Have Your Say – Soumaya Kamal

Author/ Being Neighbourly
12 April 2025

Soumaya Kamal is an expat from India who has been in Hong Kong for 10 years. She loves every bit of life in Quarry Bay, which she calls friendly and self-sufficient but often misunderstood.

How long have you lived where you live?

I have lived in Quarry Bay for the last 10 years. We came to Hong Kong in 2015, when my husband’s work brought him here and since then we have been in this area.

Can you see yourself anywhere else?

Honestly, at this point in my life, I can’t picture myself living elsewhere. My hands are quite full, being a stay-at-home mom who loves to explore Hong Kong. The city has so much to offer in terms of nature, parks, beaches, libraries, shopping, etcetera. So, if we have to move elsewhere it is going to be a very emotionally-tough choice.

What’s so great about your home/neighbourhood?

We have loved every bit of Quarry Bay. It’s a bustling neighbourhood which offers easy accessibility to go anywhere, and I can reach the mtr, bus, tram in 5-7 minutes. We are very lucky that we found an apartment which offers a beautiful view of the harbour and Hong Kong skyline. Quarry Bay is the perfect mix of modern-commercial meets friendly-residential, and that’s why we love being here.

Best little known gems?

I love home décor and there is a thrift/Salvation Army store right below my apartment, which is a treasure trove of interesting finds. Anyone with an eye for detail will not go empty-handed from this shop! Another one would be the Thai shop in Tai Ping market which offers freshly-made vegetable rolls.

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

Our pick for breakfast would Lovain, which is just opposite my building. The sourdough with avocado and their carrot cake are amazing. For lunch, I would suggest Tulsi Indian restaurant or Buff, which is a newly-opened cute café and there are many small local places which have yummy vegetarian options too. For a nice outdoor dinner, Enoteca and Sage & Salt in Taikoo Place are great.

Best places to drink coffee/find a drink?

Head to The Double inside Taikoo Place for a nice cup of coffee. Rosie on Hoi Tai Street has a very calm ambience for some great coffee and bites. Mr & Mrs Fox and Alonzo are others, which work for that perfect sip.

Best other hangouts?

Other hangouts and not-to-miss spots would be Quarry-side, which is just behind the Quarry Bay Park, and is a very calm open space for a lunch-break stroll, pet walk or just for some sky-gazing amid lush greenery. The Quarry Bay promenade is very popular for its endless harbour and bay views and a great family spot too. For the hiking enthusiasts, the Mount Parker Hiking Trail starts right here in Quarry Bay and is the starting point for many hiking trails.

What’s true/not true about your neighbourhood?

When we say “Quarry Bay”, most people ask. “Isn’t it just a crowded part of Hong Kong with tall office buildings?” Well, come to Quarry Bay and I can show you what a friendly and self-sufficient neighbourhood it is!