Hong Kong holds a special place in my heart, and my first trip there with college friends set the bar high. We touched down from the Philippines on a red-eye flight, bleary-eyed and starving. Luckily, a friend’s research led us straight to Mon Kee Cafe in Tsim Sha Tsui. It opens its doors at 7 AM which is a total lifesaver when you’re staying at Sheraton Hotel Hong Kong and need fuel fast!
Ambiance and Location
Mon Kee is a quintessential cha chaan teng. These cafes emerged during the British colonial era, blending Chinese and Western flavors into unique, sometimes “unusual” fusion dishes.
Don’t expect a sleek, Instagrammable interior. Instead, you get an authentic, bustling local atmosphere. It’s small, busy, and unpretentious. It is exactly where the locals eat. You’ll find it on the ground floor of Kowloon Centre on Ashley Road, just a quick 3-minute walk from MTR Exit L5.
Mon Kee Cafe Breakfast Experience
During that first visit, we dove headfirst into the menu. Here’s the breakdown of our morning feast:
Specialty Sandwich with Luncheon Meat (HKD 42): This sounds like a wild experiment—scrambled eggs, peanut butter, luncheon meat, and lettuce. I expected it to be weird, but it was actually delicious!
Instant Noodles with Satay Beef (HKD 45): This comes with buttered toast and eggs on the side. While the flavor was a bit mild, the hot chicken soup felt like a warm hug after our early flight.
French Round Bread (HKD 36): Topped with peanut butter and condensed milk, this bread is wonderfully crispy. It gets a little messy, but it’s the perfect companion for a hot cup of tea.
Hot Milk Tea (HKD 18): Rich, smooth, and aromatic. Just a heads-up for my fellow Filipinos: this isn’t the sugary milk tea we have back home! It’s bold and unsweetened, so prepare your taste buds for a real tea kick.
Even if you’re new to Hong Kong’s dining style, don’t sweat it. The staff here are approachable. Just scan the QR code to order and remember to pay your bill at the counter on your way out! Literally, “bill out”.
Mon Kee Cafe Late Lunch Experience
I loved it so much that I brought my mom and godmother back during my second trip. Since we were already souvenir shopping in Tsim Sha Tsui, it was the most convenient pitstop.
We tested out the heavy hitters this time:
Rice with Scrambled Eggs & BBQ (Char Siu) Pork (HKD 62): This is their bestseller for a reason. The eggs are silky, the pork is juicy, and the homemade sweet soy sauce ties it all together. It’s incredibly filling.
Macaroni with Sliced Ham (HKD 52): A true comfort dish in a cream of chicken soup. It’s a bit plain, but if you’re a “soup person” like me, it hits the spot.
Verdict
If you need an early breakfast or a nostalgic comfort meal, Mon Kee Cafe is your spot. It’s all about convenience and authentic flavors without the frills. Skip the noodle soups if you want a “wow” factor, but definitely stop by if you want to eat like a Hong Kong local. Check out some of the other meals we tried in Hong Kong.
