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Hong Kong's Cha Chaan Teng Trail: 6 Must-Try Eateries

Some of our favourite Cha Chaan Tengs in Hong Kong

· 39 min read

Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure through the bustling streets of Hong Kong! This vibrant city is known for its amazing food scene, and no trip to Hong Kong would be complete without a local meal in the Cha Chaan Tengs. These humble eateries serve up a mouth-watering blend of Chinese and Western dishes, all with a unique Hong Kong twist. In this guide, we will introduce some of the best Cha Chaan Tengs and what to order there.

💡 Check out our guide to visiting Cha Chaan Tengs to learn more about the tips on what to expect to reduce your chances of getting yelled at!

Wa So Cafe

What to order: Milk tea, Signature Bolo Bun (Pineapple Bun), Grilled Pork Chop (with noodles)

Wa So Cafe has multiple branches throughout the city and has attracted a legion of devoted fans, including renowned celebrities from both Hong Kong and Taiwan. From classic Hong Kong-style milk tea to their signature pineapple bun that comes with fried egg, tomato, and a slab of butter, every dish is sure to satisfy your taste buds. But don't just take our word for it - Wa So Cafe is also highly rated by locals for its tasty food and value-for-money proposition. It's not uncommon to see long queues snaking out the door, and you may have to wait up to half an hour during peak dining hours.

🕤 Opening Hours: 8am - 8pm daily

🗺️ Address: Hong Kong, Tsim Sha Tsui, 8 Minden Ave, Shop G7-G8, G/F

Kum Wah Cafe

What to order: Bolo Bun (Pineapple Bun) with butter

Nestled just a stone's throw away from the famous Fa Yuen Street Market lies Kum Wah Cafe - a local eatery that has been satisfying hungry Hong Kongers for over 40 years. This hotspot rose to fame thanks to its simple yet irresistible signature dish: the Bolo Bun with butter. Sink your teeth into the warm, fluffy bun, which is perfectly complemented by a slab of cold, creamy butter. The contrast in flavors and temperatures is truly divine and will leave you wanting more. However, note that Kum Wah Cafe has a minimum order of one drink per person.

🕤 Opening Hours: 6.30am - 9pm daily

🗺️ Address: 45-47 Bute St, Mong Kok, Hong Kong

Hing Wah Restaurant

What to order: Spring Onion Fried Chicken Thigh

This unassuming restaurant is located near Chai Wan in Hong Kong Island, away from the bustling tourist areas. But if you are planning to go for a hike at Dragon’s Back, why not drop by Hing Wah for a meal to recharge? This cozy restaurant has been serving up delicious meals to locals since 1978, with a menu that offers a unique twist on traditional Cha Chaan Teng dishes. But it's their Spring Onion Fried Chicken Thigh that has recently propelled them to fame. Netizens can't stop raving about this dish, and for good reason. The succulent chicken is perfectly seasoned and crispy, with a tantalizing hint of spring onion that takes it to the next level. So if you're in the mood for a truly unforgettable meal, be sure to add Hing Wah Restaurant to your foodie itinerary. It's the perfect spot for some fuel before or after a hike, or simply to indulge in some of the best food Hong Kong has to offer.

🕤 Opening Hours: 6am - 7pm from Thursday to Sunday, closed Wednesday

🗺️ Address: Hing Wah (II) Estate Wo Hing House, Wan Tsui Rd, Chai Wan, Hong Kong

Sun Heung Yuen (Kin Kee)

What to order: Beef sandwich with egg, Iced red bean

Nestled in the heart of Sham Shui Po, this traditional eatery has been a beloved staple in the neighborhood since 1968. But don't be fooled by its unassuming exterior - inside, you'll find not one, but two shops under the same roof. One serves up delicious noodle dishes like Wanton Noodles and Black Bean Paste Noodles, while the other specializes in classic Cha Chaan Teng fare like toast, sandwiches, and other comfort foods. But what sets this eatery apart is its mouth-watering beef sandwich with eggs. Bite into the soft, pillowy bread and savor the rich, savory flavor of the tender beef. And while you're there, don't forget to wash it all down with a refreshing iced red bean drink - a popular choice among the locals. Perfectly balanced in sweetness and served ice-cold, it's the ideal thirst quencher on a hot day.

🕤 Opening Hours: 6.30am - 8pm daily

🗺️ Address: Hong Kong, Sham Shui Po, Kweilin St, No. 38

Shui Kee Coffee

What to order: Hong Kong-style French toast, Beef with egg bun, Milk tea

For over 50 years, Shui Kee Coffee has been a beloved institution in Hong Kong's food scene. Starting as a humble open-air Dai Pai Dong, this eatery has now moved to a permanent stall in the bustling Sheung Wan Food Centre. And it's no surprise why Shui Kee Coffee has stood the test of time - their Hong Kong-style French toast is simply out of this world. Unlike most Hong Kong-style French toast that is deep fried, the bread here is dipped in egg and pan-fried until golden and crispy, before being drizzled with generous amounts of sweet, silky condensed milk. Sinful? Definitely. But also very satisfying. Another fan favorite is their bun with beef and egg. The savory, perfectly seasoned beef and egg are nestled between a toasted hotdog bun and topped with a generous helping of fresh spring onion.

🕤 Opening Hours: 8am - 4pm from Monday to Saturday; closed on Sunday

🗺️ Address: Shop 17, Cooked Food Centre, 2/F, Sheung Wan Municipal Services Building And Civic Centre, 345 Queen's Road Central, Sheung Wan

Sun Kee Cafe

What to order: Dry Noodle with Pork Jowl and Cheese Sauce

Sun Kee Cafe started as a humble Cha Chaan Teng in Tsim Sha Tsui, but quickly gained a cult following thanks to its game-changing dish: dry noodles with pork jowl and cheese sauce. This unique creation features instant noodles coated in a rich and creamy cheese sauce, with tender and flavorful pork jowl adding a satisfying meaty touch. While Sun Kee has since moved from Tsim Sha Tsui to other locations in Mongkok and Tsuen Wan, unfortunately, the Mongkok branch has closed its doors in 2022. But fear not - the Tsuen Wan location still serves up this iconic dish, and it's definitely worth the trip.

🕤 Opening Hours: 11am - 11.30pm daily

🗺️ Address: Hong Kong, Tsuen Wan, Hoi Pa St, No. 89-93, Tsuen King Building, Shop D, G/F