Old Flavors in Causeway Bay's Back Alleys: Hidden Hong Kong-Style Milk Tea Gems in the Bustling City

Walk into Causeway Bay, and most people head straight for Times Square or Sogo department store. But if you're craving a real cup of authentic silk stocking milk tea, you need to venture into the back streets.

This area was once the core commercial district of old Hong Kong, where cha chaan teng and ice halls lined the streets thirty years ago. As more malls sprouted up, the old shops gradually relocated. Now, to find authentic Hong Kong-style milk tea, you'll need to explore the narrow alleys near Tin Hau or the Canal Road underpass.

🚩 Highlights

Causeway Bay's milk tea scene differs from other districts in several ways:

First, the rents here are sky-high, so long-established shops must really know their craft. Rest assured—if a shop has survived in this area for over ten years, its quality has definitely passed the market's test.

Second, the tea masters here are particularly skilled at "pulling" tea. Because they served so many Japanese and overseas travelers early on, the masters developed a "standard pulling method"—the tea must be pulled seven times, each swing creating a perfect arc in the air. This is how they achieve the signature smoothness and richness of the tea base.

Third, in recent years, more new boutique milk tea shops have opened, touting "hand-whisked" drinks made with fresh animal milk instead of evaporated milk. Prices are double or even triple those of traditional cha chaan teng, yet they still attract endless young customers.

A fourth trend is rather bittersweet: due to soaring rents in Causeway Bay, several historic cha chaan teng have closed or relocated—including the original Heinnessy Road location, which has now become a chain pharmacy.

🚩 Recommended Spots

1. Cheung Shun Cha Chaan Teng (Tin Hau)

Address: G/F, 15 Tin Hau Temple Road, Tin Hau
This is arguably one of the last old-school cha chaan teng in the Causeway Bay area. Owner Uncle Chan has been doing this for forty years, starting from a stall opposite the former Daigu department store. Even today, he still wakes up at 5am every day to brew the tea himself. His silk stocking milk tea leans toward a strong, slightly bitter flavor—the traditional "bitter tea" taste—paired perfectly with his homemade egg tarts.Average spend: HK$25-40

2. Australian Dairy Company (Causeway Bay)

Address: G/F, 31-33 Sugar Street, Soundwill Plaza
Yes, this is the famous "Aus Cow". While it's best known for its scrambled egg toast, its iced milk tea is equally excellent. Using premium Ceylon black tea with rich, non-cloying milk flavor, the generous portion stays strong until closing—so you can linger enjoyably without it diluting.Average spend: HK$30-50

3. Green Tea Company (Japan Street)

Address: 78-84 Percival Street, Causeway Bay
This place takes the opposite route—Japanese refined aesthetics. Their matcha latte uses top-grade Uji Maruku matcha paired with Hokkaido milk, achieving excellent balance between tea and dairy notes. If you love Instagram-worthy spots, the wooden interior design is sure to please.Average spend: HK$55-80

4. Kam Tung Cha Chaan Teng (Canal Road)

Address: G/F, 15 Western Canal Road, Causeway Bay
Nestled right next to the Canal Road flyover, this is a very local hole-in-the-wall. Their drink called "milk tea" is actually called "tea base" because the master blends seven-year-aged Pu-erh with Ceylon black tea, creating an incredibly chewy texture with powerful aftertension. Their polo bun (buttered pineapple bun) is also fantastic— piping hot with a crispy exterior and soft interior—a perfect combo with their milk tea.Average spend: HK$22-35

5. Teakha (Causeway Bay)

Address: G/F, 16 Kai Chiu Road, Causeway Bay
A recent addition to the hipster tea scene, the owner transitioned from the fashion industry to open this shop under the banner of "local tea beverages." They use tea leaves from local Hong Kong tea gardens, brewing each cup by hand. Every drink comes with a numbered tea card so you can choose your preferred tea flavor. Prices are on the higher side but the experience is unique.Average spend: HK$60-95

📍 Practical Info

Getting There: Exit A from Causeway Bay MTR station provides the quickest access to most spots; Tin Hau station is within walking distance.

Best Season: Year-round is great for milk tea, though summer cold drinks cost an extra $3-5; hot milk tea is especially warming in winter.

Average Cost: Traditional cha chaan Teng: approximately HK$25-50; boutique milk tea shops: approximately HK$55-100.

🚩 Travel Tips

1. Most cha chaan teng start breakfast service around 6am, with lunch hours between 2-3pm being quieter—ideal times if you prefer a peaceful drink.

2. Many old-school shops only accept cash, so bring exact change; if heading to Tin Hau or needing to take the cross-harbor ferry, exchange for Hong Kong dollars beforehand.

3. Over seventy percent of Causeway Bay cha chaan teng offer English menus to cater to tourists—point to pictures if you can't read English.

4. If your goal is "truly traditional silk stocking milk tea," head to old-school shops in Tin Hau or Tai Hang areas, avoiding tourist zones like Percival Street and Sugar Street. Quality is much more consistent and prices are far more economical.