Lin Heung Tea House in Sheung Wan is one of the oldest teahouses in Hong Kong and it is one of the few Chinese restaurants that serves dim sum the traditional way.

An unassuming Chinese restaurant which offers both locals and tourists the most authentic Cantonese dining experience you can get, this restaurant is definitely a place that is worth visiting—if you are willing to brave the crowd.

Lin Heung Tea House has been in business since 1889. For first-timers, get ready to fight for your food when you get to Lin Heung Tea House. You’ll find diners swarming to a pushcart whenever it gets out of the kitchen, and some dishes can get sold out within minutes so you have to be quick on your feet!

This teahouse is almost perpetually crowded, but it truly is a must-visit destination when you are in Hong Kong. What else can we say? Lin Heung Tea House may not be the best option for the faint-hearted, but it sure is one hell of an experience.

Lin Heung Tea House
162 Wellington Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 25444556
Daily: 6am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Sheung Wan MTR Exit E2

Read: 15 Best Dim Sum Restaurants in Hong Kong that offer the quintessential dim sum experience.

Everyone thinks of cha chaan teng when it comes to casual dining in Hong Kong. For the uninitiated, cha chaan teng is a no-pretense, fuss-free local eatery in Hong Kong that serves comfort food at affordable prices. These local diners are everywhere in Hong Kong and you will always find locals dining in those nondescript outlets.

A cha chaan teng is not known for service, unfortunately. It is really a place where you eat and go, or do a few quick readings of your newspapers. That said, the essence lies in savouring a moment of local delicacy amidst the humdrum of the city life.

A trip to Hong Kong is not complete without eating at Cha Chaan Teng. Here is our guide to the best cha chaan teng in Hong Kong that we can always count on for a good local meal.

AUSTRALIAN DAIRY COMPANY

Australian Dairy Company is probably the first name that comes to mind when Hong Kong cha chaan teng is mentioned. Yes, you have to make a visit to the famous outlet in Jordan for they serve the BEST scrambled eggs and ham macaroni.

Australian Dairy Company is very much a quick service restaurant; you are not meant to linger here. They operate with a ruthless efficiency: you order, eat, pay and go. And by the way, no service here at all. The staff (no matter which year, which month, which day you go) are all perpetually rude, grumpy and fierce.

We got scolded for merely taking a photo of our food. Yes, you have been warned.

47 Parkes Street, Jordan,
Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2730 1356 (Closed on Thursdays)
Mon to Sun: 7.30am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Jordan

CAFE MATCH BOX

Located on a quiet corner of Fashion Walk in Causeway Bay, Cafe Match Box is a retro-themed eatery where you can get popular cha chaan teng dishes.

On the menu, you can find Baked Rice with Pork Chop & Pineapple (HKS$66), Three Treasures Rice (HK$56), Grilled Pork Chop (HK$133) as well as baked goods such as Bo Luo Bao (HK$9) and Coconut Tart (HK$9).

Shop C&D, G/F,
57 Paterson Street,
Fashion Walk, Causeway Bay
Tel: +852 2868 0363
Daily: 8am – 11pm Nearest Station: Causeway Bay

CAPITAL CAFE

It is not difficult to understand why Capital Cafe is so popular. It has a no-frills menu and it focuses to get the basics right. You can always find locals satisfying their cravings for scrambled eggs, macaroni, French toast, and milk tea here.

Kwong Sang Hong Building Block B-d,
6 Heard St, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2666 7766
Daily: 7am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Wan Chai

HOI AN CAFÉ

Established in 1952, Hoi An Café is a charming old-school cha chaan teng located near to the Western Market in Hong Kong’s Sheung Wan district.

It is known for its classic Hong Kong baked goods such as cocktail buns, pineapple buns, Swiss rolls and its signature coconut tarts.

17 Connaught Road West,
Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2540 6340
Mon to Thu & Sat: 7.30am – 4.30pm
Fri: 7.30am – 3pm
(Closed on Sundays)
Nearest Station: Sheung Wan

HOKKAIDO DAIRY FARM

Not to be confused with Australian Dairy Company, Hokkaido Dairy Farm is another cha chaan teng that is frequented by locals. The menu comprises mostly sets—from Breakfast Sets, Noodles Sets to Sandwich Sets.

While it does not have eggs as gratifying as Australian Dairy Company, the Breakfast Set is still worth a shot; it comes with fried eggs with toast, your choice of macaroni or spaghetti in soup with ham and a choice of Hokkaido coffee or tea.

30 Canton Rd,
Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2736 0002
Daily: 8am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Tsim Sha Tsui

HONG LIN RESTAURANT

Hong Lin Restaurant is another popular haunt in Mongkok that locals frequent. There are both a dine-in area as well as a take-out counter. If you do not have time for a proper meal, grab an egg tart; it comes with a flaky, butter case and the curd is smooth and subtly sweet.

For the mains, you definitely have to try the macaroni set (HK$43/ S$7) that came with a large bowl of beef macaroni in tomato soup, buttered toast, scrambled eggs and a hot coffee/ tea. The tomato soup was rich and thick; every sip was a joy. It came with many beef slices, and the side of buttered toast completed the very quintessential Hong Kong meal.

Mong Kok, Hong Kong
Tung Choi St, No. 143-145
Tel: +852 2391 8398
Daily: 6.30am – 3am
Nearest Station: Mong Kok / Mong Kok East

HONOLULU CAFE

Another of our favourite cha chaan teng in Hong Kong is Honolulu Cafe which has the best egg tart ever in history. Honolulu Cafe should be no stranger to Singaporeans since there is an outpost here on our sunny island, but dining at the original outlet elevates the experience.

When at Honolulu Cafe, apart from stuffing yourself with egg tarts, do not leave without trying the Swiss Wings and Curry Fishballs too!

176-178 Hennessy Rd,
Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2575 1823
Daily: 5.15am – 1.30am
Nearest Station: Wan Chai

KAM FUNG RESTAURANT

Kam Fung Restaurant is a local institution known for its excellent milk tea, egg tarts, baked chicken pies and Bo Luo Bao.

The baked chicken pies, in particular, are phenomenal. The crust is super buttery and it simply melts in the mouth. It is to die for. If you are lucky, you’d get fresh batches that are just out of the oven—those are exceptionally warm and fragrant.

41 Spring Garden Ln,
Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2572 0526
Daily: 6.45am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Wan Chai

KAM WAH CAFE

Kam Wah Cafe has one of the best, if not the best bo luo bao in Hong Kong. The cha chaan teng is always crowded, but trust us when we say those pineapple buns are totally worth queueing up for.

G/F 47 Bute Street,
Mong Kok, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2394 6346
Daily: 6.30am – 12am
Nearest Station: Mong Kok East

LAN FONG YUEN

Founded in 1952, this Hong Kong institution is the place to go to for milk tea, pork buns and French toast. Come here for a no-frills, authentic Hong Kong cha chaan teng experience.

2 Gage Street, Central, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2544 3895
Mon to Sat: 7.15am – 6pm
(Closed on Sundays)
Nearest Station: Central

MIDO CAFE

Mido Cafe in Yau Ma Tei is one old-school cha chaan teng to visit when in Hong Kong. Untouched by time, the cafe seems to be at a standstill. You have your usual cha chaan teng fares—from baked rice to noodles, sandwiches to classic HK-style drinks.

What you really have to try is the French Toast (HK$22). It is Mido Cafe’s most popular item and one that every first-timer to Mido Cafe must try. Two slices of soft bread coated with egg and deep fried to a slightly crispy texture then generously drenched in maple syrup, the French Toast definitely lived up to its hype.

