When it comes to Cheung Chau, most people's first impression is the annual dragon boat competition, the super large fish balls, and Tung Wan beach. But if you ask "what dim sum is there to eat in Cheung Chau," nine out of ten tourists won't be able to answer you—yes, that's normal. Because Cheung Chau is not really a traditional tea house hub, nor does it have large restaurants like Lantau Island or Disneyland.
I'll be quite frank in this article: Cheung Chau is neither a chain restaurant stronghold nor does it have many traditional Cantonese dim sum shops. However, if you're willing to let go of the "must have shrimp dumplings and siu mai" mindset, this island has some interesting "tea restaurant style" snacks that are actually even better! Today, I'll take you to find the delicious and satisfying food options in Cheung Chau.
What makes the island's tea restaurants special
Most of Cheung Chau's main restaurants are concentrated around the waterfront (Hoi Pong Street) and Tin Hau Temple area, mainly consisting of dai pai dongs and old-style cafes. When you ask locals "is there dim sum in Cheung Chau," there's usually only one answer: "You might want to go somewhere else or head back to the city." But in fact, there are several types worth trying:
The first category is "dim sum imitations" or "tea restaurant combos"—for example, what old-school tea restaurants serve like toasted bread, milk tea, and ham macaroni, which together somewhat resemble the concept of traditional morning tea; the second category is what islanders call "our specialties"—like平安bao, giant fish balls, and purple sweet potato desserts; the third is the hidden "home-style kitchen"—often hard to find, you'll need to ask the locals.
Three recommended spots
1. Wing Shing Tea Restaurant — The closest thing to an old-time tea house feeling
This is probably one of the most "classic" tea restaurants in Cheung Chau. Its decor retains the booth seating design from the 80s and 90s—when you sit down, you feel like you've traveled back to the 1970s of a TV drama.
Regarding food, what they do well is the "set meal": A-set/B-set at $35-$45, which includes a cup of milk tea or coffee, a serving of toast or butter bread, plus either ham macaroni or braised rice with diced meat. The "taste" is just right—the milk tea is made with tea bags, not instant powder; the ham in the ham macaroni is real ham, not just the texture of canned luncheon meat.
If you really want to "make do," they also have toasted bread with scrambled eggs—freshly cooked and takes just over ten minutes, but the quality is worth the price. The only "downside" is that it's busy on weekends, and you'll usually need to share a table or wait—half an hour is pretty much guaranteed.
Address: Walking up from Cheung Chau Pier, the second stall on Hoi Pong Street
Average spending: $40-$60 per person
Business hours: 07:00-19:00 (Closed every Wednesday)
2. Wan Kee Store — The hidden tea restaurant known only to locals
If you're asking about "local secret spots" in Cheung Chau, "Wan Kee Store" definitely makes the list. Its full name is "Wan Kee Store Cafe," but actually the storefront looks like a regular convenience store—not your typical cafe.
The hidden menu here includes:
- Homemade wonton noodles ($38): The wontons are freshly made, regular size, and the broth has the freshness of dried flounder
- Fried rice noodles ($42): Good wok hei, the beef is bought from local supermarkets— "they actually put in effort"
- Garlic toast ($15): Toast stays crispy, garlic sauce served separately for you to dip
- Lemon honey ($20): The cup is so big you think they got the order wrong, the acidity is just right
The owner couple runs it themselves, with little promotion—most customers are regulars or people who found it through Yelp/Uber Eats searches. Sometimes the owner even throws in an extra piece of rice cake—this "human touch" is something you just can't get from city restaurants.
The "catch" here: you need to wait and have patience. Before taking your order, the boss will ask "Are you in a hurry?" If you are, they'll say "Maybe you should try the next stall." They don't do takeout—cash only—even if you have an Octopus card, it won't work.
Address: Cheung Chau San Heng Street (near the alley behind the Kwun Yam Temple)
Average spending: $35-$50 per person
Business hours: 08:00-17:00 (Limited supply, closes when sold out)
3. Tung Wan Café — Brunch with a sea view and the best photo spot
If you're asking "is there a restaurant with a nice view in Cheung Chau," "Tung Wan Café" fits the bill perfectly. Its official name is actually "Tung Wan Cafe & Bar," but locals still call it "Café" because its menu and decor follow the old café style.
This place is perfect for: morning trips to Tung Wan Beach, then walking up to fill your stomach. Its brunch set includes:
- All-day breakfast ($68): Comes with two eggs, two sausages, baked beans, toast, and salad—perfect for big eaters
- Croissant sandwich ($55): The croissant is super crispy after toasting, filled with ham and cheese
- Sea salt bubble tea ($30): Sweet enough while retaining the milk tea flavor—quite good
- Dessert set: Homemade tofu pudding or mango cake ($28-$35)
The "selling point" is that you can sit outside and look at Tung Wan beach—when the weather is good, your photos will definitely get plenty of likes. (Of course, if it rains, you can sit inside—there's that option too.)
The prices are slightly higher than city tea restaurants—because Cheung Chau has higher logistics costs—but if your budget is limited, combining beach hopping with a meal is still quite balanced.
Address: Tung Wan Road (beside the entrance to Tung Wan Beach)
Average spending: $60-$100 per person
Business hours: 09:00-18:00
Practical information
Getting to Cheung Chau—there are only two ways:
- Ferry (Central Pier 5 → Cheung Chau, regular ferry route, $14-$22, about 35-55 minutes)
- Speedboat (Mui Wo → Cheung Chau, water taxi, less commonly used)
Getting around Cheung Chau is on foot—the island itself is not large, and walking from the pier to any of these three places takes at most 15 minutes. If you want to rent a bike, there are several stalls at the pier, but be aware the slopes are quite steep—ladies, think carefully.
Regarding ferry schedules, weekends and public holidays get extremely crowded! If you don't want to fight the crowds, take a ferry before 9 AM on weekdays.
Travel tips
- Cheung Chau really doesn't have "traditional dim sum shops"—don't expect new Casino-level dim sum
- People coming straight from the beach, even looking "dirty and messy," can enter these tea restaurants—they're used to it, serving you in shorts and flip-flops is normal
- If you want "quick food," Wing Shing Tea Restaurant is fastest; if you want "to sit and relax," Wan Kee Store is for you; if you want "photos and views," Tung Wan Café is the top choice
- Most shops in Cheungchau don't take reservations—just walk in; on weekends, try to grab a seat before 11 AM
- Cash is king—all three places accept cash only; the safest bet is to withdraw some money before you depart
- Another hidden tip: The hidden food gem in Cheung Chau is the mobile stalls near the "Kwun Yam Temple"—there are elderly ladies selling homemade rice cakes and dragon beard candy, $10-$15 for a deal; if you happen to catch them, consider it afternoon tea
A final thought: Cheung Chau is not a "dim sum paradise," but its "tea restaurant snacks" have a kind of chill that you just can't find in the city—some might call it "primitive," others might call it "pure." Either way, most people who go to Cheung Chau are looking to escape the "concrete jungle"—if you're one of them, these options are just right for you.
