S Wan Cafe: Authentic Hong Kong-Style Cafe in NYC's Chinatown

S Wan Cafe Introduce

In the vibrant and bustling neighborhood of Chinatown, New York, finding an eatery that offers a true taste of home-style comfort food is a special experience. S Wan Cafe is just that kind of place. This small, cash-only establishment on Eldridge Street serves up authentic Hong Kong-style Cantonese cuisine, known as a "cha chaan teng" or tea restaurant. It's a no-frills spot that focuses on delivering simple, delicious, and incredibly affordable food. The cafe is a popular destination for locals, especially for its all-day breakfast and lunch options, and is a perfect spot for anyone looking for a quick and satisfying meal that feels like a genuine taste of Hong Kong.

S Wan Cafe is all about the food and the experience. The atmosphere is casual and unpretentious, making it a comfortable place for solo diners, students, or families on a budget. It's the kind of place you go to for a reliable meal that hits the spot every time. The menu is packed with classic Hong Kong cafe staples, from sandwiches and toast to rice noodles and stir-fried dishes. The reputation for great tea and coffee is a major highlight, with many customers considering it one of the best spots for a traditional Hong Kong milk tea. While the restaurant is small and can sometimes have a wait, it's a testament to its popularity and the quality of the food.

Location and Accessibility

S Wan Cafe is conveniently located at 85 Eldridge St, New York, NY 10002, in the heart of Manhattan’s Lower East Side, just on the edge of Chinatown. This central location makes it highly accessible for anyone in the area. Public transportation is the most convenient way to get there, with the Grand Street subway station (B, D) and the Delancey Street-Essex Street station (F, J, M, Z) both within easy walking distance. The cafe’s location on a main street also makes it a great stop for a quick bite while exploring the bustling neighborhood.

The cafe offers a few different service options to accommodate its customers. For a classic experience, you can dine in at one of their tables. The cafe also provides takeout and delivery services, which are popular for those who want to enjoy a delicious and affordable meal at home or at the office. As a cash-only establishment, it's important to remember to have cash on hand before you visit. While the space is small and there can sometimes be a wait, the food is always made to order, ensuring freshness and quality. Paid street parking is available nearby for those who choose to drive.

Services Offered

S Wan Cafe provides a range of simple and effective services that are centered on the quick and casual dining experience.

Dine-in: The cafe has a casual and relaxed space where you can sit and enjoy your meal.
Takeout: A popular service for those on the go, allowing customers to quickly grab their food.
Delivery: Customers can order their favorite dishes for delivery, bringing the flavors of S Wan Cafe directly to their home or office.
Cash-Only Payments: It's important for customers to note that this is a cash-only establishment.

Features and Highlights

What makes S Wan Cafe a cherished spot among its regulars are the unique features that define its authentic Hong Kong cafe experience.

Authentic Hong Kong-Style Cuisine: The cafe is known for its genuine Hong Kong Cantonese-style dishes. From classic sandwiches with condensed milk to beef chow fun, the menu is a true representation of "cha chaan teng" comfort food.
Affordable and Delicious: S Wan Cafe is a go-to for delicious and cheap eats. The prices are incredibly reasonable, making it a fantastic option for a satisfying meal on a budget.
Great Tea and Coffee Selection: The cafe is particularly famous for its beverage menu. The Hong Kong milk tea is a standout, and patrons rave about its authentic flavor. The great tea and coffee selection is a major highlight.
Freshness and "Wok Hei": Customers praise the fact that the food is always made to order. The stir-fried dishes, such as the Beef Chow Fun, are known for having "wok hei," a smoky, aromatic flavor that comes from expert wok cooking.
All-Day Dining: S Wan Cafe serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, making it a convenient spot to grab a bite at any time of day. Its menu is versatile enough to satisfy cravings from morning to night.
Asian-Owned Business: The cafe identifies as an Asian-owned business, contributing to the rich cultural fabric of the neighborhood and providing an authentic experience.

Contact Information

For more information or to place a takeout or delivery order, you can contact S Wan Cafe directly using the information below.