63 Temple Street,
Yau Ma Tei, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2384 6402
Mon & Tue, Thu to Sun: 9am – 9.45am
(Closed on Wednesdays)
Nearest Station: Yau Ma Tei

RELAX FOR A WHILE

If you are in the Tsim Sha Tsui area, check out Relax For A While along Kimberley Road. The menu is big and there should be something for everyone.

We liked their French Toast as well as the comprehensive congee menu. Otherwise, the fried rice never ever disappoints. Just look at the luscious gravy and generous ingredients!

Cheung Lee Commercial Building,
Kimberley Rd,
Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 3113 6388
Mon to Thu: 7am – 12.30am
Fri & Sat: 7am – 1am Sun: 7am – 12am
Nearest Station: Tsim Sha Tsui

SHAM TSENG CHAN KEE ROASTED GOOSE

A popular Cha Chaan Teng that serves amazing roasted goose and the classic Hong Kong cafe food, Sham Tseng Chan Kee is our go-to place when in Mongkok.

They have a few outlets but the outlet at Mongkok always entices us with its display of glistening roast geese. Yes, you definitely need a plate of Roast Goose Rice when at Sham Tseng Chan Kee.

427 Reclamation Street,
Mong Kok, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2491 0722
Daily: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Mong Kok

STAR CAFE

This underground cafe is hard to locate, but once you get there, you will be glad that you made the effort to track it down. Locals flock to Star Cafe for their signature tomato soup noodles with egg and luncheon meat.

To find this place, enter Champagne Court B at 16 Kimberly Road, walk to the end and go down the stairs on your right. You will be on your way to a bowl of flavourful tomato soup noodles. Top-up for cheese for an extra oomph!

40 Carnarvon Rd,
Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2724 4408
Mon to Sat: 8am – 9.30pm
(Closed on Sundays)
Nearest Station: Tsim Sha Tsui

SWISS CAFE

Swiss Cafe sits on the second level of an unassuming building in Central and what you have to try at the cafe is its Swiss Wings. The Hong Kong-style style chicken wings are flavoured with a special sweet soy sauce, making every bite a joy.

There is a Swiss Set at HK$45 that comes with a toast, ham omelette as well as Swiss wings with instant noodles.

No.12-16 Li Yuen Street West, Central
Tel: +852 2111 0841
Mon to Sat: 7am – 7pm
Sun: 8am – 6.30pm
Nearest Station: Central

TSUI WAH RESTAURANT

The most famous Cha Chaan Teng in Hong Kong is undisputedly Tsui Wah Restaurant. Locals and tourists alike flock to Tsui Wah Restaurant for their signature Hainanese chicken rice, fishball noodles, and Bo Luo Bao. One of the most impressive things about Tsui Wah is that it manages to maintain its high standards across all the branches.

One of the most impressive things about Tsui Wah Restaurant is that it manages to maintain its high standards across all the branches. Definitely, a must-visit when you are in Hong Kong.

2 Carnarvon Rd,
Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2366 8250
Mon to Fri: 7am – 2am
Sat & Sun: 7am – 3am
Nearest Station: Tsim Sha Tsui

YEE SHUN MILK COMPANY

If you find yourselves in Causeway Bay, you have to drop by Yee Shun Milk Company. It is most known for their smooth Steamed Milk—which is essentially a Hong Kong-style milk pudding. A bowl of cold Steamed Milk is what we always crave and you will never be disappointed by the creamy and slightly sweet rendition by Yee Shun Milk Company.

Other favourites on the menu are pork chop bun and macaroni soup with fried egg and ham.

513 Nathan Rd,
Yau Ma Tei, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2323 2726
Daily: 7am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Yau Ma Tei 

For more recommendations, read our Hong Kong Food & Travel guides.

Mido Cafe in Yau Ma Tei is one old-school cha chaan teng to visit when in Hong Kong.

Untouched by time, the cafe seems to be at a standstill. Its decor is as old-school as it can be; ancient Hong Kong still exists at Mido Cafe. Colourful wall tiles that are so tacky yet so nostalgic complemented with old tables and chairs; Mido Cafe is exactly how a cha chaan teng should be.

Our friends from Hong Kong have been urging us to make a visit and we finally did. And we finally understood why they have such high regards for this nondescript cafe that they grew up eating.

Mido Cafe sits on Temple Street, a very well-known street in Hong Kong infamous for its counterfeit goods and prostitution. We are not fans but we’d go to Temple Street for a taste of Mido Cafe’s famous French Toast.

Upon stepping in, you’d be transported back in time. The dimly lit space on level 1 is as ancient Hong Kong as it can go. You’d probably be directed to level 2 (accessible via a very narrow and steep flight of stairs) where most diners are gathered. And that is where you would be presented with the menu.

You have your usual cha chaan teng fares—from baked rice to noodles, sandwiches to classic HK-style drinks.

What you really have to try is the French Toast (HK$22). It is Mido Cafe’s most popular item and one that every first-timer to Mido Cafe must try. Two slices of soft bread coated with egg and deep fried to a slightly crispy texture then generously drenched in maple syrup, the French Toast definitely lived up to its hype.

The Bo Luo Bun with Butter (HK$15) on the other hand was a letdown. It was neither buttery nor came with a crispy tortoise shell top. We’d say to give this a miss.

Oh, you have to try the HK Milk Tea (HK$20). It was smooth with a fine balance of sweet and bitterness from the fresh tea.

Mido Cafe
63 Temple St, Yau Ma Tei, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2384 6402
Daily (except Wed): 9am – 9.45pm
Nearest Station: Yau Ma Tei

Talk about a family-friendly seafood restaurant in Hong Kong, and locals would probably direct you to Chuk Yuen Seafood Restaurant.

That old establishment has been around for decades and today, it remains a popular haunt for locals when they want an unpretentious and good meal with family and friends.

Chuk Yuen Seafood Restaurant has a menu of dim sum items and seafood. And in particular, the famous Cheese Lobster deserves a special mention. Be prepared to wait in line for a table no matter what time of the day you go; their popularity is simply undeniable.

You probably wouldn’t think much of its shopfront—which is merely a host stand and a few tanks of live seafood—but upon going down to the basement (where the dining area is), you’d be shocked by its capacity.

Hall after hall of tables, Chuk Yuen Seafood Restaurant is huge. It is probably also why they are families’ top choice in Tsim Sha Tsui.

On its menu, you have a great variety of dim sum and seafood favourites. Notable dim sum dishes are Egg Tarts (HK$21), Steamed Shrimp Dumpling (HK$39), Steamed Siew Mai (HK$29) and Baked BBQ Pork Buns (HK$26). While we liked their dim sum, we say keep your focus on the seafood if you have limited tummy space.

What you definitely must try and probably will see on every table is the Cheese Lobster (HK$480 for small, HK$780 for big). Yes, it is what you think it is—chunks of fresh lobster dunked in a copious amount of gooey cheese. Just the thought of it should make you salivate!

We have to be honest that it wasn’t cheese of the best quality. But when in a typical Hong Kong-style restaurant, we weren’t expecting top-grade European cheese too. If you could look past this fact, you’d be able to truly enjoy the Chinese-style Cheese Lobster.

Other seafood favourites are the Steamed Clams with Chopped Garlic & Vermicelli (HK$50 per pc). This simple seafood dish was brimming with freshness and sweetness from the plump clam flesh.

At Chuk Yuen, there are, too, other seafood dishes for families to enjoy, such as Steamed HK-style Seabass, Geoduck Shabu Shabu (HK$880), Steamed Scallop with Garlic (HK$50 per pc).

