Old-Style Cafes Spark Debate as Men’s Refuge
AM730 · 1 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN
Summary
A post on Hong Kong forum LIHKG described old-style cha chaan tengs, or Hong Kong-style cafes, as a “refuge” for men, especially during evening visits. The writer said many customers appeared to be men worn down by work, often dining alone in silence while looking at their phones or eating a steamed fish dish or rice plate. The post highlighted three relaxing features: a quiet atmosphere despite table-sharing, affordable prices with familiar service, and food that is usually cooked to order rather than heavily pre-made. The discussion drew polarized reactions, with some users embracing the idea of solo dining peace and others arguing that rising prices, cramped seating, poor service and noisy patrons have undermined that image
Key Points
- The LIHKG poster wrote that old-style cha chaan tengs feel like a men’s shelter, especially at night when many customers seem exhausted by work
- He said most diners were alone, using their phones quietly or eating dishes such as steamed fish and rice plates in silence
- The first relaxing feature cited was a self-disciplined atmosphere across social classes, with few couples and a sense of calm even when sharing tables
- The second and third features were budget-friendly prices, occasional extra soup from familiar staff, no service charge, and food made fresh on the spot
- Online reactions split sharply, with supporters praising the “one-person canteen” feel while critics cited higher prices, uncomfortable seating, weak food quality and disruptive video noise
Why It Matters
The debate touches on how Hong Kong people use everyday dining spaces not only for meals but also for brief emotional downtime. It also shows that nostalgia for old-style cha chaan teng culture now competes with complaints about cost, comfort and changing customer behavior