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How many times have you visited Hong Kong? You’ll probably be surprised to learn that I’ve made more than 30 trips there. Yes, over 30 times! The reason? My dad was born and raised in Hong Kong, so we travel there a few times a year to visit family.
I’ve formed a connection with the food there, and sometimes miss Cantonese cuisine when I’m in Singapore. However, it is sometimes a challenge to find places that deliver the same familiar taste.
One of my family’s favourite food spots was Honolulu Cafe, which originated in Hong Kong. In fact, it was my dad’s go-to destination whenever he craved Hong Kong food. Unfortunately, the char chan teng shuttered its last Singapore outlet in 2024, leaving us with 1 less place to experience a taste of Hong Kong.
To help you discover the same Hong Kong flavours and aromas that I have come to love so much, I decided to make a list of places that serve the most authentic Hong Kong food in Singapore. Along with my dad (aka the Hong Kong food aficionado), we visited multiple Hong Kong eateries and shortlisted our favourites.
From char chan tengs to roast meat joints and Hong Kong bakeries, each of these food spots has something different to offer. Ready to find out where they are? Here we go!
|
Name |
Best for |
Location / Area |
Key highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
|
So Good Char Chan Teng |
Classic & affordable char chan teng meals and fresh bakes |
Midview City, i12 Katong, 111 Somerset |
Congee, wok hei noodles and polo buns |
|
Tai Cheong Bakery |
Egg tarts and casual Hong Kong cafe dining |
Holland Village and multiple outlets |
Cookie-crust egg tarts |
|
Tsui Wah |
Familiar Hong Kong cafe staples |
Clarke Quay and multiple outlets |
Signature crispy bun with condensed milk and baked pork chop rice |
|
Legendary Hong Kong |
Wide menu variety |
Rochester Commons, Jurong Point, Tampines Mall |
Dim sum, roast meats, porridge and other Hong Kong classics |
|
Hong Kong Day. Cha Kee |
Traditional char chan teng atmosphere |
Goldhill Shopping Centre |
Sandwiches, French toast and char siu rice |
|
Mui Kee |
Unique and silky congee |
Shaw Centre, Raffles City |
Premium options such as threadfin and garoupa belly |
|
Kam’s Roast |
Quality roast meats |
Jewel Changi, ION Food Opera, The Food Place, Raffles City |
Roast duck and crispy pork |
|
Xin Kee Hong Kong Cheong Fun |
Freshly handmade Hong Kong-style cheong fun |
Golden Mile Food Centre |
Cheong fun with peanut sauce and crispy youtiao options |
|
Victoria Bakery |
Wide selection of bolo buns and Hong Kong pastries |
Marina Square, United Square |
Classic butter bolo bun, dark chocolate bolo bun |
|
Leung Sang Hong Kong Pastries |
Hong Kong-style pastries for takeaway |
Tiong Bahru and Chinatown |
Pastry-skin egg tarts with flaky lard-based crust and thick custard filling |
Char Chan Tengs
1. So Good Char Chan Teng
Ask me about my number 1 favourite Hong Kong eatery, and my answer would be So Good Char Chan Teng! The chain was first established in 2019 at Midview City and soon became popular for its affordable yet authentic HK cuisine. Today, it also has outlets at i12 Katong and 111 Somerset.
One of my family favourites here is the ultra-silky Meat Ball Congee (S$7.80+). Aside from the smooth and rich porridge texture, I also enjoy the springiness of the meatballs and the satisfying crisp of the youtiao.
Another top pick of mine is the Rice with Fried Egg & Bolognese Sauce (S$8.90+), to which some of you may ask, “Isn’t this a fusion? How can you consider this Hong Kong food?”
Actually, this is exactly what showcases the uniqueness of Hong Kong food culture. As a former British colony, Hong Kong’s food culture often integrates Western cuisine into Asian meals. The plate you see here is a classic example!
