Guide to Independent Businesses in Sai Ying Pun

This is our guide to independent businesses in Sai Ying Pun.

Formerly a lively fishing port and British military camp, Sai Ying Pun is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in town. Amongst dried seafood shops and local eateries, independent local businesses have been able to settle in the neighbourhood, a traditional yet modern mix of Western and Eastern cultures.

Independent businesses benefit communities in many concrete, quantifiable ways: not only do they keep local economies healthy by creating job opportunities and keeping money in the community, they also help communities build their collective identities, create a tight-knit community vibe and conserve cultural heritage assets.

As a homegrown coffee brand, we are very fortunate to have opened our Roastery in a charming neighbourhood that we are able to share with many other amazing independent businesses. In this post, we will be sharing a list of our favourites:

WHERE TO SHOP

Live Zero

Launched in 2018, Live Zero on High Street was the first store in Hong Kong to offer packaging-free groceries and sustainable everyday household items. For owner Tamsin Thornburrow, Live Zero is less of a business and more of a passion project. By making bulk foods easily available in her neighbourhood, Tamsin hopes to educate the general public on conscious living and to help combat the city’s waste crisis.

When in Rome, you should do as the Romans do – before you pay them a visit, remember to bring along a few glass jars, Tupperware and a sturdy tote bag from home for your groceries.

Address: G/F, 33 High Street, Sai Ying Pun
@livezero.hk

a nice place to

Previously located in Causeway Bay, this select shop slash event space on Chung Ching Street is one of our new neighbours. “a nice place to” was founded by Hongkongese photographer Ho Yin and craftsperson Gill, who felt like their fellow local artists struggled to find spaces in which to interact and showcase their work. Aside from its beautiful selection of locally made lifestyle goods, we adore the hand-drawn Map of Sai Ying Pun at its entrance and the flea markets that are held once every few months.

Whilst you are there, don’t forget to check out the murals on the walls of buildings on Chung Ching Street and Ki Ling Lane.

G/F, 2 Chung Ching Street, Sai Ying Pun
@aniceplaceto

WHERE TO EAT

Miam Bakery

In the ten months since it opened its doors on Third Street, Miam Bakery has won the hearts of dessert lovers with its crispy cinnamon rolls and creamy basque cheesecakes. Other handcrafted offerings from the bakery include hearty muffins, flaky croissants, a variety of sourdough loaves and even cookies for your doggo. If you happen to be in the area, be sure to pay them a visit and pick up goodies for yourself and your furry friends.

Address: 73 Third Street, Sai Ying Pun
@miambakery

Ping Pong 129

Nestling in the basement of a 50-year-old building on Second Street, Ping Pong 129 has been an Instagram hotspot for both Hongkongers and tourists. The airy, high-ceilinged underground space was home to a member-only table tennis parlour since the 1970s. Inspired to preserve and revitalise historical buildings in Hong Kong, founder Juan Francisco Martínez Gregorio took over the place in 2014, and turned it into a ginoteria that serves up 200+ types of gins, artisanal cocktails, tapas-style bar food and a curious art collection. To pay homage to its days as a fitness club, Juan kept the neon sign that says ‘鍛鍊身體’ (train your body) and hung it over the brass-fronted bar.

Eva, our operations manager, recommends the London Dry paired with Tabla de Ibéricos, a platter of Ibérian cured meats.

Address: L/G Nam Cheong House, 129 Second Street, Sai Ying Pun
@pingpong129

NOC Coffee Co. – Roastery

We would be remiss to not include our Roastery.

Our 1500-square feet flagship store occupies part of the ground level space of a residential building on Des Voeux Road West. With its 7-meter-long concrete coffee bar, a designated storage area for our green beans and our very own roastery, we offer our patrons an overview of the coffee making process from roasting to brewing. The spaciousness of the store is accentuated with an open high ceiling, floor-to-ceiling windows and glass-framed doors.

The industrial yet minimalist aesthetic of our store design has caught the attention of many coffee and design lovers from around the world: we have been named as one of the ‘best coffee shops for design lovers’ by Wallpaper* magazine, and one of the ‘50 best coffee shops in the world’ by Big 7 Travel.

When you drop by for a delicious coffee this weekend, make sure to check out and try something from our specially-curated brunch menu.

Address: Shop 4, G/F, Bohemian House, 321 Des Voeux Road West, Sai Ying Pun
@noccoffeeco

Interested to see more neighbourhood guides? Click here for our Guide to the Best of Gough Street.