Any trip to Hong Kong would not be complete without having a meal (or should we say every meal?) in one of their many cha chaan tengs, snacking on a couple of Hong Kong egg tarts in one seating and slurping up some Hong Kong-style milk teas to end your day on a sweet note.

Even though that the service is definitely not the best around, Hong Kong still remains as one of the best food destinations in Asia. Thankfully for us, there are quite a number of iconic Hong Kong restaurants that opened in Singapore over the past few years.

Forget about the 4-hour flight to Hong Kong, here are 7 Hong Kong food concepts in Singapore that will gau dim any lingering HK food cravings.

HONOLULU CAFE

Founded in the 1940s, Honolulu Cafe started out as just a humble eatery that serves Hong Kong-style coffee, tea and baked goods. They have since expanded their menu extensively and now serve Hong Kong classic dishes such as macaroni noodle dishes and weekly specials alongside their freshly baked egg tarts.

Their egg tarts (S$1.70) are to-die-for and we dare say that Honolulu Cafe dishes out one of the best renditions in Hong Kong.

#01-33 F/G, 176 Orchard Road
The Centrepoint
Singapore 238843
Tel: +65 6734 6609
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

TAI CHEONG BAKERY

As if the Holland Village area isn’t already a food haven, Tai Cheong Bakery has opened the brand’s first ever sit-in concept there in 2016.

Tai Cheong Bakery has been serving these irresistible delicious egg tarts for more than half a century and they hold a special place in the hearts of Hong Kongers across generations. Fret not if you are looking for more substantial meals for they also serve main courses such as Scrambled Egg Toast and Beef Brisket Curry Rice.

31 Lor Liput
Singapore 277742
Tel: +65 9828 1954
Mon to Fri: 10am – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Holland Village

TIM HO WAN

Hailing from Hong Kong and perhaps one of the biggest openings here in Singapore is dim sum chain, Tim Ho Wan. With certain outlets open for 24-hours, this is another supper spot to consider should the likes of steamed, baked or fried dim sum peak your fancy.

The Baked Bun with BBQ Pork, Spicy and Sour Dumplings and the hugely underrated Vermicelli Roll with Shrimp are our go-to dishes at Tim Ho Wan and they never disappoint.

68 Orchard Rd, 01-29A/52
Plaza Singapura
Singapore 238839
Tel: +65 6251 2000
Mon to Fri: 10am – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Dhoby Ghaut

TSUI WAH

Despite opening its doors only in June 2018, Tsui Wah has already been a hit amongst Singaporeans to get affordable and undeniably satisfying Cantonese cuisine.

Similar to what you will find in their Hong Kong outlets, Tsui Wah Singapore offers a variety of their signature dishes including Crispy Bun with Sweet Condensed Milk (S$4), Pork Chop Bun (S$7.50), King Prawns in XO Sauce with Tossed Noodles (S$11) as well as their legendary Swiss Sauce Chicken Wings (S$11).

3A River Valley Road, Clarke Quay #01-03
Singapore 179020
Daily: 11am – 1.30am
Nearest Station: Clarke Quay

MAK’S NOODLES

Mak’s Noodles has got to be one of the best (if not the best) noodle stores in Hong Kong. Starting out as just a small eatery, Mak’s Noodle expanded to a chain of 6 eateries all over Hong Kong and now, a couple of outlets in Singapore too.

Their dishes are simple, comprising just noodles topped with their signature wontons but do not be fooled by their simplicity for every mouthful will envelop your taste buds with myriads of flavours!

#01-63/64, 176 Orchard Road
The Centrepoint
Singapore 238843
Tel: +65 6235 5778
Daily: 11am – 10pm

MUI KEE CONGEE

Mui Kee Congee serves delectable congee that is a league of its own. Using recipes and cooking techniques that have been passed down through three generations, you can count on Mui Kee Congee to deliver silky smooth congee filled with old-school ingenuity.

Be prepared to queue for up to an hour at this real-deal congee stall during lunch hours before laying your hands on a bowl of their delights. During dinner time, they also serve a variety of claypot dishes as perfect accompaniments to your meal.

1 Scotts Road, #01-12
Shaw Centre
Singapore 228208
Tel: +65 6737 2422
Daily: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 9.30pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

KAM’S ROAST

Kam’s Roast has earned itself a one Michelin star for 3 consecutive years and for good reason. If you are there for the first time, opt for their classic char siew and roast pork noodles set (S$11.80) that features perfectly caramelised char siew and crisp roasted pork nestled atop springy egg noodles.

Granted that these dishes do not come cheap, what you get is a solid meal that will leave you satisfied and planning your next visit here.

