Check out Humans of Hong Kong, our newest video series focused on telling Hong Kong stories!
Originally published by Sophie Pettit. Last updated by Catharina Cheung.
There’s nothing that quite screams of summer than cracking open an ice-cold drink, firing up the grill, and slapping some meat on to sizzle. You’ll most likely get charcoal all over your hands, have to dodge clouds of smoke, and possibly have trouble getting your fire started, but despite the relative hassle, we’ve never come out of a barbecue and not enjoyed it. Grab your friends for this quintessential summer activity at some of Hong Kong’s best barbecue spots!
We’re getting this one out of the way first. Deep Water Bay is a gorgeous location in the southside, especially in the evening when nearby lights are reflected on the water’s surface, but it’s so popular that you’re likely never going to get a spot unless you head out well and early. If it’s a weekend, just move along. That said, go when it’s off-peak and you’re sure to have a lovely time away from the raucous tourist crowds at Repulse Bay.
How to get there: Buses 6, 6A, 6X, 65, 260, and 73 from Central Exchange Square, or bus 973 from Tsim Sha Tsui will all take you to Deep Water Bay. Alternatively, minibuses 40 or 40X from Causeway Bay and minibus 52 from Aberdeen also run the route. There are also some metered parking spots along the beach should you choose to drive.
Hidden slightly away from Stanley’s iconic promenade is Main Beach. That’s not to say there aren’t any crowds, because that’s unthinkable in Stanley, but it’s still one of our favourite barbecue spots. There’s no need to haul food from home either, because you can simply get what you need from the supermarkets in Stanley, then walk the 10 minutes or so to the beach.
How to get there: Similar to Deep Water Bay, buses 6, 6A, 6X, and 260 run from Central Exchange Square to Stanley village.
Because it’s nestled next to Red Hill and further out than the tourist attraction of Stanley, Turtle Cove is much less frequented by visitors, which means a lot less noise and cleaner surroundings. In fact, Turtle Cove has always ranked highly for water quality in Hong Kong. Taking a dip after gorging on grilled meat sounds like a great way to spend a lazy summer’s day.
How to get there: Make your way to Chai Wan Station, then take Exit C to the Chai Wan minibus terminus. Minibus 16X will stop at Red Hill Plaza, then simply walk along Tai Tam Road until you reach the flight of stairs that will lead down to the beach.
When it comes to Lamma Island, most people only think of Yung Shue Wan or Sok Kwu Wan, but don’t know that there are better options available. Lo So Shing Beach requires a bit of a hike to get to, so it isn’t quite as busy—perfect for breathing in deep and taking in the nature around you. Despite being a bit remote, there are also toilets, changing rooms, and shower facilities available.
How to get there: From Central Pier 4, take the ferry to Sok Kwu Wan, then follow the Lamma Island Family Walk as it follows the bay to the west. Lo So Shing Beach is just 15 minutes away.
Tucked behind Lantau Island favourite Pui O Beach, these barbecue spots are great for refuelling after a long day of baking on the sand. You could also make a full day of it by renting watersports equipment from the Treasure Island desk inside Mavericks.
How to get there: Catch the ferry to Mui Wo from Central Pier 6, then hop on the buses 1, 4, or 3M. After roughly 15 minutes, alight at Pui O School, then follow signposts down to the beach. There is also parking available right by the beach.
We honestly think Middle Bay is one of Hong Kong’s most overlooked beaches. Tucked away down the road from Repulse Bay, you’ll have an amazing view of the sea minus the crowds and noise. Because of how small the beach itself is, there are only nine barbecue pits available, but there is also a little kiosk that might be able to cater to some of your needs. Otherwise, stock up near Repulse Bay before walking over.
How to get there: Take buses 6, 6A, 6X, 63, or 260 from Central Exchange Square and alight at Repulse Bay Beach. From Beach Road behind The Pulse, go up to South Bay Road, then follow along for a leisurely 10-minute walk until you reach a set of stairs to your right across from Ruby Court.
This beach is a firm favourite among weekenders and hikers along Dragon’s Back, and for good reason. Located only a stone’s throw from the beach itself, this site actually contains the largest number of barbecue pits in the southside. Shek O village itself has a rustic charm that lends well to the laid-back vibe you want during a chill day out on the grill.
