6 Cooling Melons for the Summer
Cool off with tasty, supple and nutritious melons, with recipes you can cook!
All Asian cultures have a foodie spot that welcomes everyone from all walks of life. For Hong Kongers, it’s the Cha Chaan Teng diners.
Nestled in busy commercial areas and neighbourhoods alike, Cha Chaan Teng-s are typified by the simple tiled décor, tightly arranged tables, and the surprising variety of local foods and unique creations that combine Eastern and Western flavours—such as the macaroni and luncheon meat soup, Hong Kong style French Toast with peanut butter and golden syrup, baked pork chop rice in ketchup sauce, and the iconic egg tart.
Every Cha Chaan Teng is always packed during mealtimes and never short of quick, satisfying bites, with a bustling folksy vibe.
The Legacy of Cha Chaan Teng
Cha Chaan Teng translates to ‘Tea & Food Shop’. Created during the late British colonial era as a combo of café and restaurant, meant to serve Hong Kong locals while also appealing to expats, in contrast to the high-end eateries that only the rich could afford.
Cha Chaan Teng-s quickly gained popularity and blossomed across Hong Kong since the 1950s, feeding the populace with their familiar flavours, through tumultuous and prosperous times. Although much has changed in the island city, the Cha Chaan Teng remains a cornerstone of Hong Kong food culture to this day.
Cha Chaan Teng: Quick, Tasty and Practical
Cha Chaan Teng are basically Hong Kong’s fast-food diners. You take your assigned table, savour your meal and go. Because it’s always packed and busy, the cooks and servers have little time for social pleasantries, and Cha Chaan Teng-s aren’t exactly cosy spots to hang around either. But you can be sure the food is warm, fast and flavourful.
The first thing you’re served is a glass of tea, not for drinking, but for you to dip and clean the table’s utensils. Next, pick your order from the menu, fast. The server will take it to the kitchen and return with your receipt, which you pay at the counter after the meal.
The experience is practically a microcosm of fast-paced Hong Kong culture, yet also offering a moment of reprieve with easy, satiating food.
Cha Chaan Teng Staple Delights
So, what to order at a Cha Chaan Teng? Here’s a list of common yummies:
Hong Kong Satay Beef Noodles
The Southeast Asian satay-style barbecue becomes a piquant savoury topping in this beloved Cha Chaan Teng beef noodles. A quick yummy dish to whet your appetite!
One-Dish Rice
As the name says, it’s white rice paired with a saucy meat and veggies stir-fry, or a savoury stir-fried noodles dish. A single-serving meal dish for a quick and filling breakfast or lunch.
Baked Pork Chop Rice
A signature Cha Chaan Teng specialty, this sumptuous wonder is a casserole of egg fried rice with crispy tender fried pork chop and diced veggies, flavoured with ketchup and melted cheese. Richly umami in every bite!
Chan Dan Min/Mixed Instant Noodles
Soupy instant noodles with luncheon meat, sunny-side egg and wholesome greens. The soup isn’t made with the MSG satchels typically packed with the instant noodles. Rather, every Cha Chaan Teng has their own special savoury broth. Some may also offer a ‘dry’ variant flavoured with a thick sauce.
Macaroni Soup with Spam
Macaroni is considered a type of noodle among Cha Chaan Teng chefs. And like any noodles, it can be souped to create a comforting savoury goodie. Paired with scrumptious bites of ham or luncheon meat, and topped with a sunny-side egg. Want a taste? Try it with our easy, authentic recipe!
Hong Kong Style French Toast
The French invented it, and Cha Chaan Teng chefs upgraded it. Hong Kong French Toast is a peanut butter sandwich dipped in beaten egg mixture, deep-fried to crispy perfection. Usually sweetened with a dash of golden maple syrup or condensed milk. A delicious indulgence you won’t forget!
Pineapple Bun
No pineapples involved, though this sweet buttery bun has a lumpy baked egg-yolk top crust with a texture that resembles a small pineapple, and a stuffed butter or custard filling. Hence, the name. Also known as Bo Lo Bao in Hong Kong. A Cha Chaan Teng darling pastry you simply must-try!
Egg Tart
Baked fresh and served warm at Cha Chaan Teng-s during breakfast and teatime, this cutesy treat is a baked egg custard with a crispy outer crust. Reinvented from the English custard and Portuguese pastel de nata. Every bite is yums!
Hong Kong Milk Tea
Also known as ‘stocking’ milk tea, this invigorating reinvention of English tea has added evaporated milk, and filtered through a special strainer that resembles a long silk stocking. The pour-and-pull produces a smooth, creamy glass of milk tea that’s bold-flavoured and soothing to drink.
Yuenyeung
The term ‘Yuenyeung’ also means Mandarin ducks, which are known to bond to their one true mate for life, akin to a perfect marriage. And so is this Cha Chaan Teng beverage that’s a perfect balanced mix of tea and coffee, smoothened with milk. Double the taste, double the oomph.
Red Bean Ice
An icy sweet dessert drink with red beans, evaporated milk, and sometimes a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A tasty summer goodie that cools and delights!
Iced Lemon Tea
Bold black tea with ice and fresh lemon slices to add a citrusy oomph. A simple, refreshing palate-cleanser that can also stir your appetite! Best paired with a bold-flavoured Cha Chaan Teng dish!
More Hong Kong Wonders
As Chinese cuisine spread globally with their iconic flavours in the last century, so too, have Cha Chaan Teng dishes popped up among the Chinese diners, cafés, bakeries and restaurants around the world. But of course, there’s nothing quite like a Cha Chaan Teng experience in Hong Kong. So, if you’re planning for a holiday there, be sure to visit a Cha Chaan Teng! Check out our 3-day guide to discover all the sights and wonders!
