A Guide to Eating Seafood on Lamma Island
Lamma Island, a peaceful and scenic getaway just a short ferry ride from Hong Kong Island, is a hidden gem for seafood lovers. Known for its laid-back atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and hiking trails, Lamma Island is also home to a variety of seafood restaurants offering fresh catches from the surrounding waters. Here’s a guide to some of the best places to eat seafood on Lamma Island.
1. Lamma Fisherfolk’s Village
Why visit: Located near the ferry pier in Yung Shue Wan, this area is known for its many seafood restaurants that specialize in local catches. The relaxed, rustic setting allows you to enjoy fresh seafood with a fantastic view of the ocean.
What to expect: Choose from a variety of live seafood, including prawns, crabs, clams, and fish, which are then prepared to your preference. Many of the restaurants offer dishes like steamed fish, garlic prawns, and stir-fried crab.
Recommended spots:
Lamma Fisherman’s Wharf: A popular seafood restaurant that specializes in Cantonese-style dishes like steamed grouper and salt-and-pepper squid. Its outdoor seating area offers a great place to enjoy the fresh air and sea views.
Rainbow Seafood Restaurant: Known for its excellent seafood platters and signature dishes like stir-fried clams with black bean sauce and steamed lobsters.
2. Yung Shue Wan Village
Why visit: Yung Shue Wan is one of the two main villages on Lamma Island and offers a great selection of casual seafood restaurants. The waterfront location means you’re just steps away from fresh, local seafood. Many restaurants also feature outdoor seating with views of the harbor.
What to expect: Freshly caught seafood prepared in a variety of styles, from traditional Cantonese steaming to grilling and stir-frying. The area is known for its fish, prawns, and shellfish.
Recommended spots:
The Square: Located at the center of Yung Shue Wan, The Square offers a cozy and laid-back atmosphere with an excellent selection of seafood. Try their signature dishes like the deep-fried prawns and stir-fried clams with garlic.
Lamma Restaurant: A well-established spot known for fresh fish and shellfish. It’s ideal for a casual meal, where you can savor dishes such as steamed fish, salt-baked prawns, and grilled squid.
3. Hung Shing Yeh Beach Area
Why visit: Situated near one of Lamma Island’s most beautiful beaches, the area around Hung Shing Yeh Beach offers seafood restaurants that are perfect for relaxing after a swim or hike.
What to expect: Fresh seafood served with a view of the beach, making it a great spot to enjoy seafood in a relaxed, scenic environment. The restaurants here often serve fresh fish, prawns, and crab, alongside traditional Hong Kong dishes.
Recommended spots:
The Sea Breeze Restaurant: Located close to Hung Shing Yeh Beach, this restaurant specializes in Cantonese-style seafood dishes like chili crab and garlic prawns. The casual setting is perfect for a beachfront meal.
Bamboo Seafood Restaurant: A popular choice for visitors to the beach, Bamboo serves up fresh seafood with a variety of sauces, including soy-based or spicy versions. Don’t miss their crab and shrimp dishes.
4. Lamma Island’s Seafood Markets
Why visit: For a truly authentic seafood experience, consider visiting one of Lamma Island’s small seafood markets. These markets are often located near the ferry piers or in the village centers, where you can select live seafood and have it cooked at nearby restaurants.
What to expect: Freshly caught local seafood such as clams, lobsters, oysters, and crabs. The seafood markets offer a great opportunity to pick your seafood directly from the tanks and have it prepared to your liking.
Recommended spots:
Yung Shue Wan Seafood Market: Near the main village, this small market offers fresh catches like clams, lobsters, and prawns, which you can buy and take to a nearby restaurant for cooking.
Ferry Pier Seafood Stalls: The area around the ferry pier in Yung Shue Wan has a few stalls selling live seafood, perfect for visitors looking to pick up ingredients for a fresh meal.
5. Mok’s Seafood Restaurant
Why visit: Mok’s Seafood Restaurant is a hidden gem tucked away in Yung Shue Wan. It's a local favorite, known for offering freshly prepared seafood dishes in a relaxed environment.
What to expect: Fresh seafood like prawns, clams, and squid, all cooked in traditional Cantonese styles. Mok’s is popular for its no-frills approach and friendly service.
What to try: Try the stir-fried squid with salted egg yolk, crab with black bean sauce, or the signature steamed fish.
6. The Best Seafood Dishes to Try on Lamma Island
Steamed Fish: A classic Cantonese preparation that allows the freshness of the fish to shine. Lamma Island’s seafood restaurants specialize in this, with options like grouper or snapper being popular choices.
Chili Crab: Known for its spicy kick, this dish is a favorite across the island. Fresh crab is stir-fried with a mixture of chili, garlic, and spices to create a savory and flavorful dish.
Salt and Pepper Prawns: A simple yet delicious dish where prawns are deep-fried and seasoned with salt, pepper, and chili, making for a crispy, savory bite.
Garlic and Black Bean Clams: Clams cooked with garlic, black beans, and a touch of chili to create a savory and aromatic dish.
Grilled Squid: Served with a light sauce or seasoning, grilled squid is a must-try. The texture is tender with a subtle smokiness from the grill.
7. Tips for Enjoying Seafood on Lamma Island
Timing is key: Lamma Island can get quite busy on weekends and public holidays, especially around popular beaches like Hung Shing Yeh. If you want a more relaxed experience, try visiting on weekdays or during off-peak hours.
Bring cash: While most of the restaurants in Lamma Island accept credit cards, some smaller, more casual spots may prefer cash. It’s always a good idea to carry some HKD with you.
Go for the freshest catch: The seafood is at its best when it’s freshly caught. Look for restaurants or markets with live seafood on display to ensure you’re getting the freshest ingredients.
Seafood preparation varies: Different restaurants on Lamma Island may prepare seafood in slightly different ways. Don't hesitate to ask the staff for recommendations or to prepare dishes according to your preferences (e.g., spicier, lighter, or with specific herbs).
Lamma Island offers a laid-back, off-the-beaten-path experience for seafood lovers. With its many seafood restaurants serving freshly caught, locally prepared dishes, the island is a perfect destination to enjoy authentic Hong Kong-style seafood in a relaxed and beautiful setting. Whether you’re sitting by the water with a crab dish or enjoying a quiet meal in one of the island’s charming restaurants, Lamma Island’s seafood scene is sure to impress.
