Guide to Independent Businesses in Wanchai

Welcome back to our Guide to Independent Businesses series, where we introduce you to our fellow independent businesses in neighbourhoods of Hong Kong.

Many of us know Wanchai as a commercial area during the day, and a vibrant bar district at night. Beyond the office buildings and bustling sports bars though, there are many traditional and contemporary local businesses that help to conserve the traditions of Hong Kong while keeping the Wanchai neighbourhood unique.

NOC Wanchai West is nestled on Tai Wong Street East, a street named after Hung Shing (aka Tai Wong), the god of the sea in Cantonese folklore. Fishermen, farmers and sea traders used to worship the deity in a temple nearby that was built in the 1800s. Since then, the surrounding area has grown into a busy commercial and residential district: whether you are looking to devour on some local delicacies, or to purchase gifts for your loved ones, we are sure you will find a small local business near us that you will love. Here are some of our picks:

WHERE TO SHOP

Edgar

Founded by Swiss expat Raphael De Ry, Edgar Zero Waste Shop in the Starstreet Precinct is the first store in Hong Kong to sell bulk groceries. The store takes a zero-waste approach: it encourages shoppers to buy only what they need with their own containers, so as to minimise food waste and the use of disposable food packaging. For those of you who can’t live without coffee, remember to check out their extensive line of sustainable lifestyle goods – you will love the colourful reusable cups the store has in stock.

Address: 5 Moon Street, Wan Chai
@edgar.hk

kapok Sun Street

First launched in 2006 by Hongkong-based Frenchman Arnault Castel, kapok is an original lifestyle select shop founded with the ambition to bring to Asia the ‘future classics’. With over ten years of experience in curating fun, beautiful clothing, fashion accessories and lifestyle goods for the in-crowd in Hong Kong, kapok has supported and helped small brands from all over the world in their development. Its flagship on Sun Street is the perfect place for anyone who is looking for new pieces for their wardrobes, or novelty gifts for family and friends.

Address: 8 Sun Street, Wan Chai
@kapok

WHERE TO EAT & DRINK

Rempah Noodles

Rempah is a blend of herbs and spices used as an aromatic base and the backbone of many traditional Peranakan recipes. The inspiration behind Rempah Kitchen is the diversity of ingredients used to create rempah, and the fusion of traditional and modern methods of Peranakan cuisine. Our favourite from their menu is Nonya Laksa Nemak, a hearty bowl of rice vermicelli served in a coconut milk-based rempah broth, garnished with prawns, shredded chicken and a bunch of veggies. Don’t forget to wash it down with their popular Kaya Toast and a refreshing glass of iced tea with lime.

Address: G/F, 18 Hennessey Road, Wan Chai
@rempahnoodles

MANA!

With the mission to generate a quiet revolution in the local food scene, MANA! hopes create a positive impact on the consumers’ wellness by serving plant-based alternative fast food. MANA! also embraces a zero waste ethos: it uses only biodegradable and compostable packaging, and sends their recycling and waste to a partner in New Territories to compost.

Our team has been regular customers to its first location in Central, and were thrilled when they opened in Wan Chai to bring healthy, organic quick bites to the neighbourhood. Drop by to explore its healthily delicious salads, burgers and flats.

Address: G/F, 8-10 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai
@manafastslowfood

NOC Wanchai West

NOC Wanchai West, our fourth store in Hong Kong, is designed with a minimalist aesthetic: we combined stark white and smooth concrete to create an intended contrast with the high energy of the Wanchai neighbourhood. We love being surrounded by cha chaan tengs, dumpling noodles stalls and small hardware stores, and serving good coffee to our diverse and vibrant community.

Address: Shop 3A, G/F, On Hing Mansion, Tai Wong Street East, Wan Chai
@noccoffeeco

Interested in exploring more local businesses? Click here for our guide to independent businesses in Sai Ying Pun.