Wondering what else to order? I recommend the Fried E-Fu Noodles (S$13+). The dish is a plate of Cantonese egg noodles fried with mushrooms and gau wong (yellow chives). What we love the most about this dish is the fragrant wok hei aroma that rises from the plate, as well as the easy-to-chew egg noodles!
If you’re here for snacks, have a go at their fresh bakes too. So Good also operates bakeries and strategically places them near their char chan tengs to deliver freshly baked buns to customers upon order.
The Polo Bun with Butter (S$2.80+) is a must-try, its flaky crust, fluffy bun and cold butter are a heavenly combination. No wonder they call themselves So Good!
Order Delivery: foodpanda
Best for: Classic & affordable char chan teng meals and fresh bakes
Price: From S$7.80 per pax
112 East Coast Road, i12 Katong, #04-08, Singapore 428802
+65 6797 6993
Daily: 9am – 9pm
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For a list of locations, contact numbers and opening hours, click here.
2. Tai Cheong Bakery
Although Tai Cheong Bakery had established itself in Hong Kong in 1954, my dad told me that he had never heard of the brand until it arrived in Singapore in 2016! After that, he tried the egg tarts in both places, but the ones here surprisingly outdo the ones in Hong Kong.
While the egg tart chain now has multiple outlets across Singapore, most of them operate as takeaway counters, except for the one at Holland Village, which runs as a char chan teng. Since food is best tasted when hot, we usually visit the Holland Village outlet to dine in.
Here, the Egg Tart (S$2.40) is a must-have, as they’re the “best egg tarts in Singapore” (according to my dad). What makes them stand out is the firm, buttery and crunchy cookie crust they use.
While I generally prefer egg tarts with a flaky crust, the cookie crust here is done so well that I wouldn’t mind having more of them!
Besides the buttery crust, I also enjoy the silky egg pudding within the pastry core. If you’re looking for a local twist, you can also try the Pandan Tart (S$2.60), which comes with a strong pandan fragrance. Definitely a must-try for pandan lovers!
At the dine-in outlet, you can also find typical Hong Kong char chan teng mains. This includes the Silky Egg Rice with Char Siew & Prawns (S$13.90).
From the springy texture and oceanic flavour of the prawns, you can tell that they are served fresh. The meal is also suitable for health-conscious individuals as it uses leaner meat.
Tai Cheong also offers a range of instant noodles and macaroni soup selections. Their Noodle Soup with Shredded Chicken (S$8.90) is similar to the instant noodles my family has at home, except that it uses chicken soup rather than the typical instant noodle seasoning. Convenient for those looking for a quick and flavourful meal!
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Best for: Egg tarts and casual Hong Kong cafe dining
Price: From S$8.90 per pax
31 Lor Liput, Singapore 277742
+65 6797 6993
Daily: 9am – 9pm
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For a list of locations, contact numbers and opening hours, click here.
3. Tsui Wah
With 28 outlets in Hong Kong, Tsui Wah is definitely among the first few eateries that come to mind when I think of Hong Kong. When the familiar brand opened a branch at Clarke Quay near my home, my family was delighted.
The menu here differs from Hong Kong, but there are common items, including the Crispy Bun with Sweet Condensed Milk (S$4.20++). This is one of Tsui Wah’s signature dishes, featuring 2 toasted buns with a crisp outer layer and soft inner layer.
Coated with butter and condensed milk, the bun adds a sweet, milky indulgence to your meal.
Tsui Wah also serves the Baked Pork Chop with Fried Rice in Tomato Puree (S$15.80++), a common menu item at char chan tengs.
The tomato sauce is mixed with a medley of vegetables, including onion, diced carrot, cherry tomatoes and button mushrooms, bringing a blend of flavours and textures into the dish. While the dish includes prunes, those who dislike the dried fruit can opt to remove it.
I enjoyed the tender, easy-to-chew pork chop slices within the baked rice, but the dish may be a no-go for those who hate tomato sauce. If this is you, consider the Fried Rice with Spiced Pork Chop, Egg and Spring Onion (S$14.80++) instead.
