist. For Korean BBQ, Sandong Sikdang (山洞食堂) provides a refined “cave-like” setting for enjoying premium cuts of Korean Black Pork and Hanwoo beef.
Addressing the Need for Casual and Local Options
Recognizing the Hong Kong market’s high demand for casual dining and café culture, THE SOUTHSIDE has integrated numerous artisanal coffee shops and quick-service venues.
A Flourishing Café Culture:
For those seeking quality coffee or lighter fare, the mall offers some of the city’s best:
- NOC Coffee Co.: The globally recognised local brand, previously ranked among the world’s fifty best coffee shops, has opened its first branch offering ice cream alongside its signature freshly roasted beans.
- stain+: Known for its sleek, industrial aesthetic and dedication to high-quality, freshly roasted global coffee beans, changing seasonally.
Further rounding out the selection are nana’s green tea, importing authentic Japanese tea ceremony culture with matcha parfaits and light meals, and Meet Met Met, concentrating on light, health-conscious Western fare like power bowls and all-day breakfast options.
The selection is completed by reliable local concepts such as Prince Restaurant (王子飯店), famed for its Cantonese roast goose, and So Ko Clear Broth Beef Brisket (蘇哥清湯腩).
The launch of THE SOUTHSIDE’s extensive F&B section marks a definitive turning point for Wong Chuk Hang. The infusion of nearly 40 restaurants, including high-profile award winners and international chains, is set to solidify the district’s desirability as a major lifestyle destination, offering residents and visitors unparalleled culinary choice directly linked to the MTR transit system. Diners are encouraged to check individual restaurant operating hours and reservation policies due to anticipated high demand.