COMMUNITY

Have Your Say – Joti Rai

Author/ Being Neighbourly
22 March 2025

Joti Rai is a native of Nepal who has great things to say about Wan Chai, an area where she and her birth family have lived for much of her life, and returned to following a hiatus. Although the English teacher can see herself trying life elsewhere, her heart belongs to Hong Kong with its great variety of foods!

How long have you lived where you live?

Wan Chai was the first place my family called home in Hong Kong, and we lived there for several wonderful years. Although we moved to other areas for a while, it never felt quite the same. Eventually, we returned to Wan Chai, and it has been our home ever since. Altogether, it’s been a decade now, a time filled with memories and a deep connection to this neighborhood we cherish.

Can you see yourself anywhere else?

Yes, I can: my home country, Nepal, and there are even places in Europe I’d love to explore. I’m passionate about immersing myself in different cultures, getting to know people, and learning from their diverse backgrounds and experiences. All that said, I can only see myself staying away for a year or two, as I know I’d want to return to Hong Kong. The routines I’ve built, the sense of familiarity, the close friendships, and the distinctive allure of this city are not easy to leave behind.

What’s so great about your home/neighbourhood?

I may be biased, but Wan Chai is truly a treasure! Its lively mix of historic charm and modern vibrancy is hard to beat. It offers something for everyone, from bustling street markets and iconic landmarks like the Blue House to a variety of dining options and nightlife. It is also very convenient, with the MTR, minibuses, buses, trams and ferries just minutes away, making it easy to get around Hong Kong.

Best little known gems?

Take a stroll through Wan Chai’s alleyways, and you’ll uncover surprises like vibrant graffiti art and intriguing shops just waiting to be explored.

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

For breakfast: Any local bakery, where there’s a variety of savoury and sweet options to satisfy morning cravings.

For brunch: On my way to Morrison Hill Swimming Pool, I always pass by 腸粉皇 (translated as “Rice Noodle Roll”), located near Lucky Centre. It’s a fantastic spot for classic local snacks like rice noodle rolls with siu mai or fish balls. The portion sizes are generous, so it’s super filling. As a non-vegetarian, I, nevertheless, recommend checking out OVO Cafe, a vegetarian restaurant that serves creative and delicious dishes.

For lunch: A couple of my go-to options are JoJo Indian Cuisine, which offers a reasonably-priced lunch buffet on weekdays from 12 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., and Rose Kitchen, where the roast chicken is an absolute must-try.

For dinner: I’m a big fan of hotpot, and nothing beats a comforting session at Lau Haa Hot Pot Restaurant. The flavours and warmth make it the perfect way to end the day.

Best places to drink coffee/find a drink?

Alley Coffee is the go-to spot for a perfect latte, while CoCo is a personal favourite for milk tea.

Best other hangouts?

The first thing that comes to mind is Wan Chai Green Trail, which is a fantastic “hiking” spot to reconnect with nature and enjoy some greenery away from the urban buzz.

What’s true/not true about your neighbourhood?

While Wan Chai is sometimes referred to as a red-light district, this aspect is, in fact, limited to a small part of the area. There’s so much more to this vibrant neighbourhood than that.