A Guide To Central Market’s Restaurants, Shops & More

Your ultimate guide to Hong Kong’s revitalised Central Market – we spent hours exploring so you wouldn’t have to scour every corner, bringing you the best restaurants, shops, and things to do all in one place!

We’re sure you’ve passed by, but did you know the history behind Central Market and its transformation into a “Playground for All”? After four years of renovation and preservation works, this Grade 3 historically listed building now boasts a sprawling 122,000 square feet of vibrant space. Situated along Des Voeux Road, interconnected between Queen Victoria Street and Jubilee Street, Central Market is home to an eclectic mix of shops, food stalls, specialty restaurants and event spaces. Plus, it’s pet-friendly, so feel free to bring along your furry friends! Not sure where to begin? Here’s our pick of where to eat, drink, shop, and the best things to do at Central Market.

Read more: 10 Historic Revitalised Buildings In Hong Kong

What Is Central Market?
Where To Eat In Central Market
Where To Drink In Central Market
Where To Shop In Central Market
What To Do In Central Market

What Is Central Market?

The revitalised Central Market completes the final piece of Central’s “heritage triangle”, along with PMQ and Tai Kwun. The building itself dates back to 1939 and is the fourth incarnation of Central Market. The building was highly regarded at the time for its simplistic, avant-garde and functional style, and has since been upheld as a notable example of classic Hong Kong Bauhaus architecture.

Now redesigned as a “Playground for All”, the location aims to foster community building, cultural legacy and innovation, all while preserving the collective memory of old Hong Kong. At the heart of the revitalised Central Market lies a 100-seat piazza, equipped with projection and sound systems – the perfect space for street performances and large-scale events. The building’s Grand Staircase offers a second semi-open space for community use, complete with interactive features like a motion sensor system and LED projection wall. In addition, wireless network coverage will be available throughout for public use.

Up on the first floor of Central Market, a further 2,500 square feet multi-functional event space has been designed with open forums, exhibitions and cultural performances in mind.

Where To Eat In Central Market

Uogashi Nihonichi

Looking for an affordable omakase experience? Uogashi Nihonichi at Central Market is your go-to spot! This location offers a playful twist on its original standing sushi bar in Airside, featuring colourful wall hangings and ceiling lamps shaped like fish-shaped soy sauce bottles. With tall stools available, you can choose to sit or stand while savouring its sushi omakase courses starting from just $398. Plus, you can pair your meal with some top-notch sake!

Uogashi Nihonichi, Shop G12, G/F Central Market, 93 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong, 5596 7982, www.cafedecogroup.com

Read more: The Best Japanese Restaurants For Sushi In Hong Kong

Pulau

Covering classics like Hainanese Chicken Rice, Beef Rendang, and Laksa, Pulau is a sure-fire cure for any Singaporean food craving. You’ll find all your favourite Lion City staples here, including coconut rice (don’t be alarmed by its green colour).

Pulau Singapore Cuisine, Shop G19, G/F, Central Market, 93 Queen’s Road Central, Central,  Hong Kong, 5330 3999, www.facebook.com/PulauSGP

Mammy Pancake

This street food favourite gets a sleek upgrade with a stall on Central Market’s second floor. No trip is complete without indulging in these egg waffles, available in a range of unique flavours including Chocolate Chip, Seaweed, Matcha, and more. Our recommendation? The salted egg yolk ones – they’re addictive!

Mammy Pancake, Shop 242B, 2/F, Central Market, 93 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong, www.mammypancake.com.hk

Read more: Where To Find The Best Egg Waffles In Hong Kong

Asok Thai Cake

Mango sticky rice or coconut cakes, anyone? Asok Thai Cake is the first Thai cake shop in Hong Kong, here to indulge your sweet tooth. With a charming dine-in corner that makes you feel like you’re on a mini vacation, Asok Thai Cake is the perfect spot to escape the chaos of Central Market and enjoy a slice of Thai paradise.

