Mido Cafe 美都餐室 @ Yau Ma Tei, Hong Kong

Mido Cafe 美都餐室 was built back in the 1950s and has been operating ever since. Mido Cafe is one of the oldest Hong Kong cafes (cha chaan teng) left in Hong Kong.

Mido Cafe 美都餐室

When you’re here, you will be transported back in time. Soak up in the environment of old Hong Kong as you admire the bench seating, partially stained glass windows with green grills and blinds, and vintage mosaic tiled flooring that has been well preserved.

Smack right in the middle of Temple Street at Yau Ma Tei, this place can be crowded with tourists during the weekend. The best timing would be weekdays, especially on Monday, Tuesday, or Thursday as they’re closed on Wednesdays. As for now, they have closed the lower floor so all guests can only occupy the first floor. I wouldn’t mind that because I get to see the view outside from the glass window while sipping on my stocking milk tea. The most prominent view would be of Tin Hau Temple which is just across the street.

Baked Spare Rib with Tomato Sauce 焗茄计排骨饭

Now, on to the food! One of their signature dishes, the Baked Spare Rib with Tomato Sauce at Mido Cafe was superbly delicious! Unlike the usual pork ribs I had before which is dry and tough, the meat here was surprisingly tender. I usually avoid tomato sauce based food due to the sourness. However, Mido Cafe’s rich homemade tomato sauce combined with melted cheese doesn’t taste overly sour. Instead, it has a mildly sweet taste that’s quite addictive. On the base, it’s buttered rice with fragrant fried eggs. I couldn’t find the same taste in Hong Kong restaurants in Malaysia like Kim Gary and Wong Kok!

Price: HKD 68

Condensed Milk & Butter Toast 奶油多士

The truth is, there are two different variations of French Toast at Mido Cafe – the classic one and the deep fried one. The popular one is the deep fried version. I’m surprised nobody mentioned this online. Or maybe there was some miscommunication somewhere. I’m quite sure I said I wanted French Toast but I realized we got Condensed Milk & Butter Toast instead. The bread was spread with butter before it was lightly toasted and topped with condensed milk. I’ve had tastier breads. Totally disappointed.

Price: HKD 13

French Toast 西多士

While looking around, we saw people ordering the Deep Fried French Toast. Although we were already full to the brim, we were determined to have it. This version of French Toast is to die for! The bread was dipped in generous amount of eggs before it was deep fried. The result? A very fragrant and sinful French Toast topped with big slab butter and golden syrup. Some might feel that it’s a bit too greasy but who cares? Fuck diet!

Price: HKD 22

Milk Tea 牛奶红茶

Hong Kongers love their milk tea just like Taiwanese love their bubble tea. Hong Kong style milk tea is different from the ones we normally drink in Malaysia because their version uses evaporated milk instead of condensed milk. We have this too, but we call it Teh C. The use of evaporated milk makes it tastes smoother. However, there will be no hint of sweetness so if you love your tea sweet, you’ll have to add the sugar on your own.

Price: HKD 17 The price here might be slightly pricey compared to other cha chaan teng but I think it’s worth a visit. I love the food so much that I returned on the day before I head back (Day 6). Contrary to what I’ve read online, the service was also good and prompt. I guess Mido Cafe has made some changes after receiving too many bad feedback regarding their service few years ago.

Their menu is very extensive. You can get confused looking at it. But what I suggest is, just look at the first page will do. Here are some must-order items:

1. Baked Spare Rib with Tomato Sauce 焗茄计排骨饭
2. French Toast 西多士
3. Milk Tea 牛奶红茶
4. Tea & Coffee Mix 鸳鸯

Since Hong Kong’s land price is very high, well known cafes like Mido Cafe will normally impose minimum spending rule so they can maximize their profit. In this case, Mido Cafe’s minimum spending rule is HKD 20 per person.

Total damage: HKD 120 (approx. RM 66) Watch my Hong Kong Travelogue (Day 2) featuring Mido Cafe: Address: Mido Cafe 美都餐室 63, Temple Street Yau Ma Tei, Hong Kong Tel: +(852)-2384 6402 Opening hours: Daily 8.30am – 9.30pm (closed on Wednesday) Map:

How to get there

• If you’re travelling via MTR, alight at Yau Ma Tei MTR Station (油麻地)take Exit C. Walk against the traffic on Nathan Road. You will pass by Casa Hotel, Le Chateau, Hong Lok House. Turn right into Public Square Street after passing Sunbeam Commercial Building (新光商業大廈).
• For my case, I walked 1.6 km along Nathan Road from Hello Inn @ Mirador Mansion, Tsim Tsa Tsui and turn left into Public Square Street. Mido Cafe is on the right.

After dining at Mido Cafe, there are a few places you can head to:

• Walk across the street to Tin Hau Temple and have a look at this Grade I historic building built since 1864

  

• Head to Yau Ma Tei Community Centre Rest Garden which is in front of Tin Hau Temple and experience the nightlife of retired uncles (it’s very happening, trust me!)
• Have a stroll at Temple Street Night Market which is only 500m south from Mido Cafe (5 pm onwards)