How to get there: From Shau Kei Wan Station, get out of Exit A3, then hop onto bus 9. Once you alight at Shek O Bus Terminus, simply head southeast on Shek O Road until you hit the beach.
Visitors may not be able to swim at this beach, but Anglers is still a pretty great spot for barbecuing. As you munch on your chicken wings, you can gaze out to sea for great views of the Rambler Channel, as well as the cool bridges connecting Hong Kong island to Lantau.
How to get there: From Tsuen Wan West Station, take either Exit A1 or E1 for the Tsuen Wan West Station Public Transport Interchange. Hop onto buses 234A, 23B, or 53, and alight at Sea Crest Villa Phase 3. Anglers Beach is directly opposite. Minibus 308M from Tsing Yi or minibus 96M from Tsuen Wan will also take you to the same stop.
As far as we know, this area doesn’t really have anything to do with butterflies, but did you know it is the beach that’s situated closest to mainland China? Because of how far away it is, this is one of Hong Kong’s least crowded beaches, but it comes with plenty of tidy facilities, ball courts, and a whopping total of 80 barbecue pits. Melody Garden and Butterfly Plaza are also only a short walk away, where you can stock up on food to grill.
How to get there: From Tuen Mun Station, come out of Exit C2, then onto MTR shuttle bus K52, and alight at Butterfly Beach Park. You could otherwise choose to take buses 59X, 59M, or 59A heading to Tuen Mun Pier Head, and alight at Butterfly Estate. There is also a parking lot at the park if you’re driving.
We love strolling along this beach; it’s a fairly long stretch of waterfront space, so the crowds are always rather spread out even if it gets busy. There aren’t that many barbecue pits available, so if they’re all full, you could always go down the road to the (much) smaller Tong Fuk Beach. Say hi to the feral cattle while you’re there!
How to get there: From Tung Chung Station, take buses 11 or 23 to Lower Cheung Sha Village; the beach is a few minutes away. You could also take the ferry from Central Pier 6 to Mui Wo, then buses 1, 2, or 4 to the same stop.
It turns out the little town of Mui Wo is a bit of a barbecue hotspot, with stores that supply food already marinated and ready for the grill. Silvermine Bay Beach has 20 good-sized barbecue pits, and interestingly are more popular in the evening. There’s something romantic and nostalgic about a barbecue or bonfire on the beach at night. Don’t forget to bring marshmallows!
How to get there: Take the ferry from Central Pier 6 to Mui Wo, then head towards the right, crossing the water on Ngan Shek Street. The beach is past Mui Wo Market and Silver Plaza, where you can pick up supplies.
This country park is huge and covers an expansive area, so it technically encompasses several barbecue sites. These are Shui Long Wo, Kei Ling Ha, Nai Chung, and Ma On Shan Village; the last two are the easiest to access. You’ll have to bring everything in yourself, but you’ll truly be in the sticks so the experience makes up for the hassle. Besides, the return trip will be a lot lighter anyway!
How to get there: Take bus 681 from the Hong Kong Station Public Transport Interchange, and alight at Ma On Shan Park bus stop. Alternatively, take minibuses 3 or 3A from Man Nim Street in Sai Kung.
The barbecue pits here are delightfully rural looking and overlook the lovely Shing Mun Reservoir. The park itself is also great to walk off some of that food in, and is overall a relaxing area. The only downside here is the monkey population; they have been known to snatch food when they know it’s available. If you’re very much an animal person and don’t mind monkeys lingering around, then by all means, enjoy your time with the cheeky primates!
How to get there: From Tsuen Wan Station, come out of Exit A1, then hop onto minibus 82. The reservoir is about a 20-minute ride away.
Located right next to Wah Fu Estate, the Waterfall Bay Park (obviously) has a waterfall nearby as well. The barbecue pits are spacious and well-maintained, and only a short walk from the water feature in question. Supposedly, local pirates who sailed the waters nearby, as well as European sailors, would refill their fresh water supply at this very waterfall!
How to get there: Catch bus 30X from Central Exchange Square, then alight at Wa Chui Street. Head down onto Wah King Street, then onto Wah Fu Road at the roundabout, which finally leads on Waterfall Bay Road. The path leading to the barbecue site is near Wah Ming House.
