COMMUNITY

Have Your Say – Nidhi Popat

Author/ Being Neighbourly
22 August 2024

Indian in her 30s, Nidhi Popat is a recently returned expat to Hong Kong. She lived here for six years during her first stint, and left in 2019. She and her husband and daughter moved back in mid 2023 and love it. They previously lived in Kennedy Town, but now live on Robinson Road. She’s a member of the Buy Nothing, MLW group.

How long have you lived in Mid-levels West?

We moved back in mid of 2023 and love it. I lived in Kennedy Town before (and still miss it for its buzzing vibe, awesome restaurants and the play area for kids at waterfront). We are now on Robinson Road.

Can you see yourself living anywhere else? Please explain.

I’ve enjoyed my time living in different countries in Asia. I am a person open to exploring different countries/cultures and would love to move to Canada eventually to be close to family members who live there.

In Hong Kong, I would have loved to reside in Kennedy Town but we chose to be closer to school and work. My priority was to have a playground in the condo which my kid could go after school to interact with as many kids as possible and have a decent living space. Although it’s not in Kennedy Town, my current condo met all my requirements and hence we chose to live here, on Robinson Road!

What’s so great about your home/neighbourhood?

I love that we are so close to an array of restaurants and bars and that people are so friendly and even though I moved only six months ago I’ve made so many friends! Being Neighbourly has opened up an avenue for building new connections too! And how can I not mention the escalators? I am not sure if any other place has an escalator to go uphill —isn’t it marvellous?

Best little known gems?

There are a few shops I like on Hollywood Road. I love the candy store opposite Bookazine (Mr. Simms). Pottinger Street can offer amazing in-season finds. Prince Edward market is great for super cheap stuff, fresh herbs from Central Market.

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

Sadly, many good restaurants have closed down… Of the ones that remain, the best places depend on what I am looking for. A few of my favourites are: Nachos at Tequila on Davis, Kennedy Town. For Indian, the weekend brunch at Bombay Dreams! For Sichuan food, I like Dab Pa at Elements and House of Qi. I love, love, love their fish in chilli oil, but be warned — it’s spicy. Oolaa is great for western food. We love their kids menu and portions are generous. At Cafe Causette, the cod is a must-try!

Best places to drink coffee/find a drink?

I love having my coffee peacefully and hence it’s at home. I have a cozy coffee corner where I relax, unwind and recharge as I enjoy my cup of coffee and watch the world go by on the street below. For drinks I love to go on Wellington or Staunton streets.

Best other hangouts?

Kowloon Park is an amazing spot for picnics. I love the waterfront at Tsim Sha Tsui too. And my most favourite of all remains the waterfront at Kennedy Town, which brings back all the happy memories of the time we spent there.

What’s true/not true about your neighbourhood?

The friendly vibe and bigger homes are true. However, it’s not just the preferred place of expats, but locals too.

I am from Mumbai and it’s a fast-paced city similar to Hong Kong and hence, I easily settled in when I arrived. I love how we are in the midst of a pool of multi-cultural talent from around the globe. While the idea of uprooting yourself from your comfort zone seems daunting, it definitely shapes up one’s personality.

For me, I am more adaptable and much more confident. I believe I can face any given challenge after my expat life experiences. However, the most difficult part for me is staying away from loved ones and not being there for them.