Hidden Kowloon
What’s there to do on the so-called Dark Side? A lot more than you think.
Once upon a time, in the distant mists of the 1980s, everyone who was anyone would shop, eat and play in Kowloon. These days a lot has changed, to be sure, but the area stretching from Tsim Sha Tsui to Sham Shui Po is just as vibrant as ever with tons of quirky little shops, cafes, and restaurants—provided you know where to look...
Where to Shop | Where To Eat | Places To Chill
Where to Shop
Stuff you can only get in Kowloon
Golden Centre Digital Outlet
This awesome tech shop is heaven for computer geeks. Located in the famous Golden Computer Centre, it offers cheap and unusual gadgets that you can’t find anywhere else. You’ll find all kinds of USB-powered toys, as well as bargains such as a $680 wifi cell phone from Taiwan.
Shop 29-38, Golden Computer Centre, Sham Shui Po, 2729-8612.
Universal Electronic Industries Outlet
If you’re an amateur photographer or Lomography enthusiast, head to Universal for its cheap cameras. Especially reasonable are its Holga cameras (which Universal manufacture) and accessories. Holgas sell here for around a quarter of their retail price compared to other shops, and the shopkeeper also offers free repairs.
Shop 23A, G/F, Hunghom Square, 37-39 Ma Tau Wai Rd., Hung Hom, 2773-6003.
In’s Point
Indulge the little kid in you by paying a visit to specialty shopping center In’s Point. Here, you can find everything from retro figurines to Mazinger-Z from the 1970s to the iconic Blythe dolls. The mall also has shops selling glitter cards (huge in the 90s, apparently) and even a professional yo-yo shop.
534-538, Nathan Rd., Yau Ma Tei
Modern and Culture
Modern and Culture are two stores located on Temple Street’s side streets that seem at odds with the trashy glitz of their surroundings. Their dim lighting, burning incense and handmade accessories make them the hippest stores in Kowloon for their funky clothing, jewelry and home furnishings. Modern is the larger of the two, and houses bohemian-style clothing, accessories and cute knick-knacks. Culture is smaller and dedicated to fashion items, with a focus on flowing hippie skirts, dresses and accessories. While owner Perry Wong has seen several hipster shops pop up over the past few years, he remains confident of his shops’ individuality. He sources his handmade products from Thailand, India and Malaysia, with new material coming in on a monthly basis. The most popular products are the accessories, but head round to the back of the shop to check out the handmade leather handbags.
Modern, G/F 99 Temple St., Jordan, 2771-8399
Culture, G/F 148 Temple St., Jordan, 3690-2494
Man Kee
If you want to buy a real, old-fashioned, Hong Kong-made wooden chopping board, the only shop left that sells them is Man Kee in Yau Ma Tei. Opened 54 years ago, Man Kee is something of an establishment, and many restaurants refuse to buy their boards from anywhere else. Real wooden chopping boards require regular use to keep them in tip-top condition, but the ones from this old shop are a real
investment as they can last you for decades.
342 Shanghai St., Yau Ma Tei, 2332-2784.
Yue Hop Chiuchownese Grocery Shop
You can find Yue Hop on the outskirts of Kowloon City. It’s one of the few shops in Hong Kong that still sells yu fan—literally translated as fish rice. It’s made up of fish boiled in salt water, and then served with congee or rice, and it’s widely considered a Chiu Chow delicacy. The shop also has homemade deep fried fish balls and Chiuchownese dim sum, and offers delicious Chinese puddings in the winter months.
72 Nga Tsin Long Rd., Kowloon City, 2718-6863
Top
Where to Eat
Getting hungry? Try these hidden shops before word gets out.