Wong Chuk Hang’s reputation as a “food desert” has officially ended with the grand opening of THE SOUTHSIDE, a new five-story MTR-linked commercial complex that introduces a massive injection of dining options to the area. The mall, situated directly above the Wong Chuk Hang MTR station, features approximately 130 tenants, including nearly 40 diverse food and beverage establishments ranging from Michelin-recognized fine dining to casual, pet-friendly cafés, setting a new standard for gastronomy along Hong Kong Island’s south shore.
The new mall quickly becomes a central lifestyle hub, offering residents and visitors access to a carefully curated mix of international and local cuisines. Its launch fundamentally shifts the dining landscape in the Southern District, providing options that previously required travel to other parts of Hong Kong.
A Sanctuary for Gourmet Exploration
THE SOUTHSIDE’s dining cluster is particularly notable for its high concentration of acclaimed eateries, confirming its status as a must-visit location for food enthusiasts. Among the highlight openings is Brass Spoon, the Vietnamese restaurant celebrated for its authentic beef pho, which has consecutively earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand designation for eight years. Their signature pho broth, simmered for at least 12 hours using 100 catties of beef marrow bones, shanks, and brisket, delivers a clear yet intensely flavorful experience.
Another heavyweight addition is Konjiki Hototogisu (金色不如帰), the distinguished one-Michelin-starred ramen shop originating from Tokyo in 2006. Specializing in their signature clam broth shoyu ramen, Konjiki Hototogisu utilizes a rich base combining 60 catties of large clams with pork bones and seafood stock, complementing springy noodles made from premium Hokkaido wheat flour.
For those seeking Western gourmet experiences, Chef’s Cuts has opened its fourth branch, focusing on expertly dry-aged steaks and globally sourced seafood. Must-try items include the sumptuous seafood platter, featuring lobster, oysters, and scallops, and the sizable dry-aged Black Angus ribeye, perfect for sharing among steak aficionados.
Diverse Global Flavors on Offer
The mall also boasts a strong presence of Asian and fusion concepts. Bamboo Thai introduces a refined, contemporary Thai dining environment, complete with artistic murals that evoke an exotic retreat. The menu offers innovative takes on classics, such as Volcanic Pork Ribs and Thai-style scrambled eggs with king prawns in yellow curry. Meanwhile, Taiwan’s famous Duan Chun Zhen Beef Noodle offers its signature braised beef noodles, featuring American beef tendon heart simmered in a complex broth infused with 23 traditional Chinese herbs.
Korean barbecue fans will appreciate Sardong Sibdang (山洞食堂), a visually striking restaurant designed to resemble a cave. Meat lovers can indulge in premium cuts like long-bone beef ribs, Wagyu Sukiyaki, and Jeju black pork, alongside specialty dishes like Korean Hanwoo 1++ beef tartare stone pot rice.
Hub for Coffee and Casual Dining
Complementing the major restaurants is a robust selection of specialty coffee shops and light dining options, underlining the area’s evolving lifestyle appeal. NOC Coffee Co., the highly-regarded local specialty coffee brand, has opened a branch featuring an exclusive menu, notably becoming the first NOC location to offer ice cream. Another stylish contender is stain+, defined by its industrial-chic aesthetics and commitment to freshly roasted, seasonal coffee beans sourced globally.
Health-conscious diners and those seeking casual fare are catered to by places like Meet Met Met, offering relaxing, feel-good meals such as avocado and scallop cauliflower rice bowls. The Japanese tea room import, nana’s green tea, brings authentic matcha and hojicha beverages and desserts, alongside light meals like udon and ochazuke.
This concentration of high-quality, diverse, and often critically acclaimed establishments marks a significant maturation of Wong Chuk Hang’s urban profile. By consolidating nearly 40 eateries—including Michelin selections and popular international chains—THE SOUTHSIDE provides a critical mass of culinary choices readily accessible via the MTR. This new destination not only serves the immediate residential community but also draws hungry patrons from across Hong Kong, solidifying Wong Chuk Hang’s emergence as a premier dining destination.