Michelin-listed Ancient Moon shuts during Hong Kong’s dining upheaval

Hong Kong’s tough retail environment has claimed another victim, with a Michelin-designated restaurant announcing its closure after a decade of serving nasi lemak, bak kut teh and chilli pan mee in North Point.

Ancient Moon, which serves Singaporean and Malaysian food on Kam Ping Street in the eastern part of Hong Kong Island, said its last day of operation would be on July 19, according to its Instagram post.

It received a Bib Gourmand designation in the 2024 Michelin Guide for Hong Kong and Macau, which recognises restaurants that serve “high-quality food for only HK$400 (US$51) or less”, excluding three-course meals and drinks.

“We have tried to adapt but our ability and resources are limited,” the restaurant owners said on Instagram. “We have spent 11 years here and there were a lot of gains and losses.”

While “business [has been] bad since last year”, rent was not a reason for the closure, according to the owners, adding that the shop’s landlord was very good to them.

The restaurant is located in an area mainly known for small and traditional shops. It joins a growing list of Hong Kong’s small businesses that have succumbed to changing consumption habits among the city’s residents, which have hit restaurants particularly hard.