Craving a real Hong Kong cha chaan teng breakfast in Singapore? Hidden in the quiet commercial compound of Midview City, So Good Char Chan Tang & Bakery brings the comforting chaos of Kowloon mornings right to Sin Ming. This humble eatery opens bright and early at 8:00 AM, attracting queues of regulars and nostalgic Hongkongers looking for an affordable, no-fuss bite.
From silky porridge and crispy siu yok, to roast duck, yuan yang, and warm pineapple buns fresh from the oven — this spot serves flavours that feel like home. And next door? Their Hong Kong bakery counter offering cakes and buns that are increasingly rare to find in Singapore
🏮 A Short History of Cha Chaan Teng Culture
Before diving into the menu, let’s take a step back. Cha chaan tengs (茶餐廳) emerged in post-war Hong Kong during the 1950s as working-class diners serving a blend of British-influenced dishes (like milk tea, toast, macaroni soup) and Cantonese comfort food. They were born out of economic necessity — giving locals a taste of the West at affordable prices — and quickly became cultural icons.
Today, their nostalgic charm lives on, not just in Hong Kong but across the globe — especially in places like So Good, where Singaporeans and former Hongkongers gather for familiar flavours.
📜 About So Good Char Chan Tang & Bakery
So Good has become a local favourite for early birds and fans of hearty, nostalgic meals. It's known for:
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Rotating menus: breakfast-focused in the morning, roast meats and heavier noodle dishes in the afternoon.
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Self-service dining: Find a seat, queue to order, and collect your meal.
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Authentic taste: Recipes are based on traditional Hong Kong techniques.
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Attached bakery: Their Hong Kong-style bakery next door bakes fresh buns, tarts, and cakes daily.
While not fancy, it’s efficient, delicious, and beloved.
A No-Frills, Efficient Hong Kong-Style Setup
This isn’t a sit-down restaurant — it’s self-service with air-conditioning and fast table turnover. You’ll need to:
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Find your seat first
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Queue up to order and pay at the counter
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Wait for your buzzer or number to be called
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Collect your food at the counter
Even with the streamlined process, it’s hard to get a seat on weekends due to the loyal crowd — so come early if you want a peaceful meal.
🥢What We Tried — Dim Sum & Cha Chaan Teng Staples
We managed to try quite a few dishes, and here’s what we’d recommend:
🍶 Yuan Yang (Coffee-Tea Mix)
The yuan yang was incredibly authentic, with that perfect bittersweet balance — smooth and strong, just like in a Hong Kong cha chaan teng.
🍚 Pork & Century Egg Congee
Creamy, piping hot, and comforting — the kind of bowl that’s gentle on the stomach but big on flavour.
🧧 Chee Cheong Fun
Smooth rice rolls served with light soy dressing — simple and satisfying.
🍙 Glutinous Rice in Lotus Leaf
Fragrant and savoury with bits of mushroom, Chinese sausage, and chicken — great for sharing.
🐷 Char Siew & Siu Yok & Roast Duck
The char siew was sweet and tender, but it was the siu yok’s crispy skin that stole the show.
🍜 HK Noodles (Gong zai min)
Tossed in a savoury sauce, great for a quick, fuss-free meal.
🍞 Polo Pau (Pineapple Bun with Butter)
A warm, crumbly top and soft inside — the butter slab option is divine.
🍠 Carrot Cake
Dense, savoury, and filled with dried shrimp — a nostalgic bite that’s hard to find elsewhere.
🍰 The Bakery Next Door — A Hidden Bonus
Beside the dining area is So Good’s Hong Kong bakery — a must-visit on its own. Here, you’ll find a rotating selection of freshly baked goods that include:
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Traditional Pineapple Buns
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Egg Tarts
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Swiss Rolls
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Lava Custard Buns
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Cocktail Buns (雞尾包)
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And even sponge cakes in classic Hong Kong styles
Many of these items are hard to come by in Singapore and are baked fresh daily. The bakery makes it convenient to pick up a few treats for tea time or as takeaway snacks.
📝Know Before You Go
🕗 Opening Hours:
8:00 AM – 8:00 PM (menu changes after 11 AM)
Bakery operates during the same hours
📍 Address:
18 Sin Ming Lane, #01-01 Midview City, Singapore 573960
(Closest MRT: Bright Hill or Bishan, with a short bus ride)
🪑 Seating:
First-come, first-served. Arrive early on weekends!
💳 Payment:
Cashless accepted (PayNow, NETS, credit cards)
🍴 Ordering:
Self-service, collect-your-own system
🥢 Dining Style:
Simple cha chaan teng vibes, air-conditioned, fast service
📣What People Are Saying
Google and local foodies love this place for its authenticity, value for money, and Hong Kong-like taste. Many recommend the roast meats and noodles for lunch, and the polo bun with butter as a standout breakfast item. However, most also caution about the long queues and limited seating — it's not ideal for big groups.
🌱Dietary Info
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❌ Not halal-certified
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✅ Vegetarian-friendly sides available (e.g., plain congee, steamed rice rolls)
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🧁 Bakery options may contain egg, dairy, and pork lard — check labels or ask staff
📦 Delivery & Social Links
🚚 Delivery Available (Check availability by outlet on app):
🍴Final Thoughts
Whether you’re there for a hearty bowl of congee, crispy roast meats, or a flaky egg tart, So Good Char Chan Tang & Bakery delivers a slice of Hong Kong in the heart of Singapore. It's casual, it's chaotic (in a good way), and it’s as real as it gets without needing a passport.
Tip: Grab your yuan yang and polo pau early — they sell out fast.
