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Cinta-J

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<div><br/></div><div><iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-1" src="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DOn0UbZFEvd/embed/captioned/?cr=1&amp;v=14&amp;wp=1080&amp;rd=https%3A%2F%2Fod2-workbench-web.abs-cbn.com&amp;rp=%2F#%7B%22ci%22%3A1%2C%22os%22%3A1734273.8%2C%22ls%22%3A38434.600000000035%2C%22le%22%3A38753.70000000001%7D" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" height="987" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-1" scrolling="no" style="background:white;max-width:540px;width:calc(100% - 2px);border-radius:3px;border:1px solid rgb(219, 219, 219);box-shadow:none;display:block;margin:0px 0px 12px;min-width:326px;padding:0px"></iframe></div><p>Cinta-J, a long-standing Filipino restaurant in Hong Kong’s Wan Chai district is set to close after more than four decades, <a href="https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3325427/cinta-j-restaurant-filipino-favourite-hong-kong-close-september-30">the South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported</a>.</p><p>Cinta-J will shut on Sept. 30 after the landlord chose not to renew the lease in order to sell the building, owner Bryan Lee told SCMP. Lee and his wife, Cris, have operated the restaurant, known for its traditional Filipino cuisine and live karaoke, for more than 40 years.</p><p>The restaurant traces its origins to 1983, when Lee’s parents opened the original Cinta on Hennessy Road as an Indonesian eatery. By 1986, the menu had shifted to Filipino dishes after the family recognized a growing Filipino community in Hong Kong, SCMP reported. A second branch on Jaffe Road became Cinta-J, which remains the sole location.</p><p>Over the years, Cinta-J has drawn high-profile guests, including former Presidents Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Rodrigo Duterte, and showbiz stars such as Sharon Cuneta and Robin Padilla, according to SCMP. It has also served as a cultural hub for Filipino residents, including domestic workers and professionals.</p><p>“[Filipinos] feel like home when they come here. They can enjoy their food and listen to their music.” Bryan Lee said. His wife Cris added, “Filipinos are number one in singing. They can join our live band and are happy to be alive,” SCMP reported.</p><p>The restaurant’s closure has also affected long-time performers, like vocalist Mark Kenneth Reyes, who told SCMP that the musicians often provide relief and enjoyment for patrons far from home.</p><p>The Lees said they have not finalized plans to reopen but remain hopeful. “We just have to find the right time and location,” Bryan Lee told SCMP. “Soon, you will hear our name again.”</p>

<p>Cinta-J, a long-standing Filipino restaurant in Hong Kong’s Wan Chai district is set to close after more than four decades.</p>

Cinta-J, a long-standing Filipino restaurant in Hong Kong’s Wan Chai district is set to close after more than four decades.

Beloved Hong Kong Filipino restaurant Cinta-J to close after 42 years

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Beloved Hong Kong Filipino restaurant Cinta-J to close after 42 years

ABS-CBN Lifestyle

Published Sep 16, 2025 09:51 AM PHT

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Cinta-J

Hong Kong

Filipino restaurant

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