Preserving the Stories of Hong Kong's Long-standing Shops

Walking through the streets and alleys of Hong Kong, one can always feel the melancholy of sunset industries. Traditional local crafts such as bamboo steamers, cha chaan teng culture, and tailoring craftsmanship that once thrived are now facing the fate of being phased out by the wheels of time. However, in this rapidly changing world, there are still some resilient artisans who silently safeguard these endangered industries.

Whether it’s the skilled craftsmen who meticulously create bamboo steamers or the food factories that seamlessly blend traditional craftsmanship with wisdom and technology to produce fish balls, their exquisite skills and unwavering spirits will bring us an unforgettable cultural feast. These old shops are the witnesses and guardians of Hong Kong’s local culture. Their existence is not only a heritage but also a tribute to the past and an expectation for the future. Therefore, if we truly want to uphold Hong Kong’s local culture, we must not miss these precious treasures.

Now, let us embark on a journey to explore the lost industries, experience the stories of these silently dedicated artisans, and let our actions become the best support for their perseverance in heritage. This is our greatest tribute to Hong Kong’s local culture and our sincere admiration for the sunset industries.

This article is based on the “香港老舖記錄冊“

1. TUCK CHONG SUM KEE BAMBOO STEAMER CO. – Sai Wan

Tuck chong Sum Kee Bamboo Steamer Co, a long-established brand that embodies Hong Kong’s culinary and lifestyle culture. They offer a wide range of products, specializing in steamer baskets, as well as other bamboo products such as bamboo baskets and bamboo sifters. Mr. Lam Ying Hung, the owner, is passionate and friendly, always ready to share the art of making bamboo steamers. While most steamers are now produced in mainland China, Tak Cheung continues to craft uniquely sized steamers in Hong Kong. They are dedicated to preserving this craftsmanship and attracting the younger generation to learn and maintain the tradition of handmade production. Tak Cheung Sum Steamer Baskets is a unique treasure in Hong Kong, providing people with practical and aesthetically pleasing choices for bamboo gifts.

Address: 12 Western Street, Sai Wan
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday: 09:00 – 17:00, Closed on Sundays and public holidays

2. Wai Kee Jewellers Limited

Wai Kee Jewellers Limited, radiating unique charm since 1885. Their handmade crafts are distinctive, easily recognizable, and showcase Wai Kee’s unique, captivating, and fashionable style. From jewelry to classic silverware, each piece is designed by designers based on the characteristics of the materials and meticulously crafted by skilled artisans with exquisite craftsmanship. Wai Kee’s creations exude a strong Eastern charm and Hong Kong characteristics, combining the essence of Chinese and Western cultures. From Western tableware to jewelry reflecting Chinese culture, they showcase the unique charm of Hong Kong. Moreover, Wai Kee has also created unique silver cups and prizes for major events such as the Hong Kong Jockey Club and golf clubs. Wai Kee Jewelry takes you on a journey to experience the unique charm and exquisite craftsmanship of Hong Kong.

Address: Shop 105, 1/F, Prince’s Building, 10 Chater Road, Central, Hong Kong
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday: 10:30 – 19:00, Closed on Sundays

3. NGAI YUNG KEE STONE WORK FACTORY LIMITED

NGAI YUNG KEE STONE WORK FACTORY LIMITED, established in 1966, is located in the Ngong Tong area of Chuen Lung Village, Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong. They are renowned for their production of tombstones and stone products, providing services such as tomb construction, maintenance, and preservation. The Wei brothers uphold traditional craftsmanship and, with the assistance of modern equipment and mainland Chinese factories, strive to adapt to changes and maintain the prosperity of their business. However, as cremation gradually replaces traditional burial practices, they face the challenge of whether the new generation is willing to inherit the family business. Wei Yung Kee Stone Factory is committed to business development and innovation, looking forward to future success.

Address: Ngong Tong area, Chuen Lung Village, Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong

4. YUEN MAU HING KEE TEA CO

Yuan Mau Hing Kee Tea Company, founded in Chaozhou and later expanded to Hong Kong, has a history of nearly 70 years. The tea house is well-known for its traditional tea production and business model, and each branch retains a strong sense of old shop charm. The two adorable shop cats, “Cat Zi” and “Cat Nan,” have become friendly ambassadors of the tea house. Despite urban development and community changes, the tea house remains committed to tradition, providing customers with high-quality tea and service.

Address: G/F, 31 Nam Kok Road, Kowloon City, Hong Kong
Opening Hours: 09:00-18:30

5. Kau Kee Food Factory

Kau Kee Food Factory, a long-established fish ball manufacturer in Hong Kong, has a history of 60 years. Fish balls play an important role in Hong Kong’s culinary culture, representing the unique heritage of the city. Kau Kee is renowned for its high-quality Hong Kong-made fish balls and is committed to preserving traditional production methods. They carefully select seasonal fresh fish and combine different fish species to create fish balls with unique textures and flavors. Adapting to market changes, Kau Kee continually innovates, introducing new products and bringing fish balls to various parts of the world, proudly representing Hong Kong’s food manufacturing industry.

Address: Unit 7D, Mercantile Industrial And Warehouse, 16-24 Ta Chuen Ping Street, Kwai Chung, Hong Kong
Opening Hours: 09:00-17:30 (Closed on Sundays)

6. Wing Wa Cafe

Wing Wa Cafe, with a history of half a century, exudes a timeless ambiance and unique local culture in Hong Kong. This stone house ice room not only attracts visitors with its simple and unassuming exterior but also deeply touches people’s hearts with its rich flavors and genuine hospitality. In a rapidly developing city, Wing Wah Ice Room has become an important symbol of preserving Hong Kong’s culture, attracting both local residents and overseas tourists to experience the fading cultural charm of the city. Protecting and inheriting local culture is an essential mission for Hong Kong.

Address: 106A Cha Kwo Ling Main Street, Hong Kong
Opening Hours: 07:00-17:00

7. Yue Wo Hop Kee

In the backdrop of the declining waxed meat industry, Yue Wo Hop Kee, as a traditional waxed meat shop in Sai Ying Pun, strives to navigate through the off-season by upholding traditional production techniques and introducing diverse products. They skillfully handcraft waxed sausages and display a wide variety of cured meat products in their store, showcasing the richness and diversity of waxed meats. The efforts of Yue Wo Ho Kee not only preserve local culture but also integrate waxed meats into daily cuisine, allowing people to savor the unique flavors they offer.

Address: Ground Floor, 190 Des Voeux Road West, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong
Opening Hours: 08:05-17:35

8. CHEONG YUEN CHINESE WINE MERCHANT COMPANY LIMITED

Since its establishment in 1920, Cheung Yuen Liquor Company has been renowned for its unique Jade Ice Burn liquor. However, facing challenges such as an aging customer base, competition from foreign liquors, and changing drinking preferences among Hong Kong people, Cheung Yuen ultimately made the decision to cease production of Jade Ice Burn. This decision may have been difficult, but the winery has found a new direction by transitioning into the wholesale liquor business. While Jade Ice Burn may no longer be available, Cheung Yuen Liquor Company will continue its nearly century-long history in a new form and contribute to the liquor culture of Hong Kong.

Address: Portion of Room 608, 6/F., Honour Industrial Centre, 6 Sun Yip Street, Chai Wan, Hong Kong
Opening Hours: 12:30-19:30

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