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茶餐廳. Cafeteria.

The local cafeterias in Hong Kong, are not places to slowly read your menu and decide what to order. This theory applies very widely to those non-touristy cafes, i.e. not often patronized by foreigners and we are not talking about places like Australian Dairy Company. 

Snap Snap

The local patrons were quick, knowing immediately what they want, some most  without seeing the menu. Staff wasn't exactly patient or friendly in waiting for you. For foreigners like us, we tend to take time to explore what these Chinese characters meant in Hong Kong terms, so,,, hurry hurry!

This photo below was not taken by the staff ( we wouldn't 'Dare' approach them) but rather a very kind local patron who overheard saw us not behaving like locals and offered to help us snap a photo.
Thank You to that kind stranger!!

Given its famed history of over 40 years, I wondered why 中国冰室 now not as widely patronized by foreign visitors as other cafes do. This place has been the filming location for many famous prodcutions back then-《新不了情》,《PTU》and many other films which I had not previously heard of.

 I came down to the following conclusions:

1. Secluded locations. The store front is permanently shadowed by shops and carts peddling goods outside the store daily.  
Check out the street full of bustling sellers right outside the shop.




2. More polished and conveniently located 茶餐廳 cha chan tings have since opened up. The history of a filming location is no longer attractive enough to make a purposed visit.
Despite which, fret not, there are still many locals and old-time patrons. 

What to Eat

We ordered sets of toasts with eggs and macaroni/ instant noodle with ham in soup and they came with milk tea or coffee . There are 4 plates here because each set comes with a half-half mix. You can enjoy the best of both worlds- toasts and noodles soup.  I forgot the pricing per set and everything happened pretty quickly when we ordered as the auntie wasn't very patient so whatever, we just take whatever it is.

It was enjoyable to have hot soupy dish for breakfast but a tad salty as you eat more. If toasts are your thing then you can find plenty of variety in their 茶餐廳 menu. Do try them out for a taste of local authenticity . Still recommendable to try out the local 茶餐廳