Journeys Within Travel Blog

Big JJ Seafood Hotpot, the immensely popular Hong Kong-style dining destination known for its energetic atmosphere and premium ingredients, is preparing to relocate from its original Wo On Lane premises in Central following the Chinese New Year in 2026. The widely acclaimed establishment confirmed the move, citing the need for expanded facilities and improved operational space to meet burgeoning public demand, promising an elevated culinary experience in its new, larger location.

Since launching in 2020, Big JJ has forged a dedicated following, setting itself apart with lively service and an impressive menu. Diners flock to the restaurant for its diverse selection of simmering broths, expertly cut fresh beef, signature handmade fish balls, and notably crispy fried fish skin. Beyond the traditional hot pot fare, the venue has gained recognition for an unexpectedly sophisticated wine program, featuring everything from contemporary natural wines to rare back vintages, such as a 1992 Châteauneuf-du-Pape, differentiating it significantly within the competitive Hong Kong dining scene.

Structural Constraints Spur Essential Relocation

The decision to seek a new venue stems primarily from the limitations of the current building’s infrastructure. According to the Big JJ team, the existing location’s “structure and quality just aren’t ideal” for their growing operation.

Space constraints, particularly limited seating capacity, have become an ongoing obstacle to accommodating their loyal customer base. Management anticipates that the move will resolve these operational bottlenecks.

“The new location will have a much better and bigger kitchen to support demand,” a spokesperson for the restaurant stated. “Hopefully, we can elevate the food offering to another level.” This expansion is aimed at enhancing efficiency while allowing the culinary team more freedom to innovate and refine their offerings.

Staying in Central, Reopening Spring 2026

While the precise new address remains undisclosed, Big JJ has assured patrons that the restaurant will remain within the Core Central district of Hong Kong. The new space is projected to be significantly larger, featuring upgraded facilities designed to better handle high volumes while improving the overall dining experience.

The team tentatively expects the new Big JJ Seafood Hotpot to open its doors to the public around March 2026. This brief closure following the Chinese New Year allows for a seamless transition into the upgraded environment.

For long-time devotees of the original Wo On Lane spot, the window for a final nostalgic meal is closing. Patrons are encouraged to visit before the Lunar New Year celebrations in early 2026 to experience the lively atmosphere of the founding location one last time before the highly anticipated move. Details regarding the exact new location and specific reopening dates will be shared as soon as they become available, signaling an exciting new chapter for one of Central’s culinary hotspots.

Big JJ Seafood Hotpot, the highly popular Hong Kong-style dining destination celebrated for its vibrant atmosphere and premium ingredients, confirmed it will vacate its current Wo On Lane premises following the Chinese New Year period in 2026. Since its establishment in 2020, the bustling Central eatery has cultivated a devoted following, making its impending move a significant event for local food enthusiasts. The relocation, driven primarily by structural limitations and the need for increased capacity, promises an enhanced experience at a new, yet-to-be-disclosed location within core Central, slated for a projected re-opening in March 2026.

Structural Limitations Prompt Upgrade

The decision to move centers on the inadequacies of the existing site. Explaining the rationale for the shift, the Big JJ team cited ongoing issues with the property’s foundational quality. “The structure and quality just aren’t ideal,” a representative shared. Furthermore, the small footprint of the current location has severely restricted growth, limiting the number of patrons they can serve.

The relocation is designed to address these operational constraints directly. Management confirmed that the forthcoming venue will feature substantially improved facilities, including a significantly larger kitchen. This expansion is crucial for scaling operations to meet sustained high demand. The team anticipates leveraging the advanced space to “elevate the food offering to another level,” suggesting potential menu innovations alongside capacity increases.

Signature Offerings and Unexpected Wine List

Big JJ has carved out its niche in Hong Kong’s fiercely competitive dining scene through a winning combination of energetic service and exceptional fare. Patrons frequent the establishment for its remarkable selection of broths, complemented by high-quality ingredients, particularly fresh cuts of beef and signature house-made items.

Key highlights reinforcing their appeal include:

• A diverse array of broths catering to various palates.
• “Bouncy” homemade fish balls, a textural delicacy.
• Crispy, freshly fried fish skin, a popular hotpot accouterment.