Other than their Tsim Sha Tsui’s outlet, Chuk Yuen Seafood Restaurant also has two other branches in Happy Valley and Sheung Wan.

Chuk Yuen Seafood Restaurant
28 Hankow Rd, Hong Kong Pacific Centre
Hong Kong, Tsim Sha Tsui
Tel: +852 2722 0633
Mon to Sat: 11am – 12midnight
Sun & PH: 10am – 12midnight
Nearest Station: Tsim Sha Shui

For more recommendations, read our guide on Tsim Sha Tsui’s best places to dine at.

There is no lack of cha chaan teng in Mong Kok, Hong Kong. When you ask locals about their favourites, you’d get a myriad of answers—Hong Lin Restaurant in Mong Kok would probably be one of them.

We cannot agree more that it is one local eatery that you must visit if you are on the Kowloon side. Here’s what we loved from our visit, some of the must-orders and some misses.

Hong Lin Restaurant has a dine-in area as well as a take-out counter.

Let’s start with the take-out counter. The traditional way of displaying daily fresh bakes is visually arresting, to say the least. Of pineapple buns, egg tarts and soft breads, the shelves after shelves of golden brown beauties are simple yet comforting snacks if you want something to go.

The Egg Tart (HK$6/ S$1) comes with a flaky, butter case; the curd is smooth and subtly sweet just the way we like it. The Pineapple Bun with Butter (HK$10/ S$1.60)—also known as Bo Luo Yau—is one of the better ones that we’ve had in Hong Kong.

Let’s move on to the mains. There are aplenty for you to choose from in the likes of local favourites; think baked rice/ spaghetti, macaroni in soup, stir-fried rice and noodle dishes etc.

The Hoi Nam Chicken Rice (HK$60/ S$10) was not the most impressive rendition of the usual chicken rice you can find in Hong Kong. The boiled chicken came with skin that lacked flavours and the flesh was tough. But the totality of the set (includes a huge bowl of rice and a local-style hot soup) won us over. It was still pretty satisfying.

What surprised us the most was the macaroni set (HK$43/ S$7) that came with a large bowl of beef macaroni in tomato soup, buttered toast, scrambled eggs and a hot coffee/ tea. The sheer amount of food made it the most value-for-money set to order if you are feeling ravenous. The tomato soup was rich and thick; every sip was a joy. It came with many beef slices, and the side of buttered toast completed the very quintessential Hong Kong meal.

When at Hong Lin Restaurant, don’t forget to try the local-style Milk Tea too!

Hong Lin Restaurant
Hong Kong, Mong Kok, Tung Choi St, 143-145
Tel: +852 2391 8398
Daily: 6.30am – 3am
Nearest Station: Mong Kok

Shui Kee Coffee in Hong Kong has been around for decades and it is as old school, as traditional, as Hong Kong as you can get to a cha chaan teng.

You almost don’t see tourists dining there; just locals who want breakfast in the most comforting form they know, without having their wallets take a beating.

Where Hong Kong-style buns, sandwiches, French Toast, noodles and milk tea are concerned, Shui Kee Coffee does it in the most traditional no-frills way. You have to try it for yourselves if you want a true taste of Hong Kong-style breakfast.

Shui Kee Coffee sits within the food centre, on the third level of Sheung Wan Municipal Services Building. You wouldn’t “chance upon it” if you didn’t know about it and hunted for it. It is one of those places where locals in the know go to and one that they always return to for a quick, casual and affordable breakfast.

On the very straight forward menu, you have your usual Hong Kong-style beverages (HK$13/ S$2.16) such as Milk Tea, Yuan Yang and Almond Milk. Shui Kee Coffee is famous for its Hong Kong-style Milk Tea; you have to go for the Milk Tea, of course. We loved the cold one that came in an old-school glass bottle. It was silky with a subtle bitter after taste.

For breakfast, there is no better way to start your day in Hong Kong than with a bowl of Noodles (HK$24/ S$4). What is essentially just instant noodles is made better with two slices of luncheon meat and a fried egg; the locals sure love their “can tan mee”.

The Beef & Egg Bun (HK$14/ S$2.30) is a popular choice. Honestly, there is nothing special about it, but it is one of those typical breakfast items that locals grow up eating. Shui Kee Coffee’s rendition comes with eggs that are fried with chives for an elevated flavour.

What you must not miss is the Hong Kong-style French Toast (HK$23/ S$3.83). Shui Kee Coffee’s rendition is one of the best that we’ve had in Hong Kong.

The next time you find yourselves in Sheung Wan, make a trip to Shui Kee Coffee and eat like a local.

Shui Kee Coffee
Shop 17, 18167, Sheung Wan
Sheung Wan Municipal Services Building
Tel: +852 2850 8643
Mon to Sat: 8am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Sheung Wan

Singaporeans are evidently obsessed with Hong Kong – and the endless opening of Hong Kong gourmet brands on our sunny island is testimony to that fact. While most travellers only spend a weekend in the Pearl of the Orient, we strongly suggest you to re-visit the city this year.

From having breakfast at Honolulu Cafe, boarding a junk boat, hiking the Dragon’s Back, shopping till you drop at Citygate Outlets to partying at Lan Kwai Fong, here is a curated 4D3N Hong Kong Itinerary and 20 Tips On What To See And What To Eat.

DAY ONE IN HONG KONG

#1 HAVE BREAKFAST AT HONOLULU CAFE

Honolulu Coffee Shop is famous for their egg tarts. Having said that, do make it a point to visit in the morning to savour the freshest and tastiest egg tarts. There is a stark contrast in its quality during daytime and nighttime. We also highly recommend their Pineapple Buns.

176-178 Hennessy Rd, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2575 1823
Daily: 6am – 12am
Nearest Station: Wan Chai

#2 BARGAIN HUNTING AT LADIES MARKET

The Ladies Market is a popular night market that stretches across a few streets. Even if shopping is not on your to-do list, you should still take a stroll down the aisle and check out all the interesting items that have on sale.

Tung Choi Street
Mong Kok, Kowloon

#3 CHECK OUT THE FLOWER MARKET

Located on Flower Market Road, the Flower Market is actually a cluster of flower shops selling all sorts of flowers you ever dreamt of. Bouquets are readily available or if you would like, stalks of roses can also be bought at relatively cheap prices. It is Valentine’s Day every day here!

Flower Market Road
Prince Edward, Kowloon

#4 LUNCH AT KAM WAH CAFE

Kam Wah Cafe has a made a name for itself with its bo lo bao (pineapple bun). The local cha chaan teng is always crowded with locals and foodie tourists, but trust us, the pineapple buns are worth the wait.

G/F, 47 Bute St
Prince Edward, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2392 6830
Daily: 6.30am – 12am
Nearest MTR: Prince Edward

#5 BOARD A HONG KONG JUNK BOAT

The picture of a junk boat against the picturesque skyline of Hong Kong says everything. Cruising along the sea on a Hong Kong junk boat is an unmissable experience! So gather your friends, charter a boat and sail into the sea while singing along to Moana’s soundtrack.

#6 DINNER AT RONIN

Ronin—a speakeasy style Japanese bar-cum-restaurant—is one of Hong Kong’s best-kept secrets. The dark, mysterious 20-seated bar’s primary focus is seafood and damn, it seriously is one of the best meals we ever had in our lifetimes. Of course, the divine meal comes at a costly price.

