Seeking treasure in the ethnic minorities market, from food to clothing

Jordan's Hidden Market: Choose from Nepalese Attire

The first one is the Bowring Commercial Centre(寶靈商場) located near the C2 Exit of Jordon MTR station, where Nepalese residents have set up shops. Jordan and Yau Ma Tei areas are home to many Nepalese residents. With a keen eye, one can easily spot several Nepalese restaurants along the side streets.

In the early 19th century, during British India rule in Nepal, Nepalese soldiers were recruited and stationed in Hong Kong due to their bravery. After 1997, many Nepalese who had settled in Hong Kong chose to stay permanently.

Upon entering the Bowring Commercial Centre and go upstairs, visitors will come across several clothing stores operated by Nepalese. The storefronts are adorned with traditional Nepalese attire, often vibrant in colour and intricately embroidered with ethnic patterns. These garments, paired with flowing skirts, exude an exotic charm. Whether one seeks standout attire for special occasions or wishes to experiment with new styles, this is the place to explore. The clothing sold here by Nepalese exudes a more authentic ethnic vibe compared to some replicas found in online stores.

If purchasing an entire outfit seems excessive or concerns with the frequency of wear, why not consider buying Nepalese earrings, jewellery, or rings? Unlike conventional fashion accessories, Nepalese ornaments can add a touch of novelty and brilliance to the wearer's ensemble when paired with simple attire. When friends inquire about the origins of these accessories, proudly mention that they were acquired from a Nepalese store in Hong Kong, showcasing your unique taste.

Aside from Nepalese clothing stores, visitors can also explore another attraction—an iconic shoe store named "Sindart" that has been in operation for half a century, specializing in embroidered shoes. Originally located in a stair shop on Nathan Road, Sindart is now managed by the third generation, continuing the legacy of handcrafted embroidered shoes, with a focus on locally made products. This renowned establishment has garnered media attention both locally and internationally. For those seeking alternative attire options, this is a place to find inspiration.

After strolling around Jordan, take the MTR to Central. Once you exit from Exit B of the MTR station, you can reach the World-wide House. The World-wide House is a Grade A office building in Central, with the bottom three floors housing a retail mall. The mall's target customers are the Filipino community. Apart from currency exchange, the mall sells Filipino clothing, food items, daily necessities, and more.

Bowring Commercial Centre (寶靈商場)

Address: 16-20 Bowring Street

Transport: MTR Jordan Station Exit C2

https://www.mtr.com.hk/ch/customer/services/system_map.html

Central World-wide House (環球大廈) selling Filipino Food

Many of the Filipino clothing stores here operate in a warehouse style, with clothes stacked on shelves for customers to freely choose and buy. The prices are very reasonable, with colorful pants or skirts available for around $25.

There are also many Filipino grocery stores in the mall, mainly selling daily necessities and snacks from the Philippines, easing the homesickness of local Filipino domestic helpers. If you want to try their local products, you can explore the grocery stores and discover some hidden gems!

In recent years, "Two Dish Rice (兩餸飯)" has become popular in Hong Kong, where a plate of rice comes with two side dishes, serving as an affordable main meal. Surprisingly, the World-wide House also offers a Filipino version of "Two Dish Rice," where you can choose two side dishes with rice for about $50. The dishes are not Chinese; they are likely Filipino. If you're interested in trying local home-cooked dishes without flying to the Philippines, you can taste them here!

If you've been to Central on a Sunday, you'll know that the place is packed with Filipino domestic helpers enjoying their day off. If you want to experience the Filipino atmosphere, you can visit the World-wide House on Sunday. You might find yourself in the minority among the Filipino crowd, feeling like you've stepped into a Manila market within minutes without needing a plane ticket. For those who have a fear of crowds, it might be better to visit World-wide House on weekdays when it's more leisurely and you can take your time to appreciate the details.

Perhaps many people are afraid of communicating in exotic shops, but most Nepalese and Filipino people are friendly, and the ethnic minority in Hong Kong are fluent in English and rarely mock others' English proficiency. If you're willing to take a step forward and try to communicate with them, you might discover a new world and even practice your English!

World-wide House

Address: 19 Des Voeux Road,Central

Transport: MTR Station Exit A or B