There’s no better place to be than the Australian Dairy Company for a truly authentic local breakfast. Residents and tourists alike flock to this spot to taste their delectable breakfast set. So, it’s also a common sight to see crowds outside. There are plenty of choices here, but the fluffy scrambled eggs served on buttered slices of thick toast are a must. No one probably does eggs better than this place. For something to warm you up, get the macaronic and ham soup, another Hong Kong breakfast staple. Don’t forget a cup of milk tea or coffee to go with that. In addition to these, the Australian Dairy Company is also known for its steamed milk pudding and custard dishes. Just don’t expect a leisurely breakfast here as there are plenty of people waiting for their turn.

Must-try dishes: Eggs with toast, Macaroni and Ham Soup, Milk Tea

Kam Wah Cafe is a favourite among Kowloon residents mainly for its pineapple bun. You’ll see a crowd waiting just to try its famous dish, which is well-loved for its thick butter stuffing. Just like any famous cha chaan teng, Kam Wah Cafe also serves the classics. But we also crave their Hong Kong-style French toast and egg tarts. The milk tea here is amazing but the yuan yang is just as great. The family-owned restaurant has been around since 1973 so you know you’re in good hands.

Must-try dishes: Pineapple Bun, French Toast, Egg Tarts, Yuan Yang

For Kee Restaurant is a blessing for office workers in the Sheung Wan area or even along Central. It has long been a go-to spot for those looking for affordable eats, from breakfast to lunch, and afternoon tea. This decades-old cha chaan teng is known for its pork chop rice set, which comes with a juicy pork loin complete with sweet and savoury soy sauce. We like it with some sunny side up on the top. Another must-have is the Pork Chop Bun and the Satay Beef Toast if rice in the morning is too filling.

Must-try dishes: Pork Chop Rice, Pork Chop Bun, Satay Beef Toast

Milk tea is a staple in cha chaan tengs, as well as in the morning. So, if you’re looking for one of the best in town then head to Lan Fong Yuen. It is known for its unique ‘silk stocking’ milk tea, which marries black tea with condensed milk. In addition, breakfast goers swear by its French Toast which comes with a generous amount of condensed milk. Lan Fong Yuen also boasts a special beer, which may be too early for a breakfast drink but make sure to come back for it. Other famous items include the Pork Chop Bun and Chicken Noodles.

Must-try dishes: Silk Stocking Milk Tea, Pork Chop Bun, French Toast

Cheung Hing Coffee Shop has been a go-to breakfast spot in Happy Valley since 1951. While most cha chaan tengs hit local diners with nostalgia, Cheung Hing Coffee Shop is quite something else with its wooden booths and patterned floors. They still use a chalkboard for their menu. While we guarantee that any order is delicious, recommendations include Pineapple Bun and the signature Hong Kong milk tea. You also can’t go wrong with the Egg Tarts, Satay Beef Noodles, and French Toast.

Must-try dishes: Pineapple Bun, Satay Beef Noodles, Milk Tea

SOMM’s brunch might be more well-known but during weekdays, it’s still a common sight to see this restaurant packed with office workers and breakfast goers. The breakfast menu isn’t that different from its brunch, perhaps just on the lighter side. Still, the menu is simple—a choice between a regular breakfast or a bubbly one. And depending on what you have a penchant for, sweet or savoury, it’s your call. A must for the sweet option might be the banana pancakes. For the savoury choices, they mostly come with ‘KIN eggs’ which are exclusively produced at a family-owned sustainable farm in Yunnan. If you still have room for it, the hash browns are also a great addition.

Must-try dishes: Banana Pancakes with Toasted Pecan Nuts and Dark Okinawa Sugar Syrup & Lime, Dark Rye Sunflower Bread with Crushed Avocado & Poached ‘KIN Eggs’ with Green Vegetables & Pistachio Salad

No mention of western breakfast is complete without Oola. It’s a go-to favourite for families, friends, couples, solo diners, and basically anyone looking for a good morning meal. How’d you like your eggs in the morning? Well, Oolaa’s egg range is top-tier. Choose from smashed eggs to classic benefit, or even Cali style. You’ll also be able to customise your eggs with different toppings such as ham, bacon, avocado, salmon, and more. We also swear by Oola’s pancake—thick yet fluffy. Other choices include healthy brunch bowls if you’re looking for something lighter. Plus, Oolaa has multiple locations across Hong Kong.

Must-try dishes: Oolaa Petite’s Big Breakfast, Avocado ‘Smash’ Bruschetta, Eggs Benny

Breakfast buffet, anyone? Choosing one among the numerous hotels available in Hong Kong is tough. But The Astor definitely checks all the boxes we’re looking for when it comes to a good breakfast buffet. Firstly, the interiors evoke the nostalgia of Hong Kong’s cha chaan teng culture. There are various stations available from western options such as bacon, hash brown, salad to local favourites like dim sum, and congee. We also give plus points to the fresh juice counter and the numerous condiments available. It’s sauces and jams galore. Don’t forget the bread and pastry corner as well. For breakfast, the options are very fitting with added love for the drinks at a good value.

Must-try dishes: Carrot cake, dim sum selection, any of the fresh juice from the counter, your choice of eggs at the eggs station

Experience an all-Canadian breakfast at Green Waffle Diner. As its name suggests, the waffle is the superstar here, with both sweet and savoury offerings. What’s even better is that Green Waffle Diner also has gluten-free and vegetarian options, catering to a wide range of diets. They even have a dedicated keto-friendly menu. And while you might (and we don’t blame you) want to order more dishes, we just want to remind you that the portions are large. Well, that’s an excuse to come back again to try more of their flavourful offerings.

Must-try dishes: Avocado Waffle Benedict, Smoked Salmon Sauerkraut, Berry Waffle Delight

Chef Grégoire Michaud’s Bakehouse has gained a loyal, perhaps even, cult following in Hong Kong. Surprisingly, even tourists visiting Hong Kong brave the lines to try their signature sourdough egg tarts. But beyond its sweet treats and savoury baked goods for takeaway, you can actually enjoy a dine-in breakfast at its Wan Chai branch. Yes, we’re talking about a proper sit-down savouring the sourdough egg tarts and other items on the dine-in menu. Go for the Bakehouse Toast and Jam or the healthier Granola, Fruit and Yoghurt. We also recommend the hash brown nuggets with homemade chutney for the sides. There are even more options for brunch such as the Brioche French Toast or the Hot Pulled Pork & Kimchi Sandwich.

Must-try items: Bakehouse Toast, Hash Brown Nuggets, any of the free-range eggs, sourdough egg tarts