Tea breaks with tradition
Present-day iterations of Hong Kong's beloved cha chaan teng are often about memorializing elements of the traditional model. Faye Bradley reports.


Down-home goes deluxe
A self-proclaimed "pet-friendly Hong Kong-style cafe with a fusion twist", Hooman House in Tseung Kwan O extends the fusion theme to its minimalist Scandinavian interior. The chic, airy space is all white and warm wood tones. While it's more upscale than your neighborhood cha chaan teng, the price point and menu options don't stray too far from the original blueprint. "Hooman House serves hearty and classic Hong Kong dishes and drinks, infused with a modern twist, acknowledging local Hong Kong culinary roots while embracing new dining trends," says founder Zac Chan. The menu includes plenty of traditional favorites, from stuffed French toast with kaya, to sweet and sour pork with pineapple, to golden prawns with salted egg yolk sauce.