Hidden Gems in Tseung Kwan O: Local Eats, Cafes, and Street Food

Tseung Kwan O may be known for its new town developments and peaceful waterfronts, but a thriving local food scene is tucked between the glass towers and quiet parks. The area offers more than meets the eye, from old-school cha chaan tengs to creative dessert cafés. Check out this article to learn more about these hidden gems.

Neighborhood Eats with a Loyal Following

Skip the chain restaurants in the malls and head into Hang Hau, Po Lam, and Tseung Kwan O Town Centre neighbourhoods. Here, you’ll find small eateries that have quietly built up reputations over the years thanks to honest cooking and loyal regulars.

One standout is Twinkle Baker Decor at 9 Tong Tak Street. It has many delicious cakes, some resembling Rubik’s cubes or gumball machines. They even have cakes resembling pineapple buns and French toast.

Another popular local pick is So Gor Beef Brisket, which is located on Yan King Road near Po Lam. Their Beef Brisket Noodles are melt-in-your-mouth tender, best enjoyed with a glass of creamy milk tea.

Off-the-Radar Cafes Worth Visiting

While Tseung Kwan O isn’t often considered a café hotspot, a new generation of independent coffee shops is quietly growing—especially around LOHAS Park and Tiu Keng Leng. These cafés blend strong brews, thoughtful design, and community vibes. Here are a few worth checking out:

• Hygge: A western-style café with various coffees, smoothies and milkshakes. They also offer delicious dishes like pizzas, salads, and even French crepes.
• The Alchemist Café: An elegant café with drinks ranging from espresso to hojicha tea. You can also try breakfast menus with dishes like English brunch or waterfall cakes.
• BEANS The Backyard: An excellent café with a wide selection of steaks and burgers.

These cafés provide a relaxing alternative to crowded malls, and many support local artists or host small events. You can even order a 3D latte.

Classic Street Food You Shouldn’t Miss

Street food is a big part of Hong Kong’s culture, and even though traditional street stalls have become rarer in new districts, Tseung Kwan O still has a few local vendors keeping the tradition alive.

Sai Kung Town, just a short minibus ride away, still has a more classic dai pai dong atmosphere, but Tseung Kwan O itself has its reliable street snacks—especially around the Tseung Kwan O Market and Bauhinia Garden Night Market Stalls. Local street snacks to try:

• Curry Fish Balls – Soft, spicy, and served on a skewer. A must-have on the go.
• Egg Waffles – Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside. Some stalls offer chocolate chip or matcha variations.
• Cheung Fun – Rice noodle rolls drizzled with sweet soy sauce, sesame, and hoisin. Often served hot and freshly steamed.
• Stinky Tofu – Not for everyone, but a pungent, crispy delight for those who love bold flavors.

Many of these stalls are mobile or temporary, so they may only appear in the late afternoon or evening. Weekends tend to bring more variety, especially near housing estates.

Hidden Spots with a Twist

Tseung Kwan O also has some interesting hybrid eateries and dessert-focused places that don’t quite fit into a single category—but are worth the detour.

One such place is The Hunter, which combines Mediterranean seafood with US dry-aged meat. All the seafood is sourced directly from Mediterranean countries, so you can be sure it’s fresh and high quality.

Another unexpected gem is Tei Mou Koon Dessert, which has options like mango pomelo sago, sweet almond tea, and mango tofu.

Must-Try Hidden Gems in Tseung Kwan O

• So Gor Beef Brisket – Best for: Beef Brisket Noodles
• Twinkle Baker Décor – Best for: Pineapple buns
• Hygge – Best for: French crepes
• The Alchemist Café – Best for: Waterfall cakes and hojicha tea
• BEANS The Backyard – Best for: Classic Benedict

Exploring Beyond the Surface

While Tseung Kwan O might appear polished and suburban on the surface, a little exploring reveals a tapestry of old and new, east and west, traditional and experimental. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty bowl of noodles, an Instagram-worthy brunch, or a nostalgic street snack, the district has something tucked away just around the corner.

Bring your appetite—and maybe a little patience—as many of these gems are still local secrets. That said, part of the charm lies in the discovery.