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Header image courtesy of @sean_lhk (via Instagram)
Originally published by Sophie Pettit. Last updated by Gabrielle Caselis and Celia Lee.
There’s nothing that quite announces the coming of cooling weather like huddling around the pit, 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 autumn 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 on 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.
Go when it’s off-peak and you’re sure to have a lovely time away from the raucous crowds at Repulse Bay. Our tip is to pack extra cooking and eating utensils here. Although there are sinks available at the site, the toilet is on the other side of the beach and making trips back and forth will just take too much time.
Number of BBQ pits: 33
Amenities: Toilets (including accessible toilet)
Opening hours: 24 hours daily
Enquiry number: (+852) 2812 0228
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. For more on the area, read our full neighbourhood guide to Stanley here.
Number of BBQ pits: 15
Amenities: Toilets (including accessible toilet)
Opening hours: 24 hours daily
Enquiry number: (+852) 2813 0217
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. Comfortably switch from grilling to swimming at the beach’s intimate space of 230 feet wide. Taking a dip after gorging on grilled meat sounds like a great way to spend a lazy day.
Number of BBQ pits: 12
Amenities: Toilets
Opening hours: 24 hours daily
Enquiry number: (+852) 2813 0386
When it comes to Lamma Island, most people only think of Yung Shue Wan or Sok Kwu Wan, but a lot of visitors 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. For more on the area, read our full neighbourhood guide to Lamma Island here.
Number of BBQ pits: Six
Amenities: Toilets
Opening hours: 24 hours daily
Enquiry number: (+852) 2982 8252
Tucked behind Lantau Island’s favourite Pui O Beach, these barbecue spots are great for refuelling after a long day of baking on the sand or hiking from Mui Wo. You could also make a full day of it by renting watersports equipment from the Treasure Island desk inside Mavericks.
Number of BBQ pits: Six with benches
Amenities: Washbasin (with three taps) and toilets (including accessible toilet)
Opening hours: 24 hours daily
Enquiry number: (+852) 2984 7675
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 limited 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.
Number of BBQ pits: 9
Opening hours: 24 hours daily
Enquiry number: (+852) 2812 2546
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 on the Southside. Shek O village has a rustic charm that lends well to the laid-back vibe you want during a chill day out on the grill. For more on the local area, read our full neighbourhood guide here.
Number of BBQ pits: 39
Amenities: Toilets (including accessible toilet)
Opening hours: 24 hours daily
Enquiry number: (+852) 2809 4557
Visitors may not be able to swim at this beach, but Anglers Beach 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 Island.
Number of BBQ pits: Seven
Amenities: Toilet
Opening hours: 24 hours daily
Enquiry number: (+852) 2491 0348
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 lot of barbecue pits. Melody Garden and Butterfly Plaza are also only a short walk away, where you can stock up on food to grill.
Number of BBQ pits: 80
Amenities: Toilets, children’s play area, fitness corner for elderly
Opening hours: 24 hours daily
Enquiry number: (+852) 2404 5979
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!
Number of BBQ pits: Seven with benches
Amenities: Toilets (including accessible toilet)
Opening hours: 24 hours daily
Enquiry number: (+852) 2980 2114
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, which 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! For more on the local area, read our full guide on the neighbourhood guide to Mui Wo here.
Number of BBQ pits: 24 with benches
Amenities: 6 washbasins (total 12 taps) and toilets (including accessible toilet)
Opening hours: 24 hours daily
Enquiry number: (+852) 2984 8229
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 freshwater supply at this very waterfall!
Number of BBQ pits: 10
Amenities: Toilets (including accessible toilet)
Opening hours: 24 hours daily
Enquiry number: (+852) 2555 0103
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. Want to know more about what else Sai Kung has to offer? Read our full neighbourhood guide here!
Beach BBQ King, 9 Sha Ha Tsuen, Tai Mong Tsai Road, Sai Kung | (+852) 2792 0683
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. For large parties, make your reservations online here.
Whitehead Barbecue, No. 1950 Whitehead, Ma On Shan | (+852) 2744 8188
Kingswood Kut Kut Siu (嘉湖吉吉燒) serves guests a feast for the eyes and of course, an actual feast. Picking from their vast selection of ready-to-cook food, guests will be left feeling like professional chefs with the restaurant’s incredible marinade on their meats. We recommend you get the gang together here for dinner. The restaurant is recognisable by its bright string light and red lantern décor from a mile away. Take a break from grilling to play a couple of rounds of mahjong or sing karaoke. The site accessible by bus 969, 967, and 968 from Central.
Kingswood Kut Kut Siu (嘉湖吉吉燒), Fung Ka Wei, 30 Tin Tsz Road, Tin Shui Wai | (+852) 6936 2869
The appeal of TLC BBQ (大欖燒烤) as an all-you-can-eat barbecue buffet restaurant lies around having guests fish out their own food and placing them straight on the grill. If you think conveyer belt sushi restaurants are awesome, you’ll be amazed by this eatery. The water instalment is not only for show, but also functions as the vessel that holds freshwater seafood and where boatloads of shellfish are served. Their buffet is particularly advantageous for gourmands with an insatiable appetite—children (starting from $90) and adults ($110)—and a charcoal fee of $50.
TLC BBQ (大欖燒烤), 385 Tai Lam Tung Road, Tuen Mun | (+852) 2613 1811
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