8 cha chaan tengs and places for dim sum in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is undoubtedly a foodie’s paradise. Dubbed “Asia’s World City”, the bustling, cosmopolitan city is home to a multitude of beloved establishments serving traditional dishes, street snacks and fusion fare. 

But while choosing from a dazzling array of delicacies in Hong Kong can be exciting, it’s tough to decide which eatery to make a beeline for when you have so little time. 

If you ask us, the must-visit spots are iconic cha chaan tengs — also known as Hong Kong-style cafes — and dim sum places! You can’t miss out on these local gems, for they offer tourists the ultimate gastronomic experience that’s unique to the city. 

Let this piece be your guide to where to have dim sum in Hong Kong and cha chaan tengs to visit in the city.

Dim Sum in Hong Kong: Where to go

1. 蓮香居 Lin Heung Kui 

46-50 Des Voeux Road West, 2/3 F, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Open: Monday to Sunday (6am to 11pm)

The sister outlet of renowned Lin Heung Tea House (which sadly shut its doors last year), Lin Heung Kui is an award-winning dim sum parlour that transports diners back in time to old Hong Kong. Despite being the newer outlet, the eatery has already clinched a Michelin Bib Gourmand award, and for a good reason. 

Here, you get a taste of nostalgia, for steaming baskets of dim sum are served in old-school pushcarts by old-timers. Names of the dishes are belted across the room in Cantonese, and you have to be quick on your feet to grab what’s available on a passing trolley.

Choose from an array of local delights, such as leaf-wrapped glutinous rice (HKD30 or S$5.18) or radish cake (HKD26). For those who prefer a heartier meal, the pork rib noodles (HKD56) are worth a try.

2. 叁去壹點心粉麵飯 Saam Hui Yaat

11 Pok Fu Lam Road, Sai Ying Pun, Western District, Hong Kong
Open: Tuesday to Sunday (5am to 2.30pm)

If you’re on the hunt for a dim sum spot that’s less touristy, then Saam Hui Yaat is right up your alley. Not only does this hole-in-the-wall eatery serve good ol’ dim sum favourites at affordable prices, but it also boasts a fascinating backstory. 

For the uninitiated, Saam Hui Yaat directly translates to “three minus one”. The name originated when three owners founded the business in 1978, and one of them eventually backed out. He still works at the establishment to this day, dishing out quality delicacies. 

The owners begin work at 3am to painstakingly handmake their dim sum — a show of passion and dedication towards the craft and one of the reasons why their customers keep returning for more. 

We recommend the shrimp dumplings (HKD19) and steamed buns with barbeque pork (HKD19). The big steamed bun with chicken (HKD19) is wonderful for those with bigger appetites.

3. Yum Cha HK ​​飲茶

Nan Fung Place, Shop 1-2, 2/F, 173 Des Voeux Road Central, Central, Hong Kong Open: Monday to Sunday (11.30am to 3pm, 6pm to 11pm)

At Yum Cha, traditional dim sum dishes are reimagined into quirky, innovative twists that will charm both the young and old. Think: Hot custard molten buns (three pieces for HKD49) touting hilarious googly eyes, and adorable BBQ piggy buns (three pieces for HKD49) that are shaped like piglets.

This restaurant is a fascinating breath of fresh air from the usual dim sum spots in Hong Kong, for it doles out a range of novel, Instagrammable dishes. One can expect a creative menu that features more than just cute buns, which includes the likes of deep-fried baby pigeon (HKD68) and baked egg tart with gum tragacanth (three pieces for HKD59).

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4. 新興食家 Sun Hing Restaurant

Markfield Building, Shop C, G/F, 8 Smithfield, Kennedy Town, Western District, Hong Kong
Open: Monday to Sunday (3am to 4pm) 

Sun Hing Restaurant is one of the best supper spots for handmade dim sum. The eatery has been an iconic fixture of Kennedy Town for half a century, serving mouthwatering delicacies from 3am onwards. 

