Wan Chai: Neighbourhood Guide
Bet you never knew there was a Little Thailand in Hong Kong Island. We've got recommendations that will transport you to Thailand. Let's take a walk on Hong Kong's spicy side.
Prior to 2020, Thailand was consecutively ranked among the top 10 most visited countries in the world. The country is much loved for its delicious cuisine, friendly locals, beautiful beaches, and let’s not forget cheap massages! Under this global travel restriction, just like us, we know that many of you who used to visit Thailand frequently are missing the Land of Smiles. That is why we want to let you in on a secret of where little Thailand of Hong Kong Island is!
If you live on Hong Kong Island and don’t have time to make regular visits to Kowloon City to satisfy that craving for all things Thai, don’t worry, because you are about to discover how to have an authentic experience of Thailand right in the heart of Wan Chai.
Where to find Thai supermarkets
On Stone Nullah Lane, just one minute from Wan Chai MTR station, you can find two Thai grocery stores side by side, Bangkok Thai Product and Three Thai. Here you can get authentic Thai ingredients like Thai basil (used in pad kra pao), Thai eggplants (used in Thai green curry) and galangal (used in Tom Yum soup).
Apart from picking up local ingredients, we also recommend trying out some Thai desserts that are displayed in front of both stores, including Lod Chong (pandan jelly in coconut milk) and Bua Loy (rice balls in coconut milk). These are made fresh daily and run out super quick so don’t go too late!
Where to eat authentic Thai food
If you are not a fan of Thai cooking and are just looking for authentic Thai food, head up to the second floor of Bangkok Thai Product.
Warning, this is not your typical Thai restaurant. The place actually almost doesn't look like a restaurant but a small canteen where Thai people in the neighbourhood come to get their fix of Thai food that you normally won’t find in regular Thai restaurants.
You can order from their à la carte menu, but if you are feeling adventurous, try selecting one of their curries of the day displayed behind the glass counter. Don’t forget to order a cold drink too because your mouth will definitely be burning.
Unfortunately, this restaurant only serves until the grocery store closes, so if you are looking for authentic Thai street food for dinner you better head to Thai Hut or Racha Moo Yang on Luard Road. Tables in both of these street-side restaurants are very limited but if you are lucky enough to get a seat you can immerse yourself in the full Thai street food experience while observing the Wan Chai nightlife.
We know this kind of Thai street food experience is not made for everyone and we don’t blame you if your taste buds or stomach still need more training.
For a milder taste and a more casual atmosphere, we recommend going to KIN KAO on Tai Wong Street and Spice House on Amoy Street (second branch on Stone Nullah Lane). Both of these restaurants offer amazing value lunch deals under 80HKD making it a great everyday lunch spot to take friends and colleagues.
However, if you are looking to spend a little more and wow your family or your significant other, take them to SunThai on Tai Wong Street. For your first time we would recommend ordering their signature Lemongrass Rice Stuffed in Grilled Spring Chicken. But as you will soon learn in your subsequent visits that you can just close your eyes and point at any item on their extensive menu because THEY ARE ALL AMAZING!
Where to find Thai massage
If you are not a big fan of Thai food (say what?) you at least have to be into Thai massage. Luckily for our members at Hmlet Swatow Street coliving enbloc, Home Thai Massage and Spa is located right in the same building! This authentic Thai massage shop offers eight different types of massages from Siam body to sport massage. Their professionally trained Thai masseuses and peaceful ambience will have you believe you are actually in Thailand!
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