Venus Cafe in Richmond stands as a prime example of a well-executed Hong Kong cafe, boasting a menu that seems to challenge even the longest car manuals.
The spacious dining area is adorned with handwritten specials, such as their incredibly crispy fried flounder, inviting diners to explore both popular staples like the pork chop with Portuguese sauce and comforting bowls of thick congee.
This bustling Chinatown cha chaan teng sees families, office workers, and long-time patrons flocking in, reminiscing over nostalgia-inducing comfort food.
Famed for its creamy milk tea, flaky egg tarts, and satisfying baked pork chops with macaroni soup, Venus Cafe serves as a dependable destination for those looking to share meals with loved ones—often with minimal notice.
For those seeking an alternative experience, Wok Up is an intriguing outlier located in Lakeside Village.
Though the atmosphere is slightly chaotic with families gathered around large plates of sizzling pork chop rice and chow fun, the energy is vibrant—perfect for hearty discussions and a loud meal.
Across town, Golden Island Cafe in the Outer Sunset presents a low-key setting for spontaneous dining.
With just a few tables, it remains pleasantly uncrowded, making it ideal for solo diners or intimate gatherings.
Signature dishes like popcorn chicken, with its bubbly edges, and the not-too-sweet mango over black rice add to its charm.
Richmond cha chaan tengs often excel in delivering vibrant fruit-themed dishes, particularly at establishments like this one.
You can treat yourself to a variety of mango-based treats, including sagos, egg waffles, and an extravagant fruit toast castle filled with juicy mango, melon balls, and vanilla ice cream.
Savory options also abound, with standout items like salt and pepper chicken wings and curry fish balls, topped off with hearty smothered meats served over rice and pasta.
Dining here has its quirks—be sure to bring cash or Venmo as they strictly operate on these payment methods.
Smile House Cafe embodies the essence of being a communal gathering space, even on misty Sunday nights, resembling the lively atmosphere of an elementary school cafeteria.
Groups of all ages come together to indulge in milk tea served in classic Lipton cup-and-saucer sets and enjoy dishes like hoi nam chicken over rice, which begs for extra ginger scallion sauce.
Make plans to visit Cafe Bakery on Wednesdays for their coveted baked pork chops with tomato sauce—a special that includes two substantial breaded cutlets atop vegetable fried rice, paired with a bowl of macaroni and ham soup and a touch of green Jell-O for dessert.
The menu also features an array of tempting daily specials—think curry beef brisket and baked seafood—providing satisfying meals for less than $20, often enough to last multiple days.
Chinatown’s New Lun Ting has built a reputation as Pork Chop House, and its pork chop rice plate remains the star of the menu.
Serving up a generous portion of charred pork chops drenched in a savory gravy alongside boiled cabbage and corn, this vintage diner has been feeding neighborhoods since 1909, making it one of the city’s oldest restaurants.
As you savor your meal, you might find yourself enveloped in good company and local gossip, but don’t forget to bring cash to enjoy your experience fully.
SoMa offers its unique take on cha chaan teng with Letssweet, where diners can expect massive bowls of wonton noodle soup and creatively indulgent peanut butter-stuffed french toast.
The service is efficient—food arrives promptly after ordering with a dry-erase marker on laminated menus, and there’s always a chance to snag some pastries to go, especially if the Portuguese egg tarts are still available.
Over at Metro Hong Kong Dessert, savory dishes unexpectedly steal the show.
The fried rice is packed with charred, caramelized meat, and the silky beef cheung fun is a must-try.
For those with a sweet tooth, don’t overlook their mango sago, generously topped with tart mango to offset the sweetness of the tapioca.
Like many establishments in town, cash is preferred unless you’re okay with a credit card surcharge.
G&Y shines with its efficiency, assigning seats upon arrival and ensuring speedy service.
It’s a go-to spot for those craving a quick, satisfying rice or noodle plate—try their minced beef with green beans—for around $15.
For late-night dessert enthusiasts, stop by this Richmond cha chaan teng that stays open until midnight and showcases a selection of hard-to-find Hong Kong desserts.
You can savor black sesame-filled tong yuen, tofu fa with ginger syrup, and even grass jelly for sweet indulgence.
While savory options like fried wings and macaroni soup suffice for a late-night snack, focusing on dessert is highly encouraged.
image source from：theinfatuation
