Lan Fong Yuen Hong Kong {蘭芳園} – famous Hong Kong milk tea

This is one of many posts that are part of the series Jen’s Guide – Best Places to Eat in Hong Kong for Visitors.

Lan Fong Yuen (蘭芳園) is truly an institution in Hong Kong.

This cha chaan teng (Hong Kong style breakfast place) started out as a single family-owned dai pai dong, or open-air food stall, back in 1953. As time went on, they added milk tea, French Toast, and other sweet snacks.

Lan Fong Yen is best known most for inventing the Hong Kong style silk stocking or “pantyhose” milk tea, called such because the long custom-shaped cloth bags in which the tea is made look like silk stockings or pantyhose.

They use their own proprietary blend of teas, and it’s quite strong and fragrant. You can smell the lovely tea aromas as you walk up to the shop.

I love how bold the tea flavor is, both in the iced version and the hot version. Yes, there’s a lot of rich, creamy evaporated milk, but it stands up nicely to the very strong tea. The result is a bold, flavorful, and creamy milk tea.

Soooo delicious.

Lan Fong Yuen also makes an excellent Hong Kong style French Toast, which is not only deep fried, it’s also topped with butter. It is really good. Other dishes that are popular include the pork chop bun and the pan fried chicken instant noodles, neither of which I have had a chance to try.

Lan Fong Yuen Hong Kong – TIPS

Expect long lines, especially during meal times. If you’re at the TST location, you can order take-out directly at the counter. The line that snakes around the wall is for people who want to dine-in.

Similarly, the Central location has a separate “line” for take-out versus eat-in. At times it may seem like a mess. Just make sure not to be too timid. Definitely speak up to make sure they have taken your order. Sometimes it’s a bit unclear how the line works, and the more aggressive ones sometimes “win”.

You may be expected to share tables, and there’s a $25 HKD minimum for eat-in guests.

I’ve tried several different Hong Kong style breakfast places, and I must say Lan Fong Yuen makes my favorite Hong Kong style milk tea. I love the deep, rich tea flavor which stands up so well to the creamy evaporated milk. It’s delicious both hot or cold – just pick the one you want based on the outside temperatures. If you really want that strong hit of concentrated tea flavor, go for the hot one, which won’t be slowly diluted over time with ice cubes.

Definitely a must-try Hong Kong institution.

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Lan Fong Yuen Hong Kong Locations

Central 
2 Gage Street, Central, HK
This original location has the most charm since it still maintains a portion of the green awning from the original open-air restaurant.

Tsim Sha Tsui (Kowloon Location)
Shop 26, WK Square, Basement, Chungking Mansions, 36-44 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
This satellite location is hidden in a basement of a discount shopping mall. You’ll be surrounded by sneakers and fitness apparel.  

Sheung Wan 
Shop 304D, 3/F, Shun Tak Centre, 168-200 Connaugh Road Central, Sheung Wan