Lin Heung Tea House
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Restaurant |
| Founded | 1889 in Guangzhou, China |
| Defunct | 2022-08-09 |
| Fate | Reopened under new management in April 2024 |
| Headquarters | Central, Hong Kong , Hong Kong |
Area served | Hong Kong |
| Products | Traditional Chinese dim sum and tea |
| Owner | New proprietors (since 2024) |
| Website | linheung |
Lin Heung Tea House () is a historic two-level Chinese dining establishment situated within the Tsang Chiu Ho Building () at 160–164 Wellington Street, at the intersection with Aberdeen Street, in Central, Hong Kong. This iconic venue ceased operations on 9 August 2022 but resumed service at the same address in April 2024 under new proprietors.
History
Originally established in 1889 in Guangzhou, China, Lin Heung Tea House expanded its presence to Hong Kong in 1926, opening locations in Mong Kok and Central. In 1980, it settled into its present site in Central. Celebrated for its genuine traditional Chinese dim sum, the tea house has garnered attention from global media outlets such as CNN and TIME magazine.
The restaurant has also been featured in films including The Longest Summer (1998) and In the Mood for Love (2000).
On August 8, 2022, Lin Heung announced its shutdown amid reports of unpaid wages to staff for four months. The establishment reopened with new management in April 2024.
Naming
The name Lin Heung (meaning "fragrant lotus") reflects the tea house’s signature ingredient—the lotus seed paste—used in its famous Steamed Lotus-seed-paste Bun, mooncake, and Double-lotus Pie. The lotuses, known as Xiang-lians (), are sourced from Hunan, China, prized for their delicate taste. Chan Yu Yue (), a member of the Hanlin Academy, commended the quality of the tea house’s lotus paste, inspiring the inclusion of "lotus" in its name.
Interior design
Occupying two floors of a tenement building, Lin Heung Tea House features Lin Heung Bakery on the ground level and a traditional Chinese dim sum restaurant on the upper floor, adorned with calligraphy and landscape artwork.
In 2024, under new ownership, the bakery was converted into a tea shop named LIN HEUNG TEA.
Services
With seating for approximately 300 guests across 50 tables, Lin Heung operates without hosts; diners are expected to find their own seats. Once seated, waitstaff provide teacups, basins for utensil rinsing, and tally cards. Due to high patronage, sharing tables is customary.
Tea
The Tea House serves a variety of Chinese teas such as Oolong tea, Pu'er tea, Jasmine tea, and Shoumei tea. Each customer receives two teacups: one larger cup for steeping tea and a smaller one for drinking. When patrons lift the lid of the larger cup, staff promptly replenish hot water.
Traditional trolleys
Dim sum is delivered via traditional trolleys with limited quantities; pre-ordering is not an option. Guests follow these trolleys with their tally cards, which servers stamp upon serving selected dishes.
Featured food
Besides the renowned Lotus-seed-paste Bun, Lin Heung offers over thirty varieties of dim sum including har gow, shumai, and cha siu bao. Exclusive items unique to Lin Heung include Steamed Chicken Bun (), Shumai Made with Liver (), Whole Winter Melon Soup (), Pa Wong Duck (), and eight treasures duck ().
Menu
| - | Morning Tea | - |
|---|---|---|
| Steamed Chicken Bun (Template:Zh) |
Lotus Seed Paste Bun (Template:Zh) |
Steamed Chicken Wrapped with Bean Curd (Template:Zh) |
| Shumai Made with Tripe (Template:Zh) |
Shumai Made with Liver (Template:Zh) |
Steamed Pork Meatball with Quail's Egg (Template:Zh) |
| Steamed Chinese Sausage Roll (Template:Zh) |
Steamed Chinese Sponge Cake (Template:Zh) |
Steamed Custard Buns (Template:Zh) |
| - | Lunch / Dinner | - |
|---|---|---|
| Grilled Pork Ribs (Template:Zh) |
Pa Wong Duck (Template:Zh) |
Stuffed Mud Carp (Template:Zh) |
| Steamed Stuffed Duck (Template:Zh) |
Whole Winter Melon Soup (Template:Zh) |
Steamed Goose Intestine in Egg Custard (Template:Zh) |
References
- Official Website of Lin Heung Tea House
- Lee Lai Lai, (2013)〈一盅兩件〉, Accessed via http://linheung.com.hk/lin_heung_tea_house/index2.php
- Newspaper, (2013)〈蓮香樓踏入第八十個年頭〉, Available at http://linheung.com.hk/uploadfile/news/20130402200151-6.jpg
- Mijune, (2012), HONG KONG – LIN HEUNG TEA HOUSE 蓮香樓 (DIM SUM), Retrieved from http://www.followmefoodie.com/2012/10/hong-kong-lin-heung-tea-house-%E8%93%AE%E9%A6%99%E6%A8%93/
- CNN News, (2009), Lin Heung Tea House: Dim sum elder, Found at http://travel.cnn.com/hong-kong/eat/lin-heung-679607
