Cha Chaan Tengs, or Hong Kong style cafes, are one of the most prized culture in this city. It is almost impossible to find cheap and good eats in this most expensive city, but not only are Cha Chaan Teng food reasonably priced, they also represent a fusion of East and West, with local dishes you can’t find anywhere else on the map.
Hoi On Cafe
The first on the list is one of the most long-standing cafes in Hong Kong. Retaining its old decor from door-front to interiors, you’ll find brick red signages and furnitures in this rustic cafe. With the restaurant resembling eateries straight from an old Hong Kong film, their affordable bites are just as mesmerising.
Sample their thick toast loaded with scallion corned beef scrambled eggs, or, the elevated version of instant noodles – claypot noodles with sunny side up, char siu, and beef. Photo credit @likkolifelog.
Swiss Cafe
Established in 2008, a newer addition compared to its fellows pays tribute to Hong Kong’s famed dining culture. Swiss Cafe landed it’s first brick-and-mortar shop in Central, and expanded to several neighbourhoods in the city.
Dubbed the name of a faraway country, it is also a nod to the uniquely Hong Kong chicken wing dish that has no resemblance to Switzerland. Apart from nostalgic set breakfasts and lunches, the cafe is also known for it’s creative twists on Cha-Chaan-Teng staples. Photo credit @iamfoodaholic.
Australian Dairy Company
Also a veteran in the Hong Kong cafe category, this hectic eatery in Jordan is a shared favourite of both locals and tourists. Famed for its creamy scrambled eggs, loaded sandwiches, and steamed milk desserts, the restaurant is also known for a peculiar element – busy staff that might come off as rude.
The key to survival is simple, be prepared with your order before you’re greeted by the staff. Photo credit @joannefoodiary.
Sing Heung Yuen
In a glossy district like Central, it’s almost impossible to find local cafes with that old school charm. Seated right in an alley on Gough Street, Sing Heung Yuen is simply a street-side Cha-Chaan-Teng serving neighbourhood fans and tourists alike.
Indulge in their thick and rich tomato soup based macaronis and instant noodles, paired with a sunny side up or fresh beef. In case you’re craving something sweet, their lemon honey crispy buns are also a common favourite. Photo credit: @hk.foodie.hungry.
Star Cafe
It is fair to say that macaroni soup was first popularised in Hong Kong, and is a signature breakfast food of East meet West. Reflecting the local’s love for a tomato soup base, Star Cafe is known for using fresh tomatoes instead of artificial pastes.
Opt for the tomato and egg soup base noodles for a creamier bite. As the saying goes, don’t judge a book by its cover, the tomato-egg mixture may not make the most appealing dish, but there is a reason to why this cafe has been standing since 50 years ago. Photo credit @nvfull_foodie.