Header image courtesy of Khyber Pass Mess Club (Facebook)
A mysterious maze-like melting pot, Tsim Sha Tsui landmark Chungking Mansions has always simultaneously fascinated and frightened the Hong Kong public. The 17-storey building first opened in 1961 as a high-end, mixed-use development with both residential and commercial units. But after decades of poor management, the building morphed into a bustling mishmash of shops, currency exchanges, guesthouses, and restaurants, and serves as an unofficial hub for Indians, Africans, and other ethnic minorities to stay or do business at.
The diverse mix of backpackers, traders, and refugees from all over resulted in Chungking’s unique food ecosystem, an array of inexpensive, homely restaurants in stark contrast to the upscale eateries in the luxury malls surrounding the building. Still, because these restaurants thrive on word-of-mouth and regulars, you won’t find much info on them online; here are some recommendations to get you started on the hidden bargains of Chungking Mansions.