Chinese style tea restaurants (alias cha chaan teng) are also known as People's Canteens as they offer eclectic and affordable menus which include a combination of various cuisines. As more people have adopted a healthy way of eating, Chinese style tea restaurants are now reorientating themselves to keep abreast with customers' needs..

Transform the Cha Chaan Teng's Style of Cooking

Mr. Cheng Lin-how joined the business 27 years ago. In the old days, Mr. Cheng said, most local restaurants could only afford a very small kitchen. To reduce the cooking time, chefs used to stir-fry food in high heat. They also tended to add more salt to enhance the taste. Patrons therefore tends to eat heavily flavoured and oily meals.

After the group has joined the "EatSmart@restaurant.hk" Campaign in 2006, Daniel's Restaurant started to offer dishes with more vegetable, less oil and less salt. One tenth of the dishes offered in the restaurants are now vegetable based and he hopes that the proportion of dishes meeting "3 Less" and "More Fruit and Vegetables" criteria will be increased to 50% in two years' time.

They have cut back on the meat and sauce consumption, Mr. Cheng added, and their operating cost has been lowered. As for dessert, they have attempted to use more fruit and natural Ingredients, for instance, Japanese red beans and fresh fruits.

"What if your parents came to our restaurant...?"

Mr. Cheng visits the restaurants twice or thrice a week to keep track of their day-to-day operations. He always reminds the staff to serve customers heartily at all times. One of his catch phrases is, "Will you serve your parents with stained spoons if they come to our restaurant?"