Located at the very end of the MTR Island Line, Kennedy Town was once an average residential area. Since the opening of the railway station, it has become home to a growing number of laidback cafés and trendy boutique stores. From dim sum restaurants and hip eateries to the best spots to view the scenic sunset, here is how to experience Kennedy Town and make the most of it.
Things to do
New Praya Kennedy Town
Blessed with seaside views, New Praya Kennedy Town gives you a panorama of the harbour. The seaside promenade is now revamped with wooden benches and paved floors, welcoming furry friends and joggers. Come early evening, you can enjoy the golden sunset while listening to the sound of splashing waves.
Sai Wan Swimming Shed
On the way to Cyberport, a narrow and winding staircase down the hillside rocks leads you to a wooden swimming shed. Although it still retains its original function, the swimming shed is more of a photo-taking spot now. Attracting locals and tourists alike, the shed is crowded on weekends so pick your days wisely. Do note that the facility can only carry one to two people at a time, so be careful when you’re trying to get a shot.
Kwun Lung Lau
It may seem like a normal public housing estate, but Kwun Lung Lau’s history is more than its humble exterior. Built in 1967, it is one of the earliest public housing estates established to alleviate the housing crisis. In 1994, a devastating landslide caused casualties and led the government to a major review of slope safety in Hong Kong. Today, you will find the revitalised residence with a vibrant look thanks to its mural paintings.
Kwun Lung Lau, 20 Lung Wah Street, Kennedy Town, 2816 6881
Hike to Mount High West
With Pok Fu Lam sitting right behind, Kennedy Town is also close to Mount High West. From MTR Kennedy Town Station, walk up Pokfield Road and pass by the staircase next to Sinopec Gas Station. Although the path is surrounded by lush greenery, you can still find clear road signs for Pinewood Battery. Trek along the paved paths and stairs and you’ll be taken to the viewpoint in just an hour, where you can enjoy views of Cyberport, Lamma Island, Pok Fu Lam, Lantau Island and Victoria Harbour.
Read more: How to hike to Mount High West from The Peak
Lo Pan Temple
Lo Pan, also known as Lu Ban, is the patron saint of Chinese builders and carpenters built in Sai Wan in 1884. Tucked behind Ching Lin Terrace, the Grade I historic monument is also home to mural paintings and Shiwan ceramic figurines.
Lo Pan Temple, 15 Ching Lin Terrace, Kennedy Town, 2802 2880
Kennedy Town Swimming Pool
One of the things you’ll notice in Kennedy Town is this piece of futuristic architecture, beneath the modern exterior of which lies a public swimming pool. Revamped in 2011 to 2017, the Kennedy Town Swimming Pool boasts multiple indoor and outdoor pools, as well as jacuzzis equipped with barrier-free facilities. The icing on the cake here is the outdoor swimming area that comes with exclusive views of the Victoria Harbour.
Kennedy Town Swimming Pool, 2 Sai Cheung Street North, Kennedy Town, 2817 7973
Slowood
Slowood is the one-stop shop for all your home essentials. From organic groceries, sustainable skincare to eco-friendly kitchenware, it is here to offer you a wide range of choices to help you build a greener lifestyle. Bring your own containers and stock up on cereal, pasta, washing detergent and more.
Slowood, The Hudson, 11 Davis Street, Kennedy Town, 2818 0203
Aeria
If yoga on the ground is too ordinary for you, try your hand at aerial yoga and experience the life of flight. This aesthetic studio welcomes both rookies and experts. Backed by a team of experienced aerialists and instructors, the classes are designed to let you enjoy the elegance and freedom of aerial arts in an inclusive and carefree environment.
Aeria, Shop 2, G/F, Cadogan, 37A Cadogan Street, Kennedy Town, 9165 0152
Restaurants and bars
11 Westside
Craving tacos and guac? 11 Westside gives you what’s truly Mexican. Led by Chef Esdras Ochoa, the taqueria offers handmade tortillas, made-at-your-table guacamole and succulent meats. Showcasing nine variations of tacos, our tip is to visit on Taco Tuesdays to explore the flavours at half the price. You’ll also find The Wilshire Bar, inspired by speakeasies, tucked behind the vibrant front of the restaurant. Look further in to find the doorknob to this hidden paradise next time you’re around.
11 Westside, 1/F, The Hudson, 11 Davis Street, Kennedy Town
Yuan is Here
Take a break from western bistros and cafés to visit Yuan is Here, the neighbourhood favourite Taiwanese food spot. This successful street food chain moved into Kennedy Town in 2018 after bidding farewell to its original Sai Ying Pun location. Serving up authentic night market street snacks and unbeatable Taiwanese fatty minced pork on rice, Yuan is always packed with its loyal fans.
Yuan is Here, G/F, 31 North Street, Kennedy Town, 3579 2460 and 28 Hung Tou Road, Kwun Tong, 3705 9848
Sun Hing Restaurant
Sun Hing has been a staple in the neighbourhood for six decades. With many places serving factory-made food nowadays, it is a rare gem that still practises the culinary tradition of handmade dim sum served in steamy bamboo baskets. Opening from 3am to 4pm, the small but popular restaurant has its loyal fans – drivers who work the early shift, party-goers who want some steamy bites or elderly who are here for their early breakfast. Our tip is to get there early and order its custard buns, juicy har gaos and quail egg siu mai.
Sun Hing Restaurant, Shop C, G/F, 8 Smithfield Road, Kennedy Town, 2816 0616
Alvy’s
New eateries are settling into the K-Town as the dining scene continues to bloom in the neighbourhood. Alvy’s, in particular, resembles a Brooklyn pizzeria, blasting The Beatles and Elvis Presley all day. Explore its adventurous pizza options with a Hong Kong twist, like the Bak Gwei, which is covered in gruyere béchamel and char siu pork then spiced up with ginger paste.