Despite its late-night operating hours, this neighbourhood teahouse is always packed. Note that if you’re flying solo, you may have to share seats with other diners. The restaurant is also self-service. While the staff are hard at work rolling dough in the kitchen, you are expected to pour yourself hot tea or snag your choice of dim sum from nearby trolleys.

You mustn’t miss out on the signatures, such as the shrimp dumpling with pea sprouts (HKD26) and the dried scallops and flammulina velutipes dumpling (HKD26).

Cha chaan tengs

5. 澳洲牛奶公司 Australia Dairy Company

47-49 Parkes Street, G/F, Jordan, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Open: Friday to Wednesday (7.30am to 10pm)

When searching for cha chaan tengs in Hong Kong, stopping by Australia Dairy Company is a must. This cafe has previously made waves online for its long queues and tantalising breakfast fare. Customers were willing to queue for up to an hour in line just to savour its morning delights, and understandably so.  

The famous joint specialises in egg sandwiches (HKD22), butter toasts (HKD16) and steamed milk pudding with egg whites (HKD30). Though seemingly simple, these are traditional dishes done right. They come served with flavour, oomph and a taste of the authentic cha chaan teng experience.

6. 美都餐室 Mido Cafe

63 Temple Street, G/F, Yau Ma Tei, Hong Kong
Open: Thursday to Tuesday (11.30am to 8.30pm) 

Are you a fan of Wong Kar Wai films? If so, then you’ll fall head over heels for Mido Cafe! It’s one of the oldest cha chaan tengs in the city that proudly bears the retro aesthetic of Hong Kong eateries in the 60s. Imagine formica flooring, vintage memorabilia and a menu that sees crowd-favourites from the past. 

The culinary icon holds a sentimental spot in the heart of many Hongkongers, for it’s been the go-to restaurant for Chinese-Western fusion food since the olden days. The noodles here are fantastic, such as the fried noodle Mido style (HKD78) and pork chop with noodles in soup (HKD52). The milk tea (HKD20 hot, HKD23 cold) also serves as a refreshing pick-me-up. 

7. 新華茶餐廳 Sun Wah Cafe 

334 Castle Peak Road, Cheung Sha Wan, Hong Kong
Open: Monday to Sunday (6am to 10.30pm)

Conveniently located near Cheung Sha Wan MTR station, Sun Wah Cafe is the place to hit up if you’re hunting for a delicious bowl of noodles, prepared Hong-Kong style. While it isn’t as recognised as other bigger names among tourists, the eatery is popular among locals for its stand-out satay beef rice (HKD49) and chicken shredded hor fun (HKD51). 

If you want to chow down a snack or two, the cafe also has an in-house bakery dishing out traditional breakfast favourites. The buttered toast (HKD15) and char siew sandwich (HKD21) are our top picks!

8. 大安茶氷廳 Tai On Coffee & Tea Shop 

830 Canton Road, G/F, Yau Ma Tei, Hong Kong
Open: Monday to Sunday (9am to 6.30pm)

Diners who’ve missed Tai On Coffee & Tea’s baked goods: You’ll be thrilled that the famed cafe has finally reopened its doors (after shutting down last year)! Not just that, it has created a brand new menu, featuring modern fusion food.

The design of the establishment remains true to its original interior back in 1969, preserving the essence of an old-school Hong Kong cha chaan teng. It’s the Tai On Coffee & Tea that regulars know and love. However, the only difference is the introduction of swanky coffee drinks and pastries on the menu. 

Choose from various innovative flavours of its freshly baked egg tarts, such as the taro coconut milk with sago (HKD32) or matcha with red bean mochi paste (HKD32). For desserts, you’ll be tempted by the classic coconut sheet cake (HKD28) and mixed berry matcha chiffon cake with raspberry sauce (HKD48).

For other recommendations on what to eat on your trips, check out our Phuket food guide or Taipei food guide.