Hong Kong’s southern district finally has a food scene to rival the city’s core. THE SOUTHSIDE, a sprawling five-level mall directly connected to Wong Chuk Hang MTR station, opened its doors in 2024 with approximately 130 retail outlets—including nearly 40 restaurants that transform this previously underserved area into a bona fide dining destination.
For years, residents and office workers in Wong Chuk Hang faced a familiar lament: where to eat? The neighborhood, long characterized by industrial buildings and limited dining options, earned the unflattering nickname “food desert.” That narrative has shifted dramatically with the arrival of THE SOUTHSIDE, a pet-friendly shopping complex at 11 Heung Yip Road that promises to redefine dining in Hong Kong Island South.
A Curated Selection of Culinary Stars
The mall’s restaurant lineup reads like a who’s who of Hong Kong’s dining scene, blending Michelin-recognized establishments with beloved local chains and international newcomers. Here’s what discerning diners should prioritize:
Michelin Royalty Arrives
Brass Spoon, a Bib Gourmand recipient for eight consecutive years, brings its celebrated Vietnamese pho to the third floor. The restaurant’s broth—simmered daily for at least 12 hours using 100 catties of beef marrow bones, tendon, and brisket—delivers a clear yet intensely savory experience. Diners can customize their bowls with US Angus short rib or shoulder blade cuts, choosing their preferred doneness.
Ramen enthusiasts will find Konjiki Hototogisu on the LG floor. This Tokyo-born establishment, originating in Shinjuku in 2006, has held a Michelin star for five consecutive years. Their signature clam broth ramen combines 60 catties of clams with pork bone and fish stock, producing a sweet, umami-rich soup. The noodles, crafted from Hokkaido wheat flour, offer remarkable chewiness that captures every drop of broth.
Global Flavors Under One Roof
Steak lovers should head to Chef’s Cuts on level two, the brand’s fourth Hong Kong location specializing in aged beef and international seafood. Their seafood platter—featuring Boston lobster, oysters, Hokkaido scallops, and more—comes with six dipping sauces. The dry-aged black Angus ribeye serves three generously.
For Korean barbecue enthusiasts, Cave Restaurant (山洞食堂) on level two delivers an immersive experience. Half-arm-length beef ribs, sukiyaki-style wagyu, and grilled whole Jeju eel headline the menu, while the cave-inspired interior—complete with stone walls and warm lighting—creates an atmospheric dining backdrop.
Café Culture and Sweet Treats
NOC Coffee Co., named among the world’s 50 best coffee shops by Big7 Travel in 2019, opens its first ice cream-serving branch on the LG floor. The local specialty coffee brand continues to roast its own beans while offering exclusive frozen treats.
nana’s green tea, the Japanese tea house from Tokyo, debuts its second Hong Kong location on level two. Using Kyoto’s Yamasa tea from century-old tea farmers, the menu features matcha and hojicha desserts, including parfaits, cheesecakes, and cream rolls. Through August 31, seasonal yuzu warabi mochi parfaits and yuzu mint sodas provide summer refreshment.
stain+ occupies a 1,100-square-foot concept store on level one, maintaining the brand’s signature industrial aesthetic with cement, black, and copper accents. The café rotates its globally sourced coffee beans quarterly, ensuring regular patrons always encounter something new.
Practical Information and Accessibility
THE SOUTHSIDE connects directly to Wong Chuk Hang MTR station via Exit B, with a 24-hour pedestrian walkway linking to residential complexes, public transport interchanges, and bus termini.
Key restaurant locations within the mall include:
- Brass Spoon: 3/F, Shop 304
- Konjiki Hototogisu: LG Floor
- Chef’s Cuts: 2/F, Shops 229-230
- Bamboo Thai: 2/F, Shop 204
- Duan Chun Zhen Beef Noodles: 2/F, Shop 205
- Cave Restaurant: 2/F, Shops 202-203
- nana’s green tea: 2/F, Shops 206-207
- N+ Burger: LG Floor, Shop 01
- Ombra: LG Floor, Shop 17
Broader Implications for Hong Kong Island South
The opening of THE SOUTHSIDE signals a strategic shift for Hong Kong Island South, historically overshadowed by Central, Causeway Bay, and Tsim Sha Tsui for dining and retail. The mall’s pet-friendly policy, combined with its direct MTR connection and late-night dining options, positions it as a weekend destination for families and couples seeking alternatives to overcrowded shopping hubs.
For residents of nearby housing estates—including those in Wong Chuk Hang, Aberdeen, and even parts of Repulse Bay—the mall represents a long-overdue upgrade to daily life. No longer must they trek north for quality ramen or a decent coffee. The “food desert” has, quite literally, bloomed.