Hop Hing Hot Pot
Click signs to turn On / Off
At TNX, we focus on rescuing neon signs from our streets, which face removal due to stricter building regulations. We dismantle, restore, and preserve these signs, bringing them back to life through both small and large exhibitions. To honour their history and significance to our local culture, we document the story behind the sign with photographs and videos. Additionally, we share the stories of the sign owners, detailing the background of each sign.
From Hollywood blockbusters to Wong Kar-Wai films, neon signage stands as an iconic symbol of Hong Kong. These signs represent our visual identity and heritage and are an essential part of the city's vibrant energy. In the post-war era, Hong Kong transformed into a dazzling display of colours, with its neighbourhoods illuminated in a spectacular array, contributing significantly to the city's rise as a thriving metropolis. These signs have shaped Hong Kong's dynamic spirit, capturing the attention of both local and international audiences for years.
Over time, neon signs have continued to evolve, with local artisans skilfully sculpting, bending, and blowing delicate, gas-filled glass tubes into a variety of shapes and designs. Each sign carries a unique and compelling story that reflects the business's goals and aspirations.
What follows is a visual narrative of Hop Hing Hotpot made possible by the support of Mr. and Mrs. Wong to whom this book is dedicated.
We hope you enjoy exploring this collection of images!
Hop Hing Hotpot, a well know locally run business owned and run by Mr. and Mrs. Wong and their business partner, opened its doors in 1977 to bustling streets and hungry families. Long before it became known for its bubbling hotpots and winter warmth, Hop Hing served classic Teochew cold dishes, known as da lang (打冷), alongside simple, familiar Cantonese fare. Each plate, each recipe, carried a piece of Hop Hing’s story and the tastes of a different Hong Kong.
“After the Mid-Autumn Festival that year, hotpot made its debut on our tables,” Mr Wong recalls. “In those days, mutton was a staple. It was affordable, nourishing, and served in generous portions that filled bellies and brought laughter. We never served food plate by plate. Instead, we served by portion, believing that good food should be simple, plentiful, and shared.”
At the time, hotpot was mainly enjoyed on cold evenings, when the city’s pace slowed and neighbours gathered around the table. During Hong Kong’s humid summers, few people ordered hotpot.
“But times changed, and so did we,” lamented Mr. Wong. “We streamlined our menu to follow the rhythm of the seasons and the wishes of the community. “ Slowly, the small plates and cold dishes were put to one side, as Mr. and Mrs. Wong dedicated themselves to crafting unforgettable hotpot moments.
Today, every bubbling pot at Hop Hing still carries a taste of those early days. It is a reminder of how a meal can become a memory, and how a restaurant can become part of its neighbourhood’s story.
When Hop Hing first set out in Yau Ma Tei, it started with a spark of community. A close friend of the family patriarch, inspired by a newspaper article, joined forces to open the very first shop. Yet, just as their small business found its feet, the promise of new beginnings was interrupted: the building was marked for demolition, forcing Hop Hing to temporarily close its doors after only a year.
Refusing to let their story end so soon, the group quickly rallied. They reopened at Shop No. 66 on Woosung Street, right in the heart of the same old neighbourhood. For several years, laughter and the aroma of simmering broth once again filled the air. But change visited once more: by the third year, the landlord announced plans to sell up.
Not to be discouraged, the team was offered the next-door spot—Shop No. 58—so Hop Hing simply shifted sideways and kept the pots bubbling for another five years. Then, as before, an unexpected twist: the landlord reclaimed the property, and the search for a new home began all over again.
Through each twist of fate, the business owner’s determination never wavered. In October 1983, Hop Hing finally settled into its current location, a home where the fires have never gone out and the welcome has never faded.
In its earliest days, Hop Hing was truly a collaborative venture — a spirited partnership fuelled by shared investment, hard work, and big dreams. As the business grew and evolved, so too did its way of working, always adapting to meet new challenges. The name “Hop Hing” was carefully chosen to capture the very heart of the enterprise: a celebration of unity and the promise of prosperity for all who joined in.
The logo features a fish, a crab, vegetables, grilled skewers, and a pair of chopsticks, with white steam rising from the hotpot. At its centre are the Chinese characters 沙爹, meaning “satay”, rendered in blue. The design was created by Mr Wong’s younger brother.
Quite often, visitors arrive with cameras in hand, drawn by the allure of Hop Hing’s striking shop sign. As evening falls and neon lights flicker to life, their reflections spilling across the sidewalk, passersby often pause in awe — eager to capture the moment in photographs. The vibrant sign has even drawn the attention of local film and television crews, who have chosen Hop Hing’s storefront as a backdrop for popular dramas and movies. This glowing sign is far more than just an advertisement; it’s a symbol of neighbourhood fame and cinematic charm.
The Hop Hing, neon sign has always been so much more than just a storefront marker. It was an invitation, a beacon that drew in curious passersby from the lively street outside. Its glow caught people’s eyes, making them wander in for a taste. For the Wong family, the sign was an advertisement that never slept; every night when those lights flickered on, it sparked memories and attracted new faces, each shaping Hop Hing’s ongoing story.
“Every day I would gaze up at its glow, cherishing its beauty and well-kept charm.,” lamented Mrs. Wong. “Imagining it gone feels almost unbearable, especially when to our eyes, it’s as vibrant as ever. I just can’t fathom why it needs to be taken away, despite all the meaning and warmth it holds for our family and neighbourhood.”
“When we first hung up our sign, it was more than just a name in lights. It was a bold hope that it would turn heads, welcome more guests through our door, and put Hop Hing Hotpot on the map. And it worked beautifully; soon, the buzz grew, more people found us, and our tiny shop started to get noticed across the city .”
