I still recall my quest while in Hong Kong to experience the top bakeries in the list of 25 Bakeries in the world you have to see before you die . Tai Cheong Bakery was the only one in the British colony that was on the list
I dont know if Honolulu HK Cafe is in any top charts but it is apparently mentioned in the same breath as Tai Cheong . Its 70 year history is nothing to sneeze a either being widely esteemed as the original cha chaan teng in Hong Kong and well known in its own right for its 192 layer flaky egg tart. Having opened at SM Aura just a couple of months ago, it gave me a chance to experience its legendary egg tarts, bolo and savory items sans the cost of plane fare.
Last week together with other foodie friends, we tried the following…
Bo Lo BBQ Pork Bun became an instant favorite once I sunk my teeth in that pillowy texture with sugar and chewy exterior. Per Wiki , “bolo ” means pineapple in Chinese. Note however that there is no pineapple whatsoever in the recipe. The name came about because of the top of the bun which is made to resemble a pineapple.
Bolo with butter is another must try. That slice of what looked like cheese is actually butter and its creaminess greatly complemented the softness of the bread with sweet-sugary-top
Pork Crusted Bun. Think Tim Ho Wan’s Pork Bun but with more crusty exterior. If you think Honolulu Hongkong Cafe serve only pastries and coffee, think again. Honolulu HK Cafe also serve savory items such as the ones below… 
Chinese Sausage Rice was not only delicious but kind on the pocket as well at P198.
Hong Kong Curry in Casserole Beef Brisked P328
Chunks of beef were melt-in-your-mouth-tender. Curry sauce had just the right thickness to make it interesting. Flavors were complex
Deep Fried Spare Ribs with Orange Sauce P288
The ribs could use a few more minutes in the tenderizer to make it soft and tender. Flavors were spot on though
Honolulu Pork Chop and Noodles
Easily one of my favorites. I really love noodles flavored with the sauce from the protein chosen,
Overall,
At the rate international restaurants have been flocking to the country, we may not need to fly out anymore for our food fix. Seems to me the metro has become the ‘flavor of the month’ so to speak of famous brands all over the world. Think Magnolia Bakery, Shake Shack, Tim Hortons , Hawker Chan, Tim Ho Wan , Tiger Sugar Milk Tea, etc
Not that I’m complaining. Happy to know I can just go to SM Aura for my bolo and flaky egg tarts cravings from hereon.
So is Honolulu HK Cafe’s egg tarts better than Tai Cheong? For me, Honolulu’s flaky crust gives its egg tart an edge over Tai Cheong.Custard-wise they are tied. Both have silky smooth custard that are to die for.
But that’s just me. Why dont you check it out for yourself and let me know how it turns out for you.
HONOLULU HK CAFE is located at the lower ground level of SM Aura just beside Nanyang Cafe.