Step into the bustling atmosphere of Australia Dairy Company, and you’ll find yourself immersed in the vibrant energy of a quintessential Cha Chaan Teng (Hong Kong-style café).
Australia Dairy Company is a name that resonates with the rich culinary history of Hong Kong.
This iconic establishment, known for its steamed milk pudding, egg pudding, and scrambled egg sandwiches, is a testament to the city’s vibrant food culture.
When I visited Australia Dairy Company in April 2024, I was greeted by a sight that spoke volumes about its popularity.
This line stretched from the doorway to the side of the restaurant.
The venue is one of the must-visit cafes for local vibes and is also a local go-to spot.
It is ideal for fast breakfasts, afternoon tea, desserts, or snacks.
At Australia Dairy Company, queuing up is not just a necessity; it’s part of the experience.
As you wait, you’ll see the vibrant energy of the café, hear the chatter of locals and tourists alike, and feel the anticipation building up.
Everyone eagerly awaits their turn to savor the culinary delights within.
A true measure of a top-notch Cha Chaan Teng lies in its balance of local regulars and curious visitors.
At this popular café, you’ll find an impressive 50:50 ratio, where locals and newcomers converge to savor its delights.
Here, efficiency is not just a buzzword – it’s a way of life.
Orders are swiftly taken, served promptly, and devoured with gusto, ensuring you get the most out of your visit.
Speed is of the essence in this establishment—from ordering to serving and ultimately enjoying your meal.
Blink, and you might miss the swift efficiency with which your food arrives at your table.
But don’t worry; the pace adds to the excitement, ensuring every moment is filled with anticipation.
As you relish your meal, you’ll notice the subtle yet polite reminders from the staff that it’s time to make room for the next eager diners.
After you finish eating, the staff will politely ask you to leave so others can take your place.
This isn’t bad because the lines outside can sometimes be long, stretching around the building.
It shows how much people love coming to Australia Dairy Company for a tasty meal.
The restaurant is notable for its efficient but often rude service. The average customer visit lasts only 10 minutes.
It has been described as an iconic Hong Kong restaurant.
Explore the Australia Dairy Company menu while rows of milk bottles line the shelves, offering a glimpse into the wide array of dairy delights awaiting customers at this iconic establishment.
Australia Dairy Company Origins
Australia Dairy Company (澳洲牛奶公司) is a traditional Cha Chaan Teng in Jordan, Hong Kong.
The beloved café holds a special place in the HK culinary landscape.
The vibes are very local despite the café’s name.
It is renowned for its delectable offerings of steamed milk pudding, creamy scrambled eggs, toasted delights, and heavenly custard dishes.
Australia Dairy Company’s roots lie in the founder’s 1940s experiences on an Australian farm, while its name reflects its use of high-quality Australian dairy ingredients.
It’s a testament to the founder’s dedication to bringing a taste of his past adventures to the vibrant streets of Hong Kong.
Recognition
The restaurant has earned several prestigious awards in recent years.
In 2010, Asian lifestyle magazine CNNGo recommended it in its Best Eats Awards.
Honored with OpenRice Best Restaurant Awards, it excels in categories like Best Restaurant in Tsim Sha Tsui (2014–15) and Best Hong Kong Style Tea Restaurant (2008–2015).
Moreover, The Guardian highlighted it as one of the top 10 budget restaurants in Hong Kong.
Described as an iconic Hong Kong eatery and considered a local institution, it has left an indelible mark on the culinary scene.
In an article for The New York Times style magazine, Jade Lai captured its essence: “I like the aesthetic of this place—it’s very Wong Kar-wai.
A testament to its popularity! A long queue forms outside Australia Dairy Company, showcasing its status as a beloved dining destination sought after by locals and visitors alike.
Australia Dairy Company
The café is cozy, with small tables and tiny stools.
Despite its modest size, the café exudes a sense of camaraderie with its intimate seating arrangements.
If you’re dining alone, you might share a table with someone else. In busy restaurants in Hong Kong, sharing a table with strangers is how things are.
The small and cramped Australia Dairy Company restaurant is always packed with eager diners, drawn by its reputation for delicious food and bustling atmosphere.
Here’s a tip: Before entering the café, look at the online or storefront menu and decide what you want to order.
Since you might share a table with others, it’s good to be ready.
The menu is on a yellow sheet of paper covered by plastic on the table — another standard feature of restaurants in Hong Kong — and the server was prompt in taking our orders.
So be quick to tell the staff what you want to eat.
This is an authentic Hong Kong’ café/diner-style.’ It was a blast; we were in and out in under 10 minutes.
We ordered the steamed egg pudding with almond flavor (杏汁燉雞蛋) and steamed milk pudding with egg white (蛋白燉鲜奶).
The two puddings were on our table, followed by the free sweet tea.
I loved the steamed milk pudding. It was incredibly smooth and soft, simply delicious!
However, The steamed egg pudding was richer and denser.
It has a little 腥味 (fishy eggy smell) for me, but my friends love the taste!
I found myself enjoying the steamed milk pudding even more.
Australia Dairy Company offers delicious steamed egg pudding with almonds and milk pudding with egg white, boasting creamy textures and rich flavors.
Conclusion
It’s a place where locals gather to indulge in nostalgia, where every visit is a testament to the enduring appeal of Hong Kong’s café culture.
So, join the queue, embrace the fast-paced rhythm, and allow yourself to be swept away by this beloved establishment’s irresistible charm.
Australia Dairy Company
Cha chaan teng (Hong Kong-style cafe)
Service options: Doesn’t accept reservations
Address: 47 Parkes St, Jordan, Hong Kong
Business Hours: 7:30 am–10 pm
Thursday Closed
Phone: +81356 52 2730
Google: https://maps.app.goo.gl/EJhQ4q5z14KrSjpQA
Blog Disclosure: This is a NOT sponsored blog post. All opinions are mine. The writer and friends paid for their meal.
