Kowloon Café

- 2365 86th St, Brooklyn, NY 11214

Discovering a truly authentic slice of Hong Kong’s vibrant culinary culture in the heart of New York City is a treat for any local food enthusiast. Nestled in the Bensonhurst neighborhood of Brooklyn, Kowloon Café is much more than just a breakfast spot; it's a beloved local institution serving up the distinctive flavors and nostalgic atmosphere of a traditional Cha Chaan Teng (Hong Kong-style café).

A Cha Chaan Teng is famous for its eclectic menu, which blends Cantonese cuisine with Western-style dishes, a culinary fusion born from Hong Kong’s colonial history. Kowloon Café embraces this tradition fully, offering an enormous and incredibly diverse menu that caters to all tastes, whether you're craving a quick, affordable morning meal or a hearty, comforting dinner. It’s the kind of place where New Yorkers can get an authentic taste of Hong Kong without ever leaving Brooklyn, making it a go-to for college students, groups, and solo diners looking for quality comfort food any time of day.

Locals often describe the cafe as having a casual, cozy, and sometimes "dark and loud" atmosphere—a sign of a busy, successful, and authentically bustling Hong Kong dining experience. The value here is exceptional, with quick service and portions designed to satisfy a New York appetite, all while maintaining prices that are famously budget-friendly, making it a true neighborhood gem for daily dining.

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Kowloon Café is strategically located in the heart of Bensonhurst’s vibrant commercial and cultural hub, specifically within the area often referred to as the neighborhood's Chinatown, ensuring easy access for Brooklyn residents and visitors alike. The area is known for its diverse culinary landscape, and Kowloon Café stands out as a reliable and authentic Hong Kong destination.

The full address is: 2365 86th St, Brooklyn, NY 11214, USA.

For New Yorkers utilizing public transportation, the café is conveniently situated near transit options. For those driving, the location offers street parking, including both free and paid street parking options, although as with any busy Brooklyn neighborhood, patience is always a virtue.

Accessibility is a key feature, as the restaurant provides both a wheelchair accessible entrance and wheelchair accessible seating, ensuring a comfortable experience for all patrons in the community.

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Kowloon Café operates as a full-service Hong Kong-style fast food restaurant, offering a comprehensive range of dining and service options to fit the busy New York lifestyle. Services available span from early morning until late evening, catering to every meal of the day.

• Dining Options: Patrons can enjoy all-day dining with options for Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, and Dessert. The restaurant provides comfortable table service and seating.
• Service Flexibility: The café provides Dine-in service, Takeout for quick meals on the go, and Delivery services for neighborhood convenience.
• Reservations: Kowloon Café accepts reservations, which is a notable amenity for planning a meal with a group, though it also operates on a first-come, first-served basis for walk-ins.
• Payments: Multiple payment methods are accepted for customer convenience, including Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and NFC Mobile Payments.
• Amenities: The establishment includes a clean Restroom and provides High Chairs, making it good for families and kids.

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What sets Kowloon Café apart is its successful blend of authentic Hong Kong flavors with the familiar comfort of Western-style diner food, all presented through a massive, enticing menu. The highlights of the café’s offerings are what keep the local crowds coming back repeatedly.

• The Baked Rice Casseroles (Baked Portuguese Chicken): Regarded as the "best item" by many locals and food critics, these are a signature Hong Kong-style staple. The dish involves a foundation of fried rice, topped with sauce (like a creamy, coconut curry), meat, and a generous layer of melted cheese, all baked into a gooey, comforting casserole. The Baked Portuguese Chicken Over Rice or Spaghetti is a must-try for its rich coconut flavor.
• Hong Kong-Style Milk Tea (HK Milk Tea): The café boasts a "Great tea selection," with the Hong Kong Style Tea being a highly popular beverage. It's a key component of the authentic Cha Chaan Teng experience, known for its strong tea flavor and creamy texture.
• Affordable & Hearty Breakfast Sets: For the ultimate morning deal, locals rave about the quick and affordable breakfast sets. These sets offer classic components like eggs, toast, and your choice of protein or congee, often priced as low as $7.50.
• Signature Appetizers & Sides: The menu features a variety of unique and classic small plates, including Kowloon French Toast ($2.00), Fried Calamari ($4.00), and the adventurous Salt & Pepper Duck Tongue ($5.95).
• Extensive Drink Menu: Beyond the HK Milk Tea and great coffee, the café offers a wide range of beverages, including tropical Smoothies (Mango, Taro, Kiwi, etc. for $3.00), Milk Shakes, Bubble Tea, and various fruit-infused drinks like Kumguat Lemon Tea.
• All-Day Comfort Food: The menu is a comprehensive resource for comfort food, covering everything from classic sandwiches like the Spam & Egg Sandwich ($1.75) and Pork Chop Sandwich ($3.00), to traditional dishes like Beef Chow Fun ($5.50) and Tomato & Egg Over Rice ($3.50).

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For New Yorkers looking to visit, order takeout, or inquire about their menu, here is the essential contact information for Kowloon Café:

• Address: 2365 86th St, Brooklyn, NY 11214, USA
• Phone: (718) 333-1388

While the operating hours can vary slightly, the café is generally open for all major meals, starting early for breakfast and staying open through dinner, ensuring the local community can enjoy their offerings throughout the day.

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For a first-time visitor or a seasoned New Yorker looking for the most authentic experience at Kowloon Café, certain items stand out as essential choices that capture the spirit of this Hong Kong-style cafe. The sheer variety can be intimidating, but focusing on the classics of the Cha Chaan Teng style will yield the most rewarding meal.

The Baked Portuguese Chicken Over Rice / Spaghetti ($5.75) is arguably the main event. Its reputation as a decadent, cheesy, and coconut-curry-rich casserole makes it a satisfying meal that locals frequently recommend. Pair this heavy, comforting dish with the famous Hong Kong Style Tea ($1.00 Hot / $2.00 Cold) for the quintessential experience. For a lighter, more classic breakfast, one of the Breakfast Sets (with congee or egg-based components) or a simple, perfectly executed Butter & Condensed Milk with Toast ($1.00) offers a taste of the authentic Hong Kong morning ritual at an unbeatable price.

Don't overlook the Western-inspired items, which are a hallmark of this style of cuisine. The Pork Chop Sandwich ($3.00) or the Kowloon French Toast ($2.00) make for an excellent afternoon treat or a fun, quick lunch option. The menu is a testament to the fact that Kowloon Café is a local spot bridging Cantonese, Chinese, and 'American Chinese' cultures, offering a familiar comfort with a delightful twist that continues to make it a popular and cherished destination in the Brooklyn food scene.

Kowloon Café

2365 86th St, Brooklyn, NY 11214, USA