Among the myriad of dim sum restaurants in Hong Kong, Lin Heung stands out as a must-visit destination. Founded in 1918, the original Lin Heung Tea House delighted patrons daily with exquisite, homemade dim sum. Despite the closure of the original Lin Heung Tea House in 2022, due to city development and COVID-19, Lin Heung Kui, operated by the same family, continues the cherished tradition. This restaurant's charm is amplified by its setting and ambiance.

Nestled on the ground floor, one can find Lin Heung bakery, renowned for traditional Chinese cakes and pastries, including mooncakes. The bakery's fame lies in its exceptionally smooth lotus seed paste filling. Indeed, 'Lin Heung' translates to 'lotus fragrance' in Chinese, capturing the essence of this fine establishment.

Venture to the upper floors to experience Yum Cha, the practice of consuming tea and dim sum. Here, traditional Chinese calligraphy and landscape paintings adorn the walls. Fresh, piping hot dim sum is still transported via steam carts, a nostalgic sight exclusive to Lin Heung.

Take note that Lin Heung does not accept reservations. One simply walks in and finds a suitable table. Due to the restaurant's popularity, expect to share a table with fellow patrons. While this might seem unusual initially, the convivial atmosphere, brimming with chatter and steam, contributes to a truly authentic dining experience.

Upon sitting, waitstaff provide a tally card along with tea, a cup, a small plate, a tiny bowl, a spoon, chopsticks, and a basin for rinsing the cutlery. When they notice an empty teapot, they promptly refill it with hot water.

Despite often featuring on global travel guides’ top attractions, Lin Heung remains authentically local. There is no English menu or pre-ordering. Instead, approach one of the steam carts to see what’s available. If a dish catches the eye, present the tally card, receive a stamp for the selected item, and return to the table with the delectable selection.

Alternatively, savor a cup of tea while waiting for a steamer cart to pass by. Given the limited and sometimes fluctuating supply of dim sum, one might see a crowd forming around a freshly emerged steam cart from the kitchen. Consider joining the rush to secure the most sought-after dishes.

Savor classic dim sum dishes such as Siu Mai 燒賣 (shrimp & pork dumpling), Ha Gao 蝦餃 (shrimp dumpling), and Char Siu Bao 叉燒包 (barbecue pork bun). Even traditional, now-rare dishes like Dai-Bao 大包 (big, mixed ingredient bun) are on offer.

While many dim sum restaurants have evolved over time, surrendering traditional tastes and culture, Lin Heung remains steadfast in offering an authentic yum cha experience, filled with vibrant tradition and a lively atmosphere.