Have Your Say – Elle Kwan

Author/ Being Neighbourly
25 January 2025

Elle Kwan is a long-time Tseung Kwan O resident who had a two-year hiatus from TKO, but ended up returning. She enjoys family life with her husband, kids and dogs in her neighbourhood, with the bike paths, waterfront, and the city at a stone’s throw.

How long have you lived where you live?

I’ve lived here with my family around Tseung Kwan O for almost 18 years! I chose it initially because I saw the station on the MTR map and thought it was fate because it too had “Kwan” in its name. Back then, it was a handful of towers and a small mall, now it’s grown and changed beyond recognition.

Can you see yourself anywhere else?

We did decamp to the island for about two years, a long time ago, but moved back. We’ve always had dogs and this is such pet-friendly area – my Chihuahua may have more friends than me! It’s been a really great neighbourhood for raising our two kids too. Mine, and many of our neighbours kids have grown up here.

What’s so great about your home/neighbourhood?

We have great bike paths and a lovely waterfront area with cafes and restaurants. We’re linked with the MTR, so the city never feels far, while Sai Kung is just 20 minutes and Clearwater Bay is even closer. We get to taste both sides of Hong Kong: city and seaside life!

Best little known gems?

Up from Tseung Kwan O town centre near Lohas Park, there’s a small, pretty waterfall and a mountain path to access High Junk Peak. Stairs up are steep and many, but worth it for some beautiful views.

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

My kids like the buns from the small local bakery on the waterfront – and love to pick them up for breakfast. For Brunch, we head to Espresso Alchemy, a cute cafe in the Popcorn Mall that does good coffee, western brunch with great portions and homemade cake. Staff are always super friendly too. Another fave is the lunch deal at Senju Sushi, also at Popcorn Mall. It serves homestyle Japanese – skewers, rice bowls, curry rice and sushi made in front of you. Service is professional and friendly here too. Dinner at La Boheme is surefire, and a nice place to bring out of towners. The pizza and pasta here are tasty and reliable, and the sunset views are gorgeous on a sunny day – and even better with a gin and tonic.

Best places to drink coffee/find a drink?

Urban Coffee Roaster on the waterfront has cool Japanese hipster vibes. Matcha and coffee both get a thumbs up. TKO has its own Oolaa, so that’s the place for a drink.

Best other hangouts?

You can rent bikes at shops along the bike paths – the tandems are a pretty unique adventure!

What’s true/not true about your neighbourhood?

It doesn’t smell! Tseung Kwan O was built on landfill and got a reputation for being stinky! I remember a strange smell once or twice in the early days, but nothing yucky for years. In fact, the mountains and sea keep things fresh and breezy.