The fate of historic dim sum restaurant Lin Heung Tea House has been in the balance since the announcement early last year that it was facing closure due to the building owner’s intention to rebuild the site. And it looks like those fears have come true as the legendary Central spot has confirmed it will cease operations by the end of February, stating that it hoped to serve dim sum lovers again in the future.
Originally from Guangzhou, this more-than-a-century-old restaurant first arrived in Hong Kong in 1926 before making Wellington Street locale its permanent home in 1996. Lin Heung is one of the few remaining tea houses in the city that still serves dim sum the old-school way via pushcart. With its vintage hanging fans and birdcages everywhere, it’s become a must-visit spot for tourists and favourite stomping ground for neighbourhood locals.
Though Lin Heung opened a sister branch in Tsuen Wan that also does pushcart dim sum, it doesn’t have the same magic as the original. So if you want to tuck into giant baos, pork liver siu mai, steamed turnip cake and other old-school dim sum items at this historic two-story tong lau restaurant, this is your last chance.