Cha Chaan Teng: A symbol of Hong Kong cuisine

[Source: http://bhq0101.pixnet.net/blog/]

Hong Kong is a “Food Paradise” where different types of cuisine are available. If I have to name one type of restaurant which can represent Hong Kong-style food the best, it must be Cha Chaan Teng! In Hong Kong, it is indeed not difficult to find a Cha Chaan Teng on the street.

History of Cha Chaan Teng

Cha Chaan Teng can be traced back to the end of the Second World War. During that period of time, western food was getting more and more popular whereas high-class restaurants cost a lot. Therefore, some Hong Kong people started to set up Cha Chaan Teng to provide affordable western as well as local food to the public. This kind of “Canton-Western cuisine” has made Cha Chaan Teng unique.

[Source: https://kknews.cc/travel/b2eveln.html]

Characteristics of Cha Chaan Tend

1. Booth seat

Booth seat is one of the most special characteristics of Cha Chaan Teng. Some said Cha Chaan Teng adopted the booth seat from the old trains because most trains adopt the booth seats in the past. Nowadays, booth seats are as popular as before because it offers higher degree of privacy to diners. In peak hours, 2 diners may need to sit on one side and share table with others. There is often a sign next to the table telling that ‘Please sit on a side in peak hours. Thank you for your cooperation!’. [Source: https://www.pinterest.jp/pin/768074911420314319/?lp=true]

2. Menus fixed on the table

In some traditional Cha Chaan Tengs, you can still find the menus fixed on the table. Most of them are covered a layer of glass to avoid making the menus dirty. Meanwhile, it is not uncommon that Cha Chaan Tengs post the menus (either written or printed one) on the walls.

[Source: http://www.opensnap.com.cn/zh-cn/hongkong/p-萬芳冰室-屯门-港式-p9034941]

3. Water or tea provided before ordering

When you are seated, the staff will give a cup of water or tea to you. You may either drink it or use it for cleaning the utensils. You may ask for more if you want to do both!

[Source: http://www.jsdcct.com/news_detail_265_13.html]

Food provided by Cha Chaan Teng

Cha Chaan Teng provides a wide variety of “Canton-Western” food and drinks to diners. Typical food provided include toast, chicken wings, sandwiches, macaroni soup with ham, sausages or fried eggs, doll noodles, fish balls noodles and Gaifan. Typical drinks include coffee, silk-stocking milk tea, milk coffee (a mixture of coffee and milk tea), lemon tea, Horlicks, Ovaltine, lemonade, soft drinks and red bean ice. It is noteworthy that Cha Chaan Teng often provides a “constant set” which is whole-day available. It generally consists of noodles with spiced pork cubes or satay beef, bun or omelet and a drink.

[Source: http://www.nmplus.hk/eat_and_play/屋邨茶餐廳珠記/]

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Learning Reflection Cha Chaan Teng is the symbol of Hong Kong-style cuisine. Nowadays, Cha Chaan Tengs encounter fierce competition with other restaurants like Café de Coral, Fairwood, Maxim MX, etc. Compared with Cha Chaan Teng, chained fast food shops may have more capital and higher efficiency in their operations. Although the taste provided by Cha Chaan Teng is unique, they may not be as competitive as chained restaurants as high variety of food increases their operating costs.

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References

[1] http://www.discoverhongkong.com/uk/dine-drink/what-to-eat/food-experiences/hong-kong-style-diner.jsp

[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cha_chaan_teng

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