Asok Thai Cake, Shop 121, 1/F, Central Market, 93 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong, 6015 2877, www.asokthaicake.com

Hello Molly

Ready to shake up your gelato game? Hello Molly offers over 30 handcrafted flavours, made fresh in Hong Kong with zero preservatives, artificial colours or flavours. Not a fan of vanilla? Perfect! Try adventurous options like Super Avocado or Planet Earth, a butterfly pea sea salt gelato with house-made matcha cake chunks. If you love Asian-inspired delights, don’t miss out on Beancurd Soup, Mango Crispy Rice and Milo Dinosaur.

Hello Molly, Shop 241, 2/F, Central Market, 93 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong, 5963 2289, www.hellomollygelato.com

Read more: The Best Ice Cream Shops In Hong Kong – Gelato, Soft-Serve & More

Lam Kee Snacks

At Lam Kee Snacks, you can find all of our childhood treats in one go. We always get nostalgic about the snacks we used to enjoy as kids in Hong Kong – those goodies made by the aunties, uncles and grandparents within the community. A hub for traditional pastries and snacks, Lam Kee’s pancake is a must-try, preserving that original flavour we all love. From various flavoured mochi to sesame rolls, you’ll be wowed by the assortment. The mango mochi is not only gigantic but also packed with juicy mango flesh – about 80-90% mango, with a soft mochi skin that rivals even Cheung Chau’s.

Lam Kee Snacks, Shop 108, 1/F, Central Market, 93 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong, www.instagram.com/lamkeesnack

Potato Corner (Coming Soon)

Who doesn’t like fries? Potato Corner, the Philippine food franchise, knows how to turn the humble French fry into a seasoning-packed main event. With branches already delighting taste buds in Tsim Sha Tsui and Causeway Bay, its soon-to-be-opened location in Central Market is set to serve up its famous fries. Choose from seasonings like cheese, BBQ, chilli BBQ, sour cream, truffle or wasabi mayo. Whether you’re in the mood for regular fries, loopy fries, tater tots, smileys, sweet potato fries, mozzarella sticks or crispy chicken karaage, Potato Corner has you covered.

Potato Corner, 2/F, Central Market, 93 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong, www.instagram.com/potatocornerhk

Read More: The Best New Restaurants In Hong Kong

Where To Drink In Central Market

Stormies

Looking for a stylish spot to unwind after strolling? Look no further than Stormies! This bar serves up a selection of American dishes, from steaks to fresh seafood. But let’s be honest, we’re really here for the drinks (aren’t we all?). Swing by for its happy hour deals, running Monday to Friday from 5 to 9pm (excluding public holidays). Sip on beers, wines and classic cocktails starting at just $44.

Stormies, Shops G13 & 14, G/F, Central Market, 93 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong, 6502 1595, www.cafedecogroup.com

Chef’s Cuts

Chef’s Cuts combines a premium gourmet shop with fine Western gastronomy, delivering the best shopping and dining experience in town. From Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays), enjoy 20% off all alcoholic drinks from 3 to 7pm. With a unique selection of Austrian wines and craft beers, Chef’s Cuts is the perfect spot for wine and beer lovers to unwind and indulge.

Chef’s Cuts, Shops G01-G03, G/F, Central Market, 93 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong, 9574 4254, www.instagram.com/chefscutshk

Read More: Where To Find The Best Happy Hour In Central

Cheung Chau Corner

Since we were mentioning Cheung Chau earlier, we’re here to tell you that you don’t need to hop on a ferry to get a taste of its famous yogurt drinks – Cheung Chau Corner has an outpost right in Central Market! With its MTR-inspired decor, it’s easy to spot. Perfect for summer, these guilt-free delights are made with fresh fruits and homemade yogurt, giving you all the satisfaction without the sugar overload.

