Exploring the Vibrant Culinary Landscape of Sham Shui Po: A Gastronomic Adventure

Nestled in the heart of Hong Kong's bustling Sham Shui Po district, the offices of the NGO Redress and its permanent second-hand clothing store, The Redress Closet, serve as a hub for sustainable fashion and environmental advocacy. But beyond the organization's mission, this vibrant neighborhood offers a diverse array of culinary delights that have captured the attention of the Redress team and visitors alike.

Discover the Flavors of Sham Shui Po: A Culinary Odyssey

Treasure Vegetarian Restaurant: A Budget-Friendly Oasis of Delicious Chinese Vegetarian Cuisine

The Redress team often returns to Treasure Vegetarian Restaurant (Shop 85, G/F, Man On Building, 79-85 Tai Po Road, Sham Shui Po. Tel: 2708 2728) for their team lunches, drawn to its budget-friendly and delectable Chinese vegetarian menu. With a dedicated section for clay pot dishes and an array of nourishing noodle options, this unassuming eatery has become a go-to spot for the Redress crew, offering a satisfying and wholesome dining experience.

Years: A Minimalist Oasis Serving Plant-Based Delights

Another frequent haunt for the Redress team is Years (Shop 1, G/F, Fuk Lung Building, 191-199 Fuk Wah Street, Sham Shui Po. Tel: 6338 3719), a restaurant that showcases a plant-based approach to Western and Japanese-inspired set meals. In a minimalist setting, Years offers a diverse menu, ranging from refreshing salads to hearty udon and creamy risotto dishes. The team also raves about the exceptional coffee, making it a perfect spot for a midday pick-me-up or a leisurely team gathering.

Veggie Kingdom: A Creative Interpretation of Vegetarian Cantonese Cuisine

For visitors seeking a unique vegetarian dining experience, the Redress team often recommends Veggie Kingdom (7/F, VIP Commercial Centre, 120 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. Tel: 2366 0336), which offers a creative interpretation of traditional Cantonese vegetarian cuisine. This establishment showcases the versatility of plant-based ingredients, delighting diners with its innovative and flavorful dishes.

Luk Yu Tea House: A Timeless Treasure in the Heart of Central

Beyond the Sham Shui Po neighborhood, the Redress team also frequents Luk Yu Tea House (G/F-3/F, 24 Stanley Street, Central. Tel: 2523 5464), one of the oldest and most iconic tea houses in Central. Despite its bustling surroundings, Luk Yu maintains a classic aesthetic, transporting visitors to a bygone era. The team often takes guests here to experience the excellent food and the captivating history associated with the establishment, including the infamous triad-related murder that occurred on the premises in 2002.

LockCha: An Authentic Teahouse Experience in the Restored Tai Kwun

For a more refined and serene dining experience, the Redress team recommends LockCha (Shop 01-G07, G/F, Headquarters Block, Tai Kwun, 10 Hollywood Road, Central. Tel: 2276 5777), a lovely vegetarian restaurant located within the restored Central Police Station compound of Tai Kwun. This setting provides an authentic teahouse ambiance, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of the area.

Ichu: A Peruvian Oasis with a Delightful Outdoor Space

After a satisfying meal, the Redress team often takes guests on a neighborhood exploration, visiting galleries and antique shops, before ending the night with a drink at Ichu (3/F, H Queen's, 80 Queen's Road Central. Tel: 2477 7717), a Peruvian restaurant with a delightful outdoor space. This vibrant establishment offers a refreshing change of pace, providing a lively and convivial atmosphere to cap off the evening.

Yuan: Modern Chinese Fine Dining for a Celebratory Indulgence

For a truly indulgent dining experience, the Redress team recommends Yuan (Shop 2, G/F, Chinachem Hollywood Centre, 1-13 Hollywood Road, Central. Tel: 2728 7278), a modern Chinese fine dining establishment that serves seasonal tasting menus. The dishes at Yuan are not only delicious but also visually stunning, often incorporating unusual ingredients such as prickly water lily and zucchini flowers, making it the ultimate destination for a special occasion or celebration.

The River Cafe: A Taste of Tuscany in London

While Hong Kong is the primary focus of the Redress team's culinary explorations, the founder, Christina Dean, also has a favorite spot in London – The River Cafe (Thames Wharf, Rainville Road, London. Tel: +44 0 20 7386 4200). This Italian restaurant, situated along the banks of the Thames, offers an incredible dining experience, where visitors can enjoy authentic Italian cuisine while watching the river traffic drift by, creating a sense of being transported to the picturesque landscapes of Tuscany.