[Review] Cha Chaan Teng (茶餐廳): Retro Hong Kong Chic Restaurant-bar is a Hidden Gem in Jalan Besar to Bring You Back Memory Lane

By alvinology on August 7, 2024

Hidden among a row of massage parlours and heartland eateries, Cha Chaan Teng (茶餐廳) is a hidden gem in Jalan Besar for those who are looking for a whiff of nostalgia, down memory lane to the prime days of Hong Kong cinemas in the 1990s.

From the outside, its simple, non-descript green walls with a small singular window is reminiscent of a Wong Kar-wai movie set, exuding Chungking Express vibes. You can almost imagine the lead characters of the hit arthouse movie waltzing through the door and planting themselves at the bar.

Owner, Mirul tending to the bar while BK serves the tables

Cha Chaan Teng (CCT) is the creation of two good friends, Mirul and BK, both veteran bartenders with experience running F&B establishments. Bonded by their shared love for Hong Kong cinemas, CCT is their homage to the glory days when Hong Kong popular culture was at its peak.

Decors aside, CCT's menu is inspired by Hong Kong's rich food culture, offering a fusion of traditional cuisine and modern innovation. Their beautifully designed tapas-style menu transforms familiar staples into bite-sized delights, each morsel brimming with flavour.

We were invited for a dinner tasting and these were the items we sampled:

Left: Cha Chaan Teng's Cream Soda ($8)
Right: Nitro Naai Char ($12)

Cocktail: Daan Tat/ Egg Tart ($23) - Botanist Gin, Creme de Cacao White, chocolate bitters, custard, ABV: 21.8%
This CCT signature cocktail pays homage to to classic Hong Kong egg tart, celebrating its custardy richness with notes of cocoa and aromatic gin.

Pickles

Siu Ye Cai Faa / 燒椰菜花 ($15.90) - Roasted cauliflower florets, cauliflower puree, crispy sweet potato leaves, coriander pesto

Tong Cou So Coo / 糖醋蔬菜 ($10.90) - Mashed sweet potato, chopped coriander, deep fried macaroni bits, chopped peanuts, pani puri shell, hot and sour water (5 pcs)

Chun Gyun / 春捲 ($11.90) - Shredded carrot and turnip, kueh pie tee shell, sweet chilli, mayonnaise, chives, chilli oil, chlorophyll oil (5 pcs)

Leung Mein Wong / 港式煎麵 ($3.90) - Fried ee-mian noodles, seaweed mushroom broth, spring onions

Siu Ngaap / 燒鴨 ($17.90) - 24 hours air-dried roasted duck breast, chives, house-made XO plum sauce, sweet lime vinaigrette dressed house salad

Cha Siu / 叉燒 ($14.90) - 8 hours marinated barbecued pork belly, chives, HK-style salsa verde

Siu Lung Baau / 小籠包 ($13.90) - Soup pork dumplings, ginger, black vinegar dip (5pcs)

Yan Yan Syut Gou / 欣欣雪糕 ($11.90) - Cream cracker-flavoured ice cream, biscuit crunch, choice of chocolate or strawberry espuma foam

Verdict?

CCT is the kind of place you bring your friends or date to impress them that you are someone attuned to the underground, artsy scene in Singapore to experience its chic, retro vibes. The thematic food and drinks offerings enhance the overall experience. From the naming of each menu items to the presentation and flavours, you can tell a lot of love and labour went into CCT from the two owners who also work there daily, serving up drinks at the bar and taking orders, entertaining guests at the tables.

I don't usually drink much alcohol, but CCT's signature Egg Tart cocktail is a must-try for the novelty. Food-wise, the roast meats are all pretty good, with elevated presentation and comparable to the more famous roast meat eatery just a few doors down from CCT.

The surprise standout dish for me was the humble-looking cauliflower dish which was irresistible to munch on with its crunchy texture and burst of flavours. I would also highly recommend the two fusion dim sum dishes served in Nonya Kueh Pie Tee shells and Indian-style pani puri shells as fun sides to share with friends over drinks.

Other than their dinner and bar offerings, CCT has also expanded their menu to offer lunch items. I have yet to try them, but will definitely be back to try them out.