Wong Kar Wai-Inspired Charm: Exploring Hong Kong Style Tapas at Cha Chaan Teng, Singapore
Tucked discreetly along Lavender Street, Cha Chaan Teng stands out with its alluring blend of restaurant, cocktail bar, and tapas joint, evoking the cinematic ambiance of a Wong Kar Wai film.
Its emerald green façade, adorned with a subtle red glow, beckons curious passersby into a world where 1980s Hong Kong meets contemporary chic. Inside, open-concept seating and cozy booths create intimate spaces perfect for reliving scenes from “In the Mood for Love” or hosting group gatherings in a private dining area, available by reservation.
Designed as a homage to Hong Kong’s cinematic heyday, the interior exudes a retro charm with its eclectic mix of vintage coffeeshop furniture and neon accents. The play of red and green fluorescent lights casts a mesmerizing ambience akin to the chiaroscuro of a noir film, setting the stage for intimate gatherings and spirited conversations. BK and Mirul curate an innovative menu that marries traditional teahouse delights with bold Singaporean flavors, tantalizing taste buds and redefining culinary boundaries.
Whether ensconced in a cozy booth, bathed in the glow of a solitary overhead light, or seated at communal tables, Cha Chaan Teng invites patrons to savor not just food and drink, but an experience—a cinematic journey through flavors, ambiance, and shared moments that linger long after the last cocktail is savored.
Signature Cocktails
Haam Ning Mung Salted Limes $25
Milagro Silver, Cointreau, lacto-fermented preserved lime, rosemary smoke
Smoky, briny, sour
ABV: 26%
This punchy tipple pays tipple to Bruce Lee and Jeet Kune Do. Complex citrus notes are tied together with woody rosemary for a head-over-heels experience
The Haam Ning Mung Salted Limes is a sophisticated blend of Milagro Silver tequila, Cointreau, and lacto-fermented preserved lime, meticulously crafted to perfection. What sets it apart is the infusion of rosemary smoke, which elevates the drinking experience to new heights. The presentation alone is mesmerizing, as wisps of rosemary smoke dance above the glass, hinting at the complex flavors within.
Upon the first sip, one is greeted with a harmonious marriage of flavors. The initial smokiness, imparted by the rosemary infusion, gives way to the bright and zesty citrus notes of the preserved lime. The Milagro Silver tequila provides a smooth backbone, complemented by the subtle sweetness and depth of Cointreau. The cocktail strikes a delicate balance between smoky, briny, and sour elements, creating a multi-dimensional taste profile that evolves with each sip.
With an ABV of 26%, the Haam Ning Mung Salted Limes delivers a punchy yet refined experience.
Tong Sui Cocktails
Faa Cha Floral Tea
Hendricks gin, jasmine tea distillate, elderflower, grape, lime, aiyu jelly
Sweet, floral
ABV: 18.5%
A harmonious dance of flavors with tea, citrus, flowers and a naughty close of Hendricks gin to light up your evening.
From the first sip, the Faa Cha Floral Tea captivates with its sweet and floral notes. The jasmine tea distillate infuses a fragrant essence that perfectly complements the subtle hints of elderflower and grape. A splash of lime adds a refreshing citrusy zing, balancing the sweetness with a touch of tartness.
What sets this cocktail apart is the inclusion of Hendricks gin, which adds a naughty twist to the otherwise delicate flavors. The gin’s botanicals interplay with the floral and fruity elements, creating a nuanced complexity that evolves on the palate.
The cocktail unfolds like a symphony, with each ingredient playing its part in a well-choreographed performance.
Snacks
Wu Tao Gou $10.9
Yam cake shaker fries, hae bee hiam salt, roasted sesame, chives
Indulge in the Wu Tao Gou, a unique and savory treat priced at $10.90. This dish features yam cake shaker fries seasoned with hae bee hiam salt, roasted sesame, and chives, promising a flavor-packed experience that satisfies both cravings and curiosity.
The Wu Tao Gou presents a creative twist on traditional yam cake, transforming it into crispy shaker fries that boast a delightful crunch with every bite. The hae bee hiam salt adds a bold umami punch, complemented by the nutty richness of roasted sesame.
Each element of the Wu Tao Gou is thoughtfully crafted to deliver a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. The fries are not just a side dish but a culinary adventure, offering a satisfying contrast between the creamy yam interior and the crisp exterior.
Dim Sum
Haa Gaau $13.9
Steamed crystal skin prawn dumplings shrimp jelly, ginger, black vinegar
This classic dim sum delicacy embodies the essence of Cantonese cuisine.
The Haa Gaau is a testament to culinary craftsmanship, with each delicate dumpling showcasing the skillful art of dim sum making. The crystal-clear skin is tender yet resilient, encasing a filling that bursts with freshness and flavor. The dumplings are steamed to perfection, ensuring that every ingredient retains its natural essence while melding seamlessly together.
Vegetables
Zeen Yeung Sam Bo $13.9
Oven-baked eggplant, red chilli and loofa black bean tofu filling, crushed cashew nuts, chives, roasted sesame seeds, hoisin sauce
Experience the rich flavors of Zeen Yeung Sam Bo, where oven-baked eggplant, red chili, and loofah are each stuffed with a savory black bean tofu filling. This innovative dish is topped with crushed cashew nuts, chives, roasted sesame seeds, and a drizzle of hoisin sauce, creating a symphony of textures and tastes.
Zeen Yeung Sam Bo showcases a creative blend of ingredients, starting with the tender and flavorful oven-baked eggplant. The red chili adds a spicy kick, balanced by the refreshing crunch of the loofah, all filled with a satisfying black bean tofu mixture that delights the palate with every bite.
Enhancing the dish are the crushed cashew nuts and roasted sesame seeds, which provide a delightful crunch and nutty undertone. The hoisin sauce ties everything together with its sweet and savory notes, creating a cohesive and satisfying culinary experience.
Zeen Yeung Sam Bo is a testament to inventive vegetarian cuisine, offering a flavorful and filling option that celebrates the diversity of plant-based ingredients.
Carbs
Leung Mein Wong $3.9
Fried ee-mian noodles, seaweed mushroom broth, spring onions
Leung Mein Wong is a testament to the art of noodle craftsmanship, where each strand of ee-mian noodles is expertly fried to achieve a crispy texture that contrasts beautifully with the rich and umami-packed seaweed mushroom broth. The broth itself is a delicately balanced blend of savory seaweed and earthy mushroom flavors, offering a soothing and heartwarming experience with every spoonful.
Meat
Haa Cheong Tin Gai $15.9
Battered marinated prawn paste frog legs, chives roasted sesame, sweet chilli sauce
Haa Cheong Tin Gai presents a delightful fusion of textures and flavors, starting with tender frog legs coated in a crispy batter infused with prawn paste. The batter enhances the natural sweetness of the frog legs while providing a satisfying crunch with each bite.
The sweet chili sauce on the side offers a tangy and spicy kick, balancing the richness of the dish with its vibrant and refreshing taste.
Fan Gai $14.9
Cold-smoked jasmine tea chicken thigh, herbed tiger salad
Fan Gai offers a unique twist on traditional chicken dishes, where the chicken thigh is cold-smoked with jasmine tea, imparting a delicate floral aroma and a hint of smokiness. The chicken thigh itself is tender and juicy, showcasing the skillful preparation and attention to detail.
Accompanying the chicken is a herbed tiger salad that provides a crisp and refreshing contrast. The salad is bursting with fresh flavors, enhanced by aromatic herbs that elevate the overall dining experience.
Cha Chaan Teng
284 Lavender Street Singapore 338802
Tel: 8914 8984
