Cha chaan tengs (茶餐廳) are small, local cafes that are culturally infused in the fabric of the eating scene in Hong Kong. A peculiar fusion of Cantonese and Western cuisine, these ‘tea restaurants’ came about as a way to fill the desire for Western cuisine whilst furthering its appeal by adapting it to a Cantonese palate. From ‘Russian’ borsch and ‘Swiss’ wings to macaroni soup with ham and fried pork-chop over a bed of spaghetti, these seemingly bizarre concoctions are beloved go-to’s for many a local.

The epitome of casualness, these simple and unpretentious cafes combine Hong Kong’s love for good, inexpensive food with the city’s typical hectic and bustling atmosphere. Don’t expect to mull over life with a cup of tea for a few hours at a cha chaan teng – instead, anticipate rushed, snappy service in a rather crammed, chaotic setting. But do not let the no-frills experience daunt you. The classic fare served is nostalgic, reliable and filling. We recommend you treat the less-than-serene atmosphere as a part of your authentic cha chaan teng experience.

Australian Dairy Company

Australian Dairy Company is one of Hong Kong’s most popular cha chaan tengs, and for good reason. Their renowned scrambled eggs are every bit as creamy and fluffy as they are praised to be, and are especially satisfying enjoyed with the accompanying slice of buttered toast. Given the hype, long queues are the norm and service is quite rushed with notoriously impatient servers.

G/F, 47-49 Parkes Street, Jordan; 2730 1356

Capital Café

Capital Café is also a top contender for the title of best scrambled eggs, which are made especially creamy with the addition of Hokkaido milk. The condensed milk bun (奶油豬仔包) is a classic indulgence, or you can opt for the “Principal’s Toast” (校長多士) for truffles and cheese on toast – a rather unexpected choice for a cha chaan tang but a very enjoyable dish nonetheless.

Shop B1, G/F, Kwong Sang Hong Building, 6 Heard Street, Wan Chai; 2666 7766

Cheung Heung Yuen Restaurant

Allegedly serving one of the best egg tarts in town, Cheung Heung Yuen Restaurant has been offering the pastry for over 50 years and is said to sell thousands per day. Enjoy a selection of baked goods with the restaurant’s milk tea (港式奶茶), a silky smooth concoction that is the perfect balance of bitter and sweet and served in the original ‘Black & White’ brand mugs.

107 Belcher’s St, Kennedy Town; 2855 7911

Kam Fung Café