Street Talk:
AN INSIDER’S GUIDE TO LIFE IN THEIR ’HOOD
What it’s like living in Tai Hang
The Specifies
Where do you live?
Wang Fung Terrace off Tai Hang Road.
How long have you lived here?
Three years.
Why here?
I was very unfamiliar with this neighbourhood when I initially was looking for apartments – I almost turned back when I drove up the hill during the first visit!! I looked into it as I needed to be close to my son’s school on Wong Nai Chung Gap Road. Tahir is able to get on a public bus to school, the tennis court and Central within 10 minutes. I couldn’t have asked for more!
Describe your Tai Hang lifestyle?
I live around a lot of green trees and birds in a walk-up with high ceilings. The street has a very neighbourhood feel with no shops or stores. I love driving home to this low-rise, as it really feels like I’m in a zen space, away from the hustle and bustle of the big city and skyscrapers. I’ve never been a fan of living in large apartment buildings, despite being a city person. We also have a large rooftop that has been so well frequented during COVID! My neighbours and I use it for workouts, doing steps, getting on calls and dining!
The Scene When you walk out of your place, the first thing you see is…
Gorgeous blooms of bougainvillea vines and lots of lush trees, plants and flowers. There is also a nice reading bench and table for the crisp autumn and winter mornings where I sometimes sit to read while sipping a coffee.
What’s your closest store?
While there are no stores in my neighbourhood, we have a lovely, wellequipped Market Place a 10-minute walk away, and IFC is just a seven-minute drive so it’s very convenient – it’s my goto as the parking is always so easy.
How are the neighbours?
My neighbours are so communal and lovely – very “suburban”! We greet each other daily and reach out to each other when in need of a missing ingredient or for an errand. I’ve lived in many large apartment complexes where I never knew my neighbours, so I absolutely love this!
What’s the unofficial uniform of your street?
Athleisure seems to be the trend!
A mandatory stop for guests is:
The nearby heritage-listed Haw Par Mansion. It was built by Aw Boon Haw, who was known as “The King of Tiger Balm”, and passed to the government in 2001; it’s being revitalised as Haw Par Music, a music and social initiative.
The Superlatives
Date night – what and where?
My most favourite date night in the past six months has been a picnic spread with cheese, sashimi, champagne and chocolates at the park by the Police Museum – a very unknown sunset spot! Alternatively, I’m a huge fan of sashimi, being from Japan, and the omakase at Sushi Sase and Ronin are my favourites! Another great venue is DiVino for oysters and a glass of champagne, and just to enjoy the atmosphere.
Best thing for kids in your area?
As it’s a very safe street, every afternoon all the children ride bikes, skateboards and scooters. They’ve also set up an area to play cricket.
You’d swap houses in a second with…
I would love to move either to Cascais in Portugal or Santa Monica on the West Coast of America!
Favourite places in your area?
I’m a huge fan of my Black’s Link hike. I go there three times a week, either solo or with friends. I like the offshoot of the main trail as it’s not too crowded; I can do it in an hour, and it’s very pretty and allows me to be in nature.
Guiltiest pleasure in your area?
A beautiful bottle of Barolo and the Keto Fudge/Chilli Chocolate at The Bark and The Bite; and the Spicy Keto Pecans from Divine Indulgence by Monica on my girlfriend’s patio.
What would you never change about your area?
I would love for the concrete road to be smoother to make for a better drive up the hill!
Best thing about living in your area?
I really enjoy the convenience of this area. The Southside and The Pulse are a 10-minute drive away. Central is also just 10 minutes. And, as I love being outdoors and hiking, I’m able to get to Parkview, Violet Hill and Black’s Link within five minutes and hit the hills three to four times a week.