Speaking of Aberdeen (also called "Hong Kong-zai"), many people's first impression might be the famous Jumbo Floating Restaurant in the typhoon shelter, or taking a ferry from there to Lamma Island or Cheung Chau. However, in Aberdeen's old town center—namely Aberdeen Main Road and the back alleys of the nearby old shopping malls—lies a hotpot haven that can't be compared to chain restaurants outside. If you ask local old-timers: "Any good small hotpot recommendations in Aberdeen?" They won't take you to those new-style hotpot restaurants decorated like clubs; instead, they'll take you to dai pai dong (street food stalls) or small shops on upper floors of old shopping malls—these are the real "Aberdeen flavor."
Aberdeen's hotpot culture is completely at the opposite extreme from the high-end hotpot in Central and Causeway Bay. Hotpot in Central has become increasingly premium in recent years, with per-person spending reaching two to three hundred Hong Kong dollars, everyone talking about "boutique soup bases" and "wagyu presentation"; but in Aberdeen, it's still driven by human touch and value for money. Dai pai dong still uses that open kitchen design—when you sit down, you can see the boss and staff cutting beef and marinating meat slices. The soup base is simmered from morning using old fire pot, with no artificial colors added, and no suspicious MSG. Everything is clearly priced, and after your meal when you "do the math," you'll know if it was a good deal. This dining style truly reflects the grassroots food culture that is becoming increasingly rare in Hong Kong's urban development.
Key Highlights: Why Eat Hotpot in Aberdeen?
The first thing is the human touch. Most small hotpot shops in Aberdeen are family businesses, passed down through two or three generations—the proprietress will chat with you, recommend which meat pairs best with which soup base, or the staff sister will ask you "Whose birthday is it tonight? I'll gift you a plate of beef balls!" This kind of service would definitely cost extra at chain stores, but at small hotpot shops in Aberdeen's old district, it becomes "standard practice." They won't, like chain stores, impose time limits—sit longer and chat at your leisure, and the staff won't rush you.
The second is the price. Per-person spending at Aberdeen hotpot shops ranges from HK$70 to HK$120 for the cheaper options, while HK$130 to HK$180 is considered "upscale." Compared to hotpot shops in tourist areas outside, this price might be only half or even one-third of what you'd pay elsewhere, but the quality is no less impressive. For meat, most offer local chilled beef, and sometimes there's fresh beef ordered in advance from nearby meat shops—no need to accept pre-packaged, pre-arranged layouts like at chain stores.
The third is the atmosphere. Many large hotpot shops in Aberdeen are converted from old shopping arcade premises in public housing estates, without fancy decorations. Some have retained the 1980s-90s "ice room" feel—old-style booth seating, vintage posters on the walls, and some even play 80s-90s Cantonese songs. When you sit down, you'll have the illusion that "time has stopped in the old days"—and this is what it means to truly "taste" Hong Kong's local dining heritage.
The fourth is freedom of choice. Many upscale hotpot shops outside impose many rules and requirements; but many small hotpot shops in Aberdeen let you pick from the refrigerator yourself—how much meat, how much vegetables, mix your own sauce, and you're welcome to bring your friends' special recipes. This freedom is what it means to "have your hotpot your way."
The last is the unique location. If you frequently visit Aberdeen, you'd typically go to the wet market or street market to buy seafood, then walk to a nearby hotpot shop—this "buy seafood then cook immediately" one-stop experience is really hard to find anywhere else except Aberdeen. Just imagine: you walk to the market, buy a pound of live prawns, then walk to the neighboring hotpot shop and ask the boss to blanch them for you—this feeling is completely worlds apart from simply "sitting down and ordering food" at other shops.
Recommended Spots: Which Small Shops Are Worth Trying?
Ming Kee Chicken Pot Hotpot (明記雞煲火鍋): This shop is on the second floor of an old Aberdeen shopping mall and has been passed down through three generations. Its biggest specialty is the boss's own marinated chicken pieces and intestine slices—the marinade recipe has been passed down for over thirty years, with a slightly sweet and slightly salty taste that's quite unique. The signature chicken pot soup base is stewed for over six hours using a large amount of old hen and Chinese herbs—it has a medicinal feel when you drink it, but isn't bitter. In terms of price, HK$100 to HK$130 per person is enough to leave you stuffed. The staff sister will ask what you want to eat, then recommend just the right portions, without ordering too much—this is the "heart" of neighborhood business. Address: 2/F, Aberdeen Commercial Centre, 198 Aberdeen Main Road.
