小環茶座 Little Ring Café — Restaurant in Markham

Big star presence. Mediocre food.

Our HK friends insisted we try this cha-chen teng. They said it was opened by a famous HK celebrity and that the food is served with large portions.

I’m not a big fan of celebrity restaurants as the price is either over the top or the food is less than average. So we took a chance and gave it a shot.

The restaurant is located in a very inconspicuous building with a Tim Hortons. You would never guess there was a Chinese restaurant there. There is ample parking on the lot.

When we walked in, there was seating outside the restaurant for people waiting to get in. Luckily for us it wasn’t too busy yet. We were seated after a brief two minute wait. The service was good. We were greeted and our order was taken without a hitch.

We ordered the pork chop with tomato sauce over rice, the beef brisket curry with rice, fake shark fin soup, and a satay beef with rice noodles.

Oh man. Where do I start?

Let’s start with the pork chop with tomato sauce on rice. The rice was over cooked and soggy. I would have expected it to be more like a fried rice. But it had the consistency of pudding. The sauce did not have much tomato taste. It tasted like a thickened ketchup diluted with water. The pork chop was acceptable.

The beef brisket curry had no flavour. It was not spicy nor was it too salty nor did it have much curry flavour. It was like a runny gravy. Definitely not my favourite. But the rice was cooked right. But it wasn’t hot; more like like-warm.

The satay beef noodles were surprisingly good. It was a bit too watery but had ample flavour to it. It was a bit on the salty side but it was the best of the three.

I can’t say much about the fake shark fin soup. It was basically a soy sauce soup base. It had very little flavour. It was the most disappointing of the four items ordered. I would definitely not recommend the soup.

Overall, the meal is what I initially expected. Another celebrity restaurant which disappoints in food.

The price isn’t that cheap either. Each of the plates ranged from $13-$16. The soup was $7. I would advise skipping the soup entirely.

Would I recommend? There are better places. Would I come back;...

Came here for the 1st time on a Tuesday at around 12:00 PM. There were a few small groups waiting before me. Since I came solo, they immediately seated me to the solo booth without wait. Lucky me! Very rarely a Cha Chan Teng offer solo seat, good for them for being so accommdating.

MY OBSERVATION: There seems to be lots of staff on hand but they don't seem to be efficient even though there are many of them. For example, when I got seated, none of them give me a cup of hot tea which is typical standard. I asked 3 different servers for a cup of iced water, none of them deliver. I had to ask for the 4th time to get a 3/4 full of iced water. I think this is where they need to do a better job. Coz you can't have many staff yet not efficient. You need staff that can do everything (all-in-one package).

As I examined the food menu, there are quite a substantial list of food items, which is quite impressive. In terms of price, it's relatively more pricey than other nearby similar Cha Chan Teng.

Nevertheless, I ordered the baked pork chop with 2 sauce options. I thought it's clever to offer a 2 sauce option where you can choose from pepper/curry/corn/cream/tomato sauce.

I chose curry and cream sauces. The pork chop came with a complimentary Borsch soup. This soup was my highlight of the day. Pipping hot soup with abundance of vegetables inside and there is a nice heat to the soup, just the way it should be.

After 10 minutes, the pork chop came to my table. It's freshly baked out of the oven so it's pipping hot. The portion was clearly bigger than many other competitors. I could clearly see both sauce (Curry and Cream).

The curry isn't your typical lighter curry coconut sauce but a darker curry with little spice. The cream sauce was creamy.

I don't know why but the spaghetti seems a bit rough and not as chewy or al dente, not my cup of tea.

Overall, the 2-sauce baked pork chop was well-done. I would luv to try more other food items such as it's taste of the month such as fried pork cutlet or the grilled beef...

A Taste of Home at Little Ring Café (小環茶座)

Nestled in the heart of Markham, Little Ring Café (小環茶座) offers more than just a meal—it’s a nostalgic journey for anyone who misses the authentic flavors and atmosphere of Hong Kong. Opened by former Miss Hong Kong 1993, 譚小環, the café is a loving homage to the vibrant tea house culture of her hometown.

Atmosphere Walking into Little Ring Café feels like stepping into a classic cha chaan teng (茶餐廳) in Hong Kong. From the retro-inspired décor to the bustling energy, the ambiance immediately transports you. The soft hum of Cantonese chatter and the comforting clink of utensils create a welcoming, unpretentious vibe. 譚小環 herself often greets customers, adding a personal touch that sets this café apart.

Food The menu is pure Hong Kong—simple, familiar, and deeply satisfying. Forget about trendy, over-the-top presentations; this place is all about delivering the flavors of home. • Hong Kong Milk Tea (港式奶茶): Silky, aromatic, and brewed to perfection, this is a must-try for tea enthusiasts. I tried this. Very HK LOCAL taste indeed

Service The service is warm and attentive, with staff who genuinely seem to enjoy bringing a slice of Hong Kong to Toronto. 譚小環 and her husband’s presence adds an undeniable charm; she often interacts with diners, sharing stories and ensuring that every guest feels at home.

Overall Experience Little Ring Café is more than just a dining destination—it’s a bridge connecting the past to the present, offering authentic flavors and a sense of belonging for anyone longing for Hong Kong’s unique culinary culture. Whether you’re a nostalgic Hongkonger or a curious foodie, this café delivers an experience that is both comforting and unforgettable.

Verdict: Little Ring Café is a hidden gem in Markham, offering an authentic taste of Hong Kong with no pretensions. The food, atmosphere, and personal touches make it a must-visit for anyone craving a...