Open394 London Rd, Earley, Reading RG6 1BA, United Kingdom
Experience the authentic flavors of Hong Kong at 九龍冰室 Kowloon Cafe in Reading! Indulge in our delectable French toast, creamy milk tea, savory satay, and more. Visit us at 392 London Rd for a taste of traditional Cha chaan teng delights!
九龍冰室 Kowloon Cafe is a delightful cha chaan teng in Earley, Reading that effortlessly brings the vibrant flavors of Hong Kong to the local dining scene. With its casual atmosphere and friendly service, this cafe offers an authentic experience for anyone eager to indulge in classic Hong Kong dishes. From the moment you walk in, the aroma of fried noodles and fragrant teas envelops you, promising a satisfying meal. The café features a range of options from hearty rice dishes to flavorful snacks, all at reasonable prices ranging from £10 to £20. Whether it's a solo lunch or family dinner, the welcoming vibe makes everyone feel at home. It's a spot where great food and good company come together, making it a must-visit for both locals and tourists.
Welcome to 九龍冰室 Kowloon Cafe, your go-to Hong Kong-style cha chaan teng in Earley, Reading. Indulge in a casual dining experience where family-friendly vibes meet a diverse menu featuring delicious offerings like beef chow fun, fried noodles, and our famous French toast. With amenities like free Wi-Fi, comfortable seating, and a wheelchair-accessible environment, we strive to make your visit enjoyable. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick bite, dining in, or ordering for takeaway, our great coffee, dessert, and tea selections are sure to satisfy. Join us today at 392 London Rd for lunch or dinner!Customers rave about the delicious Hong Kong-style dishes, particularly the crispy fried items. The beef chow fun comes highly recommended for its rich flavors and generous portions, perfect for those with a hearty appetite.
The Hong Kong French toast often steals the show, making it a favorite among those with a sweet tooth. The staff's attentiveness and warm hospitality also receive high praise, creating a welcoming ambiance that keeps diners returning for more.
Additionally, the variety of drinks, especially the iced milk tea and lemon tea, complement the meals perfectly. The casual vibe, combined with great food and customer service, often leaves patrons feeling satisfied and eager to visit again.
Some diners mention the occasional wait during peak hours, especially on Fridays when the cafe hits full capacity. Planning around these busy times can help avoid longer wait periods, which can sometimes detract from the experience.
A few customers hope for greater menu diversity, wishing to see even more traditional dishes introduced. While the existing options are widely appreciated, there’s always room for culinary exploration.
Lastly, since the cafe is quite popular, noise levels can rise during busy dining times, which might not suit everyone looking for a quiet meal. Visiting during off-peak hours could be a solution for those seeking a more relaxed atmosphere.
I had a wonderful experience at this restaurant! The food was delicious, especially the fried dishes, crispy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. The service was excellent as well; the staff were attentive, friendly, and made the whole dining experience very pleasant. On top of that, the prices are very reasonable, making it a great choice for anyone looking for tasty Hong Kong style food without spending too much. Highly recommended!
I'm a greedy eater, I am. So when I go somewhere new I always order more than normal as I want to taste it all. As I was ordering 3 meals plus the extra Hong Kong French toast. The waiter was shocked that I ordered so much and said "you are aware you order 3 meals" I replied with a confident reply "I can eat it all" but boy am I wrong! First item, satay noodle but I came with extra spam, sausage, fried egg and two slices of buttered bread. Second item was beef on black bean sauce with hor fun. Huge portion! Third item was dry stir fry beef hor fun which came in another huge plate. Fourth item and complimentary was the peanut butter Hong Kong style french toast with syrup which was damn amazing. Obviously I could only manage.... With my partner the French toast and satay noodles and the egg spam bread sausage combo, all the others had to be packed away for home for midnight snack. This place does give the taste of Hong Kong and I would definitely recommend and will return as there are so many items I want to try. Second recommendation is to not order too much unless you want takeaway but somehow... I think it's a great thing if you're into midnight snacks!! Oh yeah, and cold mixed tea coffee and HK style milk tea for drinks too.