Cheung Chau Corner, Shop 110, 1/F, Central Market, 93 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong, 8489 3141, cheungchaucorner.com

Blooms Coffee

You’ll definitely stop and take notice if you pass by Blooms Coffee with its minimalist decor. Founded by local artist Moses Chan, this premium specialty cafe combines coffee craftsmanship, design aesthetics and a zen philosophy. It offers a variety of Single Origin coffees, all handpicked by Moses from around the world to ensure a great sensory experience. Its tiramisu latte, aptly called “dessert in a cup,” is a must-try and will surely catch your eye. Plus, for all the home baristas out there, Blooms Coffee offers a selection of beans for sale.

Blooms Coffee, Shop G15A, G/F, Central Market, 93 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong, lubuds.com

Read More: The Best New Cafes In Hong Kong – Wifi, Study Spots & Hidden Gems

Where To Shop In Central Market

Hong Kong Tram Store

If you grew up in Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Tram Store is a must-visit to heal your inner child. We could literally spend hours here! This tram-themed store sells everything from household goods and traditional snacks to old records and other quirky groceries. It’s a treasure trove of historical items, including 1970s tram fare collectors, wooden seats, vintage fare tickets, and iron-made tram models. On our last visit, we found all the candies we loved as kids, nostalgic toys, and even some unexpected Taylor Swift stickers and pins!

Hong Kong Tram Store, Shop 117, 1/F, Central Market, 93 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong, 9852 0500, dingshiden.com

Cccccc Select

Cccccc Select is all about bringing the creative spirit of Hong Kong into your everyday life by collaborating with local artists and curating an eclectic mix of homegrown brands. This store is packed with unique and quirky products that add a splash of fun to the mundane. We were instantly drawn to The Blomstre and The Wax Can candles – seriously, how do they capture the scent of a coffee shop so perfectly? And we dare you to take a whiff of Dad’s Socks, but keep those coffee beans handy to reset your palate (you’ll thank us later). We also stumbled upon the cutest crystals perched atop ceramic faces and jewellery pieces fit for a princess.

Cccccc Select, Shop 116, 1/F, Central Market, 93 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong, www.cccccc.hk

Read More: 15 Best Unique & Practical Housewarming Gifts

Slowood

Even if you’ve just dashed through Central Market on your way to IFC, you can’t miss the buzzing hive of activity that is Slowood. This one-stop zero-waste store is the go-to spot for all things eco-friendly. From bulk grains to sustainable toiletries and chic homewares, Slowood has everything you need to live a greener life. Our favourite part, though, is its extensive incense collection, where you can mix and match scents to your heart’s content.

Slowood, Shop 231-233, 2/F, Central Market, 93 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong, www.slowood.hk

Pop-Up Vendors

Definitely make time for a visit to Central Market’s pop-up vendors – the gift that keeps on giving, thanks to its ever-changing roster. Every visit feels like a mini treasure hunt! One week you might find adorable pet clothes, and the next, you’re drooling over tribal-themed earrings, sound bowls and the cutest stationery. It’s like the universe’s way of saying, “You better buy that now because who knows if it’ll be here tomorrow”.

Keep updated with the various pop-ups and happenings on Central Market’s Instagram page.

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What To Do In Central Market

AURA ART, The Orbit

AURA ART is the first studio in Hong Kong to offer “spin art” workshops! With professional instructors guiding you through techniques like colour blocking, raindrops, and rings you’re bound to leave with a unique piece of art and maybe even a newfound sense of zen. If spin art isn’t enough, AURA ART also offers a variety of other classes, including Chinese calligraphy and art jamming workshops.

AURA ART, The Orbit, Shop 101, 1/F, Central Market, 93 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong, auraart.hk

Watch Busking Performances

With three designated busking sites, you can catch some of the city’s best street performers showcasing their talents. This vibrant hub nurtures local artists and provides a rare platform for them to shine – because let’s face it, Hong Kong could use more of that! So, come on down, grab a bite, and enjoy the show!

Follow The Busking Corner on Instagram to keep updated with the show schedules.

Read more: Concerts And Music Festivals Happening In Hong Kong & Macau 2024

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in August, 2021 and was most recently updated in July 2024 by Catherine Pun.