Think you’ve seen it all with our guide to Sham Shui Po? Think again. Nestled between Prince Edward and Sham Shui Po is Tai Nam Street – an area spanning a few blocks that is brimming with cultural energy from local artists and new (and very instagrammable) cafes. Perfect for spending a quiet afternoon exploring, here’s the checklist with spots you shouldn’t miss.
Openground
Previously introduced in another article, lovers of books and coffee should be no stranger to Openground. A hip, two-storey multi-functional space, Openground is home to artsy reads and craft coffee, as well as regular design exhibitions, events and workshops. We love lingering here in the quiet space and flipping through their collection of coffee table books while sipping on a cup of their signature Dirty (ice cold milk topped with an espresso shot).
198 & 202 Tai Nan Street, Sham Shui Po, 3974-5098.
Parallel Space
Founded by Kim Lam, Parallel Space is a blank canvas of a space right next door that plays host to events, pop-up stores, and art exhibitions, all with a curated and artistic feel to them. The most recent one was a conceptual and interactive exhibition where the visitor’s experience mimics walking through Instagram, only in real life. During Christmas, the space became a select shop selling only black items. Follow them on Instagram to see what’s next!
G/F, 202 Tai Nan Street, Sham Shui Po.
Cafe Sausalito
One of the very first hipster spots in the area, Cafe Sausalito is not only the OG around Sham Shui Po, but one of the early birds in the speciality coffee business too. Since 2014, they’ve been brewing flat whites and serving all day breakfast spreads. We also love that they have a community spirit to the brand, working with local charity partners to donate, upcycle and reduce food and plastic waste.
G/F, 201 Tai Nan Street, Sham Shui Po, 3689-3292.
Form Society
Founded by a local artist, Form Society is an art space made for the local community of budding fellow artists. From its raw wooden furnishing to its changing collection of art installations, publications, and sometimes even food and drinks on offer, you’ll get a small taste of the creative and collaborative atmosphere in the neighbourhood.
186 Tai Nan Street, Sham Shui Po, 9751-7157.
Midway Shop
Along the quiet Wong Chuk Street dotted with old fabric and wholesale shops, you’ll find Midway, standing out with its clean and muted Japanese aesthetics and a single neon sign in the window accompanying its selection of ceramics and home goods. Founded by a local designer and travel writer duo, their tasteful selection shows off thoughtful designs they discovered during their travels.
G/F, 132B Ki Lung Street, Sham Shui Po, 3188-1951 (entrance on Wong Chuk Street).
foreforehead
For those who love all things extraordinary, quirky and cute, foreforehead is the place to be. Both an art space and select shop, you’ll find everything you never knew you needed. Think working capsule toy machines dispensing figurines by local artists and miniature functioning retro TV set for your nostalgic needs, to cleverly designed backpacks and soap dishes to use on the daily.
Loft, 132 Ki Lung Street, Sham Shui Po (entrance on Wong Chuk Street).
Shop Little Two (店小二小店)
Whether you’re a true vintage fan or just want to experience a piece of old Hong Kong, Shop Little Two is truly a sight to behold. A treasure trove of memorabilia, collectables and prints, you’ll probably come across a piece of your Hong Kong childhood here whether it’s in the form of toys or exercise books.
100 Nam Cheong Street, Sham Shui Po.
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