Café
Lan Fong Yuen
A Gage Street institution for more than 70 years, credited with silky Hong Kong milk tea strained through stocking-like fabric and famous for its pork chop…
Australia Dairy Company
A famous Jordan cha chaan teng running for more than 50 years, known for creamy scrambled eggs on thick buttered toast, steamed milk puddings and famously brisk service.
At a glance
- Type
- Cha chaan teng
- Area
- Jordan, Hong Kong
- Price
- $ · Budget
Good to know
- Budget-friendly
- Breakfast
- Quick service
Why we recommend it
Australia Dairy Company is one of the best-known cha chaan teng, or Hong Kong-style cafés, in the city. It has been operating on Parkes Street in Jordan for more than 50 years, and its name comes from its founder's time working on farms in Australia, which inspired a focus on dairy. The café is known for using Australian dairy in its signature dishes.
The order most people come for is breakfast: soft, fluffy scrambled eggs served with thick slices of buttered white toast. Add a cup of tea or coffee for the classic set. The other specialities are steamed milk and custard-based sweets, which round off a meal nicely. These are simple dishes, but they show why the cha chaan teng became such an important part of everyday life in Hong Kong.
The experience is part of the appeal. Service is famously brisk, staff work at speed, and you are expected to order quickly, eat and leave, so do not expect to linger. You may well share a table at busy times. If you go in knowing this, it is an entertaining slice of local life rather than an unwelcoming one. It can be busy, but waits tend to be short because of the rapid turnover.
Prices are low, making it a good choice for budget travellers. Cash is the safest way to pay at traditional cha chaan teng like this one, so carry small notes. It suits solo travellers and couples best, as large groups may struggle to sit together. A visit usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. If you want a calmer experience, try mid-afternoon on a weekday, outside the breakfast rush.
The café opened on 3 July 1970 and is run by the Tang family. It seats about 106 people, and the average visit is said to last only around ten minutes, which tells you everything about the pace.
Jordan is a convenient base for exploring Kowloon. Temple Street Night Market is in the same area, a short walk away, so you could have a light meal here before or after the market, depending on opening times. Mido Cafe in Yau Ma Tei, another classic cha chaan teng, is close enough to compare on the same day if you want to see how different old cafés approach the same comforting menu.
Australia Dairy Company FAQs
What is Australia Dairy Company known for?
Scrambled eggs on thick buttered toast and steamed milk pudding.
Where is it?
At 47 Parkes Street, Jordan, Kowloon.
Why is it called Australia Dairy Company?
Its founder worked on farms in Australia, and the café is known for using Australian dairy.
Is the service fast?
Yes. Service is famously brisk, and diners are expected to eat and leave promptly.
Is it expensive?
No. It is a budget-friendly cha chaan teng.
Will you have to wait?
It can be busy, but turnover is fast, so waits are usually short.
How long does a visit take?
Usually 20 to 30 minutes.
What is nearby?
Temple Street Night Market and Mido Cafe in Yau Ma Tei.