A Tsim Sha Tsui restaurant has ignited a citywide frenzy with its jaw-dropping dim sum prices, offering steamed delicacies for as little as HK$7 and drawing crowds that snake from the 12th floor down to the street level of The ONE shopping mall.
The establishment, Chiu Hei Cuisine (潮·囍薈), has been dubbed the “Saizeriya of Hong Kong’s morning tea scene” after its promotional menu featuring items at HK$7, HK$8, and HK$9 went viral on social media. Among the most talked-about offerings is a whole abalone siu mai priced at just HK$9—a dish that would typically cost four to five times more elsewhere.
The Phenomenon: Queues Before Opening Hours
Since the promotion began, weekend crowds have formed as early as 9:30 AM, with patrons waiting outside the mall before doors open at 10 AM. Social media users on Xiaohongshu shared photos showing queues stretching from the restaurant’s entrance on the 12th floor, wrapping around corridors, and continuing down to the ground level. One astonished netizen commented, “Are our elderly folks really queuing this hard for dim sum?”
The promotion runs daily from 10 AM to 4 PM, with the last order accepted at 3:30 PM. A tea charge of HK$20 per person applies.
What’s on the Menu?
The newly upgraded value dim sum menu features three price tiers:
HK$7 selections include:
- Steamed shrimp and chive dumplings
- Coconut custard lava buns
- Black truffle mushroom buns
- Pan-fried cherry shrimp rice rolls
- Traditional hand-made glutinous rice buns
HK$8 offerings:
- Steamed shrimp and corn dumplings
- Chicken feet with fresh yam
- Fragrant taro and sesame cakes
- Egg custard layered cake
- Pan-fried beef buns with black bean sauce
HK$9 highlights:
- Whole abalone siu mai (a showstopper item)
- Crispy milk rolls from Shunde
- Golden soup dumplings with scallop
- Durian mochi with black thorn variety
Divided Opinions: Bargain or Compromise?
The promotion has sparked heated debate across Facebook groups and forums. Supporters argue the prices are unbeatable even when compared to mainland Chinese cities. “HK$7-9 is like eating at 7-Eleven but in a nice restaurant,” one user wrote. Another added, “You can’t even get this price in Guangzhou or Shenzhen. In Tsim Sha Tsui, this location is unbeatable.”
Critics, however, caution that the low prices likely mean pre-made or frozen ingredients. “Hong Kongers queue not because the food is good, but because it’s cheap,” one skeptic noted. Others pointed out that the HK$20 tea charge per person adds up, especially for larger groups.
A Sign of the Times
This pricing strategy comes amid a broader trend of Hong Kong restaurants aggressively competing for local diners, particularly as cross-border travel to mainland China increases. Industry observers see the promotion as a direct response to changing consumer habits, where value for money has become the deciding factor for many families.
Restaurant Details
Chiu Hei Cuisine (潮·囍薈)
- Location: 12th Floor, The ONE, 100 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
- Promotion Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (last order 3:30 PM)
- Tea Charge: HK$20 per person
- Phone: 8300 8050
What to Know Before You Go
- Arrive early, especially on weekends, as queues are significant.
- The promotion is for dine-in only and applies to the specified menu items.
- Consider splitting larger groups to reduce wait times.
- Check social media for real-time queue updates before heading out.
While the debate over quality versus price continues, one thing is certain: Hong Kong’s dim sum culture is evolving, and restaurants willing to push boundaries—whether in price or presentation—are capturing the city’s attention. Whether this model proves sustainable remains to be seen, but for now, Tsim Sha Tsui’s newest dining sensation shows no signs of cooling down.