Adding to its unique identity is an unexpectedly sophisticated wine program. Unlike typical hotpot restaurants, Big JJ boasts a surprisingly extensive list that spans contemporary natural wines and rare, aged vintages, such as a 1992 Châteauneuf-du-Pape. This deliberate curation elevates the dining experience beyond conventional expectations.

Staying in Central

While the precise address of the new Big JJ Seafood Hotpot remains under wraps, management assured patrons that the business will maintain its presence in the highly desirable and accessible Central district. The move to a larger facility, which is expected to accommodate more diners, signals a healthy commitment to growth and an improved customer experience.

For loyal customers hoping to revisit the original space, Big JJ strongly advises booking reservations before the final closing date, set for just after Chinese New Year in early 2026. The transition period between the closure of the Wo On Lane location and the March 2026 opening of the new venue presents a brief hiatus, but promises a substantial enhancement for the next chapter of this Hong Kong favorite. Further updates, including the definitive new address, are expected to be released throughout the coming year.

HONG KONG — Hong Kong has firmly re-established itself as a global travel powerhouse, securing the position of the world’s second most-visited city, according to findings from the Euromonitor International’s 2025 Top 100 City Destinations Index. Projecting 23.2 million international arrivals for the year, the ranking signals a powerful resurgence for the dynamic urban center, confirming its magnetic appeal to worldwide travelers and adding to a year already marked by prestigious recognition in hospitality and nightlife.

The annual Euromonitor index rigorously evaluates global urban centers across metrics ranging from tourism infrastructure and economic resilience to sustainability and health security. While European metropolises like Paris, Madrid, and Rome dominated the overall top rankings, the Asia-Pacific region demonstrated significant strength, primarily in sheer visitor volume. Tokyo, Singapore, and Seoul all featured prominently in the overall destination index, but Hong Kong excelled by drawing massive numbers of international tourists.

Sustained Global Appeal

Hong Kong’s impressive placement—just behind perennial leader Bangkok, which registered 30.3 million international trips—underscores its successful revitalization efforts. Hong Kong outpaced other major global hubs, including London, which ranked third with 22.7 million arrivals, and nearby rival Macao, which secured 20.4 million visitors.

This significant influx of tourists is attributed to Hong Kong’s deliberate strategy of capitalizing on its unique blend of urban energy, accessible nature, and world-class attractions. Experts suggest that renewed investment in nightlife, thriving dining scenes, and ambitious cultural campaigns have effectively leveraged the city’s strengths, creating a sensory overload experience highly sought after by global travelers.

“For a city defined by both its steadfast history and its capacity for rapid evolution, this ranking is a clear indicator that Hong Kong is undeniably back in the limelight,” said one tourism analyst familiar with the Asian market. “The simultaneous acclaim for the city’s top hotel and best bar this year only amplifies the message: Hong Kong offers unparalleled quality alongside massive appeal.”

Asia’s Tourism Landscape

Beyond the top two spots claimed by Bangkok and Hong Kong, the Euromonitor breakdown of international arrivals revealed a vibrant Asian sector. Notably, Kuala Lumpur entered the top ten list for visitor numbers, receiving an estimated 17.3 million overseas travelers in 2025.

The complete list of cities ranked by the absolute number of international arrivals for 2025 highlights the enduring power of Asian and Middle Eastern hubs:

• 1. Bangkok (30.3 million)
• 2. Hong Kong (23.2 million)
• 3. London (22.7 million)
• 4. Macao (20.4 million)
• 5. Istanbul (19.7 million)
• 6. Dubai (19.5 million)
• 7. Mecca (18.7 million)
• 8. Antalya (18.6 million)
• 9. Paris (18.3 million)
• 10. Kuala Lumpur (17.3 million)

While the sheer volume of visitors demonstrates Hong Kong’s capacity to draw crowds, the city also performed well in the broader overall destination index, which ranks cities based on quality factors beyond just headcounts.

Looking Ahead

Hong Kong’s achievement as the second most-visited city in the world confirms the success of its post-pandemic travel promotion and the intrinsic allure of its unique cultural and natural offerings. As connectivity continues to expand and new developments come online, the city is poised to sustain its trajectory as a leading global tourism destination, building on a foundation of world-class infrastructure and dynamic urban life. Companies operating in the hospitality, retail, and tourism sectors should view this data as a strong indicator for continued investment and expansion within the Hong Kong market.