Kowloon City District may be one of 18 Hong Kong neighbourhoods, but it is definitely not overshadowed by its counterparts. With its scenic harbour setting, leafy public parks and ethnic melting pot of cultures, Kowloon City is a favourite with locals and tourists alike. Without a doubt, Kowloon City’s claim to fame is its food. Often referred to as “Little Thailand”, the district is exploding with tonnes of flavour.

For a taste of the Land of Smiles, the bustling grocery markets, street stalls and hole-in-the-wall dessert shops of South Wall Road are a must. Pad thai, papaya salad and mango sticky rice aren’t the only things on offer, as there is also a heavy Chiu Chow influence in Kowloon City District cuisine, inspired by the Chinese settlers that descended on the district thousands of years ago. Its streets host some of the oldest Chiu Chow restaurants in the world, serving up timeless delicacies like “lo sui” goose, steamed crabs and shark's fin soup.

Wandering the streets of Kowloon City District is the best way to soak up the scents, sounds and sights of both the harbour area and its interior. From Hong Kong Island Kowloon City District is a 15-minute drive or an easy 30-50minute ride on public transport.

The district draws its name from Kowloon Walled City, a 2.7-hectare settlement that stood until 1994. While pre-millennium Kowloon was plagued with crime, today the area has transformed into one of Hong Kong’s hippest districts. Today, beautifully restored remnants like the Kowloon Walled City Park, Yamen building and South Gate stand alongside trendy bakeries, fashion boutiques and unique cultural hubs like the Cattle Depot Artist Village.