Our 70 Year Journey

Tradition, Craftsmanship, Perseverance: Three generations of charcoal roasting heritage.

Founders

Our founder, Mr. Ng (left), his wife Mrs. Ng (right) and his brother-in-law Mr. Lee (bottom).

The Early Days: A Humble Beginning

Yue Kee’s journey began in 1958 as a small sidewalk booth in the rural town of Sham Tseng. Our founder, Mr. Ng Chun Yim, brought his culinary roots from Puning, Chaozhou, to Hong Kong. After working as a chef at Kowloon Textile Industries, Mr. Ng began selling traditional Chaozhou dishes with friends. As his family grew, he noticed a local love for roasted meats and began charcoal roasting ducks in his own backyard—laying the foundation for a Sham Tseng tradition.

Historic storefront

The first permanent Yue Kee storefront, circa 1975.

1975 Menu Cover
1983 Menu Cover

The original menu covers from 1975 and 1983.

1960s-1980s: Becoming a Landmark

In 1969, the Hong Kong government granted land that allowed Yue Kee to transition from a street stall into its first permanent restaurant. Throughout the 70s and 80s, Sham Tseng evolved into a vibrant hub. Our signature roasts became a "must-try" destination for hikers, tourists, and families exploring the countryside.

This period marked our transformation into a culinary landmark. As more travelers discovered the unique aroma of our charcoal roasted geese, the Yue Kee name became synonymous with Sham Tseng and peak flavor.

Prominent Figures at Yue Kee

Governor and Chief Executive of Hong Kong visited Yue Kee in the 90s.

The 1990s: Resilience and Growth

Following a devastating fire that tragically took the lives of Mr. Ng and his wife, the Ng family stood together to rebuild. Honoring the founders' unwavering commitment to quality, the family continued the legacy of charcoal roasted goose. During this era, Yue Kee expanded its culinary horizons by introducing premium Cantonese delicacies.

As the second generation—the three daughters of the founder—took the lead, the focus remained on preserving the charcoal roasting techniques that define our heritage. While many restaurants switched to modern gas ovens for efficiency, Yue Kee refused to compromise on the soul of the dish.

Michelin Bib Gourmand for 17 years

Awarded Michelin Bib Gourmand for 17 Consecutive years.

DianPing Must Eat for 4 years

DianPing Must Eat Award for 4 years.

Today: Global Recognition

Today, the second and third generations work side-by-side to manage the business. By blending time-honored techniques with modern dedication, we ensure the flavors our customers love remain unchanged. Now recognized as both a historic landmark and a premier culinary destination, Yue Kee continues to receive international acclaim.