HONG KONG, SAR – Lin Heung Lau, the venerable Cantonese tea house synonymous with dim sum trolleys and old-world Hong Kong dining, has announced a planned relocation of its Central branch. The iconic century-old institution, situated at the junction of Wellington Street and Aberdeen Street, will move to a new location in Sheung Wan this April, necessitated by the impending redevelopment of its current premises. The announcement confirms the permanent closure of the current Central site but assures the continuation of the brand’s legacy, easing concerns among local food enthusiasts following a recent message posted on social media.
The historic establishment, which celebrated over a hundred years of operation, revealed the move via a statement that expressed pride in being a “landmark in Central.” The relocation ensures the survival of its unique dining experience, notably the traditional practice of serving dim sum from classic pushcarts—a rarity in contemporary Hong Kong. The tea house has pledged to maintain its signature customs, including the cherished tradition of “one teapot, two dishes,” safeguarding its deep, century-old cultural connection with the city’s residents and visitors.
Preserving a Dim Sum Legacy Amidst Change
Lin Heung Lau’s tenure has been marked by periods of financial instability and temporary closures, including a significant hiatus in the summer of 2022 during pandemic-related struggles, followed by its highly anticipated reopening in April 2024. Despite these challenges, its resilience has cemented its status as a vital piece of Hong Kong’s culinary heritage. The current closure, however, is definitive for the Central location as the site is slated for commercial redevelopment.
The brand’s unwavering commitment to the traditional yum cha experience—an essential cultural ritual in Hong Kong—is central to its statement regarding the move. Lin Heung Lau has long been celebrated for offering an authentic glimpse into the city’s past, providing a nostalgic contrast to the modern culinary scene.
Key Details of the New Location:
- Address: Tung Ning Building, 249-251 Des Voeux Road Central, Sheung Wan.
- Proximity: Located near the historic Wing On department store.
- Timeline: The transition is scheduled to occur sometime in April.
Patrons wishing to experience the Central branch one last time are encouraged to plan their visits soon before the final shuttering. The establishment’s enduring popularity highlights the strong public appetite for preserving such cultural institutions.
Broader Presence in the City
The impending relocation of the Central hub is not the brand’s only recent development. Lin Heung Lau has expanded its footprint with a relatively new, round-the-clock branch in Tsim Sha Tsui. This expansion signifies a strategic effort by the management to ensure the viability and accessibility of the Lin Heung Lau experience across Hong Kong, catering to late-night diners and a wider audience while solidifying its long-term future.
The continuation of Lin Heung Lau in a new Sheung Wan setting underscores a crucial trend in Hong Kong: the balancing act between rapid urban development and the preservation of tangible cultural heritage. While the loss of the original Central site is recognized as the end of an era, the successful transfer of its operations promises that future generations can still engage with this integral component of the city’s distinctive food culture. The move ensures that the aroma of steaming dim sum and the bustling sound of the trolleys will remain a distinct part of the Central and Western districts’ landscape.
