Wong Chuk Hang’s culinary drought has officially ended. The new five-storey shopping complex, THE SOUTHSIDE, has opened its doors directly above the MTR station, unveiling a vibrant food scene anchored by nearly 40 dining venues. From a Michelin-starred ramen counter to a Bib Gourmand Vietnamese staple, the mall is quickly becoming the area’s go-to destination for both local foodies and curious commuters.
What’s on the Menu at THE SOUTHSIDE?
The 130-shop development is a mixed-use marvel, but its culinary lineup is the star attraction. Rather than a traditional food court, THE SOUTHSIDE curates a mix of high-end imports, local favourites, and casual cafés. Here’s a look at the standout openings:
- Michelin-Recognised Noodles: 金色不如帰 (Konjiki Hototogisu) brings its Michelin-starred clam broth ramen to the Southside. Expect silky tonkotsu and shoyu broths finished with a signature truffle oil.
- Bib Gourmand Vietnamese: Brass Spoon offers a refined take on Hanoi street food. Their slow-cooked pho and char-grilled pork chops are ideal for a quick, high-quality lunch.
- Pet-Friendly Cafés: Several coffee shops, including NOC Coffee Co. , feature outdoor seating, making them a natural pitstop for the district’s large dog-walking community.
- Burger & Global Flavours: N+ Burger serves smash patties with house sauces, while Siam (a Thai kitchen) is promoting a weekday dinner special—diners who order selected dishes from Monday to Friday receive a complimentary fresh coconut.
Why This Matters for the Neighbourhood
For decades, Wong Chuk Hang was considered a “food desert” dominated by industrial buildings and a few scattered office canteens. The arrival of THE SOUTHSIDE changes that reality in three key ways:
- Accessibility: The mall is directly connected to Wong Chuk Hang MTR station (South Island Line), meaning commuters no longer need to travel to Causeway Bay or Admiralty for a decent meal.
- Quality Over Quantity: Rather than filling space with generic chains, the developers have courted independent operators and award-winning chefs. This elevates the area’s status from a transit point to a dining hub.
- Extended Hours: Several restaurants and cafés operate into the evening, offering a social anchor for a district that previously emptied out after 6 p.m.
A Note on First-Day Crowds
Early visitors report long queues at the ramen and Vietnamese outlets during opening week. If you plan to visit, consider arriving before 12:30 p.m. on weekdays, or explore the LG1 floor, where smaller kiosks often have shorter wait times.
The Bigger Picture
THE SOUTHSIDE is part of a broader wave of new mall openings across Hong Kong’s less-traditional districts. From the 40-venue food court at Airside in Kai Tak to the culinary push in Tuen Mun, developers are betting that excellent F&B will drive foot traffic to southern residential areas. For Wong Chuk Hang residents, the benefit is immediate: a world-class dinner is now only an elevator ride away.
Next Steps for Food Explorers
- Try the Ramen: Order the shio (salt) broth first; it’s the bowl that won the Michelin star.
- Go for Dessert: Look for the newly opened dessert stalls on the upper floors—several offer matcha soft-serve exclusive to this branch.
- Check Deals: Follow THE SOUTHSIDE’s official social channels for seasonal promotions, including the current Thai restaurant coconut giveaway.
Related reading: For more neighbourhood dining guides, explore our picks for Sham Shui Po’s Michelin street food and Kwun Tong’s hidden coffee shops.
This article was written based on current tenant information as of the mall’s opening. Opening hours and promotions are subject to change.