As more Hongkongers head north to Shenzhen for shopping and dining, and a wave of local business closures sweeps across the city, a quiet counter-movement is taking root in Yuen Long. Three iconic street-food stalls—once forced to shut down—have reopened in new locations, offering residents a reason to stay local and rediscover the flavours of their neighbourhood. These are not just eateries; they are stories of resilience, community, and culinary heritage.
A Changing Landscape for Local Hawkers
Hong Kong’s street food culture has long been a cornerstone of its identity. But in recent years, rising rents, redevelopment projects, and shifting consumer habits have pushed many small vendors out of business. The trend of “northbound consumption”—where locals cross the border for cheaper meals and entertainment—has added further pressure. Still, a handful of Yuen Long’s most cherished hawkers have refused to fade away.
Three stalls in particular have captured the hearts of locals: Kau Hui Cheong Fun, Long Ping Sushi Auntie, and Long Ping Fish & Shark Fin Soup Cart. Each has transitioned from illegal street cart to licensed shop, and each tells a unique story of survival.
Kau Hui Cheong Fun: Historic Roots, Modern Prices
Located in the historic Yuen Long Kau Hui area—a market village dating back to 1669—this stall began as a tea stand serving nostalgic snacks. Known for its unbeatable prices, the shop now operates under the name Kau Hui Cheong Fun at a new address in Yuen Long’s Kai Tin area. The menu is delightfully simple: cheung fun (rice noodle rolls) at HK$10 for seven pieces, fish balls at HK$10 for eight, siu mai at HK$10 for seven, and beef balls at HK$10 for two. A few indoor seats allow customers to sit and enjoy their bites.
Demand is so high that most items sell out by 5 or 6 p.m. For anyone planning a Yuen Long food crawl, this stop should come early in the day.
Address: Shop 26, G/F, Ho Shun Yee Building, 9 Fung Yiu Street, Yuen Long
Hours: Daily, 10 a.m. to 7–8 p.m. (or until sold out)
Long Ping Sushi Auntie: From Wooden Cart to Late-Night Icon
Now in her 70s, the woman behind Long Ping Sushi Auntie has been serving fried sushi and street snacks for more than 30 years. She began with a wooden cart in Long Ping Estate, later moved to the Yuen Long night bazaar—a makeshift夜市 that once drew crowds as a mini Hong Kong version of a night market. When the government reclaimed that land for public housing development, she relocated again, this time to a stall near Yuen Long Plaza.
Her signature dish is fried sushi (HK$40 for 12 pieces), once selling up to 2,000 pieces a day. Other favourites include chow mein (HK$50), deep-fried items (HK$15), and teppanyaki chicken wings (HK$30). Despite her long tenure, business has slowed, and the auntie admits foot traffic is not what it used to be. For those looking for a late-night bite and a chance to support a local legend, her stall remains open until 1 a.m.
Address: G/F, Man Yip Building, Yuen Long
Hours: Daily, 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Long Ping Fish & Shark Fin Soup Cart: A Comeback After Complaints
This stall started as a pushcart in Long Ping Estate and later moved into a shop on Ma Wang Road. But after noise complaints forced a temporary closure, it reopened on On Ning Road—and the response has been overwhelming. The queue on the day of our visit stretched to 90 minutes.
The menu focuses on three items: shark fin soup (HK$30 small, HK$38 large), fish broth (HK$32 small, HK$40 large), and a combination fish-and-shark-fin soup (HK$32 small, HK$40 large). The standout is the lettuce-and-fish soup, packed so generously with fish that the lid barely stays shut. A dollop of spicy preserved radish adds the perfect kick. The shop also previously served cart noodles, but those have yet to return to the menu.
Address: G/F, 188 On Ning Road, Yuen Long
Hours: From 6 p.m. until sold out; closed Wednesdays
Why These Stories Matter
In a city where dining trends shift rapidly and cross-border competition intensifies, these three stalls represent more than just food. They are threads in the fabric of Yuen Long’s identity. Their survival—against redevelopment, changing tastes, and economic pressure—offers a blueprint for how local businesses can adapt without losing their soul.
For readers planning a visit, these stalls are best explored as part of a larger food tour. Yuen Long is home to dozens of hidden gems, from Michelin-recommended street eats to all-you-can-eat chicken hotpot. Pairing a visit to these three with other local favourites like B Chai Liang Fen or Wing Nien Cart Noodles can create a memorable and affordable culinary journey.
Next Steps for Food Lovers
Supporting local hawkers is one of the most direct ways to preserve Hong Kong’s street food culture. Whether you’re a longtime resident or a first-time visitor, consider making a conscious choice to dine locally. As these three stalls prove, even the smallest cart can leave a lasting legacy.