Cha Chaan Teng

Some of my fondest food memories in Hong Kong center around cha chaan teng. Here is where we drink our morning milk tea and take our first bite of a freshly baked pineapple bun. For lunch and dinner, we feast on rice plates. In between, there is always room for an egg and ham sandwich. Lucas brings the cha chaan teng way of life front and center.

Cha chaan teng culture is quintessentially Hong Kong. Lucas Sin, one of this generation’s leading voices on Cantonese culture, dives deep into the recipes, history, techniques, and storytelling behind cha chaan tengs. More than just a collection of dishes, it’s a heartfelt tribute to the everyday foods generations of Hong Kongers grew up loving, and an exploration of the craftsmanship, identity, and culture woven into every plate.

Lucas Sin decodes the hallmarks of the cha chaan teng kitchen, paying homage and offering his insight into what makes these dishes excellent—a love for simple perfection and a deep respect honoring its relevance.

It is so refreshing to have someone of our generation care so much about the history and authentic culinary arts from Hong Kong. This book sparks a warm nostalgia and provides new insights into the cha chaan teng I loved so much growing up in Hong Kong.