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Cha chaan teng culture and history

Cha chaan teng culture and history
Discover the unique history and culture of Hong Kong’s cha chaan tengs, local diners where delicious food and drinks with international influences thrive.
highlights from
100 Top Tables 2025 Restaurant Directory
100 Top Tables 2025 Restaurant Directory
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The ceremonial Opening of the Legal Year is an occasion filled with tradition. Photo: Sam Tsang
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Art

Hong Kong’s classic cha chaan teng culture captured in nostalgic exhibition

The exhibition at the K11 Art Mall captures the scenes, objects and sentiments of Hong Kong’s traditional local diners.

The five artists all have different styles that come together in the exhibition, featuring their unique styles as separate artists with a common love for tea.
Hong Kong economy

Gold Garden Cafe to shut 1 of 2 branches in Hong Kong amid tough market

Owner Davis Ng says staff departures drove decision to close branch of cha chaan teng known for its egg tarts.

Video | This is where Hongkongers go for authentic local food

Once dining spots primarily for expats, cha chaan teng restaurants have become a staple for all Hongkongers and a defining characteristic of the city.

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How Hong Kong’s egg and beef sandwich became so beloved and where to eat it

A staple snack at cafes and restaurants in the city, the Hong Kong-style egg and beef sandwich is revered among locals and tourists alike.

Sun Hang Yuen’s beef and egg sandwiches use fresh meat rather than canned corned beef. Photo: Sun Hang Yuen
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A pineapple bun at Kam Wah Cafe in Hong Kong. Photo: Jonathan Wong
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Hong Kong cha chaan teng delights Paris during Art Basel show

Pop-up part of Tourism Board’s three-year deal with Art Basel to showcase Hong Kong culture.

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A little bit of Hong Kong in Canada: the origin story of Ho Yuen Cafe

The journey of Ho Yuen, a cha chaan teng, or tea cafe, that began life in a Kowloon district, has gone from Hong Kong to Canada to Hong Kong – and back to Canada again. Its second-generation owner explains.

A look at Ho Yuen Cafe in Tze Wan Shan in Kowloon, Hong Kong. Photo: Conina Mui
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Sydney cafe an ode to old Hong Kong with milk tea, fish balls and Cantopop

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It’s a love letter to Hong Kong: diner food and tea served in a London cafe

With its Hong Kong diner menu, including silky milk tea, and details such as orange wheat pattern takeaway cups, Hoko Cafe, in East London, is a place for exiles and others to connect with the Chinese city’s culture.

Hoko Cafe’s signatures include char siu and egg over rice and French toast. Photo: Hoko
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The mystery of the takeaway paper cup that became a Hong Kong icon

If you order takeaway milk tea in Hong Kong, you will probably get it in the ubiquitous ‘wheat pattern’ paper cup. The design has inspired artists and homesick Hongkongers, but where did it originate?

Hong Kong’s iconic takeaway paper cup is seen all over the city, but what are its origins? Photo: Shutterstock
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‘I’ve been going there for 50 years’: where a hotelier eats in Hong Kong

Maria Lee, the founder of The Rosedale Hotel Group, shares her favourite Hong Kong restaurants – including a cha chaan teng she has frequented for 50 years and a place that serves her favourite congee.

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Dismay at sudden closure of one of Hong Kong’s oldest traditional cafes

Mido Cafe, a 72-year-old cha chaan teng in Yau Ma Tei, announced the news in an ambiguous note posted outside its premises. Many shared their grief on social media at the loss of a ‘Hong Kong icon’.

Mido Cafe on Hong Kong’s Temple Street suddenly announced its closure in an ambiguous note. Photo: Sam Tsang
Food and Drinks

The origins of Hong Kong’s cha chaan teng and where to find a good one

Born as a way to provide affordable Western food, cha chaan teng in Hong Kong have become a vital part of the city’s culture.

With many locations, long opening hours and good food, Tsui Wah is a favourite of Hongkongers. Photo: Xiaomei Chen
Hong Kong culture

Steeped in history: how Hong Kong-style milk tea became a staple

Super strong, drawn through a silk stocking four times, served with a splash of evaporated milk, the traditional drink with colonial roots has been energising Hongkongers of all types since the second world war

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