Shopping in Hong Kong: 5 Places to Visit in Tai Hang

Welcome to my new shopping series where I'll be sharing some of my favourite shopping districts in Hong Kong! In each of these posts, I'll go over several "must visit" shops and share items that I liked.

A couple of weeks ago, I visited the quaint district of Tai Hang that's tucked away behind the hustle and bustle of Causeway Bay. Like Tai Ping Shan Street, Tai Hang is a little secret that is off the map due to it's distance from the station. Yes, you need to walk 10 minutes to get here but I guarantee that it's well worth the exercise. Besides, you get ice cream as a reward so if that is not a good enough incentive then I don't know what is!

First stop in Tai Hang is this girly turquoise boutique on Shepherd Street that carries a unique variety of accessories and locally designed clothes. The owner Christine, who I took a streetstyle snap of on Style on Pottinger, mentioned that she also works on consignment. Because of this, she can support the Hong Kong fashion scene which I find incredibly admirable. She's also really sweet to talk to so just feel free to pop by and have a chat!

Check out their Facebook page here!

Next on my shopping list is this hipster looking shop with its secretive entrance and cool looking façade. On the day of my visit, I actually had to knock for someone to open the door which made me anticipate going in even more. The awkwardness was well worth it though because, other than the hanging light fixtures, the antiques inside were authentic rather than having it made to look old (unlike some shops in Hong Kong). One of my favourite items were the antique light switches that have been cleaned up and ready for use. I'm sure it would be a good addition to spice up any apartment.

Right next door is their coffee shop that has an enticing outdoor bench for those who want to show off their stylish outfits while sipping quality coffee. It's also quite popular with the locals who hang outside the shop with drinks like their hot chocolate and infamous Shakerato's (espresso, sugar and ice all mixed into a frothy icy drink) where their beans are sourced from the South of Italy a.k.a. espresso heaven. FYI they're also famous for their Banana Caramel Cake.

While I didn't go into the shop itself, I was really attracted to the exterior with it's green plants lining the windows and ground. Lookbook background anyone? It definitely made a good impression and I'll be sure to check it out again when I return.

Check out their Facebook page here!

Oh my, I don't even know where to start with Lab Made! My first encounter with them was at the I.T x W Party where they served their heavenly Hong Kong Pineapple Bun flavour ice cream. The surprise doesn't just end with the flavour though. Get this, the ice cream is made right in front of you in a quick freeze method using liquid nitrogen. The result? Super silky texture and guaranteed freshness!

And if you're a regular, Lab Made makes sure that their customers never get bored with their revolving menu that changes every 2 weeks. At the time of my visit, Crème Brulée, Sea Salt with Caramel, Lychee Yogurt and Longan, and Horlicks with Wheat Cream were on the menu. Though I was tempted to get all 4, I was also perfectly aware of my growing waist line. In the end I went with the Crunchy Sea Salt Gelato with Caramel. The sweet milky flavour of the caramel offset the saltiness and I was instantly transported to ice cream heaven...

Need I say more?

Check out their Facebook page here!

Last but definitely not least, Microwave was a nice surprise as it was more in line with something from Harajuku. First impressions were already rising with the retro looking TV monitors that played back music videos of yesteryear. Inside, the music was unabashedly 80s with a nod to retro fashion. What's special about this place is that it's not a just thrift shop but also a store that sells clothes from independent designers. My favourite item would have to be the translucent crop top and pants from Andrea Crews. Little did I know, they were also stocked in one of my favourite stores in Paris, Colette. So much for thrifting!

Check out their Facebook page here!