When it comes to Aberdeen, the most common itinerary is to dine at the floating seafood restaurants in the typhoon shelter—but if you ask the real local residents, besides wanting to avoid the tourist crowds, what other options are there? The answer is: "Go down to the market to buy fish."
Aberdeen's typhoon shelter has been a safe harbor for centuries, with small boats docked here hundreds of years ago. Every morning and evening, you'll be surrounded by the hustle and bustle when fishing boats return to port—this "front-row seat to the sea" feeling is the most authentic seafood experience Aberdeen has to offer. As a local foodie who grew up in this area, I want to show you: "Where do locals actually buy their seafood?"
The Soul of Aberdeen's Seafood: Typhoon Shelter & Fish Market
Aberdeen's maritime culture isn't just about floating restaurants—it's an entire way of life for the community. Since the 19th century, Aberdeen has been one of the most important fishing ports on Hong Kong Island. Back then, many boat people connected their vessels together, forming a unique "floating market." Today, although the number of small boats has greatly decreased, the nearby fish market and traditional seafood shops still remain, selling marine products at more reasonable prices—this is the local secret.
A little-known fact: Aberdeen was once the main processing center for "salted fish." In the past, large quantities of catch were cured and dried locally, creating a unique "Aberdeen salted fish" brand. Although it's not what it used to be today, you can still find these traditional seafood products at the old shops—something tourists usually don't know about.
Three Top Places Locals Buy Seafood
1. Aberdeen Market (Shek Pai Wan Road)
If you really want to experience the atmosphere of "locals buying fish," the market is always the best choice. Aberdeen Market is located between Shek Pai Wan Road and Aberdeen Main Road, featuring dry and wet goods sections plus a cooked food center. The seafood sold at the stalls is authentically "home-style"—much of it is caught fresh by nearby boats and sold immediately, unlike the standardized produce from large wholesale markets.
What makes this place special is its convenience: For residents of Aberdeen or Pok Fu Lam, it's just around the corner—no need to take a special trip to another district. Plus, the stall owners often give tips—if a regular says "I want to steam something for dinner," they'll recommend the right type of fish. Young and don't know how to choose? Just ask "Master, any recommendations?" and they won't let you down.
The seafood shops next to the market are also worth exploring. Besides dried shrimp and salted fish, you might find "loose" dried scallops—not in fancy gift boxes, but of the same quality, yet much cheaper. This "no-frills" wisdom is truly part of the local lifestyle.
2. Aberdeen Fish Wholesale Market
Strictly speaking, the Aberdeen Fish Wholesale Market is a formal wholesale facility, located at the southern end of Aberdeen Promenade. It mainly supplies retailers and restaurants, but if you want to witness the "daily morning" spectacle—the golden hours are 4 AM to 6 AM when the auction takes place. Fish are brought directly from the boats onto the market floor—a truly impressive scene.
Can ordinary citizens enter? Basically, only those in the trade come here—but if you're curious and want to experience it, the management will ask questions. Wholesale prices aren't much cheaper than elsewhere, but the freshness is unbeatable, and you can witness the "real supply chain from the sea" in action.
For curious foodies like me, watching the wholesale process is fascinating: Sometimes you'll see local fish species that aren't commonly found, like "chun bin" or "seven-star eel"—these you won't find at upscale restaurants, but I love asking: "What fish is this? How do you prepare it?" The vendors are usually happy to share.
3. Traditional Seafood Shops Along the Way
Walking from Aberdeen Promenade toward Aberdeen Main Road, you'll find "seafood shops" all along the way—small storefronts, but some have been there for thirty or forty years. These old shops represent a kind of "forgotten flavor."
The most popular choices include:
- **Dried Shrimp/Shrimp Floss**: Used for steaming meatloaf or soups, the universally recognized "umami booster." Old-established dried shrimp are sun-dried properly—they won't be mushy, and you can get a good deal at around $100-$200.
- **Salted Fish**: Aberdeen's salted fish was once famous—although declined, some old shops still stick to traditional methods. A medium-sized salted fish (known as "half belly") costs about $60-$80, perfect for pan-frying to serve with congee!
- **Scallops/Dried Clams**: These "gift items" are actually what locals buy for themselves—making scallop bottle gourd soup or mixing with rice. Loose scallops are cheaper than boxed ones, but remember to pick those with "color and no odor." Usually $150-$300 for a catty.
- **Nori/Seaweed**: Locally produced nori is "thin as paper," dissolving quickly when blanched—not like the thick "machine-dried" Japanese kind—and more affordable, typically $30-$50 per pack.
These seafood shop owners usually have a personal touch—if you ask "What dish should I make tonight?" they might suggest "How about something light? Try using this XX fish." This interaction is completely different from the standardized service at chain stores.
Practical Information
Getting There
The most convenient ways to reach Aberdeen for seafood shopping include:
- **MTR + Bus**: From MTR Island Line's "Hong Kong University Station" Exit B, take bus 43M, or after returning from Lamma Island via "Aberdeen Pier," it's just a few minutes' walk.
- **Ferry**: The ferry from "Central ↔ Aberdeen" is also nice—if you want to experience Aberdeen's "sea view," taking the ferry gives more vibe than the bus.
- **(Best Option) Walking**: If you have time, walking is actually the best option—from Aberdeen Promenade to the fish market, you can also stop by the boat people cultural wall, experiencing the overall atmosphere of the "harbor community."
Budget Reference
To get a fair price when buying seafood locally, here's a rough budget:
- Market fish (e.g., yellow croaker, coral grouper): $30-$80 per catty, depending on season
- Frozen prawns: $60-$120 per catty
- Live seafood (e.g., clams): $50-$100 per catty
- Dried seafood (dried shrimp): around $100-$200
- Scallops (loose): $150-$300 per catty
Compared to floating restaurants in the typhoon shelter (easily $300-$500 per person for just a few dishes), buying yourself can save at least half—if you know how to cook at home.
Business Hours
- Market stalls: Busiest 06:00-13:00, slower in the afternoon
- Fish Wholesale Market: Peak hours 04:00-08:00, cleared out later
- Seafood shops: Usually 10:00-19:00, closed during Lunar New Year
Best Times to "Pilgrimage"
If you want to experience the most local atmosphere—
- **6 AM to 8 AM**: The market is most lively, with fresh catches coming in continuously
- **5 PM to 7 PM**: Some vendors "sell off remaining stock," where you can find "great deals"—but this doesn't happen often
Tips from a Local Foodie
Why Does an Old Aberdeen Resident Recommend "Cooking Yourself"?
Honestly, tourists going to floating restaurants in the typhoon shelter to show off to friends is fine—but if you want to "understand the local seafood culture," you really have to buy and cook it yourself. You'll discover: "There's such a big difference between XX fish and YY fish in texture!" This kind of experience is hard to get sitting in a restaurant.
Key Reminders
- **Bring Cash**: Most market stalls and seafood shops prefer cash transactions; Octopus may not be fully accepted
- **Bring Your Own Bags**: Buying seafood isn't like takeout—you must bring your own cooler bags or "ice sheets"
- **Haggle**: Once you're familiar, some stalls will give you a discount—but if it's your first time, just say "thank you" first
In Conclusion
With all this information, the main message I want to convey is: Aberdeen's seafood culture is not just about "eating," but about the "process of buying" and the "attitude towards cooking." If you're willing to take a step forward, approach the market stalls and chat with the vendors—you'll discover that beneath the tourist-friendly surface, Aberdeen's maritime wisdom continues to thrive. This is the "real seafood" I want to share with everyone.
Next time you have time, please go take a look.
