Get A Taste Of Hong Kong At These Iconic Cha Chaan Tengs

LAN FONG YUEN

If you spot a long line in front of a small stall, you’ve likely stumbled upon Lan Fong Yuen, home to one of Hong Kong’s most iconic milk teas. Their famous silk stocking milk tea—brewed and strained through a sackcloth bag resembling silk stockings—is made fresh in-house. For the best experience, we recommend ordering it hot rather than cold, as the flavors are even richer and creamier when served warm.

Don’t be fooled by the outdoor stall—the main restaurant is located just behind it, so make sure you don’t miss out. Pair your hot milk tea with one of their classic dishes (their Hong Kong-style French toast is absolutely delicious!) for a truly authentic cha chaan teng experience.

Opening Hours: Mondays to Saturdays, 7:30 am - 6pm

Lan Fong Yuen, G/F, 2 Gage Street, Central, Hong Kong, +852 2544 3895, +852 2854 0731, https://www.instagram.com/lanfongyuen/

AUSTRALIA DAIRY COMPANY

Australia Dairy Company, G/F, 47 Parkes Street, Jordan, Hong Kong, +852 2730 1356, https://www.instagram.com/australia_dairy_co/

CHEUNG HING COFFEE SHOP

Opening Hours: Daily 7am - 5pm

Cheung Hing Coffee Shop, 9 Yik Yam Street, Happy Valley, Hong Kong, +852 2572 5097, https://maps.app.goo.gl/

MIDO CAFE

Mido Cafe is a true gem among cha chaan tengs, beautifully preserved with its original furniture, marbled floors, and stained glass windows. Its nostalgic charm has made it a popular setting for Hong Kong films, such as Wong Kar-Wai's Days of Being Wild, and a favorite spot for content creators.

The food here is just as impressive as the ambiance. Alongside classic cha chaan teng staples, Mido Cafe offers unique dishes you won’t find elsewhere, like their baked pumpkin rice and crispy shrimp toast—both must-tries for a memorable dining experience!

Opening Hours: Daily (Closed on Wednesdays) 10:30am - 7:30pm

Mido Cafe, G/F, 63 Temple Street, Yau Ma Tei, Hong Kong, +852 2384 6402, https://maps.app.goo.gl/54eQNwthoN35SSDB6, https://www.discoverhongkong.com/uk/interactive-map/mido-cafe.html

TAK YU RESTAURANT

Opening Hours: Daily 8am - 6pm

Tak Yu Restaurant, G/F, 17–18 St Francis Yard, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, +852 2528 0713, https://www.instagram.com/tak_yu_wanchai/

KAM WAH CAFE

We’ve highlighted Kam Wah Cafe in many of our previous articles, and for good reason—it’s not only home to some of the best pineapple buns in town but also a beloved cha chaan teng in Kowloon.

The decor features traditional tiles and cozy booths, creating a nostalgic atmosphere. Their menu is packed with delicious options your kids will love, like French toast, noodle soups, beef noodles, fried sausages, and curry fried rice. And of course, you can’t miss their baked buns, egg tarts, and famous pineapple buns, which are perfect to enjoy on the go!

Opening Hours: Daily 6:30am - 11pm

Kam Wah Cafe, G/F, 45–47 Bute Street, Prince Edward, Hong Kong, +852 2392 6830, https://www.instagram.com/kamwahcafe/

LUEN WAH CAFE

If you’re in Sai Ying Pun, make sure to stop by Luen Wah Cafe, a cozy and quaint cha chaan teng located on Centre Street. Known for its blend of Chinese and Western-inspired dishes, this spot has become a neighborhood favorite, consistently drawing a loyal crowd of regulars.

Their hearty soup bowls are perfect for warming up during the winter season, while their sandwiches make for a delightful treat during tea time. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, Luen Wah Cafe is a must-try in Sai Ying Pun!

Opening Hours: Daily 5am - 10pm

Luen Wah Cafe, G/F, 28 Centre Street, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong, +852 2540 1563, https://maps.app.goo.gl/s7jrxCBXmXbUTPbr5

KWONG MING RESTAURANT

If you’re visiting Chi Lin Nunnery, take a short 15-minute walk to San Po Kong and stop by Kwong Ming Restaurant. This isn’t your typical cha chaan teng—its standout dishes include American pancakes, soy sauce macaroni noodles, and refreshing iced lemon tea, making it a hit with both locals and visitors. Adding to its charm, the restaurant is filled with fun Dragon Ball collectibles, making it a playful and memorable spot for families to enjoy!

Opening Hours: Mondays to Saturdays, 7am - 3:30pm

Kwong Ming Restaurant, G/F, 9 Kam Wing Street, San Po Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, +852 3542 5028, https://www.facebook.com/fatmingrestaurant/

SWISS CAFE

Don’t let the name fool you—Swiss Cafe, located in Central, has nothing to do with Switzerland. This charming cha chaan teng is decked out with 1980s-style wooden chairs and classy beige and green tiled walls, giving it a nostalgic vibe.

Their kaya toast is a must-try, but it’s their chicken wings coated in a signature Swiss sauce that keeps regulars coming back for more. Adding to its cool factor, Swiss Cafe recently hosted its first-ever milk tea rave, cementing its reputation as a fun and trendy spot to check out!