However, while the dish suits my mild taste buds, it leans towards the bland side for those who prefer stronger flavours.
Order Delivery: foodpanda
Best for: Familiar Hong Kong cafe staples
Price: From S$6.80++ per pax
9 Eu Tong Sen Street, Clarke Quay Central, #01-08, Singapore 059817
+65 6978 9274
Sun to Thu: 8am – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 8am – 12am
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For a list of locations, contact numbers and opening hours, click here.
4. Legendary Hong Kong
In the mood for dim sum? Legendary Hong Kong would be up your alley! The brand has a ‘classics’ concept at Rochester Commons, but if you want a budget-friendly option, you can visit their outlets at Jurong Point or Tampines Mall.
Here, you can find classic dim sum dishes like the Steamed Shrimp Dumplings (S$7.80++) and Steamed Pork Dumplings (S$7.20++). For those who enjoy fried food, they offer Deep-Fried Taro Dumplings (S$6.50++) and the Pan-Fried Turnip Cake (S$6.20++) as well.
Besides dim sum, Legendary Hong Kong offers other Hong Kong delicacies. Chee cheong fun, porridge, roast meat, bolo bau… You name it, they have it!
While restaurants featuring a wide range of food may end up compromising on quality, they prevent this from happening here by having 8 top chefs from Hong Kong, each specialising in a different area, to deliver quality food to customers.
Wondering what to have among the long list of food options? We recommend the Thick Rice Roll with Deep-Fried Shrimp Rolls (S$9.80++), Rice with Crispy Pork Belly and Roasted Duck (S$14.80++), and the Gui Lin Jelly (S$6++), which comes in honey, honey milk, and milk tea flavours.
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Best for: Wide menu variety
Price: From S$7.80++ per pax
4 Tampines Central 5, #B1-11 Tampines Mall, Singapore 529510
+65 8690 1448
Mon to Fri: 11am – 10pm
Sat & Sun: 8.30am – 10pm
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For a list of locations, contact numbers and opening hours, click here.
5. Hong Kong Day. Cha Kee
Located at Goldhill Shopping Centre next to United Square, Hong Kong Day. Cha Kee was opened in 2023 by a pair of Hong Kong siblings. Step into the char chan teng, and their vintage tiles, along with faint Cantonese music in the background, make you feel like you’re back in Hong Kong!
Before ordering, we scanned the menu to identify the crowd favourites and decided to try the Luncheon Meat & Scrambled Egg Sandwiches (S$4.80). I enjoyed the fluffy, pillowy texture of the bread, but if you prefer your bread crispy, you can select the toasted option for an extra S$0.20.
The scrambled egg was partially cooked, creating a glossy, runny texture that suited my preference. Meanwhile, the luncheon meat added a savoury touch to the otherwise plain-tasting bread.
Another popular pick is the Peanut Butter French Toast (S$5.80). Some char chan tengs serve their French toast as a huge square pillow, but the ones here are presented as golden cubes of bread stacked on top of each other, saving the hassle of cutting them into small pieces.
The peanut butter adds a nutty flavour to the toast, while the honey syrup caters to those with a sweet tooth!
If you’re here for lunch or dinner, consider the Scrambled Egg with Homemade Roasted Char Siu on Rice (S$14.80) as well.
The dish came with a silky and runny egg that was swirled into an elegant tornado, and was topped with slices of char siew roasted to a beautiful red-brown colour. Although I enjoyed the fragrant spring onion on the egg, the char siew seemed a bit dry and burnt.
Order Delivery: foodpanda
Best for: Traditional char chan teng atmosphere
Price: From S$7.80 per pax
165 Thomson Road, Goldhill Shopping Centre, Singapore 307618
+65 9016 8866
Mon, Wed & Thu: 11.30am – 8.30pm
Fri: 11.30am – 9.30pm
Sat: 9am – 9.30pm
Sun: 9am – 8.30pm
Closed on Tue
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Other mains
6. Mui Kee
When we talk about porridge in Singapore, we often refer to the light, watery and grainy Teochew porridge. But that’s very different from Hong Kong’s creamy and silky porridge. This also happens to be Mui Kee’s forte.