8 On Wo Lane
Central, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2547 5263
Mon to Sat: 6pm – 12am
Sun: Closed
Nearest Station: Sheung Wan

#7 BAR HOP AT SHEUNG WAN

Admittedly, the neighbourhood of Sheung Wan is immensely gentrified. However, we certainly do not mind the new addition of exciting cocktail bars! Some of our personal favourite watering holes include Aberdeen Street Social, Sohofama and NEO Cocktail Club.

DAY TWO IN HONG KONG

#8 BRUNCH AT MAXIM’S PALACE

If you are looking for a quintessential Hong Kong dim sum experience with the comfort of a modern establishment, then head to Maxim’s Palace. They have retained its authenticity by serving dim sum on traditional trolleys like the good old days.

3/F, City Hall 5-7 Edinburgh Place
Tel: +852 2521 1303
Mon to Sat: 11am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 11pm
Sun & PH: 9am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Central

#9 HIKE DRAGON’S BACK

Located in the outskirts of metropolis Hong Kong, Dragon’s Back boasts stunning panoramic views of tall skyscrapers, coastal shores and the surrounding mountainous region. The beginner-friendly hike makes an excellent alternative for those who wish to admire Hong Kong’s scenery minus the suffocating crowds.

#10 LUNCH AT YUM CHA

If you are looking for a great yum cha meal without the scruffiness, Yum Cha is the perfect place. The dining establishment is exceptionally popular for its irresistibly adorable dim sums. It is worth mentioning that the steamed dishes were superb and service was impeccable.

3/F, 20-22 Granville Road
Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2751 1666
Daily: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Nearest MTR Station: Tsim Sha Tsui

#11 COFFEE AT OMOTESANDO KOFFEE

Fans of Japanese Omotesando Koffee can look forward to the specialty coffee bar’s high quality espresso-based beverages and baked custard cubes at Hong Kong’s outlet. Take all our money already!

G24-25, Lee Tung Ave
200 Queen’s Rd East
Tel: +852 2601 3323
Mon to Fri: 8am – 8pm
Sat and Sun: 9am – 9pm
Nearest MTR Station: Wan Chai

#12 SHOP TILL YOU DROP AT CITYGATE OUTLETS

Ladies, remember to increase your credit card’s spending limit prior to visiting Citygate Outlets. This shopping centre this is where you can find global brands such as Burberry, Club21 and OnPedder at slashed prices.

20 Tat Tung Road, Tung Chung,
Lantau, Hong Kong
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tung Chung

#13 DINNER AT YAT LOK

Yat Lok might be notorious for their atrocious service, but it is their insanely delicious roast goose meat that kept us returning religiously each time we visit Hong Kong. It has been nearly half a century since award-winning Yat Lok started serving amazing roast meat with their family secret recipe, and the rest is history.

G/F, 34 -38 Stanley Street
Central Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2524 3882
Mon to Sat: 10am – 9pm
Sun: 10am – 5.30pm
Nearest Station: Central

#14 PARTY AT LAN KWAI FONG

You have not experienced Hong Kong until you paint the town red at their nightlife district Lan Kwai Fong. There are countless of bars and clubs at this area and they open till an unearthly 6am. Not even kidding.

DAY THREE IN HONG KONG

#15 LUNCH AT HELLO KITTY CHINESE CUISINE

Hello Kitty Chinese Cuisine—the World’s First Hello Kitty-Themed Dim Sum Restaurant—has taken Hong Kong by storm and is a must-visit for all avid fans. Due to Hello Kitty Chinese Cuisine’s overwhelming popularity, we strongly recommend you to make a reservation in advance to secure a table.

Shop A-C, G/F, Lee Loy Mansion
332-338 Canton Road, Kowloon
Tel: (852) 8202-8203
Daily: 11am – 3.30pm, 6pm – 11pm (last order 10pm)
Nearest MTR Station: Jordan

#16 SPEND THE DAY AT OCEAN PARK

Ocean Park is one of Hong Kong’s best attractions. It houses an amusement park, an animal theme park, an oceanarium and a marine mammal park all in the 17-hectare park. An ideal place for families to spend an entire day at.

#17 DINNER AT ICIHRAN RAMEN

Ichiran Ramen is a ramen chain from Japan and boy, we are glad it has opened 24/7 outlets in Hong Kong. The dining concept is unique; diners sit in individual partitioned cubicles. The broth is unbelievably tasty—we will never get sick of it.

Lockhart House Block B
440-446 Jaffe Road
Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2152 4040
Daily: 24/7

DAY FOUR IN HONG KONG

#18 BRUNCH AT SING HEUNG YUEN

Make your way to Sing Heung Yuen—one of Hong Kong’s very last few Dai Pai Dongs—and experience the local way of life by dining at this old-school roadside food vendor. The humble Chinese alfresco eatery has been around for nearly half a century and is especially well-loved amongst locals for its signature tomato egg noodles and yummy condensed milk buns.

2 Mee Lun Street, Central
Tel: +852 2544 8368
Mon to Sat: 8am – 5pm
Closed on Sun and PH
Nearest Station: Sheung Wan

#19 VISIT DISNEYLAND HONG KONG

It doesn’t matter if you are a grown adult, because there is no age limit at Disneyland. Discover the magic, immerse yourselves in the fairytales and forget all your adult fears and unhappiness. Spend half a day at Disneyland Hong Kong and unleash the inner child in you.

#20 DINNER AT TSUI WAH

Tsui Wah is hands down the most famous Cha Chaan Teng in Hong Kong. The menu is comprehensive but you can’t go wrong with their signature Hainanese chicken rice and fishball noodles. We are amazed by how the chain has successfully managed to keep its standards consistent throughout all outlets.

15 Wellington Street
Central, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2525 6338
Daily: 24/7
Nearest Station: central

For more recommendations, read our Hong Kong Food & Travel Guides to find out more about the best places to visit.

Third-wave specialty coffee cafes, rowdy raunchy bars, upscale speakeasy lounges, street side local hawkers, fine dining restaurants… Wan Chai is a bustling district in Hong Kong with an eclectic mix of tenants.

It is impossible to categorise this neighbourhood—because you simply cannot limit Wan Chai to a single trait when so much is going on at the same time.

From one-Michelin-star Fook Lam Moon Restaurant, local Hong Kong-style restaurant Joy Hing’s Roasted Meat, Omotesando Koffee’s first international outpost, peacock-themed cocktail speakeasy Ophelia to independent coffee shop The Cupping Room, here is our Guide to Bars, Cafes, Cha Chaan Tengs and Restaurants in Wan Chai, Hong Kong.

DYNASTY RESTAURANT

Situated within Renaissance Hong Kong Harbour View Hotel is Dynasty Restaurant, a fine dining establishment that serves a fine array of authentic Chinese delicacies. It is also a great place for dim sums.

Popular dishes include the Quail Egg with Minced Shrimp and Pork Steamed Dumpling (HK$65) and Black Truffle Sauce Vegetarian Dumpling (HK$58).

Renaissance Harbour View Hotel
3rd Floor, 1 Harbour Road, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2584 6971
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Sun: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Wan Chai

FOOK LAM MOON RESTAURANT

One-Michelin-star Fook Lam Moon Restaurant is a frequent haunt amongst Hong Kong socialites. Needless to say, a meal here is far from affordable and prices of handcrafted dim sums typically range from HK$60 to HK$70.

Fook Lam Moon Restaurant is also listed in our Guide To The Best Dim Sum Restaurants in Hong Kong.

Shop 3, G/F
35-45 Johnston Rd, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2866 0663
Daily: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Wan Chai

HAM & SHERRY

Ham & Sherry is a successful collaboration between restaurateur Yenn Wong and British Michelin star Chef Jason Atherton. The name itself says it all; house-cured meats and sherry is the name of the game.

