Hong Kong’s hottest BBQ spots for a summer cookout

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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