There’s just something about Hong Kong cha chaan teng that really gets me. Maybe its the nostalgia of their retro decor, or the comforting dishes. Whatever it is, I will never turn down some hearty Hong Kong fare.
Imagine my excitement when I chanced across Coije Cafe 财爷冰室 on RED. Their vibrant store is located in Chinatown and serves an eclectic mix of eastern and western dishes, and at pretty affordable prices too!
I must say, the store did an amazing job at nailing the decor. Pasted across all the walls in the store are vintage-designed posters, along with traditional Chinese signages. It feels almost as if you’ve been transported to Hong Kong.
On the menu are classic Hong Kong favourites like Double Cheese Baked Mixed Vegetables (S$11.80), Coconut Curry Beef Rice (S$13.80), along with a selection of sizzling hotplates and more.
If there’s one thing you must know about Hong Kong cha chaan teng, it’s that they made a damn good cheese baked rice. So of course, you have to order the Tomato Baked Pork Chop Rice (S$12.80). Its got the tanginess of the tomato sauce with the creamy and savouriness of the baked cheese — absolutely divine.
For something more unique, you can go for the Satay Beef Noodle (S$9) which comprises maggie noodles and tender beef slices drenched in a sweet and mildly spicy peanut sauce. Honestly, it’s quite a unique combination of flavours.
One of my must-haves at any cha chaan teng is the Butter Bolo Bun (S$4.80). The sweet crust against the fluffy bun and the thick slab of butter is just oh so delicious. Trust me, one is never enough. I always order two sets all by myself whenever I see it on the menu, so you bet I’ll be doing it at Coije Cafe too.
Another must-try here is the Dripping Cream Toast (S$7.80). I don’t typically have a sweet-tooth but damn this toast got me drooling. Just look at the amount of milo powder and that cream! Plus, it comes with a little mahjong tile on the side — its just too cute to say no.
Of course, no trip to Coije Cafe (or any cha chaan teng) without getting a cup of milk tea. In true Hong Kong fashion, the Hot Milk Tea (S$4.50) comes served in Coije Cafe’s version of the carnation milk tin. But, if I were you, I’d totally get the iced version which features an adorable ice teddy bear floating in the drink — super adorable.
I don’t know about you but I’m already hungry just thinking about all these dishes. Looks like it’s time for some Hong Kong cha chaan teng fare, especially since everyone on my social media seems to be holidaying in the land of dim sum and roast meats right now.
Will you be heading down to this cha chaan teng in Chinatown?
Coije Cafe
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📍 6 Upper Cross St, Singapore 058326
🕑 11am–9pm
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