Last Updated on 2026-03-01 by Tsubaki
When it comes to Hong Kong’s iconic cha chaan teng (local-style diners), Kam Wah Cafe is undoubtedly one of the classics. Located near Prince Edward MTR Station, this time-honored cafe is best known for its legendary bolo yau (pineapple bun with butter) and attracts both locals and travelers alike. Especially during breakfast and afternoon tea hours, it’s not unusual to see a long queue snaking outside the shop, proof of its enduring popularity.
Kam Wah’s signature hot pineapple bun with cold butter, also known as ice-fire pineapple bun, is its biggest draw. But the shop also offers other local favorites like egg tarts, Hong Kong-style milk tea, and yuanyang (coffee with tea), making it a great spot for breakfast, tea time, or even a casual meal. The menu is extensive, and the atmosphere is full of old-school local charm, earning Kam Wah a solid spot on many must-eat lists.
I stopped by Kam Wah Cafe after enjoying a dim sum feast at the ever-popular One Dim Sum, which is conveniently nearby. Since Kam Wah proudly holds the title of “Hong Kong’s No.1 Ice-Fire Pineapple Bun,” I couldn’t resist dropping in to try it myself. Here’s my full experience and menu highlights from this nostalgic gem.
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Why is Kam Wah Cafe So Famous?
Kam Wah Cafe owes its fame not just to delicious food but to the nostalgic vibes and strong connection to Hong Kong’s cha chaan teng culture. Established in 1973, this over-40-year-old institution is a place many locals grew up with.
From the vintage interior and tightly packed seating to the lightning-fast service and local chatter, the entire setting is pure old-school Hong Kong. The steady stream of customers and constant line out front have made it a landmark in the Prince Edward area.
Its most iconic item? Undoubtedly the pineapple bun with butter that’s hailed as the best in the city. Fresh out of the oven, the hot bun is sliced open and stuffed with a thick slice of Anchor butter from New Zealand, creating a delightful contrast of hot and cold, crispy and creamy. The bun itself is rich and substantial, with a crunchy exterior and chewy interior, one satisfying bite after another.
But beyond the bolo yau, Kam Wah’s menu also includes a variety of classic dishes such as French toast, flaky egg tarts, pork chop buns, and chicken chop with noodles. These dishes are not only authentic in flavor but also fairly priced and generously portioned, making them well-loved by both locals and tourists.
How to Get to Kam Wah Cafe – Address and Payment Info
Kam Wah Cafe is located in Kowloon’s Mong Kok area. Just a 5-minute walk from Prince Edward Station, Exit B2, super convenient!
Heads up: The shop does not accept HKD 1000 notes, but it does accept Octopus cards, WeChat Pay, and Alipay.
✔️ Kam Wah Cafe （Kam Wah Cafe & Cake Shop）
Address: 45-47 Bute Street, Mong Kok, Hong Kong（Google Maps）
Google Maps Code 85C9+WV Mong Kok, Hong Kong
Nearest Station: Prince Edward Station, Exit B2, 5-min walk
Opening Hours: 06:30–22:00
Notes: No HK$1000 bills accepted; accepts Octopus, WeChat Pay, and Alipay (Official Website)
Recommended Dishes at Kam Wah Cafe
After finishing up at One Dim Sum, I strolled over to Kam Wah around 2 PM. Even though I had missed the peak lunch hour, the place was still packed with customers.
Since I was already pretty full, I opted for just a few of their bestsellers. We ordered the staff-recommended ice-fire pineapple bun, an egg tart, a lemon black tea, and a Hong Kong-style yuanyang. The staff also suggested a set that paired an egg tart with chicken wings, but we were too stuffed to handle more. So we stuck with the classics to savor Kam Wah’s signature flavors.
Signature Pineapple Bun with Butter
The texture of the bun was solid and dense, not just surface-level crunch with a hollow inside like some other places. The buttery-salty flavor of the thick-cut butter was a perfect match. Still, if I had to be honest, I personally prefer the version from “Waso Cafe”, which is fluffier and comes with an even thicker slab of butter. That’s just my own taste, though!
Egg Tart
Kam Wah’s egg tart turned out to be a lovely surprise. Unlike the flaky Portuguese-style ones, this tart had a soft, slightly moist crust with an incredibly smooth and eggy custard. It had a homemade feel and was flavorful without any artificial aftertaste. I really enjoyed it.
Drinks: Lemon Black Tea & Yuanyang
The lemon black tea was just okay, it didn’t quite match the one we had at Yuan Ji Dumpling on our first day in Hong Kong, but maybe my expectations were too high. On the other hand, the yuanyang (half coffee, half milk tea) really stood out. It was bold, sweet, and creamy, with both coffee and milk tea flavors punching through. If you like rich, intense drinks, this one will hit the spot.
Is Kam Wah Cafe Worth a Visit?
If it’s your first time in Hong Kong and you want to experience authentic cha chaan teng culture, then Kam Wah Cafe absolutely deserves a spot on your itinerary. There’s something magical about sitting in a classic local diner, biting into a hot pineapple bun with cold butter, savoring an egg tart, and sipping a cup of yuanyang, all while soaking in the old-school Hong Kong vibe.
That said, if you’re already a pineapple bun connoisseur, you might end up comparing versions just like I did. But either way, it’s worth checking off your list!
✔️ Kam Wah Cafe （Kam Wah Cafe & Cake Shop）
Address: 45-47 Bute Street, Mong Kok, Hong Kong（Google Maps）
Google Maps Code 85C9+WV Mong Kok, Hong Kong
Nearest Station: Prince Edward Station, Exit B2, 5-min walk
Opening Hours: 06:30–22:00
Notes: No HK$1000 bills accepted; accepts Octopus, WeChat Pay, and Alipay (Official Website)
Wishing you all
a wonderful and satisfying dining experience at Kam Wah Cafe, enjoy every bite! 😊
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