When it comes to Aberdeen (also known as Hongdae), many people first think of the famous Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter and seafood boats. However, this neighborhood full of old Hong Kong charm hides some amazing dim sum spots. Located on the southern side of Hong Kong Island, Aberdeen is one of Hong Kong's most traditional communities, where residents still maintain the traditional custom of "yum cha" (drinking tea), making it the perfect place to experience authentic Cantonese dim sum.
Compared to other commercial districts on Hong Kong Island, dim sum shops in Aberdeen feel more warm and welcoming, with many establishments passing down their craft for decades. Handmade dim sum here emphasizes quality ingredients at approachable prices. Beyond preserving traditional flavors, dim sum here carries deep community memory, offering an excellent window into Hong Kong's local food culture.
Aberdeen's dim sum has several distinct characteristics worth savoring. First is the "old establishment's commitment," with many tea houses insisting on handmade制作, following decades-old traditional methods from the chef's recipe to ingredient selection. Second is the "community atmosphere" — tea drinkers here are mostly neighbors, chatting about daily life over a pot and two items, filled with warmth and humanity. Third is "high value for money" — compared to chain restaurants in the city, Aberdeen's dim sum is more affordable and generous in portion, offering excellent value.
For must-visit dim sum shops in Aberdeen, "Kam Shan Tea House" is an absolute must. This historic establishment was founded in the 1960s and has been operating for over half a century, making it one of Aberdeen's most representative dim sum restaurants. Kam Shan's signature dim sum includes shrimp dumplings, siu mai, and beef balls — the shrimp dumplings have thin wrappers and delicious fillings, with sweet and bouncy shrimp meat, a favorite among long-time customers. The restaurant maintains traditional tea house decor — booth seats,功夫 tea sets, and stacked steamers create a nostalgic atmosphere. The chefs start preparing early every morning, insisting on hand-wrapping to ensure quality and flavor.
"Hoi Chu Restaurant" is a larger restaurant in Aberdeen, suitable for family gatherings or friends reunions. With over 50 types of dim sum, the selection is abundant. Hoi Chu's lava buns are the standout signature — the custard filling is smooth and rich, flowing out when you bite into it, a favorite among diners. Char siu pastries, egg tarts, and water chestnut cakes are also popular, with consistent quality. The restaurant offers spacious seating and private rooms, ideal for family gatherings or celebrations. Reservations are recommended, as holidays may require waiting in line.
For a more authentic "cha chaan teng" (tea restaurant) style dim sum, "Ming Kee Tea Restaurant" is a great choice. Located in Aberdeen, the prices are friendly and portions are generous. The golden shrimp toast is a must-order — golden and crispy toast topped with fresh shrimp, with rich layers of texture. The milk tea is also excellent, with strong tea flavor and smooth milk, a classic Hong Kong-style milk tea. Ming Kee opens early, serving breakfast and dim sum from 6 AM. To avoid crowds, it's recommended to arrive earlier.
The final recommendation is "Nga Kee Tea Restaurant." Although less well-known than the previous shops, this small establishment is a hidden treasure among locals. Nga Kee's dim sum is served in "small plates," with moderate portions, perfect for those who want to try various items. The beef rice noodle roll is the signature — the rice batter is freshly ground by the chef daily, with thin and smooth rice sheets and well-seasoned beef filling, paired with special sauce, leaving you wanting more. The chefs are friendly and warm, enthusiastically recommending the fresh dim sum of the day, making you feel the genuine hospitality.
Getting to Aberdeen for dim sum is very convenient. The MTR South Island Line is fully operational — exit from Exit A2 at "Aberdeen Station," and it's about a 5-minute walk to the main dim sum area. For buses, multiple routes pass through Aberdeen, including cross-harbor buses from Wan Chai and Central. From Central or Wan Chai, the journey takes about 15-20 minutes. For a more Hong Kong-style transportation experience, you can also take the Star Ferry to the Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter, then walk to the tea house for dim sum — enjoy Victoria Harbour scenery while experiencing the traditional waterfront atmosphere.
Aberdeen's dim sum prices are quite approachable, with generally HK$8-18 per item, tea service fees around HK$6-10, and an average spending of about HK$50-80 per person for a satisfying meal. Larger restaurants like Hoi Chu Restaurant are slightly higher in price, but also offer relatively better quality and environment.
Most dim sum shops operate from around 6:30 AM to 3:00 PM, with some extending to evening. The best time for dim sum is typically from 11 AM to 1 PM, when the chefs have just finished their morning preparation and the dim sum is freshest. It's recommended to avoid the lunch rush from 12 PM to 1 PM to skip the queue.
A few tips can make your Aberdeen dim sum trip even more perfect: First, visit on a weekday morning when crowds are lighter, allowing you to savor each bite carefully. Second, eat dim sum "hot" — enjoy right after it comes off the steamer for the best texture. Third, don't forget to order a pot of功夫茶 (traditional tea) to pair with your dim sum — that's the complete "yum cha" experience. Fourth, dim sum shops are busier on Sundays — for a quiet dining experience, it's recommended to visit on weekdays. Finally, don't forget to bring your Octopus card — besides convenience for payment, many tea houses also accept Octopus, so you don't need to prepare much cash.
In Aberdeen, dim sum is not just about the food itself, but also the warm local sentiment and hospitality. In this rapidly changing city, Aberdeen's historic tea houses are like time containers, preserving the most authentic Hong Kong flavors. Next time you visit Hong Kong, consider arranging a morning to walk through Aberdeen's streets and alleys, and experience a traditional Cantonese dim sum culinary journey.
Hong Kong Dim Sum & Yum Cha Culture Facts
- History: Yum cha culture originated in Guangdong and was introduced to Hong Kong in the mid-19th century. Tea house dim sum culture has over 150 years of history, making it a core representative of Cantonese food culture.
- Michelin Dim Sum: The Hong Kong Michelin Guide evaluates over 50 dim sum restaurants annually, with many local historic establishments consistently receiving recognition, making it a pilgrimage site for global food travelers.
- Market Size: Hong Kong's food and beverage industry generates over HK$100 billion in annual revenue, with dim sum tea houses as an important pillar — weekend morning seats are always in high demand.
- Intangible Heritage Recognition: Cantonese yum cha etiquette and dim sum making skills have been inscribed on Hong Kong's Intangible Cultural Heritage List, reflecting its deep cultural value.
