Have Your Say – Tommy Tang

Author/ Being Neighbourly
6 September 2025

Tommy Tang is a Hong Kong born and bred fourth-year student of the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK). He’s pursuing a double degree in Chinese language education and lives in Sha Tin.

How long have you lived where you live?

I’ve lived in Sha Tin for 22 years —ever since I was born. As a result, I’m very familiar with its history and neighbourhoods. For me, Shatin is a place filled with nostalgic memories of time spent with friends and family.

Can you see yourself anywhere else?

I don’t think I’d want to live anywhere else permanently, as I love Hong Kong. Everything here is so convenient —transportation, shopping and meeting friends. Although Hong Kong can be crowded, the people are kind and welcoming. Hmm, that said, if I had the opportunity, I’d love to live in Japan for a few years because I’m a big fan of Japanese food and culture!

What’s so great about your home/neighbourhood?

I love Sha Tin because its transportation system is well-developed and accessible. For example, it takes only 30–45 minutes to reach city centers like Mong Kok, Tsim Sha Tsui, or Central. The neighbourhood also has a wide range of facilities to meet everyone’s needs. The shopping malls here are massive, attracting visitors from other districts every weekend.

Best little known gems?

One hidden gem is Tao Fong Shan, a hill in Sha Tin notable for its unique architecture that blends traditional Chinese styles with Christian elements. Founded in 1930 by Norwegian missionary Karl Ludvig Reichelt, it was created to foster understanding between Christians and Buddhists.

Best places to eat breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner?

For breakfast, I don’t often eat out, but when I do, I enjoy grabbing freshly baked Pineapple buns from a local bakery. For lunch, I recommend Dai Viet Pho Vietnamese Restaurant, which serves authentic and delicious Vietnamese pho at a reasonable price. They offer a student lunch special for 70HKD, which is a great deal. For dinner, Meet Cute Taiwanese Restaurant is my go-to spot. Their Braised beef noodle soup is amazing and always satisfies my craving for Taiwanese cuisine. For dessert, I love Sweetish by Honeymoon Dessert in New Town Plaza. Their Mango Pomelo Sago is incredibly delicious, though the place is often packed.

Best places to drink coffee/find a drink?

Sha Tin doesn’t have many bars or local coffee shops, so I’d say the convenience store downstairs is the best spot to grab a coffee or a drink!

Best other hangouts?

I recommend Sha Tin Park and Sha Tin Town Hall Plaza. These places are quiet on weekdays, making them great spots for exercising or chatting with friends.

What’s true/not true about your neighbourhood?

Some people think Sha Tin is far from the city, but that’s not true. Its transportation is well-developed and well-connected. In fact, the area feels vibrant and lively compared to some older urban parts of Hong Kong.