Tai Wai, Hong Kong — The sprawling new lifestyle complex The Wai (圍方) has quickly established itself as a culinary powerhouse in the New Territories, assembling over 30 restaurants that range from a century-old Japanese udon house to Singapore’s celebrated chicken rice pioneer. Since its opening, the mall at 18 Che Kung Miu Road has drawn food lovers from across the city, offering everything from solo barbecue grills to pet-friendly cafés and refined Cantonese banquets.
The Wai’s restaurant lineup reflects a deliberate strategy to cater to diverse palates and occasions. Whether diners crave handmade noodles simmered in earthenware pots, crispy Peking duck carved tableside, or artisanal coffee with health-conscious brunch options, the complex delivers a concentrated taste of Asia’s best culinary exports.
Japanese Heritage and Korean-Style BBQ Highlights
Among the most anticipated openings is Yamamotoya (山本屋), a Nagoya-based udon institution with over a century of history. Located on the fifth floor, this outpost uses Japanese domestic wheat flour to craft its noodles daily, then slow-cooks them in signature Iga clay pots. The result is a chewy, broth-absorbing texture that has earned the restaurant a loyal following. Must-try items include the招牌 miso-nikomi udon, accompanied by shrimp tempura or pork cutlet.
Just steps away, Yakiniku Like brings Tokyo’s solo-barbecue concept to Tai Wai. Equipped with smoke-free grills, this fourth-floor spot lets patrons choose their preferred cuts—from beef tongue to pork belly—and portion sizes, making it a hit among young professionals and solo diners.
Singaporean Stalwart and Pet-Friendly Cafés
Chatterbox Café, the casual offshoot of Singapore’s Mandarin Orchard hotel, stakes its claim as the “originator of Hainanese chicken rice.” The restaurant sources free-range chicken and long-grained Thai rice, serving the dish with three signature sauces. Its menu also features laksa, salted egg chicken wings, and coconut ice cream, offering a full spectrum of Lion City flavors.
For those seeking a relaxed, Instagram-worthy meal, MOOJOO Lifestyle Café on the third floor blends Western comfort food with a pet-friendly ethos. Highlights include creamy mushroom truffle pasta and avocado-smoked salmon scrambled eggs on sourdough, while themed beverages add a playful touch.
Taiwanese Home Cooking and Modern Thai Fare
Taipei Companions (台北倆伴) transports diners to Taiwan with classics like three-cup chicken, crispy fried chicken, and lu rou fan. The restaurant’s set lunch and afternoon tea menus offer generous portions at accessible prices, making it a family favorite.
Khao San (米泰) reimagines Thai cuisine with a contemporary twist. Diners can expect vibrant plates such as prawn pad thai, yellow curry soft-shell crab with roti, and mango sticky rice, all served in a setting inspired by Bangkok’s tropical energy.
Artisanal Pizza and Classic Cantonese Excellence
Cafe Deco Pizzeria fires its pizzas in a top-tier stone oven, producing crispy, evenly cooked crusts. The blue cheese and apple pizza and the M6 wagyu and tiger prawn variant stand out, alongside crispy popcorn shrimp and Spanish-style octopus.
For traditionalists, Beauty & Duck (美中·鴨子) delivers Beijing roast duck with crackling skin and tender meat. The semi-open kitchen allows guests to watch the carving process, while dishes like xiaolongbao and Jiangsu-style jellied pork round out the menu.
Sunny House (上陽樓) elevates Cantonese dining with an imperial aesthetic and hotel-caliber chefs. Its cold abalone with Sichuan pepper, crispy young pigeon, and wild mushroom chicken soup showcase premium ingredients and refined technique.
Coffee Culture and Beyond
NOC Coffee Co., a homegrown specialty roaster, offers a calming counterpoint with its in-house baked goods and light fare. Grilled chicken salad bowls, Mexican chicken quesadillas, and roasted maitake mushroom orecchiette pair with pour-over coffees or creative non-alcoholic beverages.
What This Means for Tai Wai
The Wai’s curated dining ecosystem not only transforms Tai Wai into a regional food destination but also reflects a broader trend: Hong Kong’s new malls are increasingly competing with standalone restaurants by offering variety under one roof. For residents of the rapidly growing New Towns, this means less travel time for quality dining. For visitors, The Wai provides a one-stop culinary tour without leaving the station complex.
Practical Tips for First-Time Visitors:
- Arrive early for peak dining hours, especially on weekends.
- Check individual restaurant opening hours; some close between lunch and dinner.
- Use the mall’s mobile app for queue numbers and promotions.
- MOOJOO Café permits pets on its outdoor terrace.
Whether you are a udon purist, a chicken rice connoisseur, or simply looking for a pet-friendly brunch spot, The Wai delivers a compelling argument for making the trip to Tai Wai.