Initially operating as a small corner stall in Hong Kong, Mui Kee expanded to Singapore in 2017. Today, the brand has 2 outlets located at Shaw Centre and Raffles City, allowing Singaporeans to experience a taste of their flavourful and comforting congee.
Besides typical menu items like Century Egg & Shredded Pork Congee (S$11++) and House-Made Pork Meatballs Congee (S$11.20++), you can also find special items like the Threadfin Belly Congee (S$22.50++) and Garoupa Belly Congee (S$16.90++).
Although Mui Kee’s speciality lies in their congee, they also serve dry tossed noodles and chee cheong fun. Their Signature Braised Beef Brisket & Tendons (S$19.50++) is a popular pick. They may have steeper prices than those of other congee houses, but it’s worth a try for the high quality and unique taste.
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Best for: Unique and silky congee
Price: From S$9.90++ per pax
1 Scotts Rd, Shaw Centre, #03-09/10/11, Singapore 228208
+65 8940 3924
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 2.30pm & 5.30pm – 9pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 9pm
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For a list of locations, contact numbers and opening hours, click here.
7. Kam’s Roast
Meat lovers, this one is for you! Offering a variety of meats, Kam’s Roast is one of Hong Kong’s famous siu mei (roasted meat) brands. They have 3 outlets in Singapore, including a restaurant at Jewel Changi and 2 express kiosks at ION Food Opera (closing end Jun) and The Food Place, Raffles City.
Known as Kam’s Roast Goose in Hong Kong, you’ll realise one significant difference when comparing the menu in both places. You can’t find their signature roast goose on Singapore’s menu!
After some research, I learned that Kam’s Roast does not serve roast goose because of import regulations regarding poultry from China. Instead, they substitute it with roast duck, which is said to be well-marinated, with juicy fats and crispy skin.
While I’m not a fan of roast duck, I tried other items at the ION outlet. The Crispy Roast Pork Rice (S$8.90) was surrounded by a thick golden sauce and decorated with a few pieces of choi sum.
I enjoyed the tender bottom layers and crispy skin on top, which had a satisfying “kok-kok” sound on bite. However, I would have preferred the meat to have less fat and more lean meat.
I also tried the Wonton Noodle Soup (S$8.90), which came with huge, generously filled wantons. The meat was well-seasoned, with the pepper flavour prominent. The soup also has the taste of prawn and dried flounder, making it distinctly Hong Kong.
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Best for: Quality roast meats
Price: From S$8.50 per pax
2 Orchard Turn, ION Orchard, Food Opera @ ION, #B4-03/04, Singapore 238801
+65 6513 3718
Daily: 10am – 9.30pm
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For a list of locations, contact numbers and opening hours, click here.
Hong Kong snacks
8. Xin Kee Hong Kong Cheong Fun
While chee cheong fun is a common item in Singapore coffeehouses, it’s difficult to find chee cheong fun that matches the Hong Kong style.
That’s why I knew I had to visit Xin Kee Hong Kong Cheong Fun at Golden Mile Food Centre when I learnt that it was Singapore’s best-rated Hong Kong chee cheong fun.
In Hong Kong, there are 3 essentials in your chee cheong fun: light soya sauce, sweet sauce and peanut sauce. While Singapore’s chee cheong fun often includes the first 2, the third one (my favourite among the 3) is usually absent.
When I saw a huge amount of peanut sauce drizzled over the Hong Kong Style Cheong Fun (S$3.50), I was delighted!
I watched as the stall owner prepared the chee cheong fun by pouring a mixture of rice flour and cornstarch into a hot metal tray. After it turned into a thin, translucent sheet, he would carefully remove it from the tray before adding the ingredients, rolling and cutting the cheong fun.
