You might be familiar with Cha Chaan Teng (茶餐廳), but perhaps not the "Ice Houses" or Bing Sutt (冰室). These nostalgic local cafes, which predate Cha Chaan Teng, evoke 1950s Hong Kong. Many have closed due to high rents and competition, but a few remain. For a retro afternoon tea experience, visit Mido Café, a two-storey "Chaan Sutt" (餐室) – a hybrid of the two cafe types – located at the corner of Temple Street.
Featuring a neon sign, mosaic-tiled floors and stairs, handwritten menus on the walls, booth seating, and whirling ceiling fans, Mido Café enhances your dining experience with its vintage decor and rich history. Established in 1950, the café has long provided an array of affordable Western-inspired cold drinks and desserts for the working class, who embraced the British afternoon tea culture. Offerings like red bean ice, iced milk tea, and pineapple buns have made Bing Sutts a popular destination for Hong Kongers seeking respite from the heat for decades.
Hong Kong film enthusiasts may recognize Mido Café's decor, which has been featured in movies and TV series like "Goodbye Mr Cool" and "Street Fighters" to represent old Hong Kong settings. Don't miss the chance to recreate iconic scenes during your visit!
After your afternoon tea, stroll along nearby Temple Street to explore the bustling street vendors offering a variety of products. Pick up some souvenirs to bring home a piece of Hong Kong's vibrant history.