Hong Kong has been regarded as one of the dream destinations of every foodie in the world. The country is brimming with a wide array of food; from Hong Kong’s classic and authentic dishes to the unique taste of international cuisines. With this abundance of gastronomic delights in the country, restaurants over there have been incorporating Western and Eastern cuisine into their menu. Perhaps one of the restaurants that offered this mix on the menu is Honolulu Café.

Honolulu Café first opened its branch in 2019 at SM Aura Premier. Three months later, the store opened its second batch at Robinsons Place Manila. Honolulu Café continued to expand and thrive in the country as it recently opened its third branch at 2nd level, Greenbelt 5, Makati City.

Founded by Mr. Yeung Jin Hei in the 1940s, the original “chá chaan teng” is popular for its unique dining experience and a wide selection of Western pastries and Chinese dishes. And now, the restaurant has brought the flavors of Hong Kong into the country for the third time as it recently opened its newest branch at Greenbelt 5, Makati City.

Located on the second floor of the city’s premier shopping and dining paradise, Honolulu Café is easy to find. With its big glowing sign and logo, visitors are immediately greeted by the freshly-baked pastries displayed in the vitrine, including Coconut Cocktail Bun, Red Bean Bun, Luncheon Meat and Egg Bun, Mexico Chocolate Chip Bun, Bo Lo Red Bean Bun, Mini Pork BBQ Bun, Bo Lo BBQ Pork Bun, and Honolulu Bo Lo Bun.

In a separate glass window case, their famous egg tarts are on display as well, which glow like a sun with their yellow, smooth custard appearance. These, as well as the comforting interior design of the place, only add to the inviting aura of the store that makes you want to dine inside and experience what Honolulu Café has to offer.

And boy, what a great gastronomic experience it was because each dish served on the table has its unique and distinct taste.

The Curry Fish Ball is something out of the ordinary and new to the ears, but this dish is packed with interesting savory flavors. Coated in creamy curry sauce, the Curry Fish Balls definitely look like a ball of sunshine on a plate, and their texture is even soft and easy to chew.

Another dish that is bursting in curry sauce is their Beef Brisket. Served in a casserole, the large chunks of potatoes and tenderly-cooked beef are slathered with creamy and thick sauce. Other than the meats and vegetables, there’s something about the curry sauce that makes you want to go for another bite. Its flavor is rich with spices, and the heat isn’t overpowering. This dish, dare I say, is definitely something diners shouldn’t miss.

Another interesting take on a seafood dish is their Deep Fried Prawn with Thousand Island Sauce. These bite-sized prawns are crispy on the outside, and juicy and tender on the inside. The prawns are coated in a creamy thousand island dressing, which has the perfect amount of tanginess and sweetness.

The restaurant also has a wide selection of roast meats on its menu. One you should definitely try is their Roasted Pork Belly. Paired with a mustard dip, the pork’s skin is crispy, while the meat itself is soft and moist. What makes it a delicious dish is the perfect amount of fat-to-meat ratio.

Roasted Pork Belly Honolulu — Roasted Pork Belly

Another dish in their compendium of barbecued meat selection is the Roasted BBQ Pork. The perfectly sliced meat is coated in a barbecue glaze, which tasted heavenly. The sweetness of the sauce is just right, and not too overpowering.

Roasted BBQ pork Honolulu — Roasted BBQ Pork

Of course, the experience wouldn’t be completed without tasting the Honolulu Café staple: the egg tart. This famous desert has a smooth custard in the center, enveloped by a flaky and crispy crust. The egg custard itself is smooth and creamy, and not overly sweet. The crust, on the other hand, is thin yet crispy. You might just have to watch out for the flakes falling every time you take a bite, though!

Aside from their dishes, Honolulu Café also served refreshing and quintessential Hong Kong drinks, such as Hong Kong Style Coffee, Iced Red Bean with Milk, Honey Lemon, Lemon Tea, and Yuan Yang.

It’s no wonder why many are hyping up Honolulu Café; its reputation precedes itself. They indeed served and brought the authentic flavors of Hong Kong with a tinge of Western cuisine. So, if you’re looking for something out of the ordinary to eat, you don’t have to hop on a plane and fly somewhere. Just check out Honolulu Café and enjoy the delectable dishes they have to offer.

Check out Honolulu Café on their Facebook and Instagram to find out what’s new.

INQUIRER.net BrandRoom/LMR