About
Opened in 1950, Mido Cafe is a time capsule of old Hong Kong — one of the city's last remaining retro cha chaan tengs. Its preserved 1950s interiors, mosaic-tiled walls, and green iron windows have made it a favourite for filmmakers and nostalgic food lovers alike. The baked pork chop rice is legendary.
Mido Cafe (美都餐室) is the great survivor of Hong Kong's retro cha chaan teng scene — it opened in 1950 and has barely changed since. The green iron windows, the mosaic-tile walls, the old wooden staircase: it's a 1950s set that never got struck, which is why filmmakers keep using it. It sits right on the corner of Temple Street, a stone's throw from the night market, and it's been feeding Yau Ma Tei through every decade since the Korean War. The baked pork chop rice is the house legend.
Mido Cafe (美都餐室) is the great survivor of Hong Kong's retro cha chaan teng scene — it opened in 1950 and has barely changed since. The green iron windows, the mosaic-tile walls, the old wooden staircase: it's a 1950s set that never got struck, which is why filmmakers keep using it. It sits right on the corner of Temple Street, a stone's throw from the night market, and it's been feeding Yau Ma Tei through every decade since the Korean War. The baked pork chop rice is the house legend.
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Details
Gallery
Atmosphere
The place has a real Hong Kong feel — fluorescent lights, shared tables, and the sound of woks firing. It's not fancy, but that's the charm. The energy comes from the crowd of regulars who know exactly what they want and get in and out fast.
Recommended
- 🍚 Baked pork chop rice (焗豬扒飯) — HK$68. Tender pork chop over fried rice, buried under melted cheese and tomato sauce. The signature — don't skip it.
- 🥤 Iced milk tea (凍奶茶) — HK$22. Strong, smooth, properly made. The perfect slow-drink for the balcony.
- 🍞 French toast — HK$32. Golden, eggy, drenched in syrup and butter. The nostalgic order.
Sit upstairs by the window for the best light and the classic green-iron balcony view. Late afternoon (3:00–5:30 PM) is golden hour here.
Getting There
Yau Ma Tei Station (Exit C) is the nearest MTR stop — about a 4-minute walk. Come out of Exit C, walk down Pitt Street, and you'll hit Temple Street; Mido is on the corner, impossible to miss with its big green sign. It's also a short walk from Jordan Station (Exit B1) if you're coming from the south.
If you're visiting the Temple Street Night Market, this is the perfect pre- or post-market stop — it's literally on the corner of it. No reservations ever; just walk in and head upstairs.
Why Locals Go
Locals come to Mido for the time warp — it's one of the last places in Kowloon where you can sit in an untouched 1950s interior and drink tea the way your grandparents did. Older regulars have been coming since it opened; they know the staff, order without looking at the menu, and stay for an hour. It's also genuinely good value by modern Yau Ma Tei standards, and the balcony is the best people-watching seat on Temple Street.
Why Tourists Choose This Place
Tourists come because Mido is the most photographed cha chaan teng in Hong Kong — the green windows and mosaic tiles are on every heritage shot list, and it's starred in countless films and TV shows. It's also right on Temple Street, so it slots perfectly into a night-market itinerary. The upstairs window seats give you that iconic view of old Kowloon — arrive before 12 PM on weekends to grab one.
Why This Place Is For You
Mido is my answer when someone asks for a quiet place to feel old Hong Kong. I like coming in the late afternoon, taking a corner booth upstairs, and ordering the baked pork chop rice and a cold milk tea, then just... sitting. Watching the light change on Temple Street. The pork chop rice is properly great — the cheese is molten, the rice is seasoned, the pork is tender — but honestly I come for the room. It's a museum you can eat in. Bring a book, take your time, and don't rush the tea.
⭐ The Verdict
GO — Worth the visit. The food is solid, the prices are fair, and it's the real deal. Not perfect, but honest — and that's what Hong Kong food is all about.
FAQs
Is Mido Cafe still open?
Hours shown (Daily 8:30 AM – 9:00 PM) are our best estimate. Call +852 2384 6402 to verify before visiting.
Where is Mido Cafe located?
63 Temple Street, Yau Ma Tei, Yau Ma Tei. Near Yau Ma Tei Station (Exit C).
Can I suggest edits?
Yes. Email practical corrections to name, address, phone, or hours to improve this directory.
- 💬 What locals say: "The baked pork chop rice (焗豬扒飯) is iconic — tender pork chop, fried rice base, melted cheese and tomato sauce, all baked in a metal dish. Pair it with their iced red bean drink (紅豆冰) for the full retro experience."
- 📍 Pro tip: Sit upstairs by the window for the best light and the classic green iron balcony view. The corner booth seats are the most photogenic — arrive before 12 PM on weekends to snag one.
- ⏰ Best time to visit: Late afternoon (3:00 PM–5:30 PM) for afternoon tea in golden light. The window seats face west — sunset makes this place magical.
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