Eating in China
All food guides

By region

Hong Kong breakfast: what to order at a cha chaan teng

A cha chaan teng breakfast can be a bowl, bread and eggs, or a bakery choice with a drink. Compare ham macaroni soup with congee, then decide whether you want a pineapple bun or French toast. The latter is egg-coated and fried; it is different from scrambled eggs served with toast. Ask what a set includes before adding a drink.

Editorial guide ·

Generated illustration of Hong Kong ham macaroni soup with green peas and corn in chicken broth.
Hong Kong ham macaroni soup · 火腿通粉
In this guide

Choose by texture and appetite

  1. Compare the descriptions and choose one starting point.
  2. Try a crisp food with a softer bowl or drink, or a savoury food with a small sweet bite. Ask how many pieces come in one serving before ordering several items.
  3. Open a food to see its recorded ingredients and eating notes. Fillings, broth, sauces and cooking fats can vary; describe what you avoid when ordering.

Choose a breakfast that fits your morning

For a short stop, compare a pineapple bun with an egg tart and choose one with a drink. For a seated meal, consider ham macaroni soup or French toast. These are different breakfast formats, not a list to finish; keep a longer café meal for a morning without an early attraction booking.

Check the set before ordering

A breakfast set can differ from the standalone item: confirm the drink, hot or cold option, portion and any supplement on the actual menu. Save the dish name before leaving your hotel, then open it at the café. If you are planning several days, use the Hong Kong itinerary to keep breakfast near the first stop.

Phrases to show at the table

这个来一份。

One serving of this, please.

一份有几个?

How many pieces are in one serving?

这个含饮料吗?

Is a drink included?

这个是甜的还是咸的?

Is this sweet or savoury?

Turn curiosity into a shortlist.

Pick one food you are curious about and keep its Chinese name with your notes. Use the questions above when you compare it with a restaurant menu.

Explore the food

Save your picks and organise them into a food trip.

Choose by texture and appetite

Compare the descriptions and choose one starting point.

Congee, macaroni or wonton noodles?

Food

A bun or French toast?

Food

Tea, coffee milk tea or lemon tea?

Drinks

EATING IN CHINA · THE APP

Get the app

Discover local dishes, understand their ingredients and flavours, and choose what you’d like to try. Explore vegetarian, vegan and kid-friendly food ideas for your China trip.

Food guides, ingredients and trip planning are free.

See what’s in the app