One of the most traditional HK cafe left in Chinatown that still has not shut down due to the high increase of rent. As far as I remember, Sun Luen has always been there and yet being a loyal customer of Golden Gate Dessert House, I only recently decided to venture in for the first time after Golden Gate Dessert House closed.
Sun Luen somewhat resembles more like the cafes in Hong Kong with its small simple canteen style decor and its sturdy old wooden stools. Lighting gives out quite a cold dull atmosphere but the liveliness of the regulars (who must go there often because they all know each other) adds a nice charm to it. Be aware, it is mostly Chinese elders in there and that day, my finance Ren and another man, was only non Chinese people there.
Staff were friendly to everyone though and even the regulars were trying to recommend some pastries to the other Caucasian guy. It can be a bit loud but it's part of the experience.
Pastries are quite reasonably priced although for eat-in it cost a little more. Buns for eat-in are between £1-£2 and the ever so popular tofu pudding is a bargain at £2.00.
So if you want to sit in they will take the pastry you want from the front window, which are all made fresh every day and then they reheat it for you in the microwave. This way it's nice and warm. Don't worry, it doesn't damage the texture at all and usually no more than 30 seconds of heating. They do the same for the tofu pudding in the fridge.
We started with a simple English milk tea made with whole milk to wash it all down. Standard stuff although served in a typical transparent mug made me feel like home.
Cocktail bun
Lovely soft cocktail bun generously filled with yellow bean and coconut paste. It was a good size, fluffy and not too sweet either. Nicely topped with sesame seeds for a nice contrast of flavour
Bo lo char siu bun
This was lovely and crispy on top breaking into a soft chewy bun filled with a deliciously filling of roast pork. It was generously filled and balanced in sweet and savoury. Delicious.
Egg tart
This was okay and I've had better. The tart itself was quite dense and dry but thin and buttery enough to enjoy with tea. I do prefer a flakey pastry casing but at least the custard didn't fail me being thick, creamy, smooth and sweet
Lo por Bing (wife cake)
Probably one of the best ones I've had where the outer pastry was thin and layered. It was also moist and chewy being a great case to a filling of mashed winter melon and almond paste. Perfect for those who don't like their desserts too sweet
Tofu pudding
This was delicious! A bowl of soft silky tofu in a ginger sweet soup. It came with a sharing bottle of syrup to make it sweeter if you like. We chose to have it hot but you can always have it cold too.
It's so cool to be taken away to experience a bit of Hong Kong in London, from the decor, seating, other customers and the food of course. Some people might not like the scruffiness of it and without the comfortable backrest but for those unfamiliar with the Chinese custom and want to try and experience something different then I will highly recommend. Budget prices and unfortunately it is cash only. read more