When it comes to Aberdeen, most people first think of the floating restaurants in the typhoon shelter or the Jumbo Kingdom seafood restaurant, but the most precious thing about this place is the warmth of community spirit in the neighbourhood tea houses in the early morning. Aberdeen is located at the southern end of Hong Kong Island and is one of the most traditional communities in Hong Kong. The dim sum here isn't like that in Causeway Bay or Central, full of tourists - what's rarest is that it has maintained the everyday charm of old Hong Kong.
The biggest difference between Aberdeen's dim sum culture and other places is the "slow" pace. The tea patrons here aren't in a hurry - the old gentlemen arrive at six in the morning and sit with a pot of tea and two items until nine or ten o'clock. It's not because they have nothing to do, but this "slow morning tea" lifestyle has become part of the community. The tea house is their living room, and the interaction between the staff and the regulars isn't simply "service" - it's decades of neighbourhood friendship.
What makes the dim sum here so special?
The first thing to know is that there aren't many dim sum shops here, but each has its own regular customers and consistent quality. Unlike Tsim Sha Tsui or Central with their many choices, precisely because of this, every shop's standards have stood the test of time. Some shops have been running for thirty or forty years, the chefs' techniques haven't changed, and the recipes are still the traditional methods.
The second thing is the price. Aberdeen's dim sum pricing is generally ten to twenty percent cheaper than commercial areas like Causeway Bay and Central. A portion of har gow in a Central office building might cost HK$28-35, but in Aberdeen's old shops, HK$22-26 is perfectly normal. For friends who want to eat well and get good value, this is definitely a treasure trove.
The third thing is the traditional "made to order and steamed immediately" method. Most of the old shops here insist on steaming to order, unlike chain shops that pre-make and reheat - this handmade warmth and freshness really must be tasted to understand the difference.
Aberdeen Dim Sum Shop Recommendations
1. United Tea House
Address: G/F, 203 Aberdeen Main Road
This is probably one of the oldest dim sum shops in Aberdeen, with a history dating back to the 1970s. The shop isn't large, and the decor still maintains its 1970s look - booth seats, plastic tablecloths, ceiling fans - it looks nostalgic, but precisely because of that, you can feel the real old Hong Kong atmosphere.
Regarding the food, their har gow and beef meatballs are the signatures. The har gow skin is thin and the filling is quality, the prawns are springy and not too much starch is used; the beef meatballs are made with fresh beef hand-pounded and are very springy. The best thing is their "lava buns" (liu sha bao), the egg yolk flowing centre is well done and not too sweet.
Average spending: HK$35-50
Opening hours: 06:00-14:00
2. Lung Wah Tea House
Address: 138 Aberdeen Main Road
This shop's history isn't as long as United's, but it's still over twenty or thirty years. Its biggest feature is the "family-run" operation - the owneress takes orders personally, her son helps out together, this kind of warmth is something chain stores can never learn.
The variety of dim sum isn't huge, but everything is up to standard. Their "bean curd skin rolls" are well done, the bean curd skin is crispy and the pork filling is flavourful; "Chaozhou rice dumplings" are also a style not commonly found elsewhere. Also, their pu'er tea is particularly mellow - the chef says they're using old tea stems, which won't turn bitter even with longer brewing.
Average spending: HK$30-45
Opening hours: 06:30-13:00
3. Sun Kam Wah Tea Restaurant
Address: 5-7 Nam Ning Street, Aberdeen
This one is rather special - its positioning is somewhere between a tea house and a tea restaurant - dim sum in the morning, tea restaurant fare in the afternoon. For friends whose schedule doesn't allow for an early morning visit, this shop's afternoon tea session also serves dim sum, which is quite a thoughtful option.
Their "egg tarts" are a local specialty - the pastry is flaky, the egg custard is smooth, many neighbours will add another portion when ordering for takeaway. Also, their "char siu bao" (barbecued pork buns) have soft buns and the char siu filling is perfectly seasoned, not too sweet.
Average spending: HK$28-45
Opening hours: 07:00-22:00
4. Kam Wong Tea Restaurant
Address: 181 Aberdeen Main Road
This shop's location is rather hidden - it's not on the main road, but on a small side street. But precisely because of this, there are fewer tourists, and the place has more of a "neighbourhood shop" feel.
The owner is an experienced chef who has been making dim sum for over thirty years, and the consistency of his food is very high. His "mushroom and chicken bundles" and "bean sheet rolls" are both well done, steamed for just the right time and not overcooked. Also, his "yam rolls" are a health-conscious option - friends who are concerned about greasiness can give them a try.
Average spending: HK$32-48
Opening hours: 06:00-14:00
5. Hop Kee Tea House
Address: 45 Old Temple Street, Aberdeen
This shop has the longest history - according to old residents, it's a pre-war establishment in Aberdeen, of course it's been renovated a few times over the years, but the old chef's skills have been passed down through the generations. A feature of this shop's offerings is the "old-fashioned taste" - the seasoning is on the lighter side, not too much soy sauce or MSG is used, so you won't feel thirsty after eating.
The signature "beef balls" and "fish meat steamed buns" are both worth trying, and the sauce is also made by the chef himself - not ready-made stock bought from suppliers.
Average spending: HK$38-55
Opening hours: 05:30-13:30
Practical Information
How to get there:
- MTR: Take the Island Line to "Aberdeen" station. Exit A and walk approximately 5 minutes to reach the Aberdeen main street dim sum area.
- Bus: Multiple routes available, including 7, 47N, 70, etc.
- Taxi: From Central approximately HK$50-70, from Causeway Bay approximately HK$40-60.
Price Range:
Prices in Aberdeen are approximately 20-30% cheaper than in the core Central business district on Hong Kong Island, with an average spend of about HK$30-55 per person, which is enough to eat well and feel satisfied.
Opening Hours:
Most traditional teahouses serve morning dim sum from 05:30-14:00, with peak times between 07:00-09:00. To avoid the crowds, it's recommended to go after 10:00, or choose the afternoon tea session (available at some establishments such as Sun Kam Wah).
Travel Tips:
First, the best time is weekday mornings before nine o'clock. Weekends tend to be busier, and many grandmothers come for takeaways, so waiting times can be longer.
Second, the staff at these establishments are usually quite busy. If you don't want to wait forever, it's best to go to the counter and tell them what you'd like to order, rather than just sitting there waiting for them to come to you.
Third, if you want to experience the most traditional "one pot, two pieces", it's recommended to order a pot of Pu'er or jasmine tea, paired with two or three dim sum dishes. This is the most authentic way to enjoy it.
Fourth, the dim sum at these establishments is usually freshest before 11 o'clock, as it's from the first batch of the morning service. The second batch after 11 o'clock is slightly less impressive.
Fifth, dim sum shops in Aberdeen generally accept cash and Octopus cards, but credit card acceptance varies between establishments. It's best to have some cash on you.
Aberdeen's dim sum may not be the most delicious, but its "human touch" and "everyday authenticity" are things that are becoming increasingly rare in this modern city. If you're tired of the standardised offerings from chain restaurants and want to experience genuine old Hong Kong dim sum culture, Aberdeen's morning "one pot, two pieces" is definitely worth a special trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