Everything was super tasty with a real Hong Kong vibe. The place was clean and cozy. We really enjoyed our meal and will definitely come back!
I am grateful that Reading got this Chinese restaurant that we can have HongKong food~ I think the food is better than the first time I came,which means the chef and owner are work hard to improve based on reviews. My fav food is Dry Fried Beef Noodles and Potato and Beef Baked Rice! Hope the business grows steadily and more delicious dishes are developed!
This was my first time eating Hong Kong food and I wasn't disappointed. I ordered the Hong Kong-style fried chicken leg and rice with soy sauce - it was delicious. The staff also gave me an extra bowl of soy sauce to use. The ice milk tea was also sweet and refreshing. My friend who is a Hong Kong-native felt the food was authentic and delicious, and we came under his recommendation. The best part about this cafe is the excellent customer service - the staff are extremely friendly and attentive. The female owner in particular was warm and kind. Customer service has been declining in recent years in the country, but these staff went above and beyond. They greeted us, chatted to make sure everything was to our taste, and gave us a warm send off. I can't recommend the cafe enough. If you've never tried Hong Kong food, I would definitely come along and try.
Brilliant service. The HK-style French Toast with butter is scrumptious - highly recommended. Also, HK-style milk tea is amazing and taste truly authentic.
If you’re looking for authentic Hong Kong comfort food, Kowloon Cafe is a must-visit. I started with the beef chow fun, and it was everything I hoped for. The noodles were perfectly stir-fried with wok hei (that smoky, charred flavor). The beef was tender and flavorful, and the dish wasn’t overly greasy, which can sometimes happen with chow fun. The Hong Kong-style French toast was pure indulgence. Thick, fluffy slices soaked in egg, fried to golden perfection, and served with butter and syrup—it’s simple, but so satisfying. The satay beef noodle felt just like something you’d get in Hong Kong. The sauce was rich and packed with a bold, peanut-forward satay flavor—savory, slightly sweet, and with just the right amount of spice. The tender beef slices were coated in the sauce, and the noodles soaked up all that deliciousness perfectly. The cheese bake pork chop fried rice was another standout. The pork chop was juicy and flavorful, sitting on top of fried rice that was rich and comforting. The layer of gooey, melted cheese added just the right amount of indulgence to tie it all together. The scallion crispy chicken rice was a winner, too. The chicken had perfectly crispy skin, and the scallion oil drizzled over it gave it an aromatic, savory kick. Paired with steamed rice, it was hearty and delicious. Finally, the milk tea—what can I say? It was smooth, creamy, and had that strong, bold tea flavor that makes it unmistakably Hong Kong-style. I’d honestly go back just for that. The portions were generous, the prices reasonable, and the service quick and friendly. If you’re craving real Hong Kong flavors, Kowloon Cafe is the place to go.
Kowloon Cafe specializes in Hong Kong-style cafe dishes, known as cha chaan teng. This includes a variety of rice and noodle meals, quick bites, and desserts.
Yes, Kowloon Cafe allows dogs and offers outdoor seating, making it a great spot for pet owners to enjoy a meal.
Don’t miss the fried noodles, beef chow fun, and the famous French toast. The lemon tea and milk tea are also local favorites.
Yes, Kowloon Cafe accepts reservations, which is recommended during busy meal times to ensure a spot.
The cafe is very family friendly, offers kids menus, has wheelchair access, and provides free street parking, making it accessible for everyone.
Visiting 九龍冰室 is an adventure for the taste buds and a great opportunity to connect with a piece of Hong Kong's culinary tradition right in Reading. For new diners, the fried noodles and the beef chow fun are essential dishes to kickstart their culinary journey.
Come for lunch if you want to avoid crowds; the quieter hours allow for a more intimate dining experience and the chance to savor every bite. If you have a sweet tooth, saving room for the HK-style French toast is a must—it’s an experience in itself!
Be sure to explore the drink menu. The milk tea and lemon drinks elevate the meal to another level. Don't hesitate to chat with the staff; their warmth adds to the overall experience. This cafe doesn't just serve food; it builds community with every meal.