Dim sum, people watching in Hong Kong, Luk Yu 陸羽茶室

The traditional teahouse serving dim-sum is not by push-cart?


Just when I thought push-cart dim-sum was traditional. Boy, it must be hard (and heavy) to wear that strap over the shoulder, and at the same time raising their voice calling out "Siew mai, siew mai"..."Chai Siew Bao, chai siew bao"...Har Gaw, har gaw" - dim-sum items sitting on their over-the-shoulder-tray. The waiters/waitresses have to climb steep stairs up and down, making sure customers in each level (there are two storeys to this teahouse) are served. And they are not youngsters but gentlemen and ladies in their 40s and up, perhaps.



Visiting Luk Yu Teahouse 陸羽茶室, in Central District, Hong Kong was more for the experience and not so for the dim-sum. Some say it's a reminder of old Hong Kong where teahouses were places to settle disputes harmoniously, over tea. Well, others see teahouse tradition as companionship and enjoying tea.

Whatever it is, it is not just about eating.

These were some standard dim-sum items we ordered. No fancy items available.

Pan-fried yam cake, egg tarts


Steamed pork dumpling (siew mai in Cantonese), top; steamed shrimp dumpling(har gau in Cantonese), bottom

Don't mix them up. A tea cafe is not a teahouse in Hong Kong understanding. If you have some time to immerse in the teahouse culture and tradition, do drop by:

Luk Yu Tea House
24-26 Stanley Street, Hong Kong
Nearest MTR: Central Station

Tag: hong kong eating, teahouse, dim sum