7 Hong Kong-style cafes in Singapore for authentic cha chaan teng fare
If there’s a country that we’d book a flight to without hesitation, it’s Hong Kong. A bustling metropolis brimming with tantalising local eats and fusion fare, it’s the perfect gastronomical destination for foodies and tourists alike.
And when you’re in Hong Kong, cha chaan tengs – also known as tea houses – are must-visits to include in your itinerary. They’re iconic, heritage-rich diners that encapsulate Hong Kong culture: Loud, fast-paced and chock-full of good food.
But if work commitments have you tied up on our sunny shores, fret not. You can still experience Hong Kong’s vibrant dining scene at these Hong Kong cafes in Singapore.
Cha chaan tengs here are aplenty, and these are the Hong Kong-style cafes in Singapore that you’d want to make a beeline for.
7 authentic Hong Kong cafes in Singapore for cha chaan teng fare
1. Friends Kitchen HK 朋友小廚
78 Neil Road
Open: Wednesday to Monday (11.30am to 3.30pm, 6pm to 10.30pm)
Why visit: For the ultimate old-school cha chaan teng vibes, you have to check out Friends Kitchen HK 朋友小廚. Located at Neil Road, it’s a new Hong Kong cafe in Singapore.
If the name of the eatery seems to ring a bell, that’s because it’s the second branch behind one of the more popular Hong Kong cafes in Singapore: Friends Cafe HK 朋友冰室.
Like its predecessor, Friends Cafe HK in Singapore sports a similar retro aesthetic. From the wooden booth seats to vintage posters and old Cantonese songs playing in the background, Friends Kitchen HK 朋友小廚 certainly takes us back to Hong Kong.
Let’s not forget its menu, which features classic Hong Kong-style dishes and beverages. There are over 70 different treats available, so you’ll be spoiled for choice.
Price range: $
Crowd faves: You can’t pop by one of the top Hong Kong cafes in Singapore without trying its homemade HK milk tea (S$3.60). The bolo bun (S$5.60) is also a great post-meal snack.
Read our critics’ review of Friends Kitchen HK.
2. 翠華 Tsui Wah
The Heeren, 02-02, 260 Orchard Road
Open: Monday to Sunday (11am to 10pm)
Jem, 01-38, 50 Jurong Gateway Road
Open: Monday to Sunday (8.30am to 10pm)
Jewel Changi Airport, 03-230, 78 Airport Boulevard
Open: Monday to Sunday (8.30am to 10pm)
Why visit: When it comes to Hong Kong cafes in Singapore, foodies will tell you that 翠華 Tsui Wah is one of the prime establishments to visit. It’s a beloved cha chaan teng brand in Hong Kong, and tourists from all over the world would flock to the country just to have a taste of its fare.
With multiple outlets scattered around Singapore, you can get a taste of 翠華 Tsui Wah’s tasty Cantonese fare at your convenience. Each tends to draw long queues during peak hours, so you may want to head down early to your preferred branch before the crowd hits.
The famous cha chaan teng chain boasts an extensive menu of Hong Kong-style delicacies that are beloved by regulars, such as the luncheon meat and scrambled egg sandwich (S$8.80) and crispy bun with condensed milk (S$4.80).
Price range: $$
Crowd faves: For mains, we recommend ordering the luncheon meat and sunny side up egg in premium soy sauce with steamed rice (S$12).
3. Legendary Hong Kong Restaurant 港飲港食餐廳
Rochester Commons, 10A Rochester Park
Open: Monday to Friday (11am to 3pm, 5pm to 10pm), Saturday and Sunday (10am to 10pm)
Jurong Point, 03-80, 63 Jurong West Central 3
Open: Monday to Friday (11am to 10pm), Saturday and Sunday (10am to 10pm)
Funan, B1-28, 107 North Bridge Road
Open: Monday to Sunday (11am to 8.45pm)
Why visit: Sure, there’s a plethora of Hong Kong cafes in Singapore. But there’s one joint in particular that you mustn’t miss: Legendary Hong Kong Restaurant 港飲港食餐廳.
We first heard about the establishment when it opened its doors in the “Mongkok” district in Jurong Point. Besides touting local Hong Kong eats, it’s situated in a prime location, for it’s nestled along a themed shopping and dining street that’s fashioned after Mongkok, a popular area in Hong Kong.
The eatery also welcomed its third outlet at Rochester Commons last year. It’s an atas-looking setup, for the new cha chaan teng is housed in a colonial bungalow. The diner also gives off retro vibes that are on point, too, thanks to the wooden booth seats and pictures of popular Hong Kong actors decorating the walls.
Price range: $
Crowd faves: We can’t resist its bolo bun specials – there’s the mini bolo buns with salted egg yolk filling (S$10.11 for three pieces) and crispy bun with peanut butter, butter and condensed milk (S$8.81).
