In a bustling district of Wanchai, I found myself in a traditional Hong Kong cafe, known as a cha chaan teng, about to dig into their rendition of the classic English breakfast, a colonial-era introduction. The Victory A Cafe on Hennessy Road resembled a blend of a British greasy spoon and an American diner, teeming with both locals and foreigners, a promising indicator of its quality.
When my loaded plate arrived, it boasted fried bacon, sausage, scrambled eggs, and even fried fish in breadcrumbs, a surprising addition. Accompanying these staples were baked beans, a touch of salad and tomato, a glazed brioche bun, and garnished with diced green leaves. The obligatory milky tea stood by its side, completing the ensemble.
The taste experience was a mix of familiar and unique. While the bacon leaned towards fatty, the sausage was somewhat bland, the beans stood out for their decent flavor. The egg, however, stole the show with its light, fluffy texture, enriched with cream and cornstarch, a common practice in Hong Kong.
Amidst all these flavors, the fried fish emerged as the unexpected delight of the meal, enhanced further with a splash of local chili sauce. The meal’s accompanying tea was no ordinary brew; it was made with “silk stockings,” a method involving potent Ceylon tea leaves strained through cotton bags, resulting in a robust concoction complemented by condensed milk.
To top off the culinary journey, I indulged in a “pineapple bun,” a local delicacy with a sugar-coated top that encased a soft, subtly sweet interior. This intriguing blend of flavors and textures paired well with the strong tea, leaving a lasting impression.
Despite the colonial history, the Hong Kong breakfast stands out as a positive legacy worth savoring, making it a culinary experience worth traveling thousands of miles for. The total bill of HK$85 (£8.50) for a satisfying meal that kept hunger at bay until dinner seemed reasonable, considering the delightful culinary adventure experienced.
For those enticed to embark on a similar gastronomic journey, Cathay Pacific offers direct flights from London to Hong Kong starting at £549 return. Accommodation options like Dorsett Wan Chai and Dorsett Kai Tak provide comfortable stays with breakfast included, along with complimentary shuttle services to key locations. Discover more about Hong Kong’s culinary treasures at discoverhongkong.com.