Have Your Say – Amanda C

Author/ Jada Seaton
14 June 2025

Amanda C. is a singer-songwriter and poet based in Hong Kong’s Tseung Kwan O neighbourhood in Sai Kung district. When she’s not writing lyrics in the early hours of the morning or going on walks in nature, she can be found performing her original songs for audiences across the city.

How long have you lived where you live?

I’ve lived in Tseung Kwan O for the past year and a half.

Can you see yourself anywhere else?

Well, I’ve lived in Hong Kong for the past 11 years and India for most of my life before university.

What’s so great about your home/neighbourhood?

Tseung Kwan O is a beautiful residential area with a lovely waterfront park. There are lots of cute dogs and kids around. There is a cross-bay bridge at the waterfront park where I love walking; it lights up in soft pinks and purples in the evening! I also love seeing the velodrome at Hong Kong Velodrome Park up close and imagining the cyclists racing through.

It’s convenient for me since it’s close to the MTR, and there’s buses that get to where I live. There’s also the Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI) which is a design school with fashionable students and an impressive building structure.

Best little known gems?

There’s India Mart for food/supplies in Papillons Square; I love to go there for kaju katli, a cold cashew Indian dessert with edible silver foil. There is also a big arcade called Jumpin’ Gym U.S.A on the lower ground floor of Papillons Square for little kids. I also love Choi Ming Market near the public library and the Tiu Keng Leng Sports Centre where you can find little side restaurants, vegetables, fruit, flowers, meats and a mochi vendor.

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

There’s a local Hong Kong-style cafe 王牌冰廳 (將軍澳) that does a mean char siu (BBQ pork), though I don’t think it has an English name. I would recommend Beans Bakery too, as they have great Western food options like spaghetti and burgers.

Best places to drink coffee/find a drink?

Urban Coffee Roaster by the waterfront park is a delightful spot for a coffee. For alcoholic drinks there are some spots near the waterfront you can explore. Maison Beirut is a Lebanese restaurant, but you can also get drinks there right by the waterfront.

Best other hangouts?

There’s an ice skating rink in Lohas Park…

What’s true/not true about your neighbourhood?

Tseung Kwan O feels too “far” for some people. Perhaps I’m biased, but it doesn’t feel too far to me anymore.

I think it’s true that Tseung Kwan O has become more and more populated with people and buildings and things to do and see. It has a good balance of nature and restaurants/cafés.

About the Author

Jada Seaton

Jada Seaton is a writer of fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction from Chicago. They hold a BA in English and Creative Writing from Seattle University and live in Hong Kong with their partner.