“Despite its humble size, Hop Hing’s name began to ring out beyond our neighbourhood. People started talking, and word spread fast. Over the years, we’ve been honoured by visits from well-known guests, each lending their own bit of fame to our story. Every friendly face and celebrity stopover has helped build not just our reputation, but a sense of pride that radiates from our little shop, making us a place everyone seems to know, and many love to return to.”
“Back in its heyday, this neighbourhood was ablaze with neon lights, especially along Parkes Street, where every corner seemed to pulse with colour and life. From the main intersection, the entire stretch would shimmer each night, casting a dazzling glow that turned the streets into a spectacle. Temple Street, once bustling with thriving shops and endless crowds, was the heart of the boom—drawing energy, excitement, and visitors from all walks of life. Now, though, things have quieted down, and that vibrant atmosphere feels like a precious memory, making today’s quieter streets all the more bittersweet.”
Whenever the moment comes to let go of a sign that has watched over the business, welcomed generations, and lit up so many memories, a wave of sorrow rises that’s impossible to contain. Saying goodbye isn’t just about losing a piece of neon; it’s like turning the page on part of the family story.
“TNX’s dedication to protecting Hong Kong’s neon heritage truly means a lot. The city shines brighter because of people like you.” said Mrs. Wong. “From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for looking out for our shop’s treasured sign. Although its future home isn’t set yet, knowing it’s been carefully preserved is a comfort.”
“Sadly, the sign is now no longer hanging above our door,” laments Mrs. Wong, “but at least it is a relief for us to know that it’s safe and cared for, not lost to a landfill or forgotten. As long as those glowing tubes remain, so do its stories. We hold onto hope that, someday, our sign will light up once again, sharing its glow with new generations and keeping the spirit of Hong Kong’s neon alive.”
“The thought that our treasured sign escaped the landfill and still has a chance to light up the memories makes all the difference. Maybe, somewhere down the road, we’ll get to gaze up at that familiar glow once more, recalling all the warmth and stories it holds. If we’re fortunate enough to see it restored to its rightful spot in our lifetime, it would be nothing short of a magical.” continues Mrs. Wong.
“After all, preserving these signs means so much more than saving a piece of glass and metal; it’s about safeguarding the city’s living history. Without those willing to take bold, pioneering steps, so many of Hong Kong’s treasures would quietly fade away. That courage is what keeps our cultural heritage alive, ensuring its light continues to shine for generations to come.”
Standing on these streets today, there’s a powerful sense of loss. The cityscape simply isn’t what it used to be. Cast your mind back to the 1980s, when Hong Kong’s nights were transformed by a spectacular blaze of neon signs. As darkness draped the city, every street was drenched in shimmering, colourful light, turning ordinary blocks into extraordinary sights. Peering around now, it’s impossible not to feel regret for all the iconic signs that have since been taken down, leaving the nights a little dimmer and the memories a little more precious.
Tetra Neon Exchange (TNX) is a non-profit organisation headquartered in Hong Kong. We specialise in rescuing neon signs from our streets, particularly those targeted for removal due to increased building regulations. We help to dismantle, restore, preserve, and then bring these signs back to life by showcasing them through both small- and large-scale exhibitions.
To further preserve their history and cultural significance, we have documented the sign-removal process through photographs and videos. We have also included stories told by the sign owners, explaining the background of each sign.
We hope you have enjoyed this collection of images.
SIGN REMOVAL PROCEDURE
Every sign removal is a unique challenge, and no two are ever quite the same. We approach each case with careful attention to its distinct factors, from the different parties involved to the sign’s location, its condition, and the time constraints. This tailored approach ensures that every removal is handled smoothly, efficiently, and with the precision it deserves.
1. Engage with the Business:
We begin by approaching the concerned business to confirm if they are willing to donate the neon sign to TNX.
2. Quotation Support:
Upon agreement, we assist the business in obtaining a removal quotation from a local contractor. Costs typically vary based on factors such as the sign’s size, its position on the building, the need for scaffolding, and whether the removal must occur outside regular working hours.
3. Sign Removal Day:
On the scheduled day, the contractor carefully dismantles the sign. The sign may come down as a whole piece or cut into smaller sections for safe removal. In some cases, only the lettering is removed, leaving the metal support structure intact.
4. Safety Inspection:
After lowering the sign, the neon master inspects the tubing to determine whether, for safety reasons, they should be detached from the signage.
5. Documentation:
If the letters are to be removed, the neon master meticulously records their shape, size, and calligraphy style by creating detailed paper patterns.
6. Safe Packing:
The removed neon tubes are carefully packed into ‘beehive’ style containers designed to protect the delicate glass tubes during transport.
7. Warehouse Storage:
Finally, the sign components are transported to the TNX warehouse, where they are securely stored in preparation for restoration.
Acknowledgements
Tetra Neon Exchange Limited extends its gratitude to all the individuals, groups, and organisations who have contributed images to this book. While the contributors are not identified by name, their collective input and involvement are also gratefully acknowledged. We also respect the rights of everyone represented.
A special thank you goes to the owner of the neon signboard, whose generous donation illuminated our project. Your willingness to share your knowledge and stories has added a rich layer of authenticity and inspiration to our work.
To our dedicated editors and translators: Your invaluable insights and meticulous attention to detail have ensured that every page resonates with joy and wonder, creating an immersive experience for our audience.
And to our readers, we are profoundly grateful for your enthusiasm and curiosity. You motivate us to continue crafting stories that spark imagination and foster a love for the vibrant world of neon.
This book stands as a tribute to the vibrant culture and craftsmanship that keep the neon lights shining bright, reminding us of the beauty in our shared experiences. Thank you all for being an essential part of this journey. Your support fuels our passion and creativity!