Have Your Say – Esther Cheng

Author/ Being Neighbourly
8 November 2025

Esther Cheng is a 22-year-old graduate of the University of Hong Kong. She recently earned her undergraduate degree and is now preparing to pursue a postgraduate program. She lives in Po Lam in Tseung Kwan O, New Territories.

How long have you lived where you live?

I have lived in Po Lam for 22 years, ever since I was born.

Can you see yourself anywhere else?

I can imagine myself living in places nearby, for example, Tseung Kwan O, because the housing, shopping mall and urban planning are similar. Although a lot of people have emigrated, I have no plans to, at present.

What’s so great about your home/neighbourhood?

I live in private housing, and think it offers a better environment. It is not only about the scenery, but also the polite and educated neighbours. I appreciate our property management for the work that they do.

Best little known gems?

There is 小夏威夷徑 (Little Hawaii Hiking Trail and waterfall), which is famous for hiking. It is a short trail connecting Tseung Kwan O Village and Tseng Lan Shue, with few slopes. It is well-maintained, and is suitable for beginners. Sometimes I find Po Lam is a little bit boring place because we seem only to have a big shopping mall, but, 小夏威夷徑 also counts!

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

I often skip breakfast, but if you’re asking about brunch, I always go to Lok Yuen Fishball Noodles (樂園魚蛋粉) close to my home. As I have lived in Po Lam for 22 years and feel a bit bored with the food choices, I often go to nearby places like Hang Hau for lunch. There is a shopping mall called East Point City near Hang Hau Station that provides numerous dietary opinions, so I like to visit it!

Hang Hau has one ramen shop which my family and I like quite a lot. But there are no good ramen shops in Po Lam. For dinner, I either eat at home or go out but I seldom dine out in Po Lam itself.

Best places to drink coffee/find a drink?

In Po Lam, there are two coffee shops, Starbucks and Luckins. However, I like drinking fruit tea, so, usually go to TenRen’s Tea.

Best other hangouts?

There is a park called Po Hong Park near my home, about 10-minutes away. I often go there to relax.

What’s true/not true about your neighbourhood?

As Po Lam is quite far away, people sometimes claim that it’s not a good place to live. But I think our shopping mall satisfies most of our needs, and a lot of neighbours bring their dogs to the mall as well! My parents and I are happy to live here.