Exploring Wan Chai: The Top 5 Cha Chaan Tengs You Must Visit

Wan Chai, located on the northern shore of Hong Kong Island, is a vibrant and bustling neighborhood known for its mix of old-world charm and modern attractions. Amidst its bustling streets and towering skyscrapers, Wan Chai is also home to some of the best Cha Chaan Tengs (Hong Kong-style tea restaurants) in the city. These beloved eateries offer a unique culinary experience that combines traditional Chinese dishes with Western influences. In this article, we will take you on a delightful gastronomic journey as we explore Wan Chai's top five Cha Chaan Tengs that are not to be missed.

1. Sun King Yuen Curry Restaurant

Sun King Garden Curry Restaurant is one of the most popular Cha Chaan Tengs in Wan Chai, located on Jaffe Road. As the name suggests, the specialty here is curry, which can be paired with pork, beef, lamb, seafood, or vegetables. One must-try dish is the Curry Pork Chop Rice, featuring a large pork chop which is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, accompanied by a flavorful and slightly spicy curry with a hint of coconut fragrance. It's absolutely delicious! Another dish worth trying is the Stir-Fried Beef Ho Fun, where the flat rice noodles are cooked perfectly, not greasy, and the beef is well-seasoned.

Must-try: Curry Pork Chop Rice, Curry Beef Brisket Rice, Stir-Fried Beef Ho Fun.

2. Kam Fung Cafe

Located on Chun Yuen Street and is an established eatery that has been serving the local residents and tourists for over half a century. Kam Fung Cafe is renowned for its Hong Kong-style breakfast, offering a variety of freshly baked Pineapple Buns with butter, Chicken Pies, Egg Tarts, Iced Milk Tea without Ice, and Satay Beef Noodles. Their signature Pineapple Bun is a must-try delicacy. The bun is crispy on the outside, soft and chewy when you eat, while the milk tea is rich and flavorful when serving without ice.

Must-try: Pineapple Bun with butter, Ham and Egg Sandwich, Satay Beef Noodles, Chicken Pie, Milk Tea without Ice, Egg Tart.

3. Capital Cafè

Located on Jaffe Road and is another highly recommended Cha Chaan Teng. The nostalgic design of the storefront is adorned with autographed records of famous singers. Their specialties include milk tea, scrambled egg toast, red bean and lotus seed ice, and crispy bun with condense milk and butter. The ingredients used are of the highest quality, with the scrambled eggs made from Hokkaido 3.6 milk and the satay beef buns made with halal beef.

Must-try: Milk tea, scrambled egg toast, red bean and lotus seed ice, crispy bun with condense milk and butter, BBQ pork with flat rice noodles.

4. Honolulu Coffee Shop (Hennessy Road)

Located on Hennessy Road, is another long-standing establishment that has been around for decades. This Cha Chaan Teng is loved by tourists for its nostalgic atmosphere and vintage decor. It is most famous for its egg tarts, and the Napoleon and Sachertorte are also highly popular! The Sachertorte has a crispy outer layer coated with plenty of sugar, while the inside is soft and fluffy. The Napoleon is crispy, with the perfect ratio of cream to puff pastry, and it is topped with walnuts for added texture.

Must-try: Egg tart, Napoleon, Pineapple Bun, Sachertorte, French Toast.

5. Rose Kitchen

This Cha Chaan Teng that is loved by the local community. Almost every table orders their signature crispy roasted spring chicken, which is grilled to order. Half a chicken is already a generous portion, with the skin salty, fragrant, and crispy, while the meat is tender, juicy, and flavorful without being greasy. The restaurant provides gloves for guests to enjoy the chicken with their hands and its original taste. It is served with potato salad, French fries, tomato sauce spaghetti, or rice, making for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Must-try: Crispy roasted spring chicken, Vitasoy red bean ice, Black pork chop with scallops.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are these famous tea restaurants in Wan Chai close to The V Serviced Residences?

The V Wan Chai boasts a highly convenient location. For instance, both Kam Fung Cafe and Sun Kwai Heung Curry Restaurant are situated in the heart of Wan Chai. Starting from The V Wan Chai Serviced Residences, it generally takes only a 5- to 10-minute walk to reach the popular attractions, allowing you to easily enjoy authentic local cuisine.

2. Besides traditional dishes, what unique menu items do Wan Chai tea restaurants offer?

Wan Chai's tea restaurants are full of creativity, offering more than just traditional Hong Kong-style fast food. For example, Sun Kwai Heung Curry Restaurant is famous for its Curry Pork Chop Rice, which features a large pork chop and coconut-infused curry sauce—a must-try for spice lovers. Cheung Hong's signature Crispy Roasted Spring Chicken is also particularly unique, freshly grilled to order with crispy skin and tender meat. The portion is generous, suitable for two to three people to share.

3. What should first-time visitors to Hong Kong-style tea restaurants note?

Hong Kong-style tea restaurants tend to have a cramped and lively atmosphere. When ordering, it's advisable to proactively ask the staff for assistance. Also, note that some places only accept cash. Additionally, sharing tables is a common practice, and during peak hours, be prepared to wait for a seat.

4. Do Wan Chai tea restaurants offer takeaway or reservations?

Most Wan Chai tea restaurants offer on-the-spot takeaway, but only a very few accept phone reservations for seats. During busy hours (breakfast and lunch), it is recommended to arrive early or avoid peak times.