The beloved institution known for its pushcart dim sum will begin 24-hour operations inside Terminal 1, taking over a former Chinese restaurant space.
Hong Kong’s storied Lin Heung Lau (蓮香樓), a teahouse with over a century of history, is expanding its footprint once again. Following the opening of its Mong Kok branch in January, the establishment has confirmed plans to open a fourth location inside Hong Kong International Airport’s Terminal 1. The new outpost, set to launch on July 22, will occupy the former premises of the Maxims Palace Chinese Restaurant (翠園) in the non-restricted area of the departure hall.
The move marks a significant milestone for a brand that has become synonymous with Hong Kong’s tea-house culture. Known for its retro pushcart service, where steaming bamboo baskets of dumplings are wheeled between tables, Lin Heung Lau has long been a pilgrimage site for locals and tourists alike. The new airport branch will operate 24 hours a day, offering travellers a taste of old Hong Kong at any hour.
A Growing Presence Across the City
Lin Heung Lau currently operates three outlets: the original Central location, a 24-hour branch in Tsim Sha Tsui on Kimberley Road, and a recent addition in Mong Kok’s Sai Yeung Choi Street South. The Central flagship, which briefly closed before reopening in 2024, remains a cornerstone of the brand’s identity. The Tsim Sha Tsui branch, which opened this past June, has been a game-changer by offering round-the-clock service for night owls and early birds alike.
The Mong Kok outlet, branded as Lin Heung Kui (蓮香居), introduced a limited-time senior promotion: guests holding an Enjoy Card (樂悠卡) during designated hours can enjoy a HK$2 tea fee and a waived service charge. This effort to cater to older clientele underscores the brand’s commitment to accessibility and nostalgia.
What to Expect at the Airport Location
Situated at Shop 8T010 on the departure hall mezzanine level (non-restricted area), the airport branch will be near a McDonald’s outlet. The decision to take over the former Maxims Palace space signals confidence in capturing both departing Hongkongers and incoming visitors.
The menu will spotlight the brand’s signature dim sum items, all made fresh to order. Staples include:
- Lin Heung Shrimp Dumplings (Lin Heung Har Gow) – Plump, translucent parcels filled with whole prawns
- Fish Maw and Shark Fin Soup Dumplings – A luxurious, broth-filled classic
- Quail Egg Siu Mai – A rare, old-school variation of the pork and shrimp dumpling
- Lotus Seed Buns – Sweet, velvety buns that have been a house specialty for decades
In addition to dim sum, the Mong Kok and Tsim Sha Tsui branches have gained attention for their evening Chinese dishes, such as Iberico pork char siu, tomato-baked pork chop rice, and smoked vegetarian goose. It is likely that similar offerings will be available at the airport venue, making it a viable option for full meals, not just snacks.
Context and Implications
Lin Heung Lau’s expansion into an airport setting is strategic. Hong Kong International Airport handled over 45 million passengers in 2023, with numbers rebounding toward pre-pandemic levels. By securing a 24-hour position in this high-traffic corridor, the teahouse positions itself as a gateway experience—one that introduces visitors to traditional Cantonese tea culture before they even leave the city.
The move also reflects a broader trend of heritage brands adapting to modern travel hubs. With the closure of several legacy restaurants and tea houses in recent years, the survival and growth of an institution like Lin Heung Lau offers a counter-narrative. It demonstrates that nostalgic dining, when executed with consistency and authenticity, can thrive even in transient environments.
For travellers, the airport branch eliminates the need to journey into the city centre for a classic dim sum breakfast or late-night meal. For Hong Kongers, it offers a familiar comfort before departure—a final taste of home.
Looking Ahead
Lin Heung Lau’s airport outlet is expected to join the ranks of the city’s most talked-about dining openings this summer. As the July launch date approaches, anticipation is building among food enthusiasts and frequent flyers alike.
For those planning a visit, the new branch is located at:
Hong Kong International Airport, Terminal 1
Shop 8T010, Departure Hall Mezzanine (Non-Restricted Area)
Phone: 2117 8498
Hours: 24 hours daily
Related Reads:
- Lin Heung Lau’s Mong Kok Senior Discounts and Opening Details
- Tsim Sha Tsui 24-Hour Dim Sum: A Complete Guide
- Hong Kong’s Best Traditional Teahouses: A 2025 Update
With its fourth branch, Lin Heung Lau proves that even after a century, there is still room to grow—and to serve.