The People You Drink Coffee With Matter

I once sat in a crowded Hong Kong cha chaan teng with two friends. One ordered water. Another asked for coffee — though I suspected they were served milk tea instead. That left me alone with my cup. It made me think: drinking coffee is better when it’s shared. But it’s not just about the drink. It’s about who’s beside you.

If you’re looking for a coffee moment worth remembering, it’s less about the brew and more about the company. That moment with poet and translator Huang Canran — over an unassuming but remarkable cup in a seaside restaurant — stays with me because of him, not just the coffee.

A Lonely Cup in a Cha Chaan Teng

Not long ago in Hong Kong, I had lunch with two friends, Z and L. We went to a local cha chaan teng. L drank only water. Z ordered coffee — or so I thought. I suspected it might have been milk tea in disguise, but he didn’t seem to notice. That left me, sipping my coffee alone. It made me reflect on how much more meaningful coffee is when shared with the right people.

Coffee with Huang Canran by the Sea

Years ago, as a student, I visited Hong Kong and met the poet and translator Huang Canran for the first time. We hiked in Mui Wo, where despite being the oldest in the group, he walked ahead with ease, often waving back enthusiastically. Later, we rented bikes — and once again, he pedaled the fastest.

That evening, we ate at a seafood restaurant by the sea. Before ordering food, Huang immediately called for coffee. Two others declined, but I joined him. The coffee arrived in a glass clearly meant for beer — printed with "×× Beer" — yet it tasted unexpectedly rich and smooth. Huang noticed my delight and said he’d chosen the place not just for the seafood, but for the coffee. He lit up when talking about the things he loved: poetry, translation, and yes, coffee.

The Unforgettable Coffee Shop with the Best Steak

Years later, we met again. Huang greeted me with, "Ah, you’ve grown." He hadn’t changed much — still direct, still glowing when discussing his passions. By then, he drank several cups of coffee a day. My friend L added that Huang also ate steak for every meal — always at the same cha chaan teng near his home. Without fail, the moment he sat in his usual spot, the owner would serve him steak without even asking.

Hearing that, I joked we should all go try that steak. And now, years later, I still wonder: what kind of coffee does a place serve when it keeps a coffee lover like Huang Canran coming back, meal after meal?

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Huang Canran, and why is he mentioned in this story?

Huang Canran was a well-known Chinese poet and translator. He’s remembered here for his deep appreciation of simple pleasures — poetry, translation, and especially coffee. His enthusiasm for coffee helped make a casual meal in Mui Wo a lasting memory for the author.

What was special about the coffee served in the seafood restaurant in Mui Wo?

The coffee was served in an unmarked glass originally meant for beer (with "×× Beer" printed on it), yet it had a surprisingly rich and smooth flavour. Huang Canran chose the restaurant not just for the seafood, but specifically because he appreciated the quality of the coffee there.

Did the author actually drink bad coffee with her friends in the beginning of the story?

She had coffee while her two companions had water and possibly tea mistaken for coffee. Though the coffee wasn’t bad, she felt alone because no one else was really sharing the experience with her.

What role did the cha chaan teng play in Huang Canran’s routine?

One particular cha chaan teng near Huang Canran’s home became a daily fixture. He reportedly ate steak there every day, and the staff knew his order so well they served it without him having to ask. It reflected both his habits and the consistency of the establishment.

Why does the author reflect on who you drink coffee with?

The author realised that drinking coffee becomes a richer, more meaningful experience when it’s done alongside people you connect with — whether it’s a poet like Huang Canran or close friends. The companion matters as much as the cup.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee for Cha Chaan Teng-Style Pairings

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