Ham and Sherry boasts Asia’s biggest sherry list and sherry novices should try their tasting flights (HK$295), where you get to sample four sherries of your choice.

1-7 Ship St, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2555 0628
Closed on Sundays
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Wan Chai

HONOLULU COFFEE SHOP

Honolulu Coffee Shop is one of Hong Kong’s best cha chaan tengs and they are best known for their egg tarts. However, do make it a point to drop by in the morning to savour the freshest and tastiest egg tarts as there is a stark contrast in its quality during daytime and nighttime.

The Honolulu Pineapple Bun with Butter aka Bo Lo Yao is their next bestselling snack.

176-178 Hennessy Rd, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2575 1823
Daily: 6am – 12am
Nearest Station: Wan Chai

If you are going to Hong Kong for holiday, check out this list of the Top 11 Cha Chaan Teng (Hong Kong style tea restaurant) in Hong Kong.

JOY HING’S ROASTED MEAT

One of the best roast goose restaurants in Hong Kong, Joy Hing’s Roasted Meat is a small and unassuming local eatery jam-packed with native Hong Kongers throughout the day.

The dining experience here is certainly not for the fussy eaters; expect an elbow-to-elbow condition and non-existent staff service here. However, what you get in return is an extremely satisfying meal of roast goose and char siew at economical prices.

Chong Hing Building
265-267 Hennessy Rd
Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2519 6639
Mon to Sat: 10am – 10pm
Closed on Sundays
Nearest Station: Wan Chai

KASA

Kasa is a 52-seater restaurant that specialises in Cantonese fusion cuisine. Patrons can expect an impressive selection of Instagram-worthy east-meets-west dishes that will definitely pique your interest. Think Molten Duck Yolk Custard Lava Cake (HK$38++) and lattes served in oriental tea cups.

It is also worth a special mention that every dish at Kasa is MSG-free.

Suite 103, 1/F Shui On Centre
6-8 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2659-9189
Mon to Fri: 8am – 9.30pm
Sat: 12pm – 9.30pm
Closed on Sundays
Nearest Station: Wan Chai

OMOTESANDO KOFFEE

Hailing from Tokyo, Omotesando Koffee is a popular Japanese coffee brand that took the world by storm with its quirky venue, irresistible baked custard cubes and espresso-based beverages.

While its flagship location at an age-old traditional Japanese home is no longer in operations, Hong Kong is now home to Omotensando Koffee’s first international outpost.

G24-25, Lee Tung Ave
200 Queen’s Rd East
Tel: +852 2601 3323
Mon to Fri: 8am – 8pm
Sat and Sun: 9am – 9pm
Nearest MTR Station: Wan Chai

Tsim Sha Tsui has so many restaurants, eateries and cha chaan teng that it can be quite a headache to decide on where to dine at. For a start, here is a quick guide to the restaurants in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong that you can dine at.

OPHELIA

Former Australian miner Ashley Sutton is renowned for his outrageous bars in Bangkok and the influential tastemaker has opened a whimsical nightlife playground—a peacock-themed cocktail speakeasy that is unlike anything we have ever seen.

Inspired by the lavish opium dens of the 19th century, no expenses have been spared to create this fantasyland.

Shop 39A-41A, 1/F, The Avenue
Lee Tung Avenue, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2520 1117
Mon to Thu: 6pm – 2am
Fri and Sat: 6pm – 4am
Closed on Sundays
Nearest Station: Wan Chai

KAM FUNG CAFE

Kam Fung Cafe is a well-loved local institution known for its excellent milk tea, pineapple buns, egg tarts and baked chicken pies.

Kam Fung Cafe’s baked chicken pies are phenomenal; the crust is super buttery and melts in the mouth. We suggest you head there early to get the cream of the crop! Yes, these fresh-off-the-oven chicken pies are worth waking up early for.

41 Spring Garden Ln
Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2572 0526
Daily: 6am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Wan Chai

KAM’S ROAST GOOSE

It is no surprise that Kam’s Roast Goose was bestowed the honourable Michelin star just within months of its opening in 2014. After all, owner Hardy Kam Shun-yuen is the descendant of legendary Yung Kee’s founder.

Fast forward to 2016 and Kam’s Roast Goose has maintained its shining star with its signature dish. Yes, the specialty goose restaurant has lived up to its hype!

Po Wah Commercial Centre
226 Hennessy Rd
Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2520 1110
Daily: 11.30am – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Wan Chai

MANSONS LOT

Mansons Lot is interestingly named after a Scottish immigrant by the name of Patrick Manson. Sir Manson was the first person in Hong Kong to import live cattle and today, specialty coffee cafe is aptly named after him.

The European-style cafe serves a comprehensive variety of dishes and caffeinated beverages.

G/F, 15 Swatow Street
Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2362 1899
Nearest Station: Wan Chai
Daily: 7.30am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Wan Chai

THE BUTCHER’S CLUB BURGERS

The Butcher’s Club was only founded in 2013, but has already quickly gained the recognition of locals and expats alike for being Hong Kong’s best burger joint.

The burger specialty bistro takes immense pride in serving dry-aged beef from Australia to meat lovers in Asia.

G/F, Rialto Building
2 Landale St
Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2528 2083
Daily: 8am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Wan Chai

THE CUPPING ROOM

The Cupping Room is a well-established independent coffee shop in Hong Kong and home to the champion of Hong Kong Barista Championship 2013.

Set food inside Cupping Room and let the aroma of coffee beans engulf you—this Melbourne-inspired coffee shop is the go-to place for excellent coffees and one of our all-time favourites.

G/F, 32 Swatow Street
Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2371 2338
Mon to Fri: 8am – 5pm
Sat and Sun: 9am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Wan Chai

22 SHIPS

Named after its address on Ship Street in Wan Chai, 22 Ships is a no-reservation tapas bar by English chef & restaurateur Jason Atherton and hotelier & restaurateur Yenn Wong. It is a fun place to dine at; enjoy your tapas in a buzzing and intimate setting.

22 Ship St, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2555 0722
Mon to Sat: 6pm – 11pm
Sun: 12pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Wan Chai

Located in Southern Kowloon, Tsim Sha Tsui is one of the most popular and populated districts in Hong Kong. From chic restaurants in shopping malls to hole-in-the-wall eateries, there are so many dining options to choose from.

Tsim Sha Tsui has so many restaurants, eateries and cha chaan teng that it can be quite a headache to decide on where to dine at. For a start, here is a quick guide to the restaurants in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong that you can dine at.

ATUM RESTAURANT

Brought to you by the same people behind Atum Desserant, Atum Restaurant is the group’s first full-fledged restaurant. We highly recommend their ultra photogenic high tea set. Instead of the typical cake stand, Atum Restaurant uses a flat lay to display their bite-size canapés.

18 Hanoi Road
Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 3586 1959
Sun to Thu: 10.30am – 10pm
Fri and Sat: 10.30am – 12am
Nearest MTR: Tsim Sha Tsui

AQUA

Aqua’s floor-to-ceiling glass windows span across two levels of One Peking Building and they unveil an extraordinary view of Hong Kong’s cityscape. Reputable presses such as Travel & Leisure and Condé Nast Travel have coined it as ‘Hong Kong’s Sexiest Cocktail Bar’ and ‘One of the World’s Most Exciting Restaurants & Bars’ respectively.