Alvy’s, 8 Holland Street, Kennedy Town, 2312 2996
Sheung Hei
Another traditional favourite in Kennedy Town is charcoal-grilled claypot rice at Sheung Hei. Recommended in the Michelin Guide, this local joint serves about 30 different variations of claypot rice. Mixing fresh and leftover rice with a dash of pig lard, the rice is then grilled over charcoal to blend with the aromas of various toppings and charred to perfection, adding extra texture and flavour to the bite. Add in some soy sauce and mix before you dig in.
Sheung Hei, 25 North Street, Western District, 2819 6190
Catch, G/F, 95 Catchick Street, Kennedy Town, 2855 1289
Shoreditch
Shoreditch is located within the busy streets in Kennedy Town but don’t let its location fool you as the restaurant itself is super cozy and family-friendly. The restaurant was voted Hong Kong’s Best British Restaurant in the LOOP’s 30 Best Eats Awards. This amazing British restaurant sources quality, British or local, sustainable, & environmentally friendly ingredients & products throughout our restaurant. Amazing food awaits at Shoreditch!
Shop A, G/F, 18 Catchick Street, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong, 2242 3777
K-Town Bar and Grill
K-Town Bar & Grill serves a collection of popular favourites to please a variety of tastes. The Castelo group of eateries is known for its laid back easy style of combining popular western classics with a slight Asian twist and K-Town is no different. Enjoy some of their char-grilled steaks, seafood risotto, mushroom fettuccine and so much more. K-Town is sure to meet your needs as they are also perfect for corporate and private parties and cater for most requests with an exciting range of packages and product launches. The all-day dining venue is a winner with locals and visitors alike.
G7 & G8, G/F Sincere Western House, 44 Forbes Street, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong, 28551368
Cafes
% Arabica
Hailing from Kyoto, this minimalist coffee chain needs no introduction. Arabica’s fourth store in Hong Kong occupies a two-storey space adjacent to Kennedy Town’s New Praya. The waterfront coffee shop is a blogger favourite, offering contrasting blue and white tones that make up a great Instagram snap. Grab a cup of Spanish latte with you on your seaside stroll and enjoy the sunset accompanied by the aromatic Ethiopian beans.
% Arabica, Shop 4, G/F, Grand Fortune Mansion, No. 1 Davis Street, 2326 4578
Read more: Best minimalist cafés in Hong Kong
Winstons Coffee
With a dazzling exterior resembling theatre signposts, this hole-in-the-wall café is a semi-open space that serves java by day and booze by night. The seats by the bar are always filled and patrons will all agree that the friendly baristas and cosy vibes are Winstons’ best charms.
Winstons Coffee, Shop 8, The Hudson, 11 Davis Street, Kennedy Town, 2697 1878
Read more: 8 most Instagrammable cafés in Hong Kong
Wheat & Wood
If you are looking for a place to chill with your friends, Wheat & Wood is worth a visit. Offering drinks and light bites, the café boasts stacks of board games – you name it, it has it. It also offers unlimited playtime on Wednesdays and Thursdays for only $80, including food discounts. Cards Against Humanity with a flat white on the side, anyone?
Wheat & Wood, Shop 6, G/F, Brilliant Court, 28 Praya, Kennedy Town, 2399 0433
Read more: Best board game cafes in Hong Kong
Waffling Beans
As its name suggests, this café bistro is known for its signature Liege waffles. Serving up all-day brunches, wraps and pastas, Waffling Beans also offers indulgent delights to finish the meal with a sweet note. We recommend The Truth, drizzled with homemade chocolate sauce and topped off with Belgian chocolate shavings and whipped cream, for all you chocolate fanatics out there.
Waffling Beans, G/F, New Fortune House, 4–8 North Street, Kennedy Town, 2855 8890
Lex Coffee
Speciality coffees, high ceilings and an amazing interior, Lex Coffee is the perfect place to spruce up your Instagram page. Lex Coffee has a great selection of all-day dining and desserts on the menu for you and your hungry friends as well as comfy couches so be prepared to stay for hours!
100 Belcher’s Street, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong, 2149 9633
Maison Eric Kayser
Choose from fresh French pastry batched every day, sandwiches, or all-day breakfast to go at Maison Eric Kayser! Everything they serve is made fresh daily with superior ingredients sourced globally. This cafe puts you right into the streets of France as their bread and pastries are crafted using French baking techniques. Fancy a trip to France?
11 Davis Street, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong, 2577 1980
Accommodation
KtownProp is the only online real estate platform based in Hong Kong who specializes in Kennedy Town. They strive to build a better community and streamline the typical real estate market by being your single point of contact with full market coverage for all parties especially for buyers/tenants and landlords, so that you can save the hassle to repeat the same story to 100+ agents or platforms to settle your home efficiently in Hong Kong without extra cost. They are also building the first Residents’ Network in the area and more information can be found here.
In order to maximise your benefits and put yourself in the best position for renting or buying a property in Kennedy Town/ Hong Kong, you can learn from other residents’ experience through their platform. Meanwhile, the most comprehensive list of buildings and videos in Kennedy Town can be found at their Kennedy Town Building Index & Kennedy Town Property Videos respectively. Last but not least, it is worth looking into their recently launched iPhone Giveaway Program for their exclusive offer in the market.
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Contact KtownProp through Email or WhatsApp to know more about their offerings.
