Guide to Independent Businesses in Whampoa and Hung Hom

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

Home to the Hong Kong Polytechnic University and a few of Hong Kong’s biggest residential complexes, Whampoa and the wider Hung Hom area are known as some of the liveliest neighbourhoods in town. Thanks to the extension of the MTR network from Yau Ma Tei to Hung Hom, as well as the resumption of ferry service from Central, locals are now more eager than ever to eat, shop and explore the former dockyard: from enjoying the sea breeze along the Hung Hom Promenade to shopping in a gigantic ship, Hung Hom and Whampoa have much to offer. With our first location in Kowloon nestled within Whampoa Garden, we feel obliged to share with you, our readers, the hidden gems in this part of town. Here are some of our favourite things in Hung Hom:

WHERE TO PLAY

Lux Theatre

Located on Bulkeley Street, Lux Theatre opened its doors in the 1970s, and is now one of the city’s few existing traditional Hong Kong-style theatres. As you step inside to buy your ticket, you will recognise the many nostalgic elements that have been well-preserved inside the theatre (even after its refurbishment in 2012), including the manual seating allocation, hand-written movie tickets and the 35mm film projector on display in its front hall. If you happen to be in the area, pay Lux Theatre a visit for a trip down the memory lane and make sure to enjoy its current showings at a reasonable price.

Address: 2J Bulkeley St, Hung Hom
@luxtheatre

Thunderbowl

On the lookout for fun, screen-free indoor activities for the weekend? Thunderbowl is the place for you.

Equipped with 22 modern bowling lanes, a restaurant, a snooker room and a cozy VIP room with two separate lanes, Thunderbowl holds tournaments for bowling lovers every Monday morning and Tuesday evening, and offers private coaching classes. Don’t worry if you are a first-timer or have kids with you, the super sweet staff members have reserved two ‘bumper lanes’ so you can avoid any gutter balls.

Address: Shop 2, B-1, Screen World (Site 8), Whampoa Garden, Hung Hom
http://www.thunderbowl.com.hk/

WHERE TO INSTAGRAM

Stairs Painting Piece by Terena Wong

Although our hometown boasts an exceptional range of art galleries, bigger street art pieces can be hard to find. Here in Hung Hom, you can find a marine-themed mural on this 73-step staircase, handpainted by Terena Wong and her team as part of a community art project in January 2019. If you are looking for a new spot to take pictures for your Instagram, this staircase is on Fat Kwon Street at Hung Hom Road.

WHAT TO EAT AND DRINK

Sze Sun Hamburger

Founded in 1963 by Mr Chung Guan-Qiu on Whampoa Street, Sze Sun Hamburger was the creator of the Hong Kong-style hamburgers. Their iconic Double Cheeseburger, sold at the affordable price of HK$37, is served with perfectly grilled beef patties and a generous dollop of their secret mayonnaise. Apart from the usual burgers and fries, their juicy Fried Chicken Thighs are also very popular with the customers.

Due to urban renewal projects in the area, Sze Sun’s original store on Whampoa Street is now closed. They have relocated to Site 12 of Whampoa Garden to continue to serve patrons in the area.

Address: Shop G22-23, Site 12, Tak Hong Street, Whampoa Garden, Hung Hom
@szesunhamburger

NOC Whampoa

Located just minutes away from the Hung Hom Ferry Pier, NOC Whampoa is our sixth store in Hong Kong and our first in Kowloon. With an area of over 3,500 square feet, this location was designed to be a minimalist, urban sanctuary, and to give space, a rare commodity in Hong Kong, to our patrons, so that they can enjoy coffee, brunch and a beautiful view without distractions. We love brewing coffee in the elevated island coffee bar, as well as welcoming furry friends to the outside seating area of the store.

Address: Shop G42, G/F, Site 9, Whampoa Garden, Hung Hom
@noccoffeeco

Interested in exploring more local businesses? Here are our guides to independent businesses in Sai Ying Pun and Wanchai.