HKDictionary

Hong Kong Café Orders in Cantonese

The cha chaan teng (Hong Kong-style café) has its own ordering vocabulary: silky 奶茶 (naai5 caa4, milk tea), the famous 菠蘿包 (bo1 lo4 baau1, pineapple bun), and more. Learn to order these classics with confident pronunciation.

naaiˏ₅奶caaˎ₄茶
This is the traditional British drink of a blend of teas normally drunk with milk and sugar and a biscuit.
菠蘿包
pineapple bun
西多士
French toast
gungˉ¹公zaiˊ²仔minˍ₆麵
Instant Noodles (often known in the West as ramen noodles) General term for instant noodles, taken from a common brand with a doll icon. A staple diet of many a lazy student!
dung˗₃凍lingˎ₄檸caaˎ₄茶
iced lemon tea

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Frequently asked questions

What is a cha chaan teng?

A 茶餐廳 (caa4 caan1 teng1) is a Hong Kong-style café serving cheap, fast local food — milk tea, buns, and rice or noodle plates.

How do you order Hong Kong milk tea in Cantonese?

Ask for 奶茶 (naai5 caa4). For the iced lemon tea classic, say 凍檸茶 (dung3 ning4 caa4).

What is a 菠蘿包 (bo1 lo4 baau1)?

A pineapple bun — a sweet bun with a crackly top and no actual pineapple. A cha chaan teng staple.

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