When it comes to authentic dim sum in Hong Kong, Lin Heung Lau 蓮香樓 is a must-visit. Stepping into this iconic eatery is like travelling back in time, offering an old-school dim sum experience that has charmed locals and tourists alike for decades. With its traditional pushcart service, communal dining, and nostalgic vibes, Lin Heung Lau is a quintessential representation of Hong Kong’s rich culinary heritage.
Chaotic Charm and Communal Dining
Walking into Lin Heung Lau, you’re greeted by a cacophony of clanging utensils, lively chatter, and the unmistakable aroma of steaming dim sum. The chaos is part of its charm, as diners hunt for seats and form a bustling crowd around the pushcarts to secure their favourite dishes.
While most diners share tables with strangers, we were fortunate to have the manager help us secure our own table. This rare stroke of luck added an extra layer of enjoyment to our meal.
The Pushcart Adventure
Unlike modern dim sum restaurants where dishes are brought to your table, Lin Heung Lau invites you to approach the pushcarts yourself. The race is on to grab the freshest dishes before they’re gone! The staff are helpful, showing what’s available as you browse the steaming baskets.
To order, we grabbed a tray, picked our chosen dishes, and handed the pushcart attendant our order paper, which they marked based on the items we selected. It’s a fast-paced and exciting process that adds to the unique dining experience.
A Feast of Flavours
We indulged in an array of classic dim sum dishes, each one a testament to the restaurant’s culinary expertise:
- Siew Mai: Plump and juicy pork dumplings filled with crunchy shrimp, delivering a savoury and bouncy bite.
- Har Gow: Perfectly chewy shrimp dumplings, with thin translucent skins encasing fresh, crunchy shrimp.
- Char Siew Pastry: Flaky, fragrant pastry filled with slightly sweet char siew, making for a delightful contrast of textures.
- Xiao Long Bao: Soup-filled dumplings that burst with flavourful broth and tender meaty fillings.
- Beef Balls: Juicy, aromatic beef meatballs mixed with herbs and spices, a comforting classic.
- Chee Cheong Fan: Silky rice noodle rolls wrapped around char siew, served with a light yet flavourful sauce.
We also tried a roasted meat platter, which included crispy-skinned roasted goose, tender char siew with a smoky sweetness, and roasted pork with crunchy crackling. While delicious, the platter was indulgent and perhaps an item we could have skipped given how full we were.
Understanding the Bill
Dim sum dishes at Lin Heung Lau are categorised and priced accordingly. From our bill, we noted the following:
- Big dim sum items cost HKD35 (we ordered 3 of these).
- Special dim sum cost HKD38 (we ordered 2 of these).
- Top-tier dim sum cost HKD42 (we ordered 2 of these).
- Category 48 dim sum cost HKD48 (we had one dish from this category, though we weren’t sure which).
- Another premium category cost HKD58 (we ordered 2 of these).
In total, our bill for four people came to HKD989. While it felt pricey, especially with the roasted meat platter (HKD398), we felt it was worth every dollar for the experience and flavours.
Final Thoughts
Lin Heung Lau is more than just a restaurant—it’s a journey into Hong Kong’s culinary history. From the chaotic charm of communal dining to the thrill of grabbing dishes off the pushcarts, this iconic spot is a feast for the senses. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned foodie, Lin Heung Lau guarantees an unforgettable dim sum experience that captures the heart of Hong Kong.
Lin Heung Lau 蓮香樓 Opening Hours and Location
6am – 4pm, 6pm – 10pm Daily
Address: 160號 Wellington St, Central, Hong Kong
