The menus at these HK-style cha chaan teng (tea cafes) can definitely be daunting for people who do not read Chinese characters. An easy way out is to see what other customers are eating and point and say that you would like the same too. What I do sometimes is also to ask them what they are eating, and the locals would gladly point to the menu, or even order for you. This cafe offers what most cha chaan tengs do - from an assortment of drinks, to light bites such as sausages/fries, toasts/sandwiches, curry/baked rice, macaroni etc. We were here at 5 plus in the evening on a Friday and the dinner crowd was slowly streaming in.
Our main aim for visiting Honolulu Cafe was to try the famous egg tarts, so it didn't take long for us to make our order.
I seldom take egg tarts in Singapore, because they're usually just so meh. The ones here (HKD8/pc), were flaky on the outside (the crust), and soft as beancurd on the inside. Not too sweet, the crust and custard blended so well together in terms of texture and taste. It was a sweet ending to our earlier meal at Wing Wah.
We ordered their milk tea (HKD19) and coffee (HKD19) to go along with it. The HK milk tea is essentially what we call teh c siu dai or teh c kosong at our local drinks stalls. I must admit, I still prefer teh tarik, as the carnation milk doesn't sit well with me.
I had the most wonderful polo bun during my last trip to HK at Kam Wah, and this time, we decided to try a polo bun at another place first in order to have a better comparison. All I can say is, you need not bother with the polo bun here (HKD11).
Most of the cha chaan teng offer these items to-go as well.
Address and Directions: 176-178 Hennessy Rd, Wan Chai MTR Exit A4 turn right
灣仔軒尼詩道176-178號地下及閣樓
Opening Hours: 06.00 - 00:00
