Hong Kong-style Western cuisine comfort foods are an essential part of Hong Kong's cultural identity, and they are best enjoyed at cha chaan tengs (茶餐廳), translated as “tea restaurants”. These establishments are known for their highly efficient service and affordable prices. However, if you're new to these places, the bustling atmosphere and fast pace can be overwhelming, just as it was for me. The waiters may even urge you to hurry up if you take too long to order. Therefore, it's wise to decide what you want to eat beforehand and be prepared to translate the menu, as some places may not offer an English version.
It's also common, and even expected, to share a table with strangers during busy times due to the fast-paced environment. I remember one time when I was having dim sum with a friend, we were seated with what seemed to be a regular customer of the establishment. Despite the language barrier, he made an effort to communicate with us in English and even shared his food for us to try, making the experience all the more heartwarming.
In Cantonese culture, there is a custom of washing utensils with hot tea before eating. Usually, the waiter brings a big empty bowl with a pitcher or teapot of hot tea, allowing you to pour the hot liquid over the bowls and utensils. However, in the cha chaan tengs I have visited, the pace is so fast that the utensils are either kept in a drawer or placed in a container for customers to grab themselves.
When dining at a cha chaan teng, some classic dishes to order are egg tarts, Hong Kong-style milk tea, macaroni in soup, scrambled eggs over toast, and Hong Kong-style French toast. It's worth noting that cold drinks usually come with an additional charge of around $3 HKD. Additionally, many places offer a tea time menu, featuring special items for the afternoon.
Two renowned cha chaan teng restaurants in Hong Kong are Australia Dairy Company in Jordan and Lan Fong Yuen in Central. Although long queues are common during peak hours, the high customer turnover ensures that you won't have to wait long to be seated. When you finish your meal, take the slip of paper the waiter placed on your table at the beginning to the front counter for payment. It's essential to have cash on hand, as many of these places only accept cash.
Personally, cha chaan tengs are my favorite spots to grab a quick and inexpensive meal while exploring the city. It is an essential experience to have when visiting Hong Kong!
Elaine Mo
Spring 2024
GW Exchange - Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Computer Science Major