Have Your Say – Eric Fan

Author/ Being Neighbourly
7 June 2025

Though born in Guangzhou, Eric Fan has spent most of their life in the U.S. However, after moving to Hong Kong in the later half of 2024, they now call Tai Po home. From befriending local shop cats to patronizing local eateries, the twenty-something has no shortage of fond memories to share about their chosen neighbourhood.

How long have you lived where you live?

I’ve lived in Tai Po for almost 9 months now.

Can you see yourself anywhere else?

Yes, I can see myself living in many other Hong Kong neighbourhoods, especially on Hong Kong Island. I’m really drawn to Central and Kennedy Town.

What’s so great about your home/neighbourhood?

Tai Po is affordable and it has a small town vibe. It’s not a small town, though, and that’s what I like about it. Near where I live, there’s a bustling area called Tai Ming Lane Square with a little park at its centre. It has a good variety of stores and restaurants—pretty much everything you’ll ever need. I walk past it every day thanks to my daily commute, and despite how crowded it can get, I always enjoy this stretch of the journey. If I’m lucky, I even get to pet some of the store cats that wander outside.

Best little known gems?

Tucked away in an unassuming alley is my favourite Japanese noodle shop, Wo Ramen (和拉麵). It has a traditional Japanese exterior, with menus and posters plastered all over the wooden-framed door. Not only is the ramen delicious but the shop also has an adorable furry resident. Every time I eat their ramen, I make sure to pet Potato (薯仔), the chubby British shorthair that sleeps on top of the booths.

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

Every morning, I grab a tasty pastry from Akita Cake Shop. My go-to is typically a cheese breadstick or a pineapple bun. The staff is very friendly and they often make suggestions for the freshest batch of bread.

For brunch, I would suggest Old Fung Tea House. It has a vintage interior that transports you back in time. The food there is also super authentic, but the line can get quite long.

I’d recommend Man Wah Fish Ball Noodles for lunch, as the food is reasonably-priced and quite decent. My favourite item is the lamb stew with bean curd sheet, but sadly it’s only available in winter.

For a nice dinner spot, I would recommend Yu To Tei Japanese Restaurant. The prices are on the higher end, but the food is definitely worth the money. I absolutely adore their salmon and scallops in sushi rice, while my partner enjoys the Japanese pork cutlet.

Best places to drink coffee/find a drink?

I’ve been cutting back on coffee lately, but for people who enjoy traditional Chinese desserts, Hung Kee (洪記) is my go-to for a bowl of mango pomelo sago. Every evening, the place is swarmed with patrons looking for a quick bite. Its fruity desserts and savoury dumplings are made-to-order with the freshest ingredients. It’s a staple in the community.

Best other hangouts?

My partner and I enjoy hanging out at Tai Po Arts Centre and the surrounding area. Inside the arts centre, there are numerous shops and studios as well as our favourite Tai Po bookstore The Book Cure (解憂舊書店). Its charming interior coupled with the smell of used books makes it our go-to place to spend an afternoon.

What’s true/not true about your neighbourhood?

Just because Tai Po is in the New Territories doesn’t mean it’s inconvenient. Two MTR stations run through Tai Po on the East Rail Line. The 72X and 271 buses bring you straight to Mong Kok, and the 307 bus goes all the way to Hong Kong Island. Most places I like to go to are within one hour of travel.