Dim Sum Darling: Walk past Chau Kee on any given day, and you’ll see throngs of people waiting in line. This Sai Ying Pun neighborhood gem is well worth the wait for a fantastic dim sum fix but it’s the sinful twist on the classic Hong Kong french toast that’s drawing the crowds.

Look & Feel: A cheap and cheerful interior with colorful mosaic walls. It’s a cleaner version of your regular mom and pop CCT, with cozy booth and table seating. Expect to share a table with randoms if you’re in a small group.

On the Menu: Creative takes on dim sum staples such as siu mai, har gau and all sorts of hefty dumplings round out the menu, and the kitchen certainly does not skimp on the fresh ingredients. Siu mai are juicy and large, topped with either a hint of black truffle oil or classic crab roe. The har gau are also expertly wrapped: bearing that hard-to-achieve thin ripple pattern which is a mark of a skilled dim sum master. Plump, al dente “silver needle noodles” are also offered here in a generous portion, stir-fried full of wok hei in an addictive XO sauce.

Service: Expect standard CCT aloofness, but food makes it to the tables pretty fast.

Jeng: You can’t leave Chau Kee without ordering a plate of the famed molten egg custard French toast. This next-level dessert and/or breakfast takes the CCT staple and adds an Instagram-worthy element: oozing hot egg custard while keeping the toast nice and crispy.

Not so Jeng: The custard- and purple taro-filled buns may be coveted items in other dim sum joints, but skip the watered-down alternative to the custard-filled french toast and go all out. You won’t regret it.

Great for: Breakfast, afternoon tea, Sunday brunch

FYI: Going either at the crack of dawn or slightly closer to closing time at 5pm might be a good idea to catch the short end of the queues.

This writeup was based on an independent tasting. The Loop doesn’t guarantee/sell restaurant review coverage. See our editorial policy here.