On Woosung Street in Yau Ma Tei stands Kung Wo Tong, a time-honored Hong Kong establishment that has been in operation since 1904. A bowl of glossy, jet-black herbal jelly (Guilinggao) has accompanied three generations of many Hong Kong families: back in the day, grandparents took their children to the old shop; now that they are grown, it is our turn to take the next generation.
A Herbal Legacy from the Qing Imperial Court
The story of Kung Wo Tong begins in the Qing Dynasty. The founder's ancestors were imperial physicians, and the family brought their secret palace formulas south, first opening a herbal tea shop in Guangzhou before eventually arriving in Hong Kong to put down roots in 1904. This formula, passed down from the imperial court to the public, has thus become a household name and a classic taste for the people of Hong Kong.
Signature Herbal Jelly and a Range of Homemade Herbal Teas
When people think of Kung Wo Tong, the first thing that comes to mind is undoubtedly the Guilinggao. "Feeling a bit 'heaty'? Eat a bowl of Guilinggao!" — many in Hong Kong have heard their elders say this. In addition to its signature herbal jelly, Kung Wo Tong has long provided a variety of homemade herbal teas, occupying a significant place in Hong Kong's herbal tea culture. For years, the shop has upheld the principle of using "genuine, high-quality ingredients and fresh daily preparation." This dedication to ingredients is the fundamental reason why the brand has crossed the century mark and continues to earn the trust of the local community.
Medicine and Food Share the Same Origin: Bringing Herbs to the Daily Table
"Medicine and food share the same origin" is a traditional concept in Chinese dietary culture—many herbs are actually daily ingredients that can be naturally integrated into one's three meals a day. In recent years, this concept has been rediscovered by the younger generation: people are starting to pay attention to the source of their ingredients and are increasingly appreciating the flavors of natural herbs. Kung Wo Tong's new products follow this direction, transforming traditional herbal combinations into convenient, everyday drinks.
From Bowls to Sachets: A Portable Series for a Busy Life
Life has become fast-paced, and not everyone has the time to sit down and slowly enjoy a bowl of herbal jelly or tea. To address this, Kung Wo Tong blends tradition with modernity by launching a portable series in individual sachets:
- Prebiotic Herbal Jelly Drink—Retains the traditional flavor of Guilinggao with added prebiotics; 10 sachets per box.
- Aronia & Goji Berry Honey—A blend of aronia (chokeberry), goji berries, and blueberries, balanced with honey for a sweet and natural taste.
- Tiger Milk Mushroom & Platycodon Honey—A compound of ten herbs including tiger milk mushroom and platycodon; 20g individual packaging, 10 sachets per box.
Whether on your way to work, traveling, or taking a short afternoon break, just tear open a sachet and enjoy. The classic taste is no longer limited by time or place.
Inheritance is More Than Preservation
Hong Kong's herbal tea culture is already listed on the National Intangible Cultural Heritage list. True inheritance is not about putting old crafts behind a glass case, but about making sure the next generation is willing to taste and enjoy them. With new initiatives like portable packaging and low-sugar molten custard mooncakes, Kung Wo Tong allows century-old craftsmanship to continue in a way that aligns with modern life—starting from Yau Ma Tei and bringing the taste of Hong Kong to the rest of the world.
The Global Health Lifestyle store now carries the Kung Wo Tong portable series. Orders in Hong Kong over HK$500 receive free shipping. We also ship to mainland China, Taiwan, and other overseas regions, allowing friends and family abroad to savor the familiar taste of Hong Kong.
The above products are food/beverages and are not drugs. Pregnant women, nursing mothers, young children, and those with allergies should consult a doctor before consumption.