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Unique restaurants and bars have been the upward trend now as dining experiences go beyond the expectations of good food but also ambiance. Let this glutton mummy bring you to the streets of Jalan Besar to experience how it feels like to enjoy a dining experience with the mood and mystique of 1990s Hong Kong Cinema – Cha Chaan Tengs (CCT), a restaurant, cocktail and tapas bar!

Located along Lavender Street, Cha Chaan Teng (茶餐厅)stands out with a simple yet sophisticated shop entrance. It immediately caught my eye and called out to me.

Dine In The Mystique of 1990s Hong Kong Cinema at Cha Chann Teng (CCT)

Simple yet sophisticated entrance of Cha Chaan Teng (CCT)

You’ll be greeted with red and green neon lighting that calls out more to vintage retro vibes here! Unique thematic dining experience checked, top-notch services checked, quality food and beverages checked, what’s there not to love?! I would love to sit here and chill with a nice cocktail like some Hong Kong movie stars.

Dine In The Mystique of 1990s Hong Kong Cinema at Cha Chann Teng (CCT)

Dine In The Mystique of 1990s Hong Kong Cinema at Cha Chaan Teng (CCT)

If you walk further in, you’ll be greeted with more retro and nostalgic vibes of Hong Kong Films. My mind was greeted immediately with flashbacks and memories of famous Hong Kong Movies such as “God of Gamblers” (赌神), and “Once Upon a Time in China” (男儿当自强). I was even greeted by Stephen Chow’s movie here. My impression of Hong Kong furniture style typically had more curved lines and neon colours (as seen in most films).  Cha Chaan Teng (CCT) carried such elements which made me feel like I just walked into a 1990s Hong Kong Cinema and had a meal there.

Dine In The Mystique of 1990s Hong Kong Cinema at Cha Chann Teng (CCT)

Curved accent furniture with geometric prints tile

Of course, unique restaurants must also stand out with some unique dishes on their menu! Let me bring you in to see what stands out here at Cha Chaan Teng!

Let’s start with some nibbles first because I do love to enjoy my cocktails with some finger food! Perfect chilling experience over a nice drink. My attention was set on Wu Tau Gou, a traditional yam cake with a twist. The yam cake was cut into fries-like sizes and placed into a paper bag for you to Shake it out! Sounds familiar like the shaker fries?! Not to mention that it gets my tastebud on an addictive journey here. The unique blend is the seasoning of hae bee hiam salt!

Dine In The Mystique of 1990s Hong Kong Cinema at Cha Chann Teng (CCT)

Dine In The Mystique of 1990s Hong Kong Cinema at Cha Chaan Teng (CCT)

I get the Siu Aap (Roasted Duck) as well. I’m not exactly a fan when it comes to meat but somehow this Siu Aap was calling out to me! Like a must-have if I’m here because I always seem to notice Siu Yak in most Hong Kong Movies. Rich and flavourful, made with their in-house Plum sauce! It undergoes a 48-hour air-drying process before it is roasted. Definitely a must try dish here!

Dine In The Mystique of 1990s Hong Kong Cinema at Cha Chann Teng (CCT)

Siu Aap, Roasted Duck

One common Hong Kong dish – Har Cheong Gai was also innovatively improved here. Over here, you’ll find Har Cheong Tin Gai, where frog legs were used in place of chicken wings and made with a house-fermented shrimp paste! Not to mention that the crispy and crunch texture has got my taste buds flying in the clouds! 

I chose Yeung Chi Gum Lo, a classic mango sago now in Mousse that’s encased in a white chocolate, coconut milk ganache on a bed of sago vanilla crumbs! I love this dessert!

Dine In The Mystique of 1990s Hong Kong Cinema at Cha Chann Teng (CCT)

Of course, good food must come with the perfect beverage. How about a cup of hot cocktail for the night to warm your soul? Featuring Mo Wan (Tony Leung in the Mood of Love). Do not underestimate this small cocktail, it’s stronger than it looks!

Dine In The Mystique of 1990s Hong Kong Cinema at Cha Chann Teng (CCT)

Co-founders BK and Mirul aim to make this space that not only serves great food and drinks but also creates memories and a community. “We are that perfect blend of whimsy and comfort, hoping to bring the soul of HK’s cha chaan tengs to Jalan Besar where they celebrate heritage and camaraderie”. 

If you are looking to unwind after a long day, Town is not the only place for a nice cocktail. Try out this Cha Chaan Teng at the heartbeat of Jalan Besar! Experience a nostalgic dining experience for yourself here!

Dine In The Mystique of 1990s Hong Kong Cinema at Cha Chann Teng (CCT)

Dine In The Mystique of 1990s Hong Kong Cinema at Cha Chaan Teng (CCT)

Address: 284 Lavender Street, Singapore 338802
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun (except Tuesday), 5pm-late
Reservations: +6597720752

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cct.sg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cctsingapore

Read More by Voice of The Ladies Cue, Aziel Khoo