Menu

Jimmy Lee


Owner, Red Pepper

“In 1967, I worked as an apprentice at an architecture office by day and then went to night school. I worked on the first floor of the Lee Garden building when there were a lot of government offices but after three years, realised I wasn’t interested in that. At first, my family had a restaurant called Coffee House on Hysan Avenue and it was popular for western style pastries. Later, in 1971, we opened Red Pepper. Back then, there were not a lot of Sichuanese restaurants in Hong Kong. I would finish work in Central and then come back every night to help my dad. In those days, young people didn’t really have their own lives in the same way they do now and so I spent a lot of time in the family business. Our clients are quite international, even from the start. There were locally based British people and fewer Cantonese. Then later in the 70s and 80s, there were more Japanese – their economy was doing very well and there were a lot of Japanese department stores in Causeway Bay. It gets very full during rugby season every year and people would book multiple tables. People used to get quite rowdy, taking off their clothes and jumping around. We get international press and customers have shown us that we were mentioned in The New York Times. Bruce Lee fans know that Game of Death was filmed here and so we get asked about that. I wasn’t there during filming but my brother was to make sure that the film crew were taken care of over those few days.”

More Stories

Causeway Bay: Then & Now


Feature

Causeway Bay embodies the many facets of Hong Kong – the fast pace, fascinating contrasts and dynamic energy. From the city’s very beginning to the present day, its diversity and vibrancy makes it a beloved neighbourhood.

  • Yum Sing Bar


    Rosalie Carpio and Alex Lai

    “You ask me how deep my love for you is. How much do I really love you? My affection is real, my love is real. The moon represents my heart…”

    Teresa Teng’s beloved song is an apt choice for Rosalie Carpio’s set list…

    Interviews
  • Cindy


    Newspaper vendor

    “I used to be a secretary at HSBC. No one believes me when I say that! This newspaper stand was my uncle’s, but he decided not to work anymore and I took over…

    Streetsnaps
  • Celia Leung


    Branding designer

    “As a designer, I take a lot of inspiration from minimalistic Northern European design – which is the absolute opposite to the sights and sounds of Causeway Bay…

    Streetsnaps
  • Yau Lee Bean Sauce


    1A Canal Road East

    Nestled in the bustling Canal Street, Yau Lee Bean Sauce has been a top purveyor of fu yu (fermented bean curd) in Hong Kong for nearly 60 years.

    Streetsnaps
  • Sandy Ki


    Owner, Old San Yang

    It’s difficult to imagine Causeway Bay as anything but a bustling metropolis, but Sandy Ki has witnessed the neighbourhood evolve into the burgeoning business and shopping hub it is today…

    Interviews
  • Boon Yuen


    French Bulldog

    “I live above Fung Shing Restaurant. Every day I go for a walk at the Happy Valley racecourse then rest by the benches. Then we go for another round before…

    Streetsnaps
  • Giselle


    Kid of Causeway Bay

    “Today I’m with Mummy in Causeway Bay before she takes me to playgroup. We’re enjoying looking at all the plants sold here…

    Streetsnaps
  • St. Mary's Church


    Local Landmark

    St. Mary’s Church is an Anglican church that began in 1911 as a chapel for those at the Eyre Diocesan Refuge. Much of the early work depended on volunteers and donations…

    Streetsnaps

Celebrating Causeway Bay


Feature

A neighbourhood in flux, Causeway Bay’s constant evolution keeps residents and visitors coming back for more. Whether it’s fashion, food, film or art, it’s a part of Hong Kong that keeps people mesmerised and inspired.

Causeway Bay: Then & Now


Feature

Causeway Bay embodies the many facets of Hong Kong – the fast pace, fascinating contrasts and dynamic energy. From the city’s very beginning to the present day, its diversity and vibrancy makes it a beloved neighbourhood.

  • Sandy Ki


    Owner, Old San Yang

    It’s difficult to imagine Causeway Bay as anything but a bustling metropolis, but Sandy Ki has witnessed the neighbourhood evolve into the burgeoning business and shopping hub it is today…

    Interviews
  • Boon Yuen


    French Bulldog

    “I live above Fung Shing Restaurant. Every day I go for a walk at the Happy Valley racecourse then rest by the benches. Then we go for another round before…

    Streetsnaps
  • Giselle


    Kid of Causeway Bay

    “Today I’m with Mummy in Causeway Bay before she takes me to playgroup. We’re enjoying looking at all the plants sold here…

    Streetsnaps
  • St. Mary's Church


    Local Landmark

    St. Mary’s Church is an Anglican church that began in 1911 as a chapel for those at the Eyre Diocesan Refuge. Much of the early work depended on volunteers and donations…

    Streetsnaps