Tea restaurants, also known as a “cha can ting”, are notable among Chinese restaurants because they are uniquely designed for single person meals. Most Chinese restaurants cater towards serving groups but cha can tings have plenty of single person options great for groups ordering for themselves or for individuals who just want a quick lunch. Usually, they have efficient, quick service and a wide range of food.

1. Yijian Tea Restaurant 壹间茶餐厅

Aiming to attract young Hong Kong customers, this tea restaurant displays lots of Hong Kong comic posters on the walls. Even the menus are drawn in the style of comic. The black pepper chicken croissant, iced lemon tea and Hong Kong style milk tea are all known for their authentic flavors.

Location: 3rd floor, Coastal City, Wenxin 5 Road, Nanshan District (南山区文心5路海岸城3楼)

Zhujiang Plaza, No.9009, Longxiang Avenue, Longgang District (龙岗区龙翔大道9009号珠江广场)

Average cost: 48 yuan per person

2. Yuanji Tea Restaurant 源记茶餐厅

As the first tea restaurant to open in Hong Kong back in 1885, Yuanji has a history of 131 years. Its signature dish is the beef offal pot. The appetizing aroma wafts towards customers, making it an irresistible treat. The milk tea is also worthy of praise. It’s said that the cooks use a special formula to guarantee the rich flavor.

Location: No.184, Shuiwei Street, Shuiwei Village, Futian District (福田区水围村水围街184号)

Shop C, 101, Block 26, Sunshine Palm Garden, Qianhai Road, Nanshan District (南山区前海路阳光棕榈园26栋101C铺)

No.1005, Huali Road, Luohu District (罗湖区华丽路1005号)

Average cost: 40 yuan per person

3. Xiaolongfeng Tea Restaurant 小龙凤餐室

As a cost-effective tea restaurant, it provides customers with top-quality dishes. The portions come large so this restaurant is for those with a large appetite. Imitating the decor of an old tea restaurant, it often gives customers the feeling of being in Hong Kong

Location: Shop C, No.60, Xinghua 2 Road, Bao’an District (宝安区兴华二路60号C铺)

Average cost: 45 yuan per person

4. Dayouli Tea Restaurant 大有利茶餐厅

One of the most popular dishes at this restaurant is the pineapple bun with butter and a fried egg, supposedly they sell over 800 of these per day.

Besides this signature dish, the Siu Mei(Cantonese-style Roast) and the baked rice dishes are also wonderful.

Location: No.102, Jingang Residence, Jintian Road, Futian District (福田区金田路金港豪庭102号)

1st & 2nd floor, No.316, Shuiwei Village, Fumin Road, Futian District (福田区福民路水围村316号1-2楼)

Shop 03/04, Building Xinmingsheng, No.76, Jian’an 1st Road, Bao’an District (宝安区建安一路信明生大厦03/04铺)

Average cost: 50 yuan per person

5. Boss Lee Hong Kong Style Tea Restaurant 李老板港式茶餐厅

Everything about this restaurant screams Hong Kong from the chicken bowls seen in many TVB dramas, paintings of old Hong Kong to the authentic Hong Kong dishes. Its signature dish is the curry pot, including: curry chicken, crab and sirloin. What’s more, the stir-fried vegetables are cooked in shrimp sauce, adding just a dash of seafood flavor to the dish.

Location: 1st floor, No.15, west of South Village, Hongbao Road, Luohu District (罗湖区红宝路南村西15号一楼)

Average cost: 41 yuan per person

(Edited by Yu Jinhang, Charles Hatfield)