9 Scotts Road
Singapore 228210
Tel: +65 6836 7788
Mon to Fri: 11am – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 10.30pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

Singaporeans love to eat. We really do. In fact, stories of Singaporeans travelling across international borders just for food is extremely common. We, too, live by the motto of “will travel for food”.

And Hong Kong is one of the preferred destinations amongst Singaporeans for the F&B scene in the city is outstanding to say the least. They have amazing trends, sexy places, and food that are nothing short of interesting.

Over the past years, we have seen several openings of successful Hong Kong food establishments right in Singapore; many more to come, because here in Singapore, we are always up for great food.

From Michelin-starred Tim Ho Wan to the famous Tai Cheong Bakery, here are 10 Popular Food Brands From Hong Kong That Have Opened or Are Opening Soon In Singapore.

#1 HONEYMOON DESSERTS

Honeymoon Desserts first started in Sai Kung, Hong Kong, before expanding at full force. Today, there are 400 outlets worldwide and the chainstore has successfully brought a slice of Hong Kong’s dessert culture into Singapore.

Customers can expect a plethora of tantalising Hong Kong-style desserts such as mango pudding, glutinous rice balls and snow fungus soup.

Various locations

#2 HONOLULU CAFE

Hong Kong’s famous cha chaan teng Honolulu Cafe is opening in Singapore! Famous for its egg tarts with flaky pastry, it will open a 1,500 sq ft restaurant with 50 seats at The CentrePoint in Orchard Road this April. We will go out on a limb to say that Honolulu Cafe has the best egg tarts in Hong Kong.

#3 JENNY BAKERY

Jenny Bakery is renowned for their freshly baked delicious butter cookies and iconic teddy bear tin boxes. With its existing legion of fans, Jenny Bakery has chosen to open its shop in the heartlands of Ang Mo Kio instead.

422 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3
#01-253/4
Singapore 560422
Tel: +65 9235 7320
Mon: Closed
Tue to Sat: 11am – 8pm
Sun: 12pm – 6pm

#4 KAM’S ROAST GOOSE

Despite its glorious Michelin star status, Kam’s Roast Goose restaurant remains unpretentious and continues to serve one of the best roast goose one would ever have in his or her lifetime.

Kam’s Roast Goose is set to open an eatery in Singapore during the first quarter of 2016, but both the exact opening date and location remain unknown to the public. We can’t wait already!

Read: Guide to Hong Kong’s Best Roast Goose Restaurants.

#5 MAK’S NOODLE

Mak’s Noodle is a household name amongst Hong Kong natives and even foreigners; where it made a special appearance on Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations TV Series.

The world-famous restaurant opened an outlet in Singapore in July this year, where Wellington Street’s 70-year-old head chef has relocated to Singapore to oversee the kitchen for the next two years. It is their first overseas outpost.

176 Orchard Road
The Centrepoint, #01-63/64
Singapore 238843
Tel: +65 6235 5778
Daily: 11am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Somerset

#6 MR RICH BAKERY

Mr Rich Bakery’s unbelievably fluffy Butter, Coffee Almond, Choco-Marshmallow and Matcha Latte cookies are currently up for grabs at its officially appointed distributor Asia Food Mart’s retail space at TripleOne Somerset.

The good news is that the beloved butter cookie brand from Hong Kong is currently looking for a location in Singapore and will be opening its first flagship retail shop by the start of the second quarter of 2016.

111 Somerset Road
#02-04, Asia Food Mart
Singapore 238164
Nearest Station: Somerset

#7 TAI CHEONG BAKERY

Founded in 1954, Tai Cheong Bakery is a perennial favourite amongst native Hongkongers, expats and even tourists. After serving their irresistibly tasty egg tarts for over half a century, the Hong Kong-based establishment has decided to open a shop in Singapore; they sure know we Singaporeans love them. We can, too, expect Bo Lo Bao and other Cha Chaan Teng dishes etc.

Location to be confirmed

#8 THE BUTCHER’S CLUB

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 Butcher’s Club opened its first restaurant in Singapore at Clarke Quay in October 2015.

With an emphasis of introducing dry-aged premium beef from Australia, diners are in some really mean burgers. We highly recommend their Red-Eye Reduction Burger (S$28+).

3A River Valley Road
#01-01B, Block A, Clarke Quay
Singapore 179020
Tel: +65 6837 0675
Sun to Tue: 12pm – 12am
Wed and Thu: 12pm – 2am
Fri and Sat: 12pm – 3am
Nearest Station: Clarke Quay

#9 THE COFFEE ACADEMICS

Voted by CNNGo and Vogue as one of the best coffee shops in the world, The Coffee Academics is truly the go-to place for your caffeine fix. The cafe takes up 3000 sq ft and sits within OnPedder at Scotts on level 2.

