Tseung Kwan O: ultimate neighbourhood guide

TKO might not be a foodie haven, but there sure are plenty of restaurants that will serve up a satisfying meal. Enjoy ‘yum cha’ with a view and take a seat at DHYC to savour creative takes on classic dim sum, or head to pan-Asian restaurant Chilli Lime to find everything from Thai to Indian to seafood on the menu.

And if it’s a feast you’re after, Chan Yee Hing is one of our favourite places to go for their authentic, no-fuss Chiu Chow dishes. Bring along a group of friends – you'll want to share those generous portions and sample a variety of dishes. 

The Pizza Pig is also perfect for group dining thanks to their huge menu with soups and salads, light snacks, pizzas (including their signature 30-inch pizza!), pasta, and mains.

As for those of you looking to feed your camera, Seoulmate serves up modern, Insta-worthy takes of Korean cuisine – think smokey volcano-shaped rice, sriracha seafood Korean noodles, cheesy kimchi quesadilla, and more.

We also love hitting up Tomato 18 for some classic cha chaan teng bites. Their interior is inspired by classic elements of old Hong Kong, decked out in signboards and even a fake ‘movie theatre’. Go for their signature tomato soup noodles and don’t forget to order the peanut butter toast drizzled with condensed milk. 

Cafe hoppers will be delighted to know that Tseung Kwan O sure has some fantastic options. Located at Papillons Square, the NOC Papillons & Bakery is the coffee chain’s first location in the New Territories, serving up excellent coffee, brunch, and freshly baked pastries in their signature minimalist interior with a palette of white and grey tones. 

Over at Urban Coffee Roaster, expect quality brews, a menu packed with things like burgers, pasta, and brunch options; along with stylish interiors and a prime view of the waterfront. Needless to say, this place is one of our favourite cafes in the area.

Be sure not to miss Hygge, a cosy gem where you can sip on well-brewed coffee while indulging in their signature crepes and house-made pizzas, or Coffee Art, where you'll find a selection of Western dishes at wallet-friendly prices. It’s the ideal setting for quiet chats and quick catch-ups with friends. 

For the kiddies, head over to the Lohas Rink, which claims to be Hong Kong's largest eco-friendly ice rink. Or, if you need somewhere to drain their energy, pop over to Kiztopia, the city’s second-largest indoor playground with a fun space theme.

And don’t forget Namco, a Japanese game centre that will entertain both kids and kidults with everything from classic arcade games to claw machines to new games featuring the hottest anime characters. Its Lohas Park location is also home to Docodoco, an indoor playground that integrates digital technology for your little ones to experience adventures around a fantasy island

Those into the outdoors can take a stroll along the picturesque Tseung Kwan O South Waterfront Promenade – which stretches all the way from Tseung Kwan O town centre to Tiu Keng Leng – and gaze out to the unobstructed waters. Do watch out for the cycling track that runs alongside it, as there are often cyclists whizzing past, especially in the evenings.

You can also take a breather and relax in parks like the Hang Hau Man Kuk Lane Park, a contemporary Chinese-style garden with elements reminiscent of typical Suzhou and Hangzhou architecture, or the Hong Kong Velodrome Park, where its grassy lawns are perfect for picnics.

For a splash of art and culture, the Hong Kong Design Institute (where the upcoming Chanel Hong Kong fashion show will be held) often hosts a range of exhibitions that are free of charge.

And if you’re a history buff, the TKO Heritage Post is a special gem hidden in the hills of Tiu King Leng. This former police station was restored into a heritage information centre and hostel, where visitors can learn about the daily lives of local residents from the past and participate in various workshops and activities. There is also a cafe that serves light refreshments, with outdoor seating that allows you to soak in the sounds of nature.