I was first attracted to Tai O, Lantau by a tourism poster with a photo of the Salted Egg Yolks and the famous local cake (茶果). I was mesmerized by it and was determined to visit Tai O on my next trip to Hong Kong.
Tai O is famous for its
… stilt houses
… dried seafood
… and fresh seafood
… local snack (茶果) and Glutinous Rice Ball 糯米糍
… shrimp paste, locally made
… gorgeous sunset
Along the Way, we saw
… local leisurely enjoying fishing
… drying fishes by the local
… scenic sights
… Local making snacks
… cats
… dogs
… Nice Painting
Along the way, some food we enjoyed.
… Glutinous Rice Ball 糯米糍, Peanut and Red Bean Paste filling from 茶果財. Very Yummy! Mom loves the peanut while I enjoyed the Red Bean Paste
… Tai O Donut 沙翁
… Freshly Grilled Seafood
… Egg Waffle (Egglets) turns out to be the BEST!
There are many more interesting sights and food at Tai O, so what else?
Attractions
Sun Ki Bridge 新基大侨
This bridge was financed by the local citizen and built in 1979, completed within a month. Before the bridge was built, the citizens uses punt to cross the river.
Rope-drawn Ferry Bridge
With this rope-drawn Ferry Bridge, it brings convenience to residents crossing to either side of the river.
Old Man Rock
The rock is located at Tseng Kwan Shek, resembles a little like a General taking rest is a local landmark.
Former Tai O Police Station
The now Tai O Heritage Hotel, on a hill, next to the lookout point was the Former Tai O Police Station. The purpose of the police station was to combat piracy and smuggling with patrolling around the prevalent water.
Hung Shing Temple 洪聖古廟
Along Shek Tsai Po Street is the Hung Shing Temple also known as Tai Wong Temples dedicated to Hung Shing
Shaolin Wushu Culture Centre
Shek Tsai Po, Lantau, Hong Kong
大嶼山大澳石仔埗街
Tel: +852 2985 8898
On the right of Hung Shing Temple rest the Shaolin Wushu Culture Centre. It is a non-profit organisation created to raise awareness of
Fu Shan Viewing Point
The path on Shaolin Wushu Culture Centre leads to Fu Shan Viewing Point for Chinese White Dolphins spotting.
Kwan Tai Temple 武帝古廟
Along Kat Hing Back Street lies 3 temples. One of which is Kwan Tai Temple. Probably one of the oldest temple in Tai O, built during the Ming Dynasty, the temple dedicated to the God of War.
Tin Hau Temple 天后古廟
Right beside Kwan Tai Temple is the Tin Hau Temple which is also built during the Ming Dynasty, honouring another god.
Yeung Hau Temple 澳楊侯古廟
This is the third temple along Kat Hing Back Street. Built during Qing dynasty, this is the largest temple in Tai O, honouring the Song Dynasty loyal court official.
Lung Ngam Temple 龍巖寺
Buddhist faithful can pray to Buddha and Chu deity in this temple.
Stone Obelisk
This stone existed in 1902 to indicate the territory of Mainland China and Hong Kong.
Tai O Lookout Point
On a clear sunny day, it would have been scenic at the Tai O Lookout Point. A good spot for residents to do fishing.
Shopping
OH GOODS 好物雜貨舖
66 Wing On Street
大澳永安街66號
FB: https://www.facebook.com/OHGOODS.store?fref=ts
Spotted a modern looking shop that sells accessories.
Street Food
Fattyz Grill 肥妹燒烤小食
G/F 21 Tai O Market Street
大澳街市街21號地下
Tel: +852 2985 7233
Since it is a fishing village, there bound to be fresh seafood. Fat Sister is serving them mainly grilled. Fresh and succulent seafood fare. A side note, I saw a note by Gordon Ramsay said “Bloody delicious!”
Husband 蝦豬餅
G/F, 41 Kat Hing Street
大澳吉慶街41號
Opening Hours: Daily 1300 to 1900
Husband offers rolls with the Shrimp paste as the highlight. If you are wondering the taste of Tai O famous Shrimp paste, try out the rolls at Husband.
Uncle Tai O Charcoal Pancake 大澳炭燒雞蛋仔叔叔
G/F, 59 Kat Hing Street
大澳吉慶街59號地下
Opening Hours: Daily 1400 to sold out
The Egglets are made from using Charcoal fire instead of gas. The result was a nice golden brown crispy waffle with soft fluffy inner that does not has any wet batter but only moist texture.
Tai O Bakery 大澳餅店
G/F 66 Kat Hing Street
大澳吉慶街66號地下
Tel: +852 2985 8621
Opening Hours: Daily 0600 to 2000
The bakery is one of the very popular shop with queue. Their signature item is the Tai O Donut 沙翁. Like the typical donut, it is coated with sugar. Instead of a bread-like texture, it is similar to the Puff pastry. Other items include egg tarts, but most will go only for the Donut.
Tai O Snack 大澳小食
70 Kat Hing Street
大澳吉慶街70號
Some call it the Chinese Pizza but I prefer to call it the Chinese Wraps. In it are various fillings, with meat, eggs, vegetable and so on. The best on their menu is 香妃卷.
Solo 蘇廬
G/F, 86 Kat Hing St
大澳吉慶街86號地下
Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday 1100 to 1800; Closed on Sun
After strolling, it is also time to have a cup of coffee. Solo is a good option. It is a cafe that serves the espresso based coffee and some brewed coffee too. The best part is, the seats are by the water. Sip your cuppa while enjoying the Tai O scenery.
美珍中西餅食
51 Wing On St
大澳永安街51號
Should you crave for Western cakes and pastries, fret not. Though it may be only offering the simple fare, but it will satisfy your crave.
車站豆腐花
51 Wing On St
大澳永安街51號
Tel: +852 2985 5318
Opening Hours: Daily 1200 to 1800
You will find many shop selling the Beancurd dessert. This is one of the many and supposing the best.
蘭姐砵仔糕
G/F,12A Shek Tsai Po St
大澳石仔埗街A段12號地下
The best Put Zhai Gou in Tai O. Put Zhai Gou is a sweet Chinese Cake with red bean or plain. If you have no idea what Put Zhai Gou is, you can refer to my other post, click here.
茶果財
G/F, 106 Shek Tsai Po St
大澳石仔埗街106號地下
Tel: +852 2985 8740
Opening Hours: Daily 0800 till sold out
This unassuming stall along Shek Tsai Po St sells the best local snack. They offer only 2 snacks; the 茶果 (a Chinese cake) with sweet
or savoury fillings and
糯米糍 (Glutinious Rice Ball)with peanut or red bean paste filling.
Map of Tai O, Lantau
Here is a map of Tai O.
Tai O, Lantau – Some Useful Information
How to get there?
- Take MTR to Tung Chung and get on Lantao Bus 11
This is the shortest route to get to Tai O when you are at the Mainland -
Take Ferry to Mui Wo from Central Ferry Pier 6 and get on Lantao Bus 1
A good option for those on Hong Kong Island or planning to visit Mui Wo -
Take MTR to Tung Chung, ride the Ngong Ping Cable Car to Ngong Ping Village and get on Lantao Bus 21
When on the way from Ngong Ping Village
When to go?
Best time to visit is in the afternoon to catch the Sunset, especially during Summer period, July – August.
Link to check out before you go:
Tai O Fishing Village Blog Post
Central Pier 6 To Mui Wo Schedule and Fare
Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car Ticket Information