Address: 85 Eldridge St, New York, NY 10002, USA

Phone: (212) 966-8269

Mobile Phone: +1 212-966-8269

What is Worth Choosing

When visiting S Wan Cafe, there are a few must-try items that embody the authentic Hong Kong cafe experience. The first thing to order is the Hong Kong Milk Tea. Whether you get it hot or iced, its strong tea flavor and creamy, condensed milk richness are what make it a local favorite. It's the perfect companion to any meal.

For a satisfying and flavorful dish, the Beef Chow Fun is highly recommended. Patrons praise its "wok hei" and robust flavor, a clear sign of quality cooking. The Fried Chicken Wing W. French Fries is a comforting and delicious classic that’s perfect for a quick bite. Another popular item is the Curry Fish Ball, a quintessential Hong Kong street food snack that is incredibly flavorful and affordable.

For breakfast or a simple, filling meal, you can’t go wrong with their sandwiches. The Pork Chop Sandwich and Chicken Chop Sandwich are famous for their generous portions and savory flavor. For something quick and sweet, the French Toast is a popular choice. Ultimately, S Wan Cafe is a place where every item on the menu is a testament to simple, delicious comfort food, so you're encouraged to explore and find your own personal favorites among their affordable and extensive offerings.

S Wan Cafe Food & drink

Munchie Menu
Curry Fish Ball $1.50
Curry Fish Ball Rice Noodle $3.00
Pork Chop
Chicken Chop
Fried Rice Noodle Roll $2.50
Soy Sauce Chow Mein $3.00
Fried Chicken Wing W. French Fries $6.50
Fried Chicken Wing $5.25
(6 pcs)
French Fries $3.75

Sandwiches
Toast With Butter $1.00
Toast With Butter And Jam $1.25
Toast W. Peanut Butter And Butter $1.25
Toast W. Butter And Sweetened Milk $1.25
Toast W. Peanut Butter & Sweetened Milk $1.25
Egg Sandwich $1.50
Ham Sandwich $1.50
Spam Sandwich $1.75
Corned Beef Sandwich $2.25
Ham With Egg Sandwich $2.00
Spam With Egg Sandwich $2.25
Corned Beef With Egg Sandwich $2.75
Ham With Cheese Sandwich $2.00
Tuna Fish Sandwich $1.75
Bacon. Tomato And Lettuce Sandwich $2.75
Beef Sandwich $1.75
Turkey Sandwich $1.75
Turkey With Cheese Sandwich $2.00
Turkey With Ham Sandwich $2.00
Turkey With Egg Sandwich $2.00
Beef With Cheese Sandwich $2.25
Beef With Ham Sandwich $2.25
Beef With Egg Sandwich $2.25
Pork Chop Sandwich $3.50
Pork Chop Tomato Lettuce Sandwich $4.00
Club Sandwich $5.25
Waffle $1.75
(Hong kong style)
French Toast $3.50
Chicken Chop Sandwich $3.50
Chicken Chop Tomato Lettuce Sandwich $4.00
Pancake $1.50

Chef's Specieal
Beef Chow Fun $8.25
Beef Chow Fun With Sauce $9.00
Beef Chow Fun W. Vegetable $9.50
Sate Beef Chow Fun $9.75
Stir Fry Seasonal Vegetable $7.50

Omelette
Onion Omelette $3.50
Ham Omelette $4.00
Beef Omelette $4.50
Spam Omelette $4.25

Hot Drinks
Coffee $1.25
Milk With Tea Bag $1.25
(American style)
Tea With Milk $1.50
(Hong kong style)
Ovaltine $1.25
Horlicks $1.50
Chocolate $1.25
Tea With Lemon $1.25
Hot Water With Lemon $1.25
Boiled Egg $1.25
Honey With Lemon $1.50
Coke With Lemon $2.25

Ice
Iced Milk Tea & Coffee Mixed $2.50
Pineapple Ice $2.75
Longan Ice $2.75
Red Bean & Grass Jelly Ice $3.25
Red Bean Ice $2.75
Grass Jelly Ice $2.75

