Old City, New City
Hong Kong mixes old and new like nowhere else on earth. Get the best of both worlds.
Everywhere you look in Hong Kong you see evidence of the new and the old—sometimes fighting, sometimes in peaceful coexistence. How very modern. How very old-fashioned. How very Hong Kong.
Old: Cha Chaan Tengs of Then
A time capsule filled with Hong-Kong-style French toast, Mido Cafe has been largely the same since opening its doors in 1950. Look out for the colorful mosaic tiles lining the walls: they may seem like an elaborate embellishment, but they’re actually recycled from other construction projects. Don’t leave without trying the baked pork chop rice and iced red bean drink—both have been on the menu since day one.
63 Temple St., Yau Ma Tei, 2384-6402.
New: Cha Chaan Tengs of Now
Opened last year, Deli-O might look like your regular Western cafe, but it’s actually a cha chaan teng in disguise. The restaurant retains a true Cantonese spirit, serving traditional dishes such as baked pork chop rice and French toast. If you’re not a fan of the traditional cha chaan teng’s badly lit interior, hardwood seating and sketchy tableware, the clean and cozy Deli-O will save you the trouble of choosing between comfort and good food. Try the classic combo of spaghetti with char siu and soup served with ham, fried egg and toast ($46).
Shop 268A, 2/F, Shun Tak Centre, 168-200 Connaught Rd. Central, Sheung Wan, 2517-7696, www.maxims.com.hk.