HK Alley — Restaurant in Edison

I was excited to try this place for the pineapple buns and the coffee milk tea. Saw the overall impressive reviews, but should have taken a hint that each time I’ve previously passed it by it was pretty empty. I ordered the classic pineapple bun with butter and the taro-stuffed version, along with the HK coffee/tea blend. 2/3 were a disappointment.

Coffee/tea blend was not flavorful enough… the balance of flavors was not what I was expecting compared to what I’ve had at my two favorite HK spots I consider to be very authentic, Kong Sikh Tong (Manhattan) and HKS Kitchen (Staten Island).

The taro bolo bao was delicious - I absolutely love taro and this filling was flavorful, just the right level of sweetness, and perfectly textured to remind you that they use real taro. 10/10.

However, the buttered bolo bao left much to be desired - primarily when it comes to the butter. This bao should have come with a large slab of rich, flavorful salted butter that’s slightly firm/holds its shape. Instead, it looked like a small square was placed in the middle either from a prepackaged butter square (the kind you get from takeout meals) or a regular square was cut from your standard butter block. The butter was also 95% melted by the time it got to the table, which is not how this dish is supposed to be enjoyed. Very disappointing as it just made the center of the bao soggy and didn’t even cover much of the surface area of the bao.

Service was also subpar - employees not attentive and seemed woefully unprepared for dine in guests despite it being dead inside. When asked for plates and knife, it had to be found/washed in the back in the moment.

I’d go back solely for the taro stuffed bao since it’s a unique offering I haven’t found elsewhere, and would be willing to try another non-HK specific drink, but disappointed overall with this...

I recently discovered Fresh O' Tea in Edison. They brew fresh teas and use freshly cut fruit. It's never been too busy when I’ve visited. Here's what I tried: Red bean milkshake - 4/5 stars Cheese Foam Black Grape - 5/5 stars Pineapple buns heated with butter - 5/5 stars Kiwi Mango Green Tea - 5/5 stars Creme Brulee Milk Tea - 4/5 stars Grapefruit Orange Green Tea - 4/5 stars Pineapple buns heated with fresh taro - 4/5 stars

All their teas are freshly brewed, with a focus on tea-forward Hong Kong teas. My husband was surprised by how strong the tea flavor was in my HK Creme Brulee Milk Tea without sugar; he thought it needed 30% sugar. The tea uses evaporated milk, giving it a luxurious creme brulee taste. Surprisingly, they don't offer milk substitutes.

The staff are very friendly and make excellent recommendations if you are ever unsure of anything. They do take pride in making their drinks for you as they explain they brew their own teas and there are no powers utilized to make their drinks and snacks. There aren’t many tables, but there is a stage with available seating. Since it wasn’t busy during my visits, I had my pick of seats.

Parking can be tricky, but there’s more parking in the back, which is safer and makes it easier to pull out onto the street.

Service: 5/5 stars Food: 5/5...

I decided to try this place out cause the photo of their HK style milk tea and butter pineapple bun captured me. I ordered the HK style milk tea in a bottle, their HK style lemon tea and mini original pineapple bun with butter. Their lemon tea is nixed with fresh lemon and lime, but to me it was quite sour still. People who loves and can take sour might enjoy this more than I do. Their HK style milk tea is pretty good though. I would return for that. As for the mini original pineapple bun, it’s not bad at all. They toast the bun with butter in the oven as you order so they are crispy and fresh and hot. The butter does melt and soaked within the bun. I would probably give that a 4 out of 5 because I feel like it was still missing the taste if a pineapple bun. But I do like how it is mini so I can actually finish the bun without filling too stuffed. They also offer 2 other flavors besides original. I am willing to return for more of their milk tea and pineapple bun.

The staff in the cafe was very nice and friendly. Great service too. He gave recommendations and notify me of combo and discounts because the menu didn’t have that...