The feature that makes Aberdeen Country Park stand out is it’s the only country park on the island with a picnic area suited for people with physical disabilities, with facilities such as a guide path for wheelchairs. The forests of Hong Kong’s southside and the beauty of the reservoir itself makes for very scenic surroundings.
How to get there: From Causeway Bay Station, take Exit E, then hop onto bus 4C to Shek Pai Wan. Alight at Yue Kwong Chuen Hoy Au Lau, and head towards Aberdeen Reservoir Road, then veer left onto the Aberdeen Fitness Trail.
This is the largest country park on Hong Kong island, consisting of four huge reservoirs lined with scenic hiking trails and public facilities. There are plenty of barbecue spots dotted around, so you should have no trouble finding space. The easiest ones to get to lie along Tai Tam Reservoir Road. The start of the trail is near Parkview, an upscale residential estate with a supermarket where you can stock up on supplies and food.
How to get there: Get bus 6 from Central Exchange Square and alight at Wong Nai Chung Reservoir Park stop; look out for the petrol station. Go up onto Tai Tam Reservoir Road and keep heading up the slope. There is a barbecue area just a little ways in the Wilson Trail, opposite Parkview, but for the country park proper, go all the way to the end of Tai Tam Reservoir Road and onto the trail, where there’s another barbecue site opposite the public toilets.
Do like Hongkongers do and spend a day “at the foot of Lion Rock” soaking in the Lion Rock Spirit. The 26 barbecue pits here have been renovated a few years ago so they’re all still quite new and spacious. There’s nothing nearby for you to buy supplies, so make sure you’re all packed.
How to get there: From Wong Tai Sin Station, take Exit B3, and head towards the minibus terminus and onto Shatin Pass Road. You can either leg it up or take a cab; the entrance to Lion Rock Country Park is all the way up the road near Lion’s Pavilion.
Every Hongkonger’s biking destination, Tai Mei Tuk is sandwiched between the slopes of Pat Sin Leng and the waters of Plover Cove. Looking out at the sea, you’ll see a vast expanse of water dotted with small sailing vessels, with the occasional kite soaring overhead. From the barbecue site, you’ll also be able to see the Plover Cove Reservoir Dam, a long and straight structure that juts out onto the water.
How to get there: We’d normally recommend biking to Tai Mei Tuk from Tai Wai, but if you’re bringing lots of perishables, it’s probably better to head there directly. From Tai Po Market MTR station, take minibus 20C or bus 75K to the Lung Mei stop.
Apart from self-serviced barbecue sites on beaches and in parks, there are also establishments that cater specifically to all your fiery needs.
Located right on Sha Ha Beach in Sai Kung, diners can barbecue al fresco while looking out over the Sai Kung coastline. A major selling point is that after you pay a flat rate (ranging from $188 to $218), this is an all-you-can-eat joint with no time limit. There’s only so many sausages and chicken wings we can stomach, true, but we still love the fact that we can grill to our hearts’ content.
Beach BBQ King, 9 Sha Ha Tsuen, Tai Mong Tsai Road, Sai Kung | (+852) 2792 1600
Ignore its slightly gross name, because, in addition to barbecue pits, a delicious menu, and views of picture-perfect sunsets, Whitehead Barbecue is something of a local happening spot, with markets, themed nights, and inflatable playgrounds to take your whole experience to the next level. There’s even a driving range in the vicinity, for Pete’s sake.
Whitehead Barbecue, No. 1950 Whitehead, Ma On Shan | (+852) 2744 8188
This is yet another all-you-can-eat BBQ affair. Their operating hours run from 10 am to 2 am, so rest assured that the feasting doesn’t stop here! To level-up the day out experience, they’ve even got fairground games, driving simulators, children’s play area, bouncy castle, live goldfish catching, and some farm animals that you can interact with. An odd mishmash of entertainment, but no doubt you’ll be there all day!
Tai Mei Tuk BBQ King, Ting Kok Road Section 17, Tai Po | (+852) 2662 6222
Catharina has recently returned to her hometown of Hong Kong after spending her formative years in Singapore and the UK. She enjoys scouring the city for under-the-radar things to do, see, and eat, and is committed to finding the perfect foundation that will withstand Hong Kong’s heat. She is also an aspiring polyglot, a firm advocate for feminist and LGBTQIA+ issues, and a huge lover of animals. You can find her belting out show-tunes in karaoke, or in bookstores adding new tomes to her ever-growing collection.
Top