The aroma of roasted goose hangs heavy in the air. It’s a scent that has beckoned generations to Yung Kee Restaurant. Right here on Wellington Street.
This isn’t just any restaurant. Yung Kee is a Hong Kong institution. Established in 1942 it’s a living testament to Cantonese culinary heritage. It started humbly as a dai pai dong. A simple open-air food stall run by the visionary Kam Shui-fai. He built an empire on perfectly roasted goose. A legacy passed down through the Kam family.
Today Yvonne Kam the third generation leads Yung Kee. She’s modernized the brand. She launched Yung’s Bistro. This attracts younger diners. She also oversaw a magnificent renovation. It blends the old with the new. The original booth seating remains. It’s updated and stylish. There’s an open kitchen. This recalls the lively atmosphere of a cha chaan teng. The vintage reception counter remains. So does the aquarium. Even the statue of Wang Xizhi watching geese is still there.
Upstairs it’s a different experience. The first floor resembles a traditional teahouse. Think In The Mood For Love. Think The World of Suzie Wong. These classic films influenced the design. The decor is coral pink and emerald green. Decades-old floor tiles have been painstakingly restored. These were originally handcrafted by Italian artisans.
On the second floor find the Grand Dining concept. It recreates the banquet-style meals of the past. The 1970s inspired decor is vibrant. A modernist stained-glass chandelier adds a touch of kitsch. The Dragon and Phoenix Stage is a centerpiece. It’s one of the last of its kind in the city. Perfect for weddings or celebrations.
Yung Kee’s roast goose is legendary. They sell up to 300 whole birds daily. The founder Kam Shui-fai was nicknamed Roast Goose Fai. His creation is famous across Guangdong Hong Kong and Macau. It’s even a popular souvenir. Many take boxes of it home. It is often called Flying Roast Goose. You can even find Yung Kee’s dishes served on Cathay Pacific flights.
From humble beginnings to a culinary icon. Yung Kee’s story is woven into the very fabric of Hong Kong. It’s a story of family tradition and enduring excellence. A story you are experiencing right now. The story you will always remember.