COMMUNITY

Have Your Say – Cindy Rhee

Author/ Being Neighbourly
8 March 2025

Cindy R B K lives in Sheung Wan, Hong Kong where she came to live some 46 years ago, and, as a dedicated artist, has since found no good reason to move on from. Korean by birth, she has embraced the east meets west combination upon which Hong Kong has long thrived.

How long have you lived where you live?

Over 12 years. The studio where I paint and eat is on Queen’s Road Central in Sheung Wan and my flat, where I sleep, is about a 10-minute steep walk above it.

Can you see yourself anywhere else?

Yes, eventually, but not in the foreseeable future. I will stay here for the time being because it’s such a convenient place and has so many eateries. You can reach anywhere in 20 mins by bus and MTR.

What’s so great about your home/neighbourhood?

Convenience: it is equally close to Kennedy Town and Central. Five buses from Central stop outside my studio and the MTR is nearby. It’s also close to a tram stop. The history is another plus: Possession Street is where the British raised the flag in 1841 and from where Hong Kong spread to its present parts. Nearby Tai Ping Shan Street, was where the Black Death hit in 1890; and my flat, a little up the hill from it, is next to the Museum of Medical Sciences.

Best little known gems?

I love the small alleys which always come as a surprise. When you turn a corner, you might come across small, unusual boutiques, tailors, art galleries, chocolate shops, a myriad of noisy bars. I must say that a little known gem is the welding shop in the antique alley where I get my Antique gramophone and other small things mended.

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

For breakfast and brunch , I love to eat at Ollie’s on Hollywood Road, or Elephant Grounds on Hollywood Road. For dinner, I head to Man Mo dim sum, lower down near Elephant Grounds. They serve delicious and innovative dim sum. The dim sum even comes in French flavours.

Best places to drink coffee/find a drink?

Elephant Grounds on Hollywood Road has not been there for long, but is spacious. It has indoor and outdoor areas, and, at last, is pet-friendly! They also bake delicious breads and serve decent coffee.

Best other hangouts?

There are a few popular bars and parks nearby.

What’s true/not true about your neighbourhood?

As I have said, Sheung Wan is a place with a long history. In fact, it was a place where poor immigrants came to live and work. But things have changed a lot and it is now a thriving area for up-and-coming young professionals.