Hong Kong: Kam Wah Cafe

Polo Bao (Pineapple Bun; literally) contains NO pineapple, but the resemblance comes from the sugar-crusted top with a significant crunch. My Hong Kong friend was asking what do I want to eat in Hong Kong, I told him I want to eat the BEST Polo Bun and here I am, at Kam Wah Cafe (金华冰厅).

Located right on the busy Bute Street, Kam Wah Cafe can easily be spotted due to the crowds outside the restaurant taking away the delicious Polo Buns and other pastries. This unassuming-looking ‘char chan teng’ has been featured on countless media with their proudest being able to make it to CNN.

You can have the Polo Bun plain or sandwiched with butter or egg at $7, with the former being the more popular choice. The salted butter is said to be home made and gives a good contrast of flavor since the Polo Bun’s crust tastes sweet. The Polo Bun here is very crispy, flaky and yet tantalizing with a pinch of lemon taste. Perfect with a cup of coffee or tea.

Having one Polo Bun is just nice but anything more than that would be a sweetness overkill. We tried the french toast here too. I think they must have used the same secret butter as the toast here also have a lemon taste, just like the Polo Bun.

To end it off, I had a bowl of macron too. There is this attractive factor to the macaroni breakfast in Hong Kong. The chicken soup is simple yet comforting. And Kam Wah’s macaroni soup comes with hot dog, ham, char sew and egg, which is quite a spread!

No matter what time you enter the restaurant, Kam Wah Cafe is full of customers. But its not big deal as the waiters are efficient.