Hong Kong Luk On Ge Yum Cha: Traditional Dim Sum Pushcarts, Lin Heung Kui Rebrands for a New Start!

 

Who would have thought that after hearing about Lin Heung Kui for so long, wanting to visit for years, I never actually went? Then, after the pandemic, it closed and reopened at the same location under a new name—Luk On Ge. Coincidentally, this restaurant was included in our itinerary. (For this Hong Kong trip, all the planning was done by my travel companions—I was just following along.) They wanted to experience traditional Hong Kong-style yum cha, which is becoming increasingly rare in the city. Many younger people aren’t particularly fond of these old-school tea houses, but Luk On Ge still retains the classic pushcart service!

How to Get a Seat—Don’t Wait at the Entrance!

From the description above, you might think this is all about nostalgia, but once you arrive, you’ll realize the priority is just finding a seat. Go straight to the floor you want, enter, and look for a table. Do not stand at the entrance waiting to be seated! If you see a staff member, stop them and let them know your party size immediately. Waiting passively is the worst strategy.

The Pushcart System—Speed is Everything!

Pushcarts will circle around you, but pay close attention to their routes—by the time they reach your area, many dim sum items may already be gone. The best approach? As soon as a pushcart comes out, go straight to it and grab what you want. There are trays at the counter—use one, as some freshly steamed items are scorching hot and can burn you if you're not careful.

Here, being too polite isn’t a virtue—quantities are limited, and if you hesitate, you might miss out and have no idea how long the next batch will take.

This place is all about speed and sharp reflexes. You can grab a few dishes first before sitting down to eat—then get ready for the next round of battle. When the pushcart appears, expect a fierce rush, as everyone dives in to secure their favorite dim sum. Only the fastest win!

Tea Selection & Must-Try Dim Sum

There are different teas to choose from—just pick your favorite.

Some of the highlights:

• Chicken feet – An absolute must-grab! Gone in seconds.
• Turnip cake – Quite tasty.
• Har gow (shrimp dumplings) – Definitely get some!
• Char siu bao (BBQ pork buns) – Missed out! Saw them, but my hands were too slow, and they were gone. Watching them get taken right in front of me—heartbreaking! Had to settle for a char siu puff instead, which was still flavorful.

Many dim sum items had that nostalgic Hong Kong yum cha taste. As for the atmosphere? It’s subjective. The environment isn’t the best—it’s noisy, chaotic, and lively. Some elderly patrons calmly enjoy their tea, while others come in groups, chatting away.

Final Thoughts

Recommending specific dishes isn’t really necessary—just grab what looks good to you! Some flavors are on the heavier side, so be prepared for a bold taste.

Luk On Ge is a great place to experience Hong Kong's traditional yum cha culture. Just remember—eat fast, move fast, and don’t wait around!