That level of skill was impressive, and I stood there, stunned by his ability to handle such thin sheets of chee cheong fun without breaking them.
Of course, this arduous process meant a longer wait, but it was worth it. The freshly handmade chee cheong fun was a huge difference from the soggy chee cheong fun I usually have at Singapore coffeehouses!
If you’re here for a taste of Hong Kong, another must-order is the Youtiao Cheong Fun (S$4). The youtiao is freshly fried to create a satisfying crunch, with light soya sauce served on the side to maximise the crisp.
The spring onions and sesame add fragrance to the dish, leaving me hungry for more. Now I know where to visit the next time I’m pining for Hong Kong chee cheong fun!
Best for: Freshly handmade Hong Kong-style cheong fun
Price: From S$3.50 per pax
505 Beach Road, Golden Mile Food Centre, #01-79, Singapore 199583
Tue to Sat: 8am – 2pm
Closed on Sun & Mon
9. Victoria Bakery
What are some pastries that come to mind when you think of Hong Kong food culture? If you ask me, it’s the bolo bau (pineapple bun). This was a childhood favourite of mine, and I remember eating it for multiple days in a row!
If you’re just like me, you wouldn’t want to miss out on Victoria Bakery. With 2 outlets at Marina Square and United Square, they feature a range of bolo buns, allowing you to try many versions of your favourite pastry.
When I saw the HK Bo Lo Bun Butter (S$4) on their menu, I knew it was a must-order, because how could I miss out on this classic bolo bau combination?
With a cold slab of butter hidden inside, the warm, fluffy bun tasted lovely. I was impressed by the flaky pineapple-looking crust, while my dad commended the soft, pillowy texture of the bread.
However, we agreed that the bun could be heated more, and the crust could be crispier. Despite that, my dad said he hadn’t found something so similar to the Hong Kong bolo bau before this!
Those exploring unique versions of the Hong Kong pastry should try their Dark Chocolate Bo Lo Bun (S$4.50). The top comes with a cookie crust that deviates from the usual flaky bolo bao.
Look inside the bun and you’ll find a layer of melted dark chocolate. The use of dark chocolate is a wise choice — it prevents the bun from being too sweet!
After discovering this bakery, I know I’ll be back for more. However, their bakes lean towards the pricey side, so I’d only pamper myself once in a while.
Order Delivery: foodpanda
Best for: Wide selection of bolo buns and Hong Kong pastries
Price: From s$2 per pax
101 Thomson Road, United Square Shopping Mall, #01-K8, Singapore 307591
+65 6555 6992
Mon to Fri: 8.30am – 8.30pm
Sat & Sun: 9am – 8.30pm
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For a list of locations, contact numbers and opening hours, click here.
10. Leung Sang Hong Kong Pastries
While Tai Cheong Bakery is my dad’s top destination for egg tarts, my favourite egg tarts come from Leung Sang Hong Kong Pastries.
They have an outlet in Chinatown, but I usually patronise the one nearest my house at Tiong Bahru. Their bakes are sold at a uniform S$2.50, with a buy 5 get 1 free and buy 6 get 2 free deal.
Leung Sang features 2 types of egg tarts: the Hong Kong Style Egg Tart (Pastry Skin) and Western Egg Tart (Cookie Skin), both of which are common types of egg tarts you’ll find in Hong Kong.
Their speciality lies in the former, where lard is used to create layers of crispy flakes. Besides the delicate crust, I enjoy the pastry’s thick and smooth custard filling and faint egg aroma.
I have yet to explore the other bakes here, but Leung Sang also offers the Roasted Chicken Pastry, which is known for its generous and moist chicken char siew filling. Their Wife Delight is also said to be chewy and flaky.
Best for: Hong Kong-style pastries for takeaway
Price: From S$2.50 per pax
18 Jalan Membina, #01-06, Singapore 164018
Mon to Fri: 7am – 7pm
Sat & Sun: 8am – 7pm
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For a list of locations, contact numbers and opening hours, click here.
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