Cinta J in Hong Kong to Close After 42 Years of Serving Filipinos

If you have ever wandered through Wan Chai in Hong Kong and followed the inviting aroma of sizzling sisig mixed with the sound of karaoke, you may have found yourself at Cinta J. For more than four decades, this restaurant has been a special place for Filipinos in the city, offering not just food but a comforting sense of home.

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Sadly, after 42 years, Cinta J will close its doors on 30 September 2025. The building that housed the restaurant has been sold, and the landlord has chosen not to renew the lease. For owners Bryan and Cris Lee, the news came as a complete surprise, leaving them and their loyal customers without the chance to prepare for a new location.

A Filipino Home in Hong Kong

Image credit: Cinta J | Facebook page

Cinta J opened in 1983 and quickly became more than just a dining spot. It turned into a community hub where Filipinos could gather, enjoy authentic food, and celebrate milestones together. From favourites like crispy pata to halo halo, every dish carried the familiar taste of home that many overseas workers deeply missed.

What made Cinta J even more memorable was its lively atmosphere. Karaoke nights and live music brought people together, especially on Sundays when many Filipinos had their day off. The restaurant was always filled with laughter, song, and the kind of warmth that turned strangers into friends.

The Closure Announcement

Image credit: Cinta J | Facebook page

The decision to close Cinta J came as a shock not only to the owners but also to the Filipino community in Hong Kong. Many long time patrons shared heartfelt messages and memories, saying the restaurant played an important role in their lives abroad. It was where birthdays were celebrated, first paydays were shared, and countless reunions took place.

Bryan Lee admitted that the closure was beyond their control, and without enough time to find another space, the family has chosen to focus on giving thanks and properly saying goodbye.

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A Lasting Legacy

Image credit: Cinta J | Facebook page

Even though Cinta J is closing, its story will continue. The restaurant stood as proof that food is never just about eating. It is about culture, memory, and belonging. For Filipinos in Hong Kong, Cinta J represented a home away from home, a place that made life abroad feel a little less lonely.

If you are in Hong Kong this September, you still have a chance to visit before the final day. Order your favourite Filipino dish, sing one last song, and join others in celebrating the history of this much loved place.

Cinta J may be closing, but the memories, flavours, and stories it created will remain with the Filipino community for years to come.