Opening Hours: Mondays to Saturdays, 7am - 7pm

Swiss Cafe, G/F, 12 Li Yuen Street West, Central, Hong Kong, +852 2111 0841/+852 2111 0849, https://www.instagram.com/swisscafe_hk/

MY CUP OF TEA

Opening Hours: Daily 7am - 6:30pm

My Cup of Tea, G/F, Wing Hing Building, 6–12 Spring Garden Lane, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, +852 2386 0007, WhatsApp +852 5543 7833, https://www.instagram.com/omycupoftea/

WING LOK YUEN RESTAURANT

Wing Lok Yuen Restaurant is more than just your typical cha chaan teng—it’s famous for its iconic hot dogs. Served simply in a bun with salad cream, you can even upgrade to a double sausage for an extra treat, perfectly paired with a classic Hong Kong milk tea.

This spot is a hit with families, especially if you’ve got little ones who love hot dogs, stir-fry noodles, and French toast. For a fun and delicious cha chaan teng experience, make sure to stop by!

Opening Hours: Mondays to Saturdays, 7:30am - 7:30pm

Wing Lok Yuen Restaurant, G/F, 19 Chiu Lung Street, Central, +852 2522 0965, https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZMnc1dVpjaKxrayUA

SUN HANG YUEN

Expect a queue (don't worry, it moves quickly) at this amazing cha chaan teng in Sham Shui Po that serves one of the best corned beef egg sandwiches in town. Tourists and locals rave about these on top of its affordable menu.

Opening Hours: Daily 6:30am - 11:45pm

Sun Hang Yuen, G/F, 186 Yu Chau Street, Sham Shui Po, Hong Kong, +852 2728 7118, https://www.instagram.com/sun_hang_yuen/

HO TAK KEE

For a modern twist on the classic cha chaan teng experience, head to Ho Tak Kee, where you’ll enjoy a spacious setting paired with excellent service. They also offer a weekly lunch menu with daily rotating specials to keep things fresh.

Some must-try dishes include their satay beef noodles, pan-fried chicken oil noodles, and the flavorful Ho Tak Kee XO sauce squid fried noodles—a true standout!

Opening Hours: Daily 8am - 9pm

Ho Tak Kee, Shop H, UG/F, Welley Building, 97 Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong, +852 6645 8531, https://www.hotakkee.com.hk/, https://www.instagram.com/hotakkeehk/

MD CAFE

MD Cafe is a trendy, modern cha chaan teng owned by Alvin Leung, the chef behind several Michelin-starred restaurants. Blending tradition with creativity, this spot offers a perfect mix of classic and innovative dishes.

Be sure to try their standout soufflé French toast, the flavorful MD smash pork chop baked rice, tender sirloin steak, and comforting Hong Kong-style curry chicken. It’s a fresh take on cha chaan teng dining you won’t want to miss!

Opening Hours: Daily 12nn - 10pm

MD Cafe, UG/F, Kee Shing Commercial Building, 80 Kimberley Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, +852 6651 9157, https://www.instagram.com/mdcafe.hk/?hl=en

WANT MORE? CHA CHAAN TENGS IN HONG KONG

Cha chaan tengs can be found in every corner of Hong Kong, making them an institution in the local food scene. Here are some more names that are worth mentioning!

• Hoi Chiu Canteen - Head over to one of the industrial buildings in Kwun Tong and find this hidden gem that serves creative twists on cha chaan teng classics. Order yourselves some condensed milk toast sprinkled with Ovaltine powder or a scrambled egg sandwich stuffed with scallion.
  • Shop G6, G/F, Shing Yip Industrial Building, 19-21 Shing Yip Street, Kwun Tong, Kowloon, https://www.instagram.com/hoichiu_kt/
• Jin Jin Cha Chaan Teng (pictured) - Locals in this neighborhood have been seen munching at this traditional spot for over 30 years enjoying their specialty, salt-baked chicken. Make sure to try this and dip it in one of its homemade sauces!
  • G/F, Model Housing Estate, 774 Kings Road, North Point, https://maps.app.goo.gl/cuYVe1ryfjnYsf2q9
• Luen Fat Restaurant - With its walls covered in old-school posters and yellow-washed walls. This sets the tone as a classic spot for a local hangout. Make sure to get their French toast and char siu omelette.
  • G/F, Shop 1, G/F, 2–4 Hau Wong Road, Kowloon City, +852 2718 8832, https://www.facebook.com/luenfat2014/
• Shui Kee Coffee - A rustic spot found in Sheung Wan's Cooked Food Centre that serves one of the most delicious puffy French toasts in town.  Make sure to order some cold milk tea as they serve it in old school glass bottles.
  • Shop 17, Cooked Food Centre, 2/F, Sheung Wan Municipal Services Building, 345 Queen’s Road Central, Sheung Wan, +852 2850 8643, https://maps.app.goo.gl/UurUm78xUDVWTF8UA
• Sing Kee - A family-run cha chaan teng that operates dai pai dong style.
  • 2/F Smithfield Municipal Service Building, 12K Smithfield Road, Kennedy Town, https://maps.app.goo.gl/uKnqZ23qzLf2TGu48
• Tak Tou - Find all the cha chaan teng classics at Tak Tou's 2 locations. Their restaurants, especially the Tin Hau branch is spacious with an outdoor seating area.
  • Shop B, G/F, Hang Po Building, 6-8 Mercury Street, Tin Hau, +852 9161 5389, https://www.instagram.com/taktoumilktea/
  • Shop 4, UG/F, Energy Plaza, 92 Granville Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, +852 3620 3121, https://www.instagram.com/taktoumilktea/
• Wai Kee Noodle Cafe - If you are a lover of Chinese-style noodles, they are well known for this. Their pork liver noodles and beef noodles are comforting and delicious!
  • 62 Fuk Wing Street, Sham Shui Po, Kowloon, https://maps.app.goo.gl/85tBB3HQrSvMBG2x7