Cold Drinks
Natural Spring Water $1.00
Soda $1.00
(Can)
Iced Coffee $2.50
Iced Tea With Milk $2.50
(H.k style)
Iced Ovaltine $2.50
Iced Horlicks $2.75
Iced Chocolate $2.50
Iced Tea With Lemon $2.50
Iced Water With Lemon $2.50
Iced Honey With Lemon $2.75
Iced Coke With Lemon $2.50

Others
Chinese Style Breakfast $4.50
Includes congee & soy sauce chow mein or fried dried shrimp rice noodle

S Wan Cafe Details

From the business
Identifies as Asian-owned

Service options
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Great coffee
Great tea selection

Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible seating

Offerings
Coffee
Comfort food
Quick bite
Small plates

Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner

Amenities
Restroom

Atmosphere
Casual

Planning
Usually a wait
Accepts reservations

Payments
Cash-only

Children
Good for kids

Parking
Paid street parking

S Wan Cafe Photos

S Wan Cafe Location

S Wan Cafe

New York New York County New York Eldridge Street

85 Eldridge St, New York, NY 10002, USA

S Wan Cafe Reviews

An average rating of ★4.5 from 341 user reviews.

breakfastpricehk milk teawallcurrypork chopfast foodbeef stew with riceegg sandwichbrunch

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

My friend Mike referred me to this establishment. I made it my regular spot. I would always order the same order: beef stew over rice with an iced lemonade. I came here many times to spend my hard earned money. One day I found a blue rubber band in my food and called and notified the management; they apologized and the next time I came they gave me a free meal to make up for it. I still came back after that. Recently, I found a piece of hair in my food. This time I came back, I ordered no food except an iced tea and the lady behind the counter tried to charge me. Both women had a very suspicious look on their face like I was trying to get over on them for a $10 plate of food. First off, I am an honest person, second my family is in the food business. I guess it’s xenophobia because I’m Not Chinese and they don’t trust me. See attached photos of the hair and rubber band in food. I will never come here again or refer anyone here. Bad business all around and rude people who don’t treat their customers right.
April 22 · Andrew & Dylan Rosenthal
Great local Hong Kong Cantonese style cha cha tang.Always have great Hong Kong milk tea availableFood is always made to orderStir fry is on point with “wok he”
April 29 · George Wong
S Wan is a diamond in the rough. Found this place close to home and has quickly become my go to for breakfast. Ordered the eggs, bacon and toast A2 that comes with coffee and it’s amazing for $6. Staff is very friendly and place is very clean. Not a lot of seating although not a long wait to sit the times I’ve been there. Will definitely keep going back, and will have to try for lunch and/or dinner soon.
August 03 · Danny V
FRIDAY March_15_2024TIME: 2:04pmMy order: (#D2) 2 Fried Eggs, Beautifully Seasoned Chicken Chop(chicken breast)Substitute toast with waffles plus a small coffee.After a long stressful exam I had taken earlier in the day. I was in the mood for a legit breakfast. To me breakfast in the afternoon; should ALWAYS have eggs included on your plate. Everything else is just extra. So as I was walking around the financial district/near Brooklyn Bridge area. I was immediately reminded of Chinatown. Why? Because I was craving breakfast but nothing heavy on my plate. So it’s Friday; I was making my way downtown walking fast through Chinatown; I came across “S WAN CAFE”. I heard through the grapevines of social media that this local “hole in the wall” delicacy serves quite the most unique SUPER AFFORDABLE dishes. I had the breakfast combo (D2) with some modifications. But here’s what I want to focus on. The food was of course absolutely filling with a side of coffee (condensed milk and coffee). But the customer service itself and the actual atmosphere.. wasn’t tooo intimidating; it was a peaceful busy quiet small “quick bite” to order breakfast, lunch and dinner. I believe they do offer door dash and the usually delivery services. But overall customer service and my time there…superb..Please support the local!!!
March 17 · Andrew Augustus
1st time trying based on goggle review. Generally, the breakfast is reasonably priced at $5.75 for porridge + Cheong fun or fried noodles. For the price & quantity, I will give it a 4.5 stars. However, the food is generally plain and not that tasty. For the quality, I will give it a 3 stars. Overall, perhaps a 3.5 for price, quantity and quality.
March 25 · Chris