Tai On Coffee and Tea Shop (大安茶冰廳): A Modern Cha Chaan Teng (Hong Kong-Style Cafe) in Yau Ma Tei (Hong Kong) That’s Been Around Since 1969!

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This article is part of the Hong Kong Food Trip series. Check out the installments in this series: Hong Kong Food Guide | Australia Dairy Company (Cha Chaan Teng/Hong Kong-Style Cafe) | Hing Kee Restaurant (Claypot Rice) | Jenny Bakery (Butter Cookies) | Kai Kai Dessert (Traditional Cantonse Desserts) | Lin Heung Lau (Dim Sum) | Mashi No Mashi (Wagyu Ramen) | McDonald’s Next (Fanciest McDonald’s in HK) | Oi Man Sang (Dai Pai Dong) | Passione (Focaccia and Panini) | Tai Cheong Bakery (Egg Tarts and Other Chinese Pastries) | Tai On Coffee and Tea Shop (Modern Cha Chaan Teng) | Vission Bakery (Modern Bakery) | Yat Lok (MICHELIN-Starred Roast Meats/Goose) | Yuk Kin Fast Food (Fried Rice)

Earlier in this Hong Kong Food Trip series, I wrote about Australia Dairy Company, which is probably the most popular cha chaan teng (Hong Kong-style cafe) in the city (see my review here). It’s known for its creamy scrambled eggs and rude service. LOL.

We visited another cha chaan teng and it leans on the modern side. That cafe is Tai On Coffee and Tea Shop in Yau Ma Tei (Kowloon) area.

Tai On was actually a traditional cha chaan teng established in 1969. Recently, the family who originally owned it had immigrated and wanted to shut it down. But in 2022, Tiffany Yeung took over the business and transformed it into the modern cafe that it is now.

But even though Tai On has gone through renovation, it still retained its look, giving a nostalgic vibe. Even its furnitures are vintage.

With Tai On being on the modern side, its food is likewise modern and even innovative. For example, they fill the classic Bolo or Pineapple Bun and fills it with duck breast. Or they top another cha chaan tang staple, the Hong Kong-style French Toast, and elevates it with ice cream and other toppings.

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We tried their Scallion Oil Char Siu Noodles. While it’s char siu (honey barbecue pork) could be more tender, its egg noodles are bouncy and chewy, and the garlic slivers give a nice flavor. Then it’s topped with a fried egg, with a runny yolk that adds creaminess.

This dish isn’t perfect…but I love it!

Tai On has many pasta items on its menu. We tried one, which is the Fried Chicken Pasta with Lemon & Butter Sauce. While the chicken is crisp, it’s on the plain side. The pasta, on the other hand, is al dente.

Fried Chicken Pasta with Lemon & Butter Sauce (HKD84)

When they say there is lemon and butter in its sauce, they really mean it. The sauce is super tart and also buttery, and there is no sweetness at all. Maybe I’m so used to honey lemon chicken. LOL.

You won’t get the usual cha chan teng drinks in Tai On, such as Hong Kong milk tea and iced lemon tea. Instead, they offer espresso-based coffee and other beverages offered by modern cafes. I got the Yuen Yang Latte, which is a classic Hong Kong drink that mixes coffee and tea but obviously elevated into a latte. I like that it has a strong tea flavor.

Yuen Yang Latte (Hot: HKD46; Cold: HKD50)

My wife got the Honey Lime drink. But don’t bother ordering it because it lacks citrus taste. I wish they just used the excess lemons they use in the fried chicken pasta on this one. LOL.

Tai On is also known for its modern take on Hong Kong Egg Tarts, which comes in different varieties. Its custard is creamy and tasty, while the crust is crumbly and buttery.

We got the Classic Caramel Lava, which oozes with caramel, and the Taro Coconut Milk with Sago, which has a taro filling and sago or tapioca balls.

Taro Coconut Milk with Sago Egg Tart (HKD28)

I need to mention that since Tai On was taken over by a younger crew, their hospitality is warmer and friendlier compared to Hong Kong hospitality in general. With that said, along with their good food and retro vibe, I think the modern cha chaan teng is worth a visit. Thus, I highly recommend Tai On Coffee and Tea Shop to you.

Address: G/F 830 Canton Rd., Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon, Hong Kong | Operating Hours: Daily, 9AM-7PM | Instagram

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