Lan Fong Yuen

What we love…

• Every place seems to have a drink that's synonymous with local culture, and in Hong Kong ‘pantyhose’ milk tea is that beverage of choice—and Lan Fong Yuen is said to be the inventors of the drink.
• The drink earned it's odd name from the tubes of silk fabric (which resembled pantyhose) that were used in the 50's to strain the proprietary blend of black tea. The strained tea is mixed with evaporated or condensed milk making this drink thick and creamy. It's can be served both hot or cold (over ice) and was originally had during lunch time, however today it's enjoyed all day long. Milk tea is one of the most popular drinks in Hong Kong and it's estimated that about 900 million cups a year are consumed here. 
• If you hail from North America where coffee is king, order the yin yeung, this is 70% tea and 30% coffee and will give you a bit of extra kick.
• Beyond milk tea you can also get a range of Chinese fast food items such as the savory pork chop bun, or the chicken instant noodle with green onion sauce. If you've got a bit of a sweet tooth order the number 4 afternoon tea set ($26HKD, less than $4 USD), which consists of the Kaya Coconut French toast a popular sweet side for milk tea. Everything on the menu is cheap so if you're on a budget this is a great place to try local food without breaking the bank.
• The restaurant was established in 1952 and hasn't changed all that much since. It's small and truth be told a little run down, wearing its years proudly. You don't come here for the decor though, you come here to try milk tea on its home turf. Although you can now get milk tea all over Hong Kong (and many places abroad) Lan Fong Yuen in Central is the original cha chaan tang (tea cafe) to put this drink on the map. How can you come all the way to Hong Kong and not visit the place that made milk tea famous?