4. Honolulu Cafe
The Centrepoint, 01-33F/G, 176 Orchard Road
Open: Monday to Friday (11am to 9pm), Saturday (10am to 10pm), Sunday (10am to 9pm)
Westgate, 02-06, 3 Gateway Drive
Open: Monday to Friday (11am to 10pm), Saturday and Sunday (8am to 10pm)
Why visit: Hands up if you’re a fan of buttery egg tarts! We know just the right Hong Kong cafe in Singapore for delicious egg tarts: Honolulu Cafe. There are few cha chaan tengs that do it better, for the eatery is reputed for its baked goods.
We hear its egg tarts are unrivalled, for each pastry boasts a silky-smooth egg curd and a thin, flaky crust. Reports have mentioned that the egg tarts are made with a dough that’s frozen overnight and folded into 192 layers.
The result is a crispy egg tart that’s to die for, complete with a balanced flavour that’s not too sweet or salty.
Price range: $
Crowd faves: You can’t go without trying the cafe’s signature Honolulu egg tarts (S$2.30 each). The Honolulu club sandwich (S$8), comprising homemade toast and luncheon meat, is also a popular item on the menu.
5. So Good Char Chan Tang
Multiple stores islandwide
Open: Operating hours vary across stores
Why visit: While Singapore has a number of beloved big-name eateries such as Hong Kong Zhai cha chaan teng or Xin Wang Hong Kong Cafe in Singapore, there are a host of quaint Mongkok-inspired cafes in our city that deserve a shoutout, too.
So Good Char Chan Tang is one of those establishments that diners shouldn’t sleep on. Modern with an upbeat vibe, this cha chaan teng brand serves hearty traditional fare that’s both delicious and affordable.
What we appreciate most about dining here is that its menu is incredibly extensive, which is extremely helpful when we can’t decide which dish to go for. Pro tip, the chef recommendations will never go wrong. Or go for any of their sets, which offer a good selection of dishes.
And if savouring its yummy pastries at the restaurant isn’t enough, various outlets also carry an in-house bakery for you to dabao (takeaway) some bakes home.
Price range:
Crowd faves: Come for the signature all-day breakfast sets. We’d go for V1 (S$8), which comes with a bee hoon soup with char siew, milky scrambled eggs and bread, as well as your choice of drinks (coffee, tea or me, anybody?).
6. Mui Kee
Shaw Centre, 01-12, 1 Scotts Road
Open: Monday to Friday (11.30am to 2.30pm, 5.30pm to 9pm), Saturday and Sunday (8am to 9pm)
Shaw Plaza, 01-27, 360 Balestier Road
Open: Monday to Sunday (11.30am to 3pm, 5.30pm to 9pm)
Why visit: Yes, tucking into breakfast sets served at Hong Kong cafes in Singapore (or in Hong Kong, for that matter) is a tradition. But if you’re looking for something different, you may want to hit up Mui Kee for heartwarming bowls of traditional Cantonese congee.
While it started off as a humble stall in Mongkok, Hong Kong, in 1979, the brand opened its first overseas outpost in Singapore, quickly becoming a sought-after congee eatery in Singapore.
Each spoonful of porridge tastes exceptionally premium, thanks to the use of quality ingredients and skilful culinary techniques, as well as tried-and-test recipes that have been handed down the generations. Good soup, we say.
Price range: $$
Crowd faves: For diners looking to indulge, Mui Kee’s premium congee is right up your alley. Options include the braised baby abalone (S$22.80) and sliced threadfin (S$18.80).
7. Champion Bolo Bun
92 Tanjong Pagar Road
Open: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday (11am to 7pm), Saturday and Sunday (8.30am to 7pm)
Why visit: Tanjong Pagar is home to a number of well-known eateries, Champion Bolo Bun included. It’s a popular cafe residing in a three-storey shophouse, best recognised for its Hong Kong bolo buns and milk beverages.
Fun fact: Even Law and Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam counts himself a fan!
When Champion Bolo Bun first opened in Singapore, snaking queues formed, thanks to eager patrons wanting to get a bite of its freshly-baked pastries. Even now, the place sees queues during peak hours.
The bolo buns there come in four simple flavours: Classic (S$4.50), classic with butter (S$5), curry potato (S$6) and four mini classics (S$4.50).
The highlight of the place is its food, but its space is perfect for the ’gram, too, for the cafe is dressed in a tasteful, modern design complete with wooden furniture and plants.
Price range: $
Crowd faves: Our favourite teatime treat is a classic with butter paired alongside a piping cup of Champion’s Coffee (S$5.50 for hot, S$6 for iced).
For more ideas on what to eat, check out our guide on exotic food in Singapore and rice dumplings in Singapore.
All stores except for Champion Bolo Bun are on the GrabFood delivery service and offer free delivery (up to S$3 off) with GrabUnlimited. You can also book a ride to these Hong Kong cafes in Singapore.
