When it comes to Aberdeen (everyone calls it Aberdeen), many tourists only think of the Typhoon Shelter seafood boats, but actually tucked away in this old community on the southern side of Hong Kong Island are quite a few traditional tea houses that still insist on opening their stalls in the early morning.
If you ask local old residents \"what's good to eat in Aberdeen\", they're not referring to seafood restaurants, but rather \"where can I get dim sum at 5 AM\" - they'll actually have plenty to tell you. This is the perspective I want to share with everyone this time - not writing a typical tourist guide, but rather about Aberdeen's \"morning tea house culture\".
What Makes Aberdeen Dim Sum Special: Traditional Warmth of Early Morning Stalls
What makes Aberdeen's dim sum different from other areas isn't just because there are fewer tourists here - mainly it's that the tea houses here retain a \"morning tea\" tradition that has become rare. In the past, Aberdeen's boat people and sailors would go out to sea before dawn, and by the time they returned, it was正好赶上早市，tea houses coordinated their schedules, starting to sell dim sum to returning fishermen at 5 AM.
This \"morning market dim sum\" culture is still preserved in Aberdeen today. Even though the fishing industry has declined, if you come to Aberdeen's old-style tea house at 5 AM, you can still, just like thirty years ago, order a basket of shrimp dumplings while drinking hot milk tea, watching the master steam rice noodle rolls in the traditional style.
Another special thing is the prices here - correct, because rent is relatively lower, it's much more affordable. You can get a plate of rice noodle rolls plus a cup of milk tea for HK$30-40, a price that's hard to find elsewhere on Hong Kong Island.
Recommended Places
1. Golden Sparrow Tea Restaurant
This old-established tea restaurant in the heart of Aberdeen still has 1970s-style decor - plastic chairs, old movie posters on the walls, bill pads for settling bills - everything is full of nostalgia.
Their dim sum isn't particularly elaborate, but the portions are generous - each shrimp dumpling is plump, and the beef balls are hand-made with fresh beef, not too much baking soda added. Their signature \"Golden Carrot Roll\" is a handcrafted dim sum you won't find anywhere else; the master says he's been making it for over thirty years.
The owner, sister Ying, personally opens the stall and directs operations every day. Those who sit down to order are usually regular customers, and she'll ask if you want more or less - this kind of service, where can you find it at chain stores?
2. MingKee Tea House
MingKee in Aberdeen is one of the few remaining traditional tea houses maintaining \"one floor, one business\" - dim sum sold on the ground floor, seating on the second floor, and the masters steam-to-order in the small kitchen next door.
Their XO sauce fried carrot cake is the neighborhood favorite - the outside is pan-fried to slightly crispy charred, while the inside of the shredded carrot remains refreshingly sweet, paired with homemade XO sauce, very tasty. As for the BBQ pork puff, the pastry layers are distinct, the BBQ pork has the right balance of fat and lean, HK$12 per piece - much better value than chain stores.
The advantage here is - it's quiet. Going at 9 AM on a Saturday, no need to wait for a table; you can slowly enjoy two cups of milk tea, read the newspaper and chat. This kind of leisure is no longer available in Mong Kok.
3. SingKee Congee Shop
By the way, this isn't a traditional \"tea house\" in the strict sense, but a neighborhood congee stall, however their \"fried dough twists paired with sampan congee\" are literally Aberdeen's hidden treasure.
The fried dough twists are freshly fried upon order - not factory-made, the fried bread sticks are still quite crispy when eaten, paired with smooth sampan congee - this combination is what truly constitutes \"the old flavor\".
Boss Uncle Sing says the师傅's son has already graduated from university, but still returns at 4 AM every day to help fry the dough sticks - this kind of dedication is perhaps Aberdeen's value system.
4. Wai Lun Restaurant
If you want to eat well during Mid-Autumn Festival, this family-run restaurant is suitable. Their mooncakes, while not a major brand, boast genuine ingredients - the lotus seed paste is made from Hunan lotus seeds, self-fried, the egg yolks are perfectly savory, and the gift boxes start from HKD$180 - compared to chain brands, this price is definitely worth it.
Other festive foods - taro puff, new year cake, fried rice cakes - all handmade, never using ready-made factory substitutes.
If you want to buy handmade festival gifts during special occasions, you can take your time browsing here.
Practical Information
How to Get There:
Aberdeen MTR station doesn't have direct access. Here are the actual methods:
· Take the MTR to Central Station Exit B2, then transfer by ferry or bus 37 or 37X or 70 to reach Aberdeen;
· From Times Square in Causeway Bay, minibus 36's starting point is Aberdeen;
· If coming from Mong Kok area, buses 171 and 107 both stop at Aberdeen station;
Taxis from Tsim Sha Tsui cost approximately HK$80-100.
Budget Suggestions:
Regular breakfast costs HK$35-60 (dim sum + milk tea)
Lunch that is slightly more formal costs HK$80-150 (dim sum + small dishes)
It's recommended to bring cash - these old shops typically don't accept Octopus cards or credit cards.
Best Times:
6 AM to 9 AM: The most traditional \"morning tea\" period
10 AM to 11 AM: Suitable for both eating and chatting
During festivals: These old shops are usually closed - remember to confirm in advance
Opening Hours:
Since the above information may have changed, it's recommended to call ahead or confirm in person before departing - \"walk-ins\" sometimes may find the door closed.
Travel Tips
First, Aberdeen's tea houses are different from chain stores in the city - whether ordering or getting a table, you need some \"mental preparation\" - these places are typically noisier, service is \"you go to the counter yourself to order\" - but precisely because of this, it constitutes an authentic local life experience.
Second, if you want to experience the most traditional morning tea, remember to arrive before 9 AM - going later usually leaves you with only \"afternoon tea dim sum\" - not as complete.
Third, the masters at these old shops are usually happy to chat with customers, especially those interested in cooking - as long as you ask \"how is this made\", they can talk your ear off for fifteen minutes easily. This kind of interaction is something large chain stores cannot match.
Fourth, if you visit Aberdeen during Mid-Autumn Festival or other holidays besides dim sum, you can also consider their handmade festival gifts - although the packaging may not be as fancy as big brands, a thoughtful gesture and genuinely quality ingredients are what matter most.
