Yum cha 飲茶! An incredible dim sum lunch at Lin Heung Tea House 蓮香樓, a two-story restaurant with rolling carts in Central Hong Kong. This bustling and chaotic restaurant was established in 1889!
Located in the historic Tsang Chiu Ho Building for over a century, Lin Heung Lau recently reopened in April 2024 after a 20-month closure. This iconic Tea House and Dim Sum Parlor has returned to its traditional cart-style service, known for its high quality offerings at affordable prices.
Situated in a charming two-story space on Wellington Street, Lin Heung Lau is bustling with tightly packed tables that are expertly navigated by attentive staff. Guests can choose from a variety of delectable items by approaching stationary podiums that are frequently restocked, or they can patiently wait for the gracious servers to offer them a selection of Soups and Sweets.
With its rich history and commitment to preserving traditional culinary practices, Lin Heung Lau continues to be a beloved destination for those seeking an authentic dim sum experience in the heart of the city.
I learned that it is a cultural tradition in Hong Kong to wash the chopsticks, cups, utensils, and plates in the hot tea when it is brought to the table. These hygenic precautions are probably no longer necessary, but it is still a common practice today in restaurants before eating.
The other interesting thing is that we were sat at a table with four others. One of the girls at the table lives in Nyack, New York, a village near where I was born and raised! 
The Dim Sum tradition
In Hong Kong, dim sum is more than just a meal – it’s a social ritual. Families, friends, and colleagues gather around round tables, sipping tea while sharing small plates of dumplings, buns, and pastries. The practice of enjoying dim sum is often referred to as “yum cha,” which translates to “drink tea”.
Lin Heung Tea House 蓮香樓
Central District
160 Wellington Street, Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong.
