Why You Should Visit a Hong Kong Cafe

Food is a part of tradition; promoting the idea that a specific area and its food can tell you a lot about the background of that area. A Hong Kong Cafe is one of the best examples of the food-history cross-over, with it being a staple of the region since the mid-1800s.

Nevertheless, if you’re interested in learning more about this subject, you’re in the right place. Below will highlight the specifics of these cafes, their origin, other names, and popular food items to consider from the cafe. By the end, you’ll more than likely want to visit one, if you haven’t already!

What’s a Hong Kong Cafe?

Hong Kong-style restaurants are a kind of cafe that started in Hong Kong. The restaurants are known for diverse and reasonable menus, incorporating Hong Kong food and Hong Kong-style Western cooking dishes.

The cafes sprang up during the 1950s and 60s, as rising lower class wages made the food more affordable. Ultimately, the style of the cafe spread worldwide after floods of mass movements from Hong Kong during the 1980s.

Nowadays, some Hong Kong cafes have begun to incorporate coffee as a focus of their menu, closely aligning with a cafe’s western style. As Hong Kong’s coffee culture becomes more significant than at any other time, an ever-increasing number of cafes are stepping up their coffee game.

What are Hong Kong Cafes Called?

Although they’re called Hong Kong Cafes in English, the restaurants are called Cha chaan teng (tea cafes) in Chinese. Its name gives off the idea that they’re usually busy around lunchtime. If you assumed that, you are correct. Hong Kong cafes, translated to tea cafe, is meant to be a middle-of-the-day experience.

Though there are some exceptions to this subject, realize their original purpose. The cafes were an affordable option for workers during their downtime or after work. Nowadays, their target clientele has grown, but don’t expect to visit a Hong Kong cafe exceptionally late.

What is the Most Popular Food in Hong Kong?

Despite Hong Kong food being known for its versatility, prepared pork is the most popular Hong Kong food. The dish has advanced across the globe, with food enthusiasts searching it out to fulfill their taste buds. Its starting point traces back to the Jiangsu region’s prepared sweet and sour spare ribs.

Other Popular Hong Kong Dishes

Dim Sum
Fish Balls
Egg Waffles
Pineapple Bun
Egg Tart
Milk Tea
Chinese Barbecue
Wonton Noodles

What is a Typical Hong Kong Breakfast?

Although it may seem entirely out of the ordinary from the famous dishes, buttered toast and an omelet are everyday Hong Kong breakfast dishes. Contingent upon the chef, the omelet is cooked in butter and can contain cut cuts of ham. Most experts recommend a Hong Kong-style milk tea to accompany the breakfast.

Hong Kong Cafe Breakfast Recipe

Ingredients

3.5 oz minced pork, 100g
3 tbsp sweet preserved radish 菜脯, 50g
Four eggs
1 1/2 tsp cornstarch
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp sugar
1/8 tsp white pepper

Instructions

Add 2 tbsp water to the cornstarch, blend, and let settle. When the cornstarch is settled to the base, pour the water on top.
Add salt, sugar to minced pork, mix in one direction until blended and let it marinate for ten minutes. Mince the safeguarded radish.
Heat a cast-iron skillet until hot. Include 1 tbsp oil, then, at that point, pork and turnip. Pan sear until the meat is cooked. Eliminate from skillet, then, at that point, clean the dish.
Beat eggs. Include cornstarch and blend in well. Heat skillet over medium hotness, then add 1/2 tbsp oil.
Give the egg player a mix, then empty one tbsp into the skillet to frame a 4″ measurement circle.
Add 1 tbsp of the pork radish blend onto one side of the omelet. Utilize a spatula to tuck the omelet in half over the pork.
Press delicately on the edges to seal the different sides together.
When the lower part of the omelet is gently sauteed, flip over and cook one more side until softly caramelized.
Repeat for the rest, mixing the player before making the omelet.
Serve hot or cold.

How Much Does a Meal Cost at a Cafe in Hong Kong?

There is a wide range of food prices in Hong Kong like anywhere. A cafe is typically on the lower end of the spectrum since they were initially meant as an affordable option for the working class. That is largely true today, though there are some more lovely dining cafes in the region.

The more expensive variations tend to be marked as such, meaning you’ll expect the prices to be higher. The average expense of food in Hong Kong is around $20 a day, so be mindful of that if you’re just visiting. Also, breakfast costs usually are less expensive than lunch or dinner.

Is Hong Kong Known for Food?

There are many things Hong Kong is known for, and food is one of those points. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite, a savoury exploration of a fine-dining experience, or something completely random, Hong Kong has it all. Besides authentic Hong Kong food, the city features cuisines from worldwide, with some of the best dishes you can try out.

Want to Try Authentic Hong Kong Food? Visit Rice Bowl Deluxe!

Hopefully, this article gave you a few good reasons why a Hong Kong cafe is such a great experience to consider trying out. Nevertheless, if interested in finding excellent authentic Asian cuisine in Edmonton with a new Hong Kong menu, consider ordering from us at Rice Bowl Deluxe!

We offer over 40 different rice bowls worldwide, all of which pack a savoury and immaculate tasting experience. We deliver to most places in the city and have a pickup option. Consider stopping by and trying some of our delicious food!