Tai Pak Kitchen Boat Returns to Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter After Over 1,000 Days of Restoration

Aaron Yeung
Dec 29, 2025
3 min read

Rekindling the Brilliance and Memory of Hong Kong’s Floating Restaurant Culture

(Hong Kong, 29 December 2025) — New Bond Limited (“New Bond”) announces that after more than 1,000 days of repair and restoration, the Tai Pak Kitchen Boat has officially returned to the Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter this afternoon. This vessel, carrying the collective memory of Hong Kong’s floating restaurant culture, is once again anchored in familiar waters, bringing back long-missed flavors and stories to the community.

Building on Last Year’s Success: A New Chapter for Community-Driven Maritime Culture

Looking back to Boxing Day 2024, New Bond hosted the “Light Up and Enliven Aberdeen” event, which received overwhelming support from all sectors. Three piers were illuminated for the first time after refurbishment, attracting large crowds to a lively waterfront market featuring marine conservation, green technology, artisanal crafts, music performances, and guided boat tours.

That day, the sea breeze carried warmth and cultural spirit once again. Many residents expressed heartfelt sentiments: “Aberdeen feels alive again.”

This success was not just about the event itself—it was a testament to community strength. Residents, merchants, fishermen, and cultural groups came together to bring Hong Kong’s maritime heritage truly “back to Aberdeen.”

Tai Pak Kitchen Boat Sets Sail from the Shipyard

The Return of Tai Pak Kitchen Boat: The First Step in Reviving Floating Restaurant Culture

The return of the Tai Pak Kitchen Boat continues the spirit of last year’s event and marks the first crucial step in reviving Aberdeen’s floating restaurant culture. Once a symbol of Aberdeen, floating restaurants were central to family celebrations, tourist experiences, and community gatherings. Though times have changed, the essence of this culture never truly disappeared—it has been waiting for the right moment to shine again.

The relaunch of the Tai Pak Kitchen Boat is that moment. It symbolizes cultural homecoming and signals the official start of a broader revival plan. New Bond is actively laying the groundwork for the next milestone—the restoration and rebirth of the Tai Pak Restaurant Boat, a project of even greater significance.

A spokesperson for New Bond stated: "The return of the Tai Pak Kitchen Boat is not just about restoring a vessel—it’s about helping Aberdeen rediscover its unique flavors, memories, and cultural identity. This is the first step in our mission to revive floating restaurant traditions. We will continue working to ensure this heritage thrives in the modern era, inviting more people to experience and pass it on.”

Directors of New Bond, Francis Li, Bobby Li & TY Wong (from left to right), held a blessing ceremony to pray for the safe return of the Tai Pak Kitchen Boat to Aberdeen.

Rooted in Culture, Grounded in Community, Bridged by Technology

The Tai Pak Kitchen Boat will reintroduce itself with a fresh vision—blending cultural preservation, community engagement, and innovative technology to create a new maritime experience for locals and visitors alike. New Bond aims to position the vessel as a demonstration project for integrating “low-altitude economy” concepts into marine dining, introducing drone-based food delivery for a truly unique dining experience.

Key highlights of the new service include:

Collaborating with community groups to host cultural activities such as guided boat tours and culinary heritage workshops
Promoting sustainable seafood practices, aligning cultural preservation with environmental responsibility
Creating an educational and entertaining space for residents, tourists, and families to enjoy life on the water
Introducing drone delivery services as part of an adaptive business model, showcasing the application of low-altitude economy in marine dining for an unprecedented experience

Through the Tai Pak Kitchen Boat, New Bond hopes to help the next generation understand the history of the typhoon shelter, the spirit of floating restaurants, and the vibrant life that once defined these waters. By merging tradition with innovation, this project breathes new life into Hong Kong’s maritime culture.

Tai Pak Kitchen Boat enter the typhoon shelter via the Shum Wan East Dam

Preserving Floating Restaurant Heritage and Lighting Up Hong Kong’s Future

New Bond remains committed to working hand-in-hand with the community to safeguard and promote floating restaurant culture. Through technology, culture, and storytelling, we aim to illuminate Hong Kong’s future—ensuring the traditions of life on the water endure and allowing more people to rediscover the charm and spirit of the Pearl of the Orient.