One of Hong Kong’s oldest teahouses swapped dim sum carts for disco lights as the historic Lin Heung Lau hosted a “dim sum rave” on Saturday night in a bid to attract younger customers.
Around 300 partygoers, from Gen Z patrons to middle-aged guests, filled the nearly century-old venue, dancing under a disco ball while enjoying traditional dim sum dishes such as har gow and siu mai alongside tea-flavored alcoholic drinks. A disc jockey played a mix of electronic and Cantonese music throughout the event.
“I think what’s most special is that there are shrimp dumplings, siu mai, and a DJ spinning records,” said 30-year-old Luna Chan, who traveled from Macau for the gathering.
“Normally at clubbing events, it’s just the DJ along with alcohol or cocktails. But here, there’s the atmosphere of a teahouse, so I feel it’s a place really worth visiting,” she added.
The event reflects a growing global trend among younger consumers for hybrid “themed raves” that combine music with food, culture and wellness experiences. Similar concepts include coffee raves, daytime parties and sober-friendly nightlife events.
Established in the 1920s, Lin Heung Lau is known for its traditional Cantonese dishes and classic dim sum trolley service. Like many heritage establishments in Hong Kong, the teahouse faced financial struggles and temporary closures, including a two-year shutdown during the Covid-19 pandemic before reopening in 2024.
The “Dim Sum Rave” concept emerged after businessman Rocky Wong took over operations of the restaurant following the pandemic. Wong said Hong Kong’s economy had experienced a “cold winter” after the health crisis, prompting efforts to reinvent the dining experience for younger generations.