Taste of Time Exhibition

A Taste of Time: Tung Nam Lou Art Hotel Unveils Exhibition Celebrating Cantonese Dining Culture

 

Hong Kong, FEBRUARY 10, 2025 – Tung Nam Lou Art Hotel, a unique boutique hotel born from the legacy of a historic Yau Ma Tei landmark, proudly announces the launch of "A Taste of Time," an immersive exhibition that delves into the captivating history of Cantonese dining culture from the 1950s to the 1990s.

 

The building itself, now a vibrant hub of art and culture, boasts a rich history. Originally a humble tea house, it evolved into a renowned Cantonese restaurant, 東南樓海鮮酒家 (Tung Nam Lou Seafood Restaurant), a beloved institution in the neighborhood. Over time, the building transitioned into an office building before undergoing a remarkable transformation into the present-day Tung Nam Lou Art Hotel.

 

This unique exhibition, running from February 22nd to May 22nd, 2025, will transport visitors back in time to the golden age of Cantonese cuisine, spotlighting the legendary restaurant that once graced these very grounds. Guests will journey through the remarkable evolution of Cantonese dining traditions, from modest tea houses of the 1950s to the grand banquets of the 1980s.

 

Exhibition Highlights

Explore the Decades

  • Discover a thoughtfully curated timeline of Tung Nam Lou, tracing its transformation from simple tea houses to extravagant banquet halls.

  • Learn how Tung Nam Lou mirrored Hong Kong’s economic and cultural shifts, from the post-war era to the golden age of Cantonese cuisine.

Replica Dining Experience

  • Step into an authentic recreation of Tung Nam Lou Seafood Restaurant from the 1950s. This nostalgic setting offers a perfect backdrop for photos and a glimpse into the past.

Weekend Workshops (Registration Required)

Participate in interactive workshops, blending traditional Cantonese culinary tools with modern creativity. 

  • Mini Dim Sum Terrarium Workshop $280HKD per person: Unleash your creativity with a hands-on session crafting a unique terrarium within a mini dim sum bamboo steamer.

  • Custom Poem & Calligraphy $280 per person: Collaborate with Master 9 Drawing, our in-house poet, to compose a personalized Cantonese poem inspired by your name, a special place, or a chosen theme. Experience the artistry of modern Chinese calligraphy as your poem is elegantly inscribed onto a bamboo steamer.

 

Why Visit?

  • For Food Lovers: Deepen your appreciation for Cantonese dining culture and its culinary artistry, from dim sum to lavish banquets.

  • For History Enthusiasts: Uncover Tung Nam Lou’s pivotal role in fostering community and celebrating life’s milestones in Yau Ma Tei.

  • For Families: Share an engaging, educational experience that connects generations to Hong Kong’s vibrant cultural heritage.

Set in the heart of Yau Ma Tei, A Taste of Time is hosted at Tung Nam Lou Art Hotel—a boutique hotel that masterfully combines art, history, and hospitality. Visitors will leave with a renewed understanding of Hong Kong’s culinary legacy and its profound impact on community and culture.

 

Event Details

  • Admission: FREE

  • Workshops: Additional costs apply; pre-registration required.

  • Location: Tung Nam Lou Art Hotel, 68 Portland Street, Yau Ma Tei (Yau Ma Tei MTR Exit A1)

  • Opening Hours: Monday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM

 

Dim Sum Delights: Terrarium Workshop 點心蒸籠小盆栽工作坊 

 

 

Verses in a Bamboo Steamer: Custom Poetry & Calligraphy 訂製粵語詩詞書法 

 

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