Ying Fat Cafe — Restaurant in Hong Kong

It's with a heavy heart that I learned my cherished childhood cha chaan teng will be closing its doors by the end of 2024. This beloved Hong Kong-style cafe, with its own bakery, has been my go-to spot for years, serving up comfort food that's etched in my memories. Their pineapple bun, generously slathered with butter, paired with a flaky egg tart and a steaming cup of milk tea sweetened with condensed milk – this perfect combination has been my faithful companion through the years. As the cafe's final days approach, I can't help but feel nostalgic for the flavors that have become an integral part of my life's story. This timeless combo will forever hold a special place in my heart, a delicious reminder of countless moments spent in this cozy...

🌕 In Search of Pineapple Buns (菠蘿包)

::: Classic Pineapple Bun ::: Top crust: 🌕🌕🌕🌕 (4/5) Bread: 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌗(4.5/5) Flavor: 🌕🌕🌕🌗 (3.5/5) Freshness: 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌗(4.5/5)

For just under one U.S. dollar in the Kwun Tong neighborhood of Hong Kong, this bun is warm and fresh with a super crispy top. Though the overall flavor is not as sweet (some may prefer this), the bread texture is excellent - denser than usual, which is how I like it. Served off heated metal pans and purchased from the street, this is an amazing bolobao.

📍 Ying Fat Cafe [英發茶冰廳］ Hong Kong, Kwun Tong, Fu...

I visited Ying Fat Café knowing it’s about to close, hoping to experience a bit of its history. While the milk tea was quite nice, the food didn’t quite meet expectations—the satay beef noodles, BBQ pork spaghetti, and egg tart all felt a little underwhelming. Service was fine but not as warm as I’d hoped, which made me feel the café may have lost some of its spark over time.

That said, Ying Fat Café has clearly been a beloved spot for many, and it’s bittersweet to see it close. Wishing them all the best as they wrap up this chapter of...