The beloved 70-year-old dai pai dong, Bing Kee Cha Dong, has happily reopened its doors in Tai Hang after a two-week hiatus, much to the relief of its loyal customers.
The iconic tin-roofed stall, a cherished piece of old Hong Kong, had announced a temporary closure in mid-August due to staff shortages, leaving many to wonder about its future.
Those worries were put to rest last Tuesday when the eatery announced on Instagram, “Everyone's in and ready to start!”
The post playfully dismissed rumors of a change in ownership or a complete staff overhaul, clarifying instead that a “new team” was getting up to speed.
The brief closure was primarily due to the retirement of their veteran milk tea chef—a loss for any Hong Kong institution. Bing Kee confirmed the chef's well-deserved retirement.
A fixture at 5 Shepherd Street since the 1950s, Bing Kee is celebrated not just for its classic pork chop noodles and silky milk tea, but also as a living landmark. Its fame was boosted after local star singer Eason Chan was spotted enjoying meals there on multiple occasions.
News of its return sparked joyful discussions online, with fans expressing their support and nostalgia. One fan quipped, “Eason Chan finally got his favourite spot back!”—capturing the collective cheer for the return of this Hong Kong treasure.
Despite the anticipation surrounding the reopening, there have been several negative reviews concerning the updated flavors of the traditional menu on both local and mainland social media platforms.
Regular patrons conveyed to Sing Tao Headline that the well-known milk tea lacked the smoothness and richness it previously exhibited.
Additionally, customers expressed disappointment with the classic toast, which they described as bland and poorly sliced, resulting in an overall decline in quality following the establishment's reopening.
Some mainland tourists shared their experiences on Xiaohongshu, commenting that the cuisine at Bing Kee was lack of flavor. One individual remarked that the chicken wings were prepared to a standard not superior to her own cooking, while the toast was deemed average and not particularly conducive to excessive consumption.