29/30F 1 Peking Road
Tsim Tsa Tsui, Hong Kong
Daily: 12pm – 2am, +852 3427 2288
Nearest MTR: Tsim Sha Tsui
Tel: +852 3427 2288

BUTAO RAMEN

Founded in 2010, Butao Ramen started with its original shop at Wo On Lane and it has since expanded six more outlets across Hong Kong.

Specialising in Japanese Hakata Ramen, Butao Ramen offers ramen in four options: the signature Butao; Black King (tonkotsu base with black garlic and squid ink): Red King (tonkotsu base with chilli powder and miso); and Green King (tonkotsu base with olive oil and fresh basil leaves).

We tried both the Red King Ramen and Butao Ramen. While the former was kick-ass spicy, we preferred the latter for its rich and full-bodied

Shop A & B, G/F, Kam Wing Commercial Bldg,
28 Minden Avenue, Tsim Sha Tsui
Daily: 11am – 11pm
Tel: +852 2316 2878
Nearest MTR: Tsim Sha Tsui

BUTLER BAR

Butler Bar is an exclusive 20-seater watering hole and cocktail lovers should make a special trip for their Japanese-style premium cocktails. Their Classic Gin Martini (HKS$128) and Old Fashioned (HK$128) are highly recommended; the former is a concoction of chilled Tanqueray gin and Japanese perilla liqueur, while the latter is expertly prepared with Buffalo Trace Bourbon.

5/F, Mody House, 30 Mody Road
Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2724 3828
Mon to Fri: 6:30pm to 2am
Sat: 6:30pm to 1am
Nearest MTR: Tsim Sha Tsui

CAFFEE HABITU

Cafe Habitu first started out in 2003 and today is a successful coffee chain with various outlets across Hong Kong. The cafe provides free wifi and coffees with consistent quality—which is no surprise why the brand has won itself a strong following over the past decade.

Shop L608, The ONE
100 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
Tel: +852 3572 0622
Mon to Thu: 11am – 9.30pm
Fri: 11am – 11pm
Sat: 10.30am – 11pm
Sun & PH: 10.30am – 10pm
Nearest MTR: Tsim Sha Tsui

CHUK YUEN SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

Talk about a family-friendly seafood restaurant in Hong Kong, and locals would probably direct you to Chuk Yuen Seafood Restaurant.

That old establishment has been around for decades and today, it remains a popular haunt for locals when they want an unpretentious and good meal with family and friends.

Chuk Yuen Seafood Restaurant has a menu of dim sum items and seafood. And in particular, the famous Cheese Lobster deserves a special mention. Be prepared to wait in line for a table no matter what time of the day you go; their popularity is simply undeniable.

28 Hankow Rd, Hong Kong Pacific Centre
Hong Kong, Tsim Sha Tsui
Tel: +852 2722 0633
Mon to Sat: 11am – 12midnight
Sun & PH: 10am – 12midnight
Nearest Station: Tsim Sha Shui

DIM SUM ICON

You must have seen pictures of Dim Sum Icon at some point in time on your Instagram explore feed. There were adorable Little Twin Stars, puking Gudetama and more. Dim Sum Icon changes their character themes every three months and it sure is a brilliant marketing strategy to keep your customers coming back for more.

L308, 3/F, The ONE, 100 Nathan Road
Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Daily: 11am – 11pm
Nearest MTR: Tsim Sha Tsui

ICHIRAN RAMEN

Now, what else do we need to say about Ichiran Ramen? Ask any foodie traveller what you must not miss out when visiting Japan and most of the answers will definitely include the popular chain Ichiran Ramen.

The famous eatery sells only tonkotsu ramen and after sampling endless bowls of ramen across Asia, the verdict is out – it is indeed the best rendition we ever had!

Ichiran Ramen currently has two outlets in Hong Kong—Causeway Bay and Tsim Sha Tsui.

8 Minden Ave, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2369 4218
Daily: 24 Hours
Nearest MTR: Tsim Sha Tsui

KIMBERLEY CHINESE RESTAURANT

Kimberley Chinese Restaurant is best known for its Roasted Suckling Pig (HK$1,288). What makes Kimberley’s Roasted Suckling Pig so special is that the whole pig is stuffed with glutinous rice. The skin of the suckling pig is crispy while the glutinous rice retains its moist and sticky texture.

Before you make a trip there, do note that you need to pre-order the Roasted Suckling Pig and pay a deposit one day in advance. And one more thing, the suckling pig can easily feed 10 persons, so make sure you go in a big group.

Other than the iconic Roasted Suckling Pig, the old-school restaurant also offers a range of the classic Chinese dishes—go for the Beef Ribs Stew, Stewed Pig’s Lung with Cabbage—and dim sum.

28 Kimberley Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2369 8212
Nearest MTR: Tsim Sha Tsui

M&C.DUCK

Offering a modern twist to traditional Peking and Shanghainese cuisine, M&C.Duck is not quite what you would expect of a typical Hong Kong restaurant. The familiarity of a Chinese outlet is comforting yet reveals hints of sexiness; the list of dishes is what tugs your heartstrings yet surprises with the unexpected.

Well, we would go there especially for the very good Peking duck, but there is much more to love, and we say them with a passion.

Shop 3319, level 3, Gateway Arcade
Harbour City, 17 Canton Road
Tsim Sha Tsui
Tel: +852 2347 6898
Daily: 11.30am – 4pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest MTR: Tsim Sha Tsui

N1 COFFEE & CO

N1 Coffee & Co is a stone’s throw away from Tsim Sha Tsui Station and is owned by two prominent figures in the competitive cafe industry, namely award-winning barista El Au and Cafe Corridor founder Felix Wong. The menu is simple but concise and features a list of breakfast items, salads and sandwiches ranging from HK$40 to HK$65.

34 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
Tel: +852 3568 4726
Daily: 8am – 10pm
Nearest MTR: Tsim Sha Tsui

RELAX FOR AWHILE

Conveniently positioned along Kimberly Road and in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui, Relax For Awhile cha chaan teng’s exhaustive menu ensures that all visitors will definitely find at least one item that suits his/her fancy. And here’s the best part—everything is incredibly affordable!

G/F, Cheung Lee Commercial Building
25 Kimberley Road
Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 3113 6388
Nearest MTR: Tsim Sha Tsui

SUSHI TOKAMI

Established in 2013, Sushi Tokami is a popular sushi restaurant in Tokyo which is known for its tuna dishes. The 18-seater restaurant earned its Michelin star status in 2014 and opened its first overseas outpost in Hong Kong in 2015.

Sushi Tokami Hong Kong—located at level 2 of Ocean Centre at Harbour City—offers three lunch menus priced at HK$800, HK$1,000 and HK$1,200. If you feel like splurging, go for the Omakase (HK$2,200) and leave everything to the chefs.

Shop 216A, Level 2, Ocean Centre
Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Tel:  +852 2771 3938
Daily: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 10.30pm
Nearest MTR: Tsim Sha Tsui

STAR CAFE

Hunting for underground cha chaan teng Star Cafe might be quite a challenge, but your efforts will be paid off once you have arrived. The native Hong Kongers frequent this casual eatery for its tomato soup noodles with egg and luncheon meat. Here’s a tip on finding this hidden local gem: Enter Champagne Court B at 16 Kimberly Road, walk to the end and head down the stairs.

Shop 36, Basement
16 Kimberley Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
Tel: +852 2721 2908
Nearest MTR: Tsim Sha Tsui

THE STEAK HOUSE WINEBAR + GRILL

Located at the basement of InterContinental Hotel Hong Kong, THE STEAK HOUSE winebar + grill is a 1-Michelin star in Hong Kong that specialises in charcoal grilled steaks.

Prices can be quite cut-throat, but they run on a full house almost every night.