Tong Kee Teochew Hotpot (東記潮汕火鍋): This shop's selling point is its hand-beaten beef balls and Teochew-style ingredients—its beef balls are hand-beaten by the master for over two hours daily, and when you bite into them, you can feel the springy "pop pop" sensation inside—this texture is in a completely different league from machine-made meatballs at chain stores. The soup base offers two options: authentic Teochew clear soup or pickled cabbage, with affordable prices—HK$80 to HK$110 per person for a great meal. Address: G/F, 79 Aberdeen Old Street.
Old Buddy Seafood Hotpot (老友記海鮮火鍋): The best thing about this shop is that you can go to the market across the street to buy seafood yourself and bring it over to cook. The boss will prepare the seafood for you without charging any processing fee—you just pay for the seafood you bought. This "market to table" experience can't be learned from other hotpot shops. The signature flambéed prawn platter is a must-order—using local prawns and a secret sauce, flamed right at your table for an aromatic explosion. Address: 12 Aberdeen Second Street.
Banyan Tree Dai Pai Dong Hotpot (榕樹頭大牌檔火鍋): This can be said to be Aberdeen's most classic dai pai dong-style hotpot shop—outdoor booths, plastic stools, and buckets of water placed under the table—completely old-school Hong Kong street stall feel. The signature "hot pot" uses charcoal fire, with sufficient heat so food can be boiled to the perfect doneness. In winter, enjoying hotpot at the dai pai dong—that feeling of "chilly weather, eating, chatting"—is what truly constitutes "Hong Kong style." Per-person spending: HK$65 to HK$95, the most affordable and authentic choice. Address: 9 Western Aberdeen Main Road (next to Banyan Tree Rest Area).
New Kee Ginger Scallion Noodles Hotpot Specialist (新記薑蔥撈麵火鍋專門店) (Despite the name having "noodles," their hotpot is actually top-notch): This shop's unique feature is its "ginger scallion mix"—using a large amount of local scallions and old ginger mixed with the meat, perfect for warming up in winter. Their ingredient choices are also very diverse, including some uncommon offal like beef tripe and bone marrow. The environment is a small, old shop, but it's clean and tidy. Per-person: HK$110 to HK$150. Address: 4 Aberdeen Old Market.
Practical Information
Transportation: Take the MTR to Aberdeen Station (Hong Kong-zai Station), exit from Gate C, and walk towards Aberdeen Main Road for about 5 minutes to reach the old district core area. If taking buses, the following routes are available: Routes 70, A10, and X970 all have buses stopping at Aberdeen city center. Walking time after getting off is within 3 minutes.
Cost Reference: Specific shop prices are listed above, with overall per-person spending ranging from HK$65 to HK$150. The most affordable option is Banyan Tree Dai Pa Dong (HK$65-$95 per person), mid-range options are Ming Kee Chicken Pot and Tong Kee Teochew Hotpot (HK$80-$130 per person), and the slightly higher-priced option is New Kee Ginger Scallion Noodles Hotpot (HK$110-$150 per person). Overall, hotpot per-person spending in Aberdeen is about 70% of what you'd pay at chain stores while enjoying ingredients of the same quality.
Opening Hours: Most small shops operate from 5:00 PM to 11:30 PM, with some shops like Ming Kee Chicken Pot staying open until 2:00 AM. However, it's important to note that small hotpot shops in Aberdeen generally close on Mondays, or close earlier on Wednesdays to Thursdays—it's best to call ahead to confirm before heading out. Crowds are heavier on holidays, so advance reservations are recommended.
Travel Tips
If you want to experience the most authentic Aberdeen hotpot culture, it's best to choose a weekday evening when there's less foot traffic—typically Tuesday to Thursday evenings are best for reservations and enjoying a more relaxed environment.
It's recommended to first visit Aberdeen Market to experience the variety of seafood choices, then go to nearby "Ming Kee" or "Tong Kee" to order a nice cut of local beef, then walk to the neighboring "New Kee" for some beef tripe, and finally head to "Banyan Tree" dai pai dong for a charcoal stove hotpot—this itinerary is what truly constitutes a "Hong Kong Style Hotpot Day Trip."
Another little secret: Dai pai dong staff are usually more laid-back—if you want to order faster, you can directly pass them a note, or use Mandarin—they can understand it. However, if you want to experience the authentic neighborhood feel, it's best to communicate with them in Cantonese; that way they'll treat you as "one of their own," and when you visit again, they'll even predict your order.
Finally, if your time budget allows, Aberdeen has an added bonus in the evening—after your hotpot, you can take a walk along the waterfront promenade outside, enjoying the sea breeze from the shore—this "hotpot plus sea breeze" combo is quite healthy. Enjoy your meal, and have a safe trip back!
