If you’ve ever been to Hong Kong or are familiar with the culture, you’d know how vital cha chaan tengs are. Translating to “tea restaurant,” cha chaan tengs are a a type of restaurant that originated in Hong Kong and resemble what we know as diners.
The eateries first came about in the post-war British colonial era, with British culture influencing Hong Kong culture. Locals began adding milk to tea and eating cakes, resulting in Hong Kong natives setting up cha chaan tengs that targeted the local audience at affordable prices.
Though if you haven’t been to Hong Kong but always wanted to check out the culture of these casual diners, now’s your chance as Sing, a popular Chinese cha chaan teng, has officially opened in Greenwich Village.
The 1,200-square-foot space is laid back, featuring neon signs and a backyard that resembles a campsite on Mars, tailored to “millennials and Gen Z.”
Sing specializes in serving dishes found in these casual Hong Kong diners, ranging from pasta to noodles to “slippery eggs” over rice. There are also sugar bears that dissolve in drinks and pineapple buns.
And the best part–it’s all super affordable. The most expensive item on the menu, Seafood Rice Noodles, cost $20, though most items are under $15.
Owner Jason Jiangnan Zheng stated:
We are thrilled to bring Sing to Manhattan. Our modern kitchen equipment and technologies allow us to reimagine the culinary traditions of Cha Chaan Teng, meanwhile achieving heightened quality and consistency. We eagerly anticipate understanding the preferences of our New York patrons and adapting our menu accordingly.
Sing is located in Greenwich Village at 182 Bleecker Street, between MacDougal and Sullivan Streets. It currently has 16 locations in four Chinese cities, along with one in Flushing at the neighborhood’s Tangram food hall and beer garden, though this is its first Manhattan location.
You can learn more and see their full menu on their website.