The steakhouse offers a great selection of the finest cuts – from USDA prime beef to Australian Wagyu to Japan Hida A5 Wagyu. Well, let’s just say the options are mind-boggling – even for non-steak lovers.

LG, InterContinental Hong Kong
18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
Tel: +852 2313 2323
Mon to Fri: 6pm – 11pm
Sat & Sun: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 11pm
Nearest MTR: Tsim Sha Tsui

TSUI WAH RESTAURANT

Yes, Tsui Wah Restaurant may be touristy, but we love it all the same.

Locals and tourists alike flock to Tsui Wah Restaurant for their signature Hainanese chicken rice, fishball noodles, and Bo Luo Yiu.

2 Carnarvon Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2366 8250
Daily: 7am – 2am
Nearest MTR: Tsim Sha Tsui

YAN TOH HEEN

Known for its refined Cantonese cuisine, Yan Toh Heen is a 2-Michelin Starred restaurant at Intercontinental Hong Kong.

Yah Toh Heen has one of the best Peking Ducks in Hong Kong. What makes the Peking Duck here different is the condiments and sauces. It is served with six condiments that include green papaya, cucumber, red chilli, pineapple, yuzu and spring onion; as well as three different sauces – traditional sweet sauce, osmanthus plum sauce, and black garlic chilli sauce.

G/F, InterContinental Hong Kong
18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
Tel: +852 2721 1211
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 11pm
Sun & PH: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Nearest MTR: Tsim Sha Tsui

YUM CHA

Yum Cha—situated on the third floor of Attitude Hotel in Hong Kong’s Tsim Sha Tsui—is a spacious and elegant 130-seater dim sum restaurant. If you are looking for a great yum cha meal without the scruffiness, Yum Cha is the place to go. Furthermore, they specialise in irresistibly adorable cartoon-themed dim sums that taste as good as they look.

3/F, 20-22 Granville Road
Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2751 1666
Daily: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Nearest MTR: Tsim Sha Tsui

For more recommendations, read our Hong Kong food & travel guides to find out the best places to go to.

Local Cha Chaan Teng Chau Kee in Hong Kong has become quite an Instagram sensation with its splendid Golden Lava French Toasts. While our love for Liu Sha Baos remains eternal, we got to admit that we have too taken a liking to these fluffy French toasts with a Cantonese twist.

Of course, Golden Lava French Toast is not the only item being sold here. Chau Kee’s comprehensive menu includes an impressive selection of handcrafted dim sums and Chinese-style dishes such as Siu Mais and Silver Pin Noodles.

Due to Chau Kee’s overwhelming popularity, guests will have to wait up to at least 20 to 30 minutes before getting a seat.

Look around and you will soon realise that every table will order the bestselling Golden Lava French Toast (HK$25).

The hearty buttery toast is injected with generous amount of salted egg yolk which oozes out instantaneously when you slice through the fragrant toasted bread. These Liu Sha French Toasts ain’t just gimmicky treats; yes, they actually taste pretty damn good!

For a savoury alternative, order the French Toast stuffed with Creamed Corn (HK$28) instead.

The piping hot delicate fried toast – encased in crisp egg wash – is an absolute joy to cut into! Knife it and watch the viscous cream corn mixture flow out rapidly. Sinful, but who cares?

French toasts aside, we would also highly recommend the Shrimp Toast with Sesame (HK$30) and Siu Mai with Black Truffle and Crab Roe (HK$24).

The former is a scrumptious platter of triangular toasts stuffed with aromatic al dente shrimp paste and covered in sesame, while the latter is a basket of classic steamed Siu Mai dumplings topped with premium ingredients.

For something more substantial, get the Fried Silver Pin Noodle with XO Sauce (HK$30). These noodles have also been interestingly nicknamed as “Rat Noodles” due to its uncanny resemblance to the rodent’s tail – but don’t worry, it smells and tastes nothing like the pests. Hand rolled and stir-fried with a spicy seafood sauce, the rice noodles are chewy and tasty.

First there was Urban Bakery’s Salted Egg Yolk Croissant, next it was Dim Sum Icon’s Gudetama Molten Custard Buns. Now, the latest craze is Hong Kong is Chau Kee’s Golden Lava French Toasts. We wonder what will be next.

Chau Kee
Shop H1, G/F, Tung Lee Mansion
Water Street, Sai Ying Pun, Western District
Tel: +852 2559 2389
Closed on Mondays Tue to Sun: 8am – 6pm
Nearest Station: HKU / Sai Ying Pun

For more recommendations, read our guide to the best cha chaan teng in Hong Kong.

If you are keen to experience the local way of life by dining at such unique and old-school restaurants, drop by Sing Heung Yuen – one of Hong Kong’s very last few Dai Pai Dongs.

The humble Chinese alfresco eatery has been around for nearly half a century and is especially well-loved amongst locals for its signature tomato egg noodles and tasty condensed milk buns.

Dai Pai Dongs refer to Hong Kong’s open-air roadside food vendors that sell economical dishes. These outdoor street stalls are an important part of Hong Kong’s culture and history.

However, the future of these local eateries is bleak. According to Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, there are only 25 existing Dai Pai Dongs left today.

Dai Pai Dong essentially means an eatery with a huge license plate. These restaurant licenses were issued to both disabled veterans and relatives of deceased civil servants after World War II.

Following congestion and hygiene problems, the government stopped issuing these licenses and it was only in recent years that children can inherit them.

Sing Heung Yuen was formerly on Elgin Street, but has relocated to its current venue at Mee Lun Street some thirty years ago. The no-frills Dai Pai Dong is jam-packed throughout the day with both locals and foodie travellers who are intrigued by the novelty of dining at one of Hong Kong’s last few authentic Dai Pai Dongs.

Look around and you will probably notice that everyone is eating the iconic bowl of noodles dunked in thick tomato broth. Yes, this is what you should be at Sing Heung Yuen for.

Every bowl is customisable, and prices start from HK$18. You can actually choose from instant noodles, macaroni or rice noodles, as well as add-ons such as bacon, sausage, egg, ham, luncheon meat and mixed vegetables etc.

Sing Huen Yuen
2 Mee Lun Street, Central
Tel: +852 2544 8368
Mon to Sat: 8am – 5pm
Closed on Sun and PH
Nearest Station: Sheung Wan

About the writer:
Hui Jun Ng is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She previously worked in the food and marketing industry. She loves traveling and enjoys exploring underrated destinations. In her free time, you will find her indulging in coffee and her all time favourite local dish – bak chor mee.

Tai Cheong Bakery will be opening its first outlet in Singapore at the basement of Takashimaya on 27 June 2016.  

Tai Cheong is an institution in Hong Kong, and its egg tarts are well-loved by people from all around the globe. Egg tart is one of the must-try local food in Hong Kong, and we are extremely delighted to know that Tai Cheong Bakery’s egg tarts are going to be so accessible for us soon!

While Tai Cheong Bakery has 14 branches in Hong Kong, both locals and tourists alike still flock to the main store along Lyndhurst Terrace in Central to pick up their bakes.

Tai Cheong Bakery’s outpost in Singapore will be a joint venture with Food People – a company by Mr Wei Chan – the managing director of The Pine Garden Bakery – and Mr Han Jin Juan of Palm Beach Seafood Restaurant.

Other than the much-lauded egg tarts, the old school bakery will also be selling pineapple buns (bolo buns), doughnuts, egg rolls, pastries and local cha chaan teng dishes. Much to anticipate; that goes without saying.

Tai Cheong Bakery’s egg tarts are priced at S$7.60 for a box of 4.