Read: Guide to Hong Kong’s Best Cafes & Coffee Shops.

Lvl 2 Scotts Square
6 Scotts Road
Singapore 228209
Daily: 10am – 4pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

#10 TIM HO WAN

Tim Ho Wan was a hole-in-the-wall Hong Kong eatery that defied all odds and caught the attention of Michelin inspectors.

Today, the one-Michelin-star restaurant has several outlets across Singapore and we are glad that there is even one at Aperia Mall that opens round the clock! Do not go to Tim Ho Wan without ordering their signature Baked Bun with Barbecue Pork.

Read: Guide to Hong Kong’s Best Dim Sum Restaurants.

#01-29 Plaza Singapura
The Atrium @ Orchard
68 Orchard Road
Tel: +65 6251 2000
Nearest Station: Dhoby Ghaut

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

Tim Ho Wan, the cheapest 1 Michelin Star dim sum restaurant from Hong Kong, is opening in Singapore at The Atrium @ Orchard, Plaza Singapura today. Opened by Chef Mak Kwai Pui (previously from Lung King Heen at Four Seasons Hong Kong), Tim Ho Wan has gained a strong following over the years and long queues are a common sight at his restaurants.

We got a sneak preview at a media tasting last night. Here are some of the highlights from the much anticipated Tim Ho Wan in Singapore.

The star on the menu and what you must order at Tim Ho Wan is the legendary Baked Buns with BBQ Pork ($4.50 for 3). I can say with confidence after trying, that the buns are as good as the ones in Hong Kong.

The Steamed Egg Cake ($3.80), another of Tim Ho Wan’s ‘Big Four Heavenly Kings’, is also a must-try — soft, fluffy and very addictive. I also enjoyed both the Steamed Prawn Dumplings ($5.50 for 4) and Steamed Pork Dumplings ($5 for 4). These classics were well-executed to a good standard.

Also good was the Deep-fried Beancurd Skin Roll ($4.20 for 3). It was a lot better than I thought it would be, and this was because of two combined successes — the deep-fried beancurd skin roll was not too greasy, and the fillings were of impressionable quality.

Tim Ho Wan also offers five different variations of Vermicelli Roll (Chee Cheong Fun) – BBQ Pork ($5.50), Shrimp ($5.50), Beef ($5.50), Black Pepper ($5) and its signature Pig’s Liver ($5.50).

We also tried the Steamed Beef Balls with Beancurd Skin ($4.20 for 3) and Steamed Dumpling Teochew Style ($4 for 3), and while decent, both were unremarkable.

The Pan-fried Carrot Cake ($4.50 for 3), one of the much-lauded items on the menu, was disappointing. It was slightly bland and it was missing the x-factor of a carrot cake that would otherwise mark a satisfying dim sum meal.

Other dishes on the menu include Glutinous Rice Dumpling ($5), Chicken Feet with Black Bean Sauce ($4), Pork Rib with Black Bean Sauce ($4.20) and Garlic, Mushroom, Spinach Dumpling ($3.80 for 3). They also have a rice category where they serve dishes such as Rice with Beef & Fried Egg ($6), and Rice with Chicken, Sausage and Mushroom ($6).

To end off the meal, there are two sweets available – the Tonic Medlar & Osmanthus Cake ($3.50 for 3) and Yam Puree with Sago ($3.50).

Supporters of Tim Ho Wan swear by the awesome BBQ pork buns and their affordable dim sum. At the same time, there are naysayers who feel that it is over-rated and not worth the time. This brings us back to the million dollar question: Is Tim Ho Wan worth the hype and queue?

Tim Ho Wan got famous because it offered good dim sum at very cheap prices – when it first started, you could get a very satisfying meal for around HK$50-80 (S$9-13) per person. However, with the high rental in Singapore – as with its branch at IFC Hong Kong – the dim sum here is slightly pricier. Most of the items are priced around $4-5.50 per basket. To be fair, they are still comparable with Singapore’s average; most dim sum restaurants in Singapore are priced at that range as well.

The dim sum in general is good. If you have never been to Tim Ho Wan in Hong Kong, then this one in Singapore is not to be missed. But if you had been there before, then I would suggest to give it a little wait before stepping into the Singapore outlet. As with any new restaurant, there will inevitably be teething problems. I urge everyone to be patient.

All in all, the arrival of Tim Ho Wan is great news and a strong boost to the F&B scene in Singapore. Tim Ho Wan will be opening its second branch at Toa Payoh in July, before adding four other branches by the end of this year.

Tim Ho Wan
#01-29 Plaza Singapura
The Atrium @ Orchard
68 Orchard Road
Tel: +65 6251 2000
Note: This was an invited media tasting.