The newly opened THE SOUTHSIDE development at MTR Wong Chuk Hang Station has officially revolutionized the dining landscape of Southern Hong Kong Island, injecting nearly 40 diverse eateries into what was previously considered a culinary desert. This five-story, pet-friendly retail complex boasts approximately 130 tenants in total, with nearly a third dedicated to gastronomy, offering residents and visitors access to everything from Michelin-recognized dining concepts to trendy, international fusion spots and artisan coffee houses. The influx of dining options, including highly anticipated global franchises and local favorites, marks a significant upgrade for the neighborhood’s food scene.
A New Culinary Hub Emerges
The opening of THE SOUTHSIDE is a pivotal moment for Wong Chuk Hang, transforming the area from a largely industrial and residential locale into a vibrant leisure and lifestyle destination easily accessible via the MTR. The expansive food and beverage (F&B) offering spans multiple levels and presents flavors from across Asia, Europe, and beyond.
Among the standout entrants are several award-winning concepts:
- Brass Spoon: This Vietnamese restaurant, a consistent recipient of the Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition for eight consecutive years, anchors the Asian food scene. They specialize in authentic Vietnamese beef pho, featuring a rich, clear broth patiently brewed for over 12 hours using 100 kilograms of beef bones, and premium cuts of U.S. Angus beef.
- Konjiki Hototogisu (金色不如帰): Hailing from Shinjuku, Tokyo, this ramen specialist brings its highly coveted, Michelin one-star ramen to the Southside. Their signature clam-broth shoyu ramen is celebrated for its deep umami and subtle sweetness, achieved by slow-cooking 60 kilograms of surf clams alongside pork bones and seafood stock. The chewy noodles are made using Hokkaido wheat flour, ensuring excellent texture and flavor absorption.
Global Flavors and Local Brews
Beyond Asian heavyweights, THE SOUTHSIDE features strong Western and fusion components. Steakhouse and seafood specialist Chef’s Cuts has opened its fourth branch, highlighting large-format shares of dry-aged Black Angus ribeye and massive mixed seafood platters, perfect for communal dining. Italian cuisine is represented by Ombra, which offers authentic pasta, pizza, and meat dishes, including a popular HK$148 lunch menu that allows patrons to sample a variety of their most exciting offerings.
The mall has also become a hotspot for café culture:
- NOC Coffee Co.: A local success story, NOC brings its internationally recognized, ethically sourced, and locally roasted specialty coffee to Wong Chuk Hang. Intriguingly, this branch features an exclusive menu, making it the only NOC location currently serving ice cream.
- nana’s green tea: The Japanese chain focuses on the rich culture of Japanese tea ceremony, offering high-grade matcha and hojicha sourced from Kyoto’s century-old Yamamasa Koyamaen. Patrons can enjoy everything from matcha parfaits to light meals like Salmon and Kombu Chazuke.
Diverse Cuisine for Every Palate
From fine dining to casual comfort food, the variety ensures robust appeal for all demographics. Korean cuisine fans can visit Sandong Sikdang (山洞食堂), an elegantly designed Korean barbecue spot renowned for its premium cuts, including arm-length beef ribs and black pork from Gyeongju, Korea.
For those craving Hong Kong comfort food, traditional Cantonese fare is available at Prince Restaurant (王子飯店), famed for its limited-supply Prince Roasted Goose, known for its crisp skin and succulent meat. Meanwhile, Taiwan’s famous Duan Chun Zhen Beef Noodles (段純貞牛肉麵) offers its signature fiery red-braised beef noodles, simmered for hours with 23 traditional herbs.
THE SOUTHSIDE, easily accessed directly from the MTR station exit B, is set to redefine dining on Hong Kong Island’s Southern shoreline. This concentration of quality and diversity establishes Wong Chuk Hang as a necessary destination for any dedicated Hong Kong foodie.