Museum of Rice Culture and Cuisine

Museum of Rice Culture and Cuisine

The Museum of Rice Culture and Cuisine is a private museum in Hong Kong operated by the Harmony Group. It is located on the 9th floor of 15-29 Wo Shui Street, Fo Tan, Sha Tin, New Territories.

Originally known as the Museum of Human Cuisine, it was jointly established by Lo Kam-shing and his associates. The original site was at 1 Lok Tin Street, On Lok Estate, Fanling, and it operated from July 2002 to September 2005. The two-storey museum covered an area of approximately 7,900 square feet and showcased the culinary cultures of different countries, including eating utensils, tableware, spices, and more from around the world. The museum hosted various food-related activities such as French country-style barbecues, walled village-style basin meals, herbal teas, and dumpling tastings, all accompanied by guided tours. At that time, the Museum of Human Cuisine was only open on Sundays and public holidays.

In October 2005, the museum received funding from the Harmony Group, was taken over, and renamed the Museum of Human Cuisine in Rice Village. After renovation, it reopened with the lower floor featuring exhibits of containers and cooking utensils, introductions to Chinese and Western condiments, types of tea and coffee along with their preparation tools. There were also Chinese and Western wedding banquet zones, a souvenir shop, and demonstration areas. The upper floor included a simulated old-style Chinese restaurant setting showcasing the culture of Hong Kong’s cha chaan teng (tea house), highlighting the evolution of the Harmony Group and presenting the tea house culture of Hong Kong in the 1950s and 60s. It also recreated dishes served at the Manhan Quanxi (Imperial Feast) held in 1977. After reopening, the museum no longer charged an entrance fee but only accepted group visits by appointment.

In July 2008, the museum relocated to a new site in Fo Tan and reopened under the new name Museum of Rice Culture and Cuisine. The new venue covers an area of about 5,000 square feet and is divided into five exhibition zones: the Rice Zone, Chopsticks and Spoons Zone, Spices Zone, Nature Zone, and the World of Wonders Zone.

Transportation Guide

Location: 9/F, 15-29 Wo Shui Street, Fo Tan, Sha Tin, Hong Kong

Getting There: Take KMB bus routes 248P, 88K, or NWFB Light Rail routes 28K, 801, or 811A.