Hong Kong's characteristic cha chan teng restaurants should be recognised as a piece of world heritage, according to almost 70 per cent of respondents to a poll.
They said the homely eateries, where locals flock to enjoy snacks like milk tea and toast, should be put on the United Nations World Heritage List along with China's ancient imperial palaces, the Great Barrier Reef and parts of the Rocky Mountains.
Three-quarters of respondents to the poll by the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong said they had patronised a cha chan teng in the past month and just over a third said they did so five times or more in a month.
Asked why, about 35 per cent said the restaurants were down-to-earth and the prices were reasonable, while 31 per cent said the locations were convenient and the meals were served quickly.
The most popular drink and food are milk tea and sandwiches, with a response rate of 42 per cent and 34 per cent respectively.
More than 80 per cent of 700 people interviewed by telephone this month said they would recommend the Hong Kong-style restaurants to tourists.
