When it comes to Sai Kung hot pot, many Hong Kong people would say: "Oh, that's the seafood restaurant by the pier." That's not entirely wrong, but only half correct. If you only know to go to the seafood hot pot chain stores on the waterfront promenade, you'd typically have to queue and pay way too much, waiting longer than actually eating. But if you ask the real old Sai Kung locals, they'd say: "After hiking, then go for hot pot – the places they go are totally different."
Exactly right. When you ask locals "which hot pot is the best," they won't recommend the tourist area ones. Instead, they'll say "the places outside the station," "near the garden," or "across the sea to Ho Chung." This time, instead of writing about the familiar seafood hot pot spots, I'm writing this for locals and savvy travelers – those who've finished hiking, cycled, or just want to chillax for a day off. Here's how to find the truly heartwarming hot pots.
🏷️ Featured Highlights
Mountain & Sea Location Advantage
Sai Kung's biggest feature is "proximity" – the sea is right there, no need to travel all over to get fresh seafood. Many hot pot shops here use freshly caught or locally farmed produce as their main ingredients – things you won't easily find in the city. Some用心的小店会写着"今日，海上撈"，即係师傅凌晨出海捞什么就煮什么，没固定menu，撞手神。天冷的时候，还有本地海滩即捞海胆、海参，懂吃的人会让老板留起。
Hiking + Hot Pot Combo
This is something many people don't realize – Sai Kung itself is one of Hong Kongers' top hiking destinations. MacLehose Trail starting point, Long Ke, Sai Wan, Nam Shan… After a few hours of mountain trails, you're frozen solid. What's better than a warm bowl of soup? This habit of "hot pot right after hiking" has actually become a local culture. Many seasonal shops specifically design packages for hikers – quick eats that warm you up, so you don't have to wait forever for food.
Slow-Paced Dining Atmosphere
Compared to the "quick bite" hot pots in Causeway Bay and Mong Kok, Sai Kung operates in a different world. Most small shops won't rush you "two hours, then you gotta go" – because there's no such urgency. Since customers are locals and slow-living folks, they generally sit and enjoy longer. Some hidden gem shops even advertise "no fast service." This laid-back style is hard to find in the city.
🥢 Recommended Spots (Avoiding Tourist Seafood Area, Finding Hidden Gems)
1. Old Shop by Ho Chung Ancient Trail · LocalFavorite
Address: Sai Kung Putong Street, Ho Chung Road (near Ho Chung Village Office)
This one only locals know about – open for 30 years, the shop looks worn, but the soup base and meat slices have consistently stayed great. The specialties are "herbal lamb casserole" and "daily Teochew hand-made beef balls." The boss used to be a fisherman, himself going out to catch wild mixed fish for the soup base – we're talking real sea-caught flavor, not supermarket stuff. Great value, set meals with sides go for HK$180, typical Hong Kong family-run style. If you want to try the "real Sai Kung hot pot" and don't mind walking a bit, this is the top pick.
2. Pak Tam Au Entrance · Hikers' Canteen
Address: Sai Kung Pak Tam Road (get off at MTR Tseung Kwan O Station Exit B, take 809S minibus or 289R bus to Sai Kung town center, then walk 5 minutes)
This one sits right next to the MacLehose Trail entrance, focused on serving hikers. Super minimal décor – no fancy decorations, just a few folding tables. But when you say "just hiked three hours, starving," the ah-jie will specially speed up the cooking. Signature "chicken thigh mushroom beef hot pot" and "sweet potato vegetable bundle" suit vegetarians. Best plus – they offer free ginger tea, hikers pour for themselves. These little details show local consideration. Mid-range pricing, around HK$250-350 per person.
3. Za Ho Hang · Secret Garden Mini Hot Pot
Address: Walk a bit from Sai Kung Za Ho Hang bus stop
This one is truly hidden level – not on the main street, but inside the old Za Ho Hang village. Without Google Maps, you'd definitely get lost. Needs a local to lead, or call the boss for directions. An elderly couple runs it together, menu has just ten-ish options, but all are locally grown vegetables and free-range backyard chickens. Signature "local organic veggie platter" and "free-range yellow chicken." If you enjoy "slow" and "garden vibes," this is perfect for you – but remember to book ahead, no walk-in waiting.
4. Cheng Lam Sch · Hillstop Café
Address: Sai Kung Cheng Lam Sch Road (above the Water Police base)
This one is special – opened on the hillside, amazing view overlooking the sea. Focuses on dinner service, opens at 5pm, operates until around 10pm. Biggest difference from other places: no general seafood. Instead, features "innovative fusion" – like "Japanese soy milk soup base," "Thai tom yum soup base" paired with local specialties, mixed super fresh. The boss is a young chef who used to work in city fine dining, didn't want such rigid formulas, moved to Sai Kung to create his own style. Perfect for people who want "something different," plus quality and Instagram-worthy views. Slightly higher pricing, HK$350-500 per person.
🚉 Practical Information
Transportation
Most commonly used: A. MTR Tseung Kwan O Station Exit B, transfer to 809S minibus or 289R bus直达西贡市中心.B. Diamond Hill Station Exit C, take 92 bus直达西贡市总站.C. Self-drive or taxi, parking tight on holidays, Putong public parking limited,建议早啲或者搭公共交通.
Price Range
- Economical local shops: HK$120-200/person (including basic meat and vegetables)
- Mid-range family restaurants: HK$200-350/person (including seafood, special items)
- Hidden/hipster shops: HK$350-500/person (for atmosphere or innovative style)
- Note: Weekends and holidays are usually fully booked, recommend booking at least one day in advance.
Operating Hours
Most shops close 2-3pm for afternoon break, reopen 6-10pm. Some-Za Ho Hang places open early at 6am, best to call ahead to check.
💡 Travel Tips
- Sai Kung holiday crowds concentrate on the waterfront promenade. If you want to avoid crowds and try local-style, recommend going before 12pm or after 6pm for better seat-finding success rate.
- Most hidden gem shops have no official website or Facebook page. For bookings, best to call/WhatsApp directly to reserve – don't rely on OpenRice plus reviews.
- Hot pot after hiking is the best combo. But if the weather isn't suitable for hiking, consider nearby East Dam of High Island Park or Pineapple Hill Nature Trail for post-meal digestion.
- To experience true local vibes, try asking the boss "what's special today" – often there's a pleasant surprise.
- Most shops accept Octopus and FPS, having some cash on hand is also fine.