For more recommendations, read our guide on the best food places in Hong Kong.

A pineapple bun, for those of you who have never heard of it, is a popular snack in Hong Kong and Macau. Also known as Bo Lo Bao, it is a pillowy soft bread with a crunchy and sugary top crust which looks like a pineapple, hence the name. There is no pineapple in the bun. Most places serve it with a piece of butter stuffed into the middle of the bun (Bo Lo Yau). Imagine the butter melting within the soft and fluffy bread. A good pineapple bun is to die for, and one of the must-eats in Hong Kong.

There are probably dozens, if not hundreds, of good bakeries, cha chaan teng and dim sum restaurants in Hong Kong that do a good Bo Lo Bao. Below, we will share with you 5 of the best pineapple buns in Hong Kong, including a special creation of a hybrid between croissant and pineapple bun.

Canton Deli

Canton Deli at Harbour City is a popular Chinese restaurant and it serves reasonably good Chinese food, but not many people know that it also offers a very good Bo Lo Yau. I have tried many pineapple buns in Hong Kong, but this is one of the few that still lingers on my mind till today.

Shop 3303 3/F Gateway Arcade, Harbour City
17 Canton Road Tsim Sha Tsui
Tel: +852 2613 9889
Daily: 11am – 11pm
Nearest MTR: Tsim Sha Tsui

Kam Fung Restaurant

Kam Fung Restaurant is a local institution known for its excellent milk tea, egg tarts, baked chicken pies, and Bo Lo Bao. It is not to be missed when you are exploring the Wan Chai area. Go there early and get it fresh out from the oven.

G/F Spring Garden Mansion
41 Spring Garden Lane
Tel: +852 2572 0526
Daily: 6.30am – 7pm
Nearest MTR: Wan Chai

Kam Wah Cafe

Ask any locals where to find the best Bo Lo Bao in Hong Kong and they will reply Kam Wah Cafe at Bute Street in Mong Kok. I wholeheartedly agree. Kam Wah’s rendition, to me, is the perfect pineapple bun. It has a gorgeous golden brown top crust, and the bread is so soft that I can easily eat half a dozen of it in a go. I will fly to Hong Kong just to eat this.

Kam Wah Cafe is always crowded, but trust me, the pineapple buns are worth queueing up for.

47 Bute St
Prince Edward, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2392 6830
Daily: 6.30am – 12 midnight
Nearest MTR: Prince Edward

Tsui Wah Restaurant

Tsui Wah needs no introduction. It is probably the most famous cha chaan teng in Hong Kong, with locals and tourists flocking there for their signature chicken rice, fish ball noodles, and Bo Lo Yau. What I like about Tsui Wah’s pineapple bun with butter is that it is always consistently good no matter which outlet you visit.

15 Wellington Street
Tel: +852 2525 6338
Daily: 24 Hours
Nearest MTR: Central

For more recommendations, read our guide to the Top 10 Hong Kong Cha Chaan Teng

A Cha Chaan Teng, for the uninitiated, is a kind of local eatery in Hong Kong that serves comfort food at affordable prices. These local diners are where Hong Kongers go for their regular meals, and you can find them almost everywhere.

A trip to Hong Kong is not complete without eating at Cha Chaan Teng. Here’s a list of the Top 11 Hong Kong Cha Chaan Teng.

I hope this list will be useful to you when you are visiting the city. And if you have more places to recommend, please leave a comment and let us know.

Australian Dairy Company

If you are on a quest to find the best cha chaan teng in Hong Kong, Australian Dairy Company should be on the top of your checklist. This is probably one of the most famous cha chaan teng in town. You can’t go wrong with their scrambled eggs and ham macaroni.

Australian Dairy Company is very much a quick service restaurant, you’re not meant to linger here. They operate with a ruthless efficiency: you order, eat, pay and go.

47 Parkes Street
Jordan, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2730 1356
Nearest MTR: Jordan

Capital Cafe

It is not difficult to understand why Capital Cafe is so popular. It has a no-frills menu and it focuses to get the basics right. You can always find locals satisfying their cravings for scrambled eggs, macaroni, French toast, and milk tea here.

Shop B1, G/F, Kwong Sang Hong Building
6 Heard Street
Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2666 7766
Nearest MTR: Wan Chai

Honolulu Cafe

Another of my favourite cha chaan teng in Central is Honolulu Cafe which has awesome egg tarts and local food. And oh yes, did I mention that they also provide free wifi? You must visit it when in Hong Kong.

33 Stanley Street
Central, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2526 8063
Nearest MTR: Central

Kam Fung Restaurant

Kam Fung Restaurant is a local institution known for its excellent milk tea, egg tarts, baked chicken pies, and Bo Lo Bao.

The baked chicken pies, in particular, are phenomenal. The crust is super buttery and it simply melts in the mouth. It is to-die-for. Go there early and get it fresh out from the oven.

G/F Spring Garden Mansion
41 Spring Garden Lane
Tel: +852 2572 0526
Daily: 6.30am – 7pm
Nearest MTR: Wan Chai

Kam Wah Cafe

Kam Wah Cafe has one of the best, if not the best bo luo bao in Hong Kong. The cha chaan teng is always crowded, but trust me, the pineapple buns are worth queueing up for.

47 Bute St
Prince Edward, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2392 6830
Nearest MTR: Prince Edward

Lan Fong Yuen

Founded since 1952, this Hong Kong institution is the place to go for milk tea, pork buns and French toast. Come here for the authentic Hong Kong cha chaan teng experience.

2 Gage Street
Central, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2544 3895
Nearest MTR: Hong Kong

Relax For A While

If you are in the Tsim Sha Tsui area, check out Relax For A While along Kimberley Road. The menu is big and you can definitely find something that will appeal to your taste-bud.

G/F, Cheung Lee Commercial Building
25 Kimberley Road
Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 3113 6388
Nearest MTR: Tsim Sha Tsui

Sham Tseng Chan Kee Roasted Goose

A popular Cha Chaan Teng that serves fabulous roasted goose and the classic Hong Kong cafe food. They have a few outlets, but we like to go to the one at Mong Kok, which is the perfect pit-stop after shopping.

427-427A Reclamation Street
Mong Kok, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2381 6161
Nearest MTR: Mong Kok

Sun Wah Cafe

Sun Wah Cafe is slightly out of the way, but it is known for having one of the best egg tarts in Hong Kong. If you like egg tarts, make sure you make a trip to Sun Wah.

334 Castle Peak Road
Cheung Sha Wan, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2387 3698
Nearest MTR: Cheng Sha Wan

Star Cafe

This underground cafe is hard to find, but once you get there, you will be glad that you make the effort to track it down. Locals come here for their tomato soup noodles with egg and luncheon meat. Due to its hidden location, few tourists known about it, so don’t be surprised when you are surrounded by locals. To find this place, enter Champagne Court B at 16 Kimberly Road, walk to the end and go down the stairs.

Shop 36, Basement
16 Kimberley Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
+852 2721 2908
Nearest MTR: Tsim Sha Tsui

Tsui Wah Restaurant

The most famous Cha Chaan Teng in Hong Kong. Locals and tourists alike flock to Tsui Wah Restaurant for their signature Hainanese chicken rice, fishball noodles, and Bo Luo Yiu. One of the most impressive things about Tsui Wah is that it manages to maintain its high standards across all the branches. Definitely a must-visit when you are in Hong Kong.

15 Wellington Street
Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong
Tel: +852 2525 6338
Nearest MTR: Hong Kong

For more recommendations, read my guide on 10 Hong Kong Cafes to visit.