5 of the best experiences in Kowloon, Hong Kong

Kowloon is often overlooked by travellers to Hong Kong, particularly the more northern sections further away from Victoria Harbour. But what it lacks in glamour and repute, Kowloon more than makes up for in character, culture and of course, amazing food. Here are some of the best experiences in Hong Kong’s high density northern Kowloon district.  

1. Eat tofu pudding at Kung Wo Dou Ban Chong

This is an amazing, hole-in-the-wall style tofu restaurant in Sham Shui Po.

The tofu pudding is made of sweet, silken tofu and served with optional sugar toppings – a great dessert, and for just $12 (less than $2 AUD or around $1.50 USD) for a large size. You can’t go wrong!

Address: 118 Pei Ho Street, Sham Shui Po

Take Exit B2 from the Sham Shui Po metro station and walk up the market until you see the restaurant on your right hand side, behind some market stalls.

2. Climb Lion Rock

While everyone will tell you to either hike or take the tram to Victoria Peak on Hong Kong Island, the hike to Lion Rock is far more rewarding in terms of the view of the city.

Take a taxi to the start point, and then a short but steep walk up to the northern border of Kowloon. After about 2km of hiking, which should take about an hour, you’ll be treated to spectacular views of the entire city of Hong Kong, both Kowloon and the Island, from a height of around 500m above sea level. It’s not for the faint of heart though, as there are many points where one wrong step will send you falling down the steep cliff. There are clear warning signs to avoid this.

Address: Lion Rock Peak, Kowloon

3. Eat hand-made old style bamboo noodles at Kwan Kee

Sadly, authentic locations which make their noodles on site are becoming rare in the rapidly developing and modernising city of Hong Kong. That’s what makes a place like Kwan Kee so unique and a must-do on any Kowloon itinerary. From the moment you sit down in the cozy restaurant, walking past the chefs kneading the noodles on site, you’ll be made to feel at home by the friendly owner and warm staff. 

Order the wonton bamboo noodles, and consider the crispy bamboo noodles too if you’re feeling particularly hungry, and you’ll be highly satisfied by this delicious and authentic experience. $30-60 HKD per dish or $4-$8 USD. 

Address: 1 Wing Lung Street, Cheung Sha Wan

4. Visit Nan Lian Gardens and the Chi Lin nunnery

Just a couple of kilometres away from the Lion Rock trailhead, near the Diamond Hill MTR station, is one of the most picturesque man-made locations in Hong Kong. This public garden is a beautiful contrast between nature and the modern world.

Address: 60 Fung Tak Road, Ha Yuen Leng

5. Eat Baozaifan (clay pot rice) at Hing Kee at the Temple Street Night Market

Another wonderful and cheap food experience is clay pot rice, known in Chinese as baozaifan. Rice is cooked in a clay pot over a hot flame with toppings added before serving.

Hing Kee restaurant masters the art of clay pot rice, giving customers a great mix of crispy and smokey-flavoured rice, along with the toppings of your choice. While the toppings can be a little bland, the real star here is the rice itself, which is perfected by combining it with Hing Kee’s own chili sauce and soy sauce. A must-eat dish when you’re in Hong Kong, expect to pay around $40-$50 HKD ($5-6.50 USD, $6-$8 AUD).

Address: 19 Temple Street, Yau Ma Tei

That’s all for our article of some of the best experiences you can have in Kowloon, Hong Kong. Comment below on your favourite places to visit. While you’re here, be sure to check out our other Hong Kong articles, like 5 incredible experiences in Hong Kong, and be sure to follow us on